Dear Baby,
I've been thinking a lot about you over the last year but even more so the last few days. Your mom has been doing an incredible job of taking care of you inside her and making sure that only love surrounds you both. She is really happy and just looks so natural watching you move around in her tummy every day. We've taken a lot of pictures to show you when you've grown up, we even have footage of you performing ninja moves in the belly - you are very active! So that must mean you love basketball like your dad!?!!
On my way to work this morning I was thinking of writing this letter to you today. You see, I love to write and have been writing for years but lately I haven't been doing much writing. There have been many changes as you can imagine leading up to your impending birth in just a few weeks. Every time I thought about writing a new Observation I ended up just keeping it to myself. I guess most of my thoughts are about our new family and the time we are going to spend with you, thoughts that just made more sense in my head and in my heart then sharing with the rest of the world I guess. In the past I've written about things that I'm very passionate about like world politics, the environment and the arts - especially music - but I'm sure you already know that from our headphone sessions together.
Politics and the environment are always sensitive topics and since 9/11 I haven't always been the most popular person with some of my Observations. The funny thing is that right now the truth is coming out all around us. Slowly, more and more people are talking, debating, sharing their thoughts and feelings on failing US foreign policy and on how each individual can begin making changes in their own lives to help the environment. Your mom and I have faith in the spirit of humanity to do their best, to ultimately live a loving and purposeful life. But enough of the realities already -
I can't wait to hold you in my arms. I can't wait to see you in your mothers arms. I can't wait to hear you laugh and watch you smile. I can't wait until it is you giving us hugs and kisses. I can't wait until you take your first steps, throw your first ball, ski your first hill......I just can't wait! Get your little butt out here already.
We hope you have a safe journey and when you're ready I'll be right here to catch you and put you in your mothers arms. Peace little sunshine, peace.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Career, Baby & Man Of The Year
Thursday Feb.22
Its 8:20 a.m. on a Thursday morning, the skies are grey and amidst all the skyscrapers around us, it feels even darker. Things are quiet on the 7th floor here in downtown Vancouver as people continue to slowly wake up to their daily work routine. As I wait for my pile of transfer documents to land on my desk for processing I can only do what comes so natural to me – painting with words.
Here, within these paragraphs, I can release my morning thoughts, observations, dreams, and frustrations. By the end of it all I am full of insight and clarity. It’s just the way it goes – most days. Tomorrow marks the end of two weeks at this temporary gig which has been okay so far. Most nights I head back home and scour the career listings in this city, finding out about new companies and researching ideal places to contract work. Tonight I have my weekly basketball and the in-laws are coming to visit.
My wife has about 15 weeks or so to go until our baby arrives, it’ll be great to hang out with some family this weekend. Last night as I lay beside her with my hand on her belly I would follow all the strong kicks everywhere they went. Sometimes I would give a little kick back, feeling as though we had some preliminary communication going on between father and child. It’s pretty mind blowing. Something you’ll never forget, these unmatched feelings of anticipation that come with pregnancy. I can only imagine the immensity of what my wife is feeling.
The other night we watched the new Robin Williams film, Man of the Year. It was fantastic! I would highly recommend it to everyone; in fact, right now I believe it’s a great companion to the documentary Inconvenient Truth. This film has some of the best writing I’ve heard in a long time. It was reminiscent of many of the discussions I have heard among friends over the last few years, as well as from people who I wish were my friends like Jon Stewart. It almost felt like the film may have been written about Jon Stewart in some ways. I won’t tell you anymore except I think you’ll be very surprised by this film and how much it managed to say.
Final thoughts for the day.
Beats – I’m working on a new 1.5 hour mix to hopefully upload by next week. I’m loving this mix with tracks by Eamon, Fujiya and Miyagi, DJ Shadow, The Knife and other aural delicacies.
Images – Check out photographer Javier Lovera's website. I met him in Toronto through Steve Carty – who just updated his website recently too. Talented folks.
Words – Hopefully you’ve read this all. : )
Design – nothing new this week
Love – did you read it all?
Life – here we are.
Politics – Watch “Man of The Year”
Monday Feb.26
Holy mac! What a week! It's been less than a week since I wrote the above and it feels like so much has already happened. Gone is the brief time warp back into the ivory tower in the financial sector and say hello to the media & communications world again. Friday I received word of a great new gig with a great company called The Ace Film Company which started today. I'm back in class for the last course in my business program. Baby is still kicking. Lots of things happening more to come soon. "Oh happy day. Oh happy day."
Thanks for stopping by and reading. Hope you enjoyed this latest installment of Chico’s Observations.
www.phreeagent.com
Chico Observations
Its 8:20 a.m. on a Thursday morning, the skies are grey and amidst all the skyscrapers around us, it feels even darker. Things are quiet on the 7th floor here in downtown Vancouver as people continue to slowly wake up to their daily work routine. As I wait for my pile of transfer documents to land on my desk for processing I can only do what comes so natural to me – painting with words.
Here, within these paragraphs, I can release my morning thoughts, observations, dreams, and frustrations. By the end of it all I am full of insight and clarity. It’s just the way it goes – most days. Tomorrow marks the end of two weeks at this temporary gig which has been okay so far. Most nights I head back home and scour the career listings in this city, finding out about new companies and researching ideal places to contract work. Tonight I have my weekly basketball and the in-laws are coming to visit.
My wife has about 15 weeks or so to go until our baby arrives, it’ll be great to hang out with some family this weekend. Last night as I lay beside her with my hand on her belly I would follow all the strong kicks everywhere they went. Sometimes I would give a little kick back, feeling as though we had some preliminary communication going on between father and child. It’s pretty mind blowing. Something you’ll never forget, these unmatched feelings of anticipation that come with pregnancy. I can only imagine the immensity of what my wife is feeling.
The other night we watched the new Robin Williams film, Man of the Year. It was fantastic! I would highly recommend it to everyone; in fact, right now I believe it’s a great companion to the documentary Inconvenient Truth. This film has some of the best writing I’ve heard in a long time. It was reminiscent of many of the discussions I have heard among friends over the last few years, as well as from people who I wish were my friends like Jon Stewart. It almost felt like the film may have been written about Jon Stewart in some ways. I won’t tell you anymore except I think you’ll be very surprised by this film and how much it managed to say.
Final thoughts for the day.
Beats – I’m working on a new 1.5 hour mix to hopefully upload by next week. I’m loving this mix with tracks by Eamon, Fujiya and Miyagi, DJ Shadow, The Knife and other aural delicacies.
Images – Check out photographer Javier Lovera's website. I met him in Toronto through Steve Carty – who just updated his website recently too. Talented folks.
Words – Hopefully you’ve read this all. : )
Design – nothing new this week
Love – did you read it all?
Life – here we are.
Politics – Watch “Man of The Year”
Monday Feb.26
Holy mac! What a week! It's been less than a week since I wrote the above and it feels like so much has already happened. Gone is the brief time warp back into the ivory tower in the financial sector and say hello to the media & communications world again. Friday I received word of a great new gig with a great company called The Ace Film Company which started today. I'm back in class for the last course in my business program. Baby is still kicking. Lots of things happening more to come soon. "Oh happy day. Oh happy day."
Thanks for stopping by and reading. Hope you enjoyed this latest installment of Chico’s Observations.
www.phreeagent.com
Chico Observations
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Working Sounds of Expecting Father In The Raw
Friday
Just write it. Since this new year started I have been tested constantly. Two weeks into 2007 I found out I am out of work while my wife is expecting a baby in a few months. The pressure is on to find that stable career to get this family on the right path. It’s been a month of contacting everyone in the Rolodex and applying to fifty job openings. All those opportunities have lead to two callbacks and one interview. With all the postings requesting no phone calls there hasn’t been a chance to convince anyone with my charm, wit and sincerity. So all the effort goes into the written word attempting to hold someone’s attention long enough for him or her to pick up the phone.
One of the challenges has been to keep a positive mind frame while feeling isolated in this search. So far my positive outlook continues to get me through these days but I’m definitely feeling the need to confirm some employment this week, today. In two hours I have a meeting with a new temp employment agency that I hope will get me back to work quickly.
My other challenge has been a lack of a definitive job description that I am looking for. With a degree in Political Science and years of experience under my belt in the music, financial and real estate industries, it seems that my diversity is possibly hindering my chances of securing work. I remember guidance counselors in high school emphasizing the importance of having a diverse university application that not only highlighted good marks but also demonstrated a well-rounded student. Someone involved in the community and other projects outside school. Although I still believe in what I was told I do wish that I had found something in University to focus on and specialize. At the time my strongest belief was my ability to work in the music industry and help find and develop Canadian talent. There was part of me that thought I would be in the music industry forever; I had truly found my calling, my place in this work world. Like all things in life – things changed.
Of course life has been changing so rapidly in the last ten years and many of us are finding our place, our path in this new conscious world, all of us trying to make the good decisions for the future of our families. Now one’s ‘true calling’ takes a back seat to the realities of putting food on the table and finding a new path.
So why am I writing? It’s who I am.
Saturday
It’s Saturday morning and the new temp agency passed with flying colours as they secured an assignment for the next three weeks at a financial company. It’ll take care of business for now as the career search continues. We’re serving brunch today at the house of love – time to eat.
Steaming hot coffee coats my teeth and the fireplace warms the cool morning as I open myself to this new day. The blinds are still shut on a wet and – thinking way too much of how these words hit these impulses creating something - a sentence, a phrase and hopefully a story. The words and melodies of the American band 'Of Montreal' make up the soundtrack to these morning inspirations. {Insert your own research on their bio and back up story} At this point I check the song title again, We Were Born The Mutants Again With Leafling, my favourite song from the album Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? It dawns on me, that this album could appeal to a wide cross section of listeners, of all ages…blah…blah….enough of the album review. My friend Liam went to their show the other night at Richards and Richards in Vancouver and danced like a mad man all night long.
Here I am in familiar territory inspired to write as I listen to new exotic sounds, as if though my ears had left on a tropical vacation filled with adventurous aural pleasures around every corner.Fujiya & Miyagi’sTransparent Things release continues to unravel unexpectedly with each song building itself up to a subtle crescendo then leaving you wanting more but waiting until the next track mixes in again only to take you back down the gondola – leaving you hanging in the middle of descent in anticipation of what awaits you at the top. Take the journey from Conductor 71 to the title track and witness the enticing grooves of Fujiya & Miyagi.
Mounds of pure Canadian maple syrup pour over my sweet hotcakes accompanying the deep dancing beats from the hip hop sounds of Staten Island vocalist Eamon. What a smooth and soulful voice delivering infectious songs like Elevator and Heatrise that outshine the first single How Could You Bring Him Home. A few other albums in heavy rotation here at phreeradio this week including a leaked copy of the new Arcade Fire album – Neon Bible;
The Good, The Bad & The Queen (s/t)
The Knife (Deep Cuts)
DJ Shadow (The Outsider)
LCD Soundsystem (Sound of Silver)
The Shins (Wincing the Night Away)
Malajube (Trompe-L’Oeil)
Air (Pocket Symphony)
Band of Horses (Everything All The Time)
With your beats fix taken care of for the weekend I’ll move on to some moving images to discuss. Les Stroud is the creator of the Outdoor Living Network program Survivorman, where he is left abandoned alone in a remote location with the clothes on his back and his cameras – no one and nothing else. The program has been insightful and so informative as we’ve witnessed Les survive through some of the toughest situations including the Costa Rican rainforest, the Arctic as well as the Sonora desert. Our good friend Bryan first told us about Les a few years ago when he was writing and recording music with Les.
The other night Brad called us to check out a new program Les had produced that would definitely inspire us beyond belief. The show is called Off the Grid and I highly recommend you all to see it if you can. Basically Les puts his money where his mouth is concerning the environment and our own individual footprints we are leaving all over this planet. Les and his family make the switch from modern living in the city to the new sustainable modern life in the bush fuelled by solar panels, rain harvesting systems and a zest for energy conscious living. Two one-hour episodes of the program have been produced and we’ve only seen the first one. Check it out. If that doesn’t convince you to make a few changes in your life check out the David Suzuki website as the renowned Canadian scientist and environmentalist travels across the country on the “If YOU were Prime Minister Tour’ talking to Canadians about the state of the planet. Canadians are responding in record numbers packing up all his speaking engagements and making their own video messages on what they’d do as Prime Minister. Proving yet again, it is never too late to change.
Less Stroud
David Suzuki
PCG
Thanks for stopping by and reading. Hope you enjoyed this latest installment of Chico’s Observations.
peace,
chico
Just write it. Since this new year started I have been tested constantly. Two weeks into 2007 I found out I am out of work while my wife is expecting a baby in a few months. The pressure is on to find that stable career to get this family on the right path. It’s been a month of contacting everyone in the Rolodex and applying to fifty job openings. All those opportunities have lead to two callbacks and one interview. With all the postings requesting no phone calls there hasn’t been a chance to convince anyone with my charm, wit and sincerity. So all the effort goes into the written word attempting to hold someone’s attention long enough for him or her to pick up the phone.
One of the challenges has been to keep a positive mind frame while feeling isolated in this search. So far my positive outlook continues to get me through these days but I’m definitely feeling the need to confirm some employment this week, today. In two hours I have a meeting with a new temp employment agency that I hope will get me back to work quickly.
My other challenge has been a lack of a definitive job description that I am looking for. With a degree in Political Science and years of experience under my belt in the music, financial and real estate industries, it seems that my diversity is possibly hindering my chances of securing work. I remember guidance counselors in high school emphasizing the importance of having a diverse university application that not only highlighted good marks but also demonstrated a well-rounded student. Someone involved in the community and other projects outside school. Although I still believe in what I was told I do wish that I had found something in University to focus on and specialize. At the time my strongest belief was my ability to work in the music industry and help find and develop Canadian talent. There was part of me that thought I would be in the music industry forever; I had truly found my calling, my place in this work world. Like all things in life – things changed.
Of course life has been changing so rapidly in the last ten years and many of us are finding our place, our path in this new conscious world, all of us trying to make the good decisions for the future of our families. Now one’s ‘true calling’ takes a back seat to the realities of putting food on the table and finding a new path.
So why am I writing? It’s who I am.
Saturday
It’s Saturday morning and the new temp agency passed with flying colours as they secured an assignment for the next three weeks at a financial company. It’ll take care of business for now as the career search continues. We’re serving brunch today at the house of love – time to eat.
Steaming hot coffee coats my teeth and the fireplace warms the cool morning as I open myself to this new day. The blinds are still shut on a wet and – thinking way too much of how these words hit these impulses creating something - a sentence, a phrase and hopefully a story. The words and melodies of the American band 'Of Montreal' make up the soundtrack to these morning inspirations. {Insert your own research on their bio and back up story} At this point I check the song title again, We Were Born The Mutants Again With Leafling, my favourite song from the album Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? It dawns on me, that this album could appeal to a wide cross section of listeners, of all ages…blah…blah….enough of the album review. My friend Liam went to their show the other night at Richards and Richards in Vancouver and danced like a mad man all night long.
Here I am in familiar territory inspired to write as I listen to new exotic sounds, as if though my ears had left on a tropical vacation filled with adventurous aural pleasures around every corner.Fujiya & Miyagi’sTransparent Things release continues to unravel unexpectedly with each song building itself up to a subtle crescendo then leaving you wanting more but waiting until the next track mixes in again only to take you back down the gondola – leaving you hanging in the middle of descent in anticipation of what awaits you at the top. Take the journey from Conductor 71 to the title track and witness the enticing grooves of Fujiya & Miyagi.
Mounds of pure Canadian maple syrup pour over my sweet hotcakes accompanying the deep dancing beats from the hip hop sounds of Staten Island vocalist Eamon. What a smooth and soulful voice delivering infectious songs like Elevator and Heatrise that outshine the first single How Could You Bring Him Home. A few other albums in heavy rotation here at phreeradio this week including a leaked copy of the new Arcade Fire album – Neon Bible;
The Good, The Bad & The Queen (s/t)
The Knife (Deep Cuts)
DJ Shadow (The Outsider)
LCD Soundsystem (Sound of Silver)
The Shins (Wincing the Night Away)
Malajube (Trompe-L’Oeil)
Air (Pocket Symphony)
Band of Horses (Everything All The Time)
With your beats fix taken care of for the weekend I’ll move on to some moving images to discuss. Les Stroud is the creator of the Outdoor Living Network program Survivorman, where he is left abandoned alone in a remote location with the clothes on his back and his cameras – no one and nothing else. The program has been insightful and so informative as we’ve witnessed Les survive through some of the toughest situations including the Costa Rican rainforest, the Arctic as well as the Sonora desert. Our good friend Bryan first told us about Les a few years ago when he was writing and recording music with Les.
The other night Brad called us to check out a new program Les had produced that would definitely inspire us beyond belief. The show is called Off the Grid and I highly recommend you all to see it if you can. Basically Les puts his money where his mouth is concerning the environment and our own individual footprints we are leaving all over this planet. Les and his family make the switch from modern living in the city to the new sustainable modern life in the bush fuelled by solar panels, rain harvesting systems and a zest for energy conscious living. Two one-hour episodes of the program have been produced and we’ve only seen the first one. Check it out. If that doesn’t convince you to make a few changes in your life check out the David Suzuki website as the renowned Canadian scientist and environmentalist travels across the country on the “If YOU were Prime Minister Tour’ talking to Canadians about the state of the planet. Canadians are responding in record numbers packing up all his speaking engagements and making their own video messages on what they’d do as Prime Minister. Proving yet again, it is never too late to change.
Less Stroud
David Suzuki
PCG
Thanks for stopping by and reading. Hope you enjoyed this latest installment of Chico’s Observations.
peace,
chico
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Live From The Pacifika Coast
I have found the last few months very difficult to write something to share here in these Observations. These days and hours leading to today have been joyous, frustrating, rewarding and pensive. As the first month of the New Year is just about over I can feel the steam streaming around me from this welcomed pressure cooker I find myself in these days.
As I eagerly anticipate the birth of my first child in less than four months I find myself in familiar territory with unfamiliar feelings. Everything changes the experts all say and I can feel it already. I cannot tire of bonding with my wife’s Buddha belly and talking to my unborn child, sharing the sounds of Sade or The Beastie Boys, early music education with headphones. This is a beautiful time for the three of us.
Today from Phreeagent headquarters, the music of Vancouver based band Pacifika lends the rhythm to these observations. Pacifika recently shot a video for the song “Me Cai” which was directed by Phreeagent Douglas Thomson. The gorgeous video has already caught the eye of MuchMusic and the band is garnering major label attention with their great songs and musicianship, led by the sultry Latin vocals of Silvana Kane. Pacifika is rounded off with Adam Popowitz and Toby Peter, two brilliant musicians. The band has already uploaded their video to You Tube and can be found at their website myspace.com/pacifika
The band’s album Asuncion is to be released early this year and you can find out more information at www.pacifikaonline.com Doug has directed a beautiful and elegant video highlighting the musicianship and passionate stage presence of Silvana. Their songs are catchy, romantic and some of the very phreshest sounds coming from Canada.
I now find myself coming full circle with this last Phreeagent announcement regarding Doug Thomson and the video for Pacifika. We moved out here to the Pacific Coast seven years ago to set up new roots in the mountain air and haven’t looked back since. It has now been a year and half since Phreeagent officially went live and now things have come to somewhat of a close.
I am writing to announce that the Phreeagent Creative Group is going through some changes. I want to thank you ALL from the depths of my soul for your support, interest and taking part in my dream to start this company of creative Canadian artists. I am both honoured and very proud of the great work the agents have done in their careers over the last couple of years. With a baby on the way and new beginnings ahead, PCG will simply be an outlet for my own creativity, and possibly one or two other partners that may stay part of the group.
My passion for the Canadian arts will continue by highlighting different artists over time, featuring new music, new articles - all the same stuff, but I no longer can attempt to promote and market this fantastic group on my own. The website will be changed in the next little while to reflect this new direction.
As I move forward in search of a new working environment to contribute my skills and passion to create and communicate, I am very thankful for the journey thus far and I anticipate a new and challenging fresh start. With my next writing course scheduled for mid February maybe the writer’s dream will find a home once again.
Thanks for stopping by and reading. Hope you enjoyed this latest installment of Chico’s Observations.
As I eagerly anticipate the birth of my first child in less than four months I find myself in familiar territory with unfamiliar feelings. Everything changes the experts all say and I can feel it already. I cannot tire of bonding with my wife’s Buddha belly and talking to my unborn child, sharing the sounds of Sade or The Beastie Boys, early music education with headphones. This is a beautiful time for the three of us.
Today from Phreeagent headquarters, the music of Vancouver based band Pacifika lends the rhythm to these observations. Pacifika recently shot a video for the song “Me Cai” which was directed by Phreeagent Douglas Thomson. The gorgeous video has already caught the eye of MuchMusic and the band is garnering major label attention with their great songs and musicianship, led by the sultry Latin vocals of Silvana Kane. Pacifika is rounded off with Adam Popowitz and Toby Peter, two brilliant musicians. The band has already uploaded their video to You Tube and can be found at their website myspace.com/pacifika
The band’s album Asuncion is to be released early this year and you can find out more information at www.pacifikaonline.com Doug has directed a beautiful and elegant video highlighting the musicianship and passionate stage presence of Silvana. Their songs are catchy, romantic and some of the very phreshest sounds coming from Canada.
I now find myself coming full circle with this last Phreeagent announcement regarding Doug Thomson and the video for Pacifika. We moved out here to the Pacific Coast seven years ago to set up new roots in the mountain air and haven’t looked back since. It has now been a year and half since Phreeagent officially went live and now things have come to somewhat of a close.
I am writing to announce that the Phreeagent Creative Group is going through some changes. I want to thank you ALL from the depths of my soul for your support, interest and taking part in my dream to start this company of creative Canadian artists. I am both honoured and very proud of the great work the agents have done in their careers over the last couple of years. With a baby on the way and new beginnings ahead, PCG will simply be an outlet for my own creativity, and possibly one or two other partners that may stay part of the group.
My passion for the Canadian arts will continue by highlighting different artists over time, featuring new music, new articles - all the same stuff, but I no longer can attempt to promote and market this fantastic group on my own. The website will be changed in the next little while to reflect this new direction.
As I move forward in search of a new working environment to contribute my skills and passion to create and communicate, I am very thankful for the journey thus far and I anticipate a new and challenging fresh start. With my next writing course scheduled for mid February maybe the writer’s dream will find a home once again.
Thanks for stopping by and reading. Hope you enjoyed this latest installment of Chico’s Observations.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised or S[no]w Luck Club Heats Things Up
I’m back! Chico’s Observations took a bit of a hiatus since the summer but I’m ready to bring these fingers to the keyboard again. Unfortunately the Observations are no longer coming from Granville Island as that full time contract came to a close this summer, but I’m still writing articles for them. The last few months I’ve been busy in school as I gear up to finish this business program in the spring. What else? Oh yeah – we’re having a baby!! Helloooo.
: )
So the last few months have been an incredible journey. My mind has been full of business plans, marketing strategies, cash flow statements and child education funds, images of the child’s first steps and first words - as I watch Keli transform into a beautiful, patient and happy mother. I’m very excited. Last week I put the headphones to her belly and I filled the womb with the soothing sounds of Sade. This week I’d like to introduce the belly to the sounds of Michael Franti and Spearhead’s new release – Yell Fire!
The last couple of weeks have been inspiring for new music. First I headed down to HMV and I picked up the new K-OS cd, Atlantis – Hymns For Disco, which I played the shit out of for a full week. In 2005, The Joyful Rebellion was my pick for album of the year and this year K-OS is again in my top 5 picks for 2006. Like Michael Franti, K-OS continues to communicate great songwriting, infectious melodies and the conscious words of a relentless generation. Songs like FlyPaper, Sunday Morning and Mirror In The Sky will leave you singing and humming for days, but hearing No Rain sent chills up my spine. Atlantis left me with Motown moments refueling my passion for Canadian talent. [Good thing you didn’t listen to that part of you telling you not to sing Kev]
Back in the 90’s when I was a radio dj at CHRW 94.7, my show always started with the Disposable Heroes Of Hyhoprisy track - Television, The Drug of a Nation. Last week the illustrious and infamous Victoria, the exotic belly dancer, was passing through Vancouver and stayed with us for part of her trip. While picking up some new torso thrusting Middle Eastern musical mantras for her upcoming shows, she also snagged the new Michael Franti & Spearhead release – Yell Fire. Well, I’ve listened to the album a good twelve times since she left. The best album of his career. Last year I was lucky enough to see Spearhead live with Xavier Rudd for an incredible show. The amazing positive energy emanating from the Commodore that night could be felt for days after. Franti’s lyrics like Bob Marley, Ben Harper and Buju Banton, continue to challenge and motivate us all to fight the good fight and clear the clutter that impedes us all from waking up to life.
A revolution never come with a warning
A revolution never sends you an omen
A revolution just arrived like the morning
Ring the alarm we come to wake up the snoring
- Yell Fire by Michael Franti & Spearhead
So it’s obvious I’m hungry for music lately and I was fed more beaty morsels last night at the Media Club in Vancouver. I headed out into the ‘blizzard’ to hear the big daddy sounds of Calamalka, opening up for No Luck Club's cd release party. Mary Ancheta hit the stage first with her full band performing a funky and ambient set before surrendering to the lap tops and turntables that would be set loose by Calamalka and NLC. [I think I recognize Mary from my dayze in the music industry in Ontario – was she in a band called The Misunderstood?] As I write this, snow continues to dump on the streets of Vancouver and sticks around, unlike the usual one-day snowfall we see in the city that melts as it hits the pavement.
Calamalka started his set with some hefty beats from the get-go. Bopping heads were immediately sucked in to the new up-tempo drum and bass soundtrack that Campitelli would sew together over the next forty minutes. Calamalka mixed and swirled new material that made for a mystical musical score to the white winter wonderland that evening. Maybe a new album in the spring Campitelli?
After hanging out back stage with Calamalka we headed out front where the No Luck Club groove was drawing us in. It took me immediately to their merchandise booth where I took home their new cd, Prosperity. From the first few minutes of music I was hooked and I knew this was a cd I would enjoy. The instrumental hip-hop band including Trevor & Matt Chan and DJ Pluskratch turned up the heat in the room and had the audience shaking their feet.
As the snowflakes continue to fall today, I settle in to rub the buddah belly for some good fortune and prosperity. Judging from the experiences of the last three months, the last 24 hours - I’m already feeling pretty lucky. "Everyone deserves music."
Until next time – peace!
chico@phreeagent.com
www.phreeagent.com
Chico Observations
For more information on these great artists check out these websites.
CALAMALKA
K-OS
SPEARHEAD
NOLUCKCLUB
MARY ANCHETA
: )
So the last few months have been an incredible journey. My mind has been full of business plans, marketing strategies, cash flow statements and child education funds, images of the child’s first steps and first words - as I watch Keli transform into a beautiful, patient and happy mother. I’m very excited. Last week I put the headphones to her belly and I filled the womb with the soothing sounds of Sade. This week I’d like to introduce the belly to the sounds of Michael Franti and Spearhead’s new release – Yell Fire!
The last couple of weeks have been inspiring for new music. First I headed down to HMV and I picked up the new K-OS cd, Atlantis – Hymns For Disco, which I played the shit out of for a full week. In 2005, The Joyful Rebellion was my pick for album of the year and this year K-OS is again in my top 5 picks for 2006. Like Michael Franti, K-OS continues to communicate great songwriting, infectious melodies and the conscious words of a relentless generation. Songs like FlyPaper, Sunday Morning and Mirror In The Sky will leave you singing and humming for days, but hearing No Rain sent chills up my spine. Atlantis left me with Motown moments refueling my passion for Canadian talent. [Good thing you didn’t listen to that part of you telling you not to sing Kev]
Back in the 90’s when I was a radio dj at CHRW 94.7, my show always started with the Disposable Heroes Of Hyhoprisy track - Television, The Drug of a Nation. Last week the illustrious and infamous Victoria, the exotic belly dancer, was passing through Vancouver and stayed with us for part of her trip. While picking up some new torso thrusting Middle Eastern musical mantras for her upcoming shows, she also snagged the new Michael Franti & Spearhead release – Yell Fire. Well, I’ve listened to the album a good twelve times since she left. The best album of his career. Last year I was lucky enough to see Spearhead live with Xavier Rudd for an incredible show. The amazing positive energy emanating from the Commodore that night could be felt for days after. Franti’s lyrics like Bob Marley, Ben Harper and Buju Banton, continue to challenge and motivate us all to fight the good fight and clear the clutter that impedes us all from waking up to life.
A revolution never come with a warning
A revolution never sends you an omen
A revolution just arrived like the morning
Ring the alarm we come to wake up the snoring
- Yell Fire by Michael Franti & Spearhead
So it’s obvious I’m hungry for music lately and I was fed more beaty morsels last night at the Media Club in Vancouver. I headed out into the ‘blizzard’ to hear the big daddy sounds of Calamalka, opening up for No Luck Club's cd release party. Mary Ancheta hit the stage first with her full band performing a funky and ambient set before surrendering to the lap tops and turntables that would be set loose by Calamalka and NLC. [I think I recognize Mary from my dayze in the music industry in Ontario – was she in a band called The Misunderstood?] As I write this, snow continues to dump on the streets of Vancouver and sticks around, unlike the usual one-day snowfall we see in the city that melts as it hits the pavement.
Calamalka started his set with some hefty beats from the get-go. Bopping heads were immediately sucked in to the new up-tempo drum and bass soundtrack that Campitelli would sew together over the next forty minutes. Calamalka mixed and swirled new material that made for a mystical musical score to the white winter wonderland that evening. Maybe a new album in the spring Campitelli?
After hanging out back stage with Calamalka we headed out front where the No Luck Club groove was drawing us in. It took me immediately to their merchandise booth where I took home their new cd, Prosperity. From the first few minutes of music I was hooked and I knew this was a cd I would enjoy. The instrumental hip-hop band including Trevor & Matt Chan and DJ Pluskratch turned up the heat in the room and had the audience shaking their feet.
As the snowflakes continue to fall today, I settle in to rub the buddah belly for some good fortune and prosperity. Judging from the experiences of the last three months, the last 24 hours - I’m already feeling pretty lucky. "Everyone deserves music."
Until next time – peace!
chico@phreeagent.com
www.phreeagent.com
Chico Observations
For more information on these great artists check out these websites.
CALAMALKA
K-OS
SPEARHEAD
NOLUCKCLUB
MARY ANCHETA
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Return of the Raven
It’s been two weeks since I boarded a bus with 50 teenagers set out on a journey of discovery in the BC wilderness. As many of you know, I was a volunteer once again this year for the 17th Young Men’s Adventure Weekend (ymaw.com). I’ve also been working on an article about the organization and the people who founded the weekend. It’s a story that doesn’t know when to quit.
I first started on the article over a month ago when I was taking a creative writing class. My goal was to have the article finished in time to have it published before the actual weekend. That never happened. After our adventure a couple of weeks ago I finally realized that this story is developing and growing every day. This work never ends - it is part of us. It’s who we are. So the writing has been difficult, especially finding an ending and with the success of this years adventure, I see a few more pages being added once again.
I’ve been volunteering for YMAW for the last few years and have been fortunate enough to be part of the audio/visual team with Dorian Leslie. We have been documenting the event with photos and video footage, capturing the beauty of the great Canadian outdoors and the joyous mayhem of a hundred or so men working together in a wilderness adventure.
A couple of years ago we began adding interviews of the young men attending YMAW to our films, which opened our minds even more as we listened even closer to their words and their hearts. Words that would continue to educate and inspire us. This year we took it a step further and also interviewed the production team of men who volunteer each summer to produce the adventure.
So as I continue researching and writing for this never-ending story for it’s eventual publication, I wanted to share with you all this year’s audio/visual delights from the Young Men’s Adventure Weekend of 2006. I hope that this may inspire you all to get involved in your communities and work with our youth, our future. Each year everyone involved inspires me and I am rejuvenated with hope for our planet. A hope that is never-ending.
YMAW MOVIE
YMAW PICS
www.ymaw.com
Peace,
chico
p.s. You are now able to leave comments on the blogs without having to register and it is easy. Would love to hear from you all. Thanks.
I first started on the article over a month ago when I was taking a creative writing class. My goal was to have the article finished in time to have it published before the actual weekend. That never happened. After our adventure a couple of weeks ago I finally realized that this story is developing and growing every day. This work never ends - it is part of us. It’s who we are. So the writing has been difficult, especially finding an ending and with the success of this years adventure, I see a few more pages being added once again.
I’ve been volunteering for YMAW for the last few years and have been fortunate enough to be part of the audio/visual team with Dorian Leslie. We have been documenting the event with photos and video footage, capturing the beauty of the great Canadian outdoors and the joyous mayhem of a hundred or so men working together in a wilderness adventure.
A couple of years ago we began adding interviews of the young men attending YMAW to our films, which opened our minds even more as we listened even closer to their words and their hearts. Words that would continue to educate and inspire us. This year we took it a step further and also interviewed the production team of men who volunteer each summer to produce the adventure.
So as I continue researching and writing for this never-ending story for it’s eventual publication, I wanted to share with you all this year’s audio/visual delights from the Young Men’s Adventure Weekend of 2006. I hope that this may inspire you all to get involved in your communities and work with our youth, our future. Each year everyone involved inspires me and I am rejuvenated with hope for our planet. A hope that is never-ending.
YMAW MOVIE
YMAW PICS
www.ymaw.com
Peace,
chico
p.s. You are now able to leave comments on the blogs without having to register and it is easy. Would love to hear from you all. Thanks.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
The World Where You Live
An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
- Martin Luther King
Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. - Albert Einstein
It's time for greatness -- not for greed. It's a time for idealism -- not ideology. It is a time not just for compassionate words, but compassionate action.
- Marian Wright Edelman
This friday I'm off to the wilderness for the 17th Young Men's Adventure Weekend www.ymaw.com
We have been preparing for the last 2-3 months and now we are just days away from producing an incredible event for these young men between 12-17 years old. This will be my third year and I'm truly looking forward to it. As my good friend Dorian says, "it's an incredible weekend of fun, competition and witnessing profound change."
This weekend marks a definitive break in the year for me. I return from the adventure each time simply beaming and full of renewed energy and excitement about life. I return with a spark of hope and faith in this world after reconnecting with the land and with fellow earth men giving back to the community. The time spent with the Room to Read charity and with YMAW ignites a fire within me that I look forward to keeping lit for a long time. Somedays it is a struggle, as we all know, to keep near what is truely important in this life. Let's simply not give up, let's keep trying, keep doing and don't settle for anything less than a peaceful and compassionate world to live in.
Our fearless leader at YMAW sent this little piece around today and it really resonated with me so I thought I'd share it with you all. I wish you all a great weekend and may you all continue on your great adventure on planet earth
**************************************************************************************************************
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the"Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read straight through, and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are nosecond-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applausedies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificatesare buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the oneswith the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are theones that care.
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrowin Australia." (Charles Schultz)
- Martin Luther King
Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. - Albert Einstein
It's time for greatness -- not for greed. It's a time for idealism -- not ideology. It is a time not just for compassionate words, but compassionate action.
- Marian Wright Edelman
This friday I'm off to the wilderness for the 17th Young Men's Adventure Weekend www.ymaw.com
We have been preparing for the last 2-3 months and now we are just days away from producing an incredible event for these young men between 12-17 years old. This will be my third year and I'm truly looking forward to it. As my good friend Dorian says, "it's an incredible weekend of fun, competition and witnessing profound change."
This weekend marks a definitive break in the year for me. I return from the adventure each time simply beaming and full of renewed energy and excitement about life. I return with a spark of hope and faith in this world after reconnecting with the land and with fellow earth men giving back to the community. The time spent with the Room to Read charity and with YMAW ignites a fire within me that I look forward to keeping lit for a long time. Somedays it is a struggle, as we all know, to keep near what is truely important in this life. Let's simply not give up, let's keep trying, keep doing and don't settle for anything less than a peaceful and compassionate world to live in.
Our fearless leader at YMAW sent this little piece around today and it really resonated with me so I thought I'd share it with you all. I wish you all a great weekend and may you all continue on your great adventure on planet earth
**************************************************************************************************************
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the"Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read straight through, and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are nosecond-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applausedies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificatesare buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the oneswith the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are theones that care.
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrowin Australia." (Charles Schultz)
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