Archive for January, 2010

Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

// January 26th, 2010 // No Comments » // Newfoundland, World

In April of 2003 I had an opportunity with my employer at the time to come to St. John’s, Newfoundland for a six-week project. Aside from a few vacations and business trips, I have never left. Over the years, I have bumped into acquaintances where I have noticed an amusing trend. During the process of “catching up” I mention that I now reside in Newfoundland which usually results in a curious glance as if to question my sanity. I have long since ceased being offended by this ignorance as I, knowing little about the province and having never visited previously, would have displayed the same reaction prior to travelling here. As such, I try to use it as an opportunity to educate my friends on the aspects of Newfoundland and Labrador that struck me and, ultimately, motivated me to settle down here. One of these aspects is the harmonious blend of culture, history, and architecture contrasted against the natural beauty of the landscape. To illustrate this point, please see below videos (from Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism):

David Blaine: How I Held My Breath For 17 Minutes

// January 23rd, 2010 // No Comments » // Entertainment, TV

I’m not a big David Blaine fan but you have to admit the man is dedicated (see “rebreather” with CO2 scrubber at 04:00).

Stereophonics: Keep Calm and Carry On

// January 23rd, 2010 // No Comments » // Entertainment, Music

The Sterephonics’ last few albums have been hit or miss but the bands’ seventh album (titled Keep Calm and Carry On, released on November 16, 2009) sees them back at the top of their game again. The album’s debut single was Innocent (see first video below). The second single from the album, Could You Be The One?, will be released on February 15, 2010 (see second video below from Later…with Jools Holland):

Bono, Jay-Z, Rhianna: Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)

// January 23rd, 2010 // No Comments » // Entertainment, Make a Difference, Music, World

Bono, Edge, Jay-Z and Rhianna performing Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour) live at “Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief,” hosted by George Clooney, Wyclef Jean, and Anderson Cooper to raise funds for earthquake relief. Too bad Bono’s microphone volume was too low during chorus.

You’re the Weird One!

// January 19th, 2010 // No Comments » // Family & Friends, Natalie Quotes

Conversation on the way out the door this morning:

Adrian (joking to Lisa): “…Natalie is pretty much fully reared now isn’t she?”

Natalie: “You’re the weird one Barnes!”

I’m Moving Out!

// January 16th, 2010 // No Comments » // Family & Friends, Natalie Quotes

Conversation on the drive home this evening:

Natalie: “When I turn 6 I’m moving out!”

Lisa: “Really?”

Natalie: *Pause*

Natalie: “Maybe I’ll stay…but I’m making my own rules.”

Snowbank Sliding

// January 10th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Family & Friends, Home Videos

Another video from the family home video archives. This was taken in February, 2006 (Natalie would have been two and a half at the time) and shows Natalie sliding down a snow bank. Pay particular attention to the?mischievous glint in her eyes…foreshadowing of terrible threes and fours ;)

U2 Concert

// January 10th, 2010 // No Comments » // Entertainment, Family & Friends, Home Videos, Music, Photo Album Updates

U2 ConcertAdded U2 Concert Album to?Picasa Web Albums. I have been a dedicated U2 fan since the early 90′s when I got into Achtung Baby so this mini-review is more than a little biased. I caught U2 live in Toronto during the PopMart Tour in 1997 but, due to varying circumstance, regret not being able to attend their last few tours. There was a lot of fuss in the media with regards to the 360? stage concept and it’s been widely reported that U2 won’t break even on this tour until mid-2010 which, if nothing else, demonstrates their commitment to putting on a good show (and /or poor business sense). However, in my opinion, the 360? stage with all it’s bells and whistles, was a silent partner in the overall production and did not distract from the music. All in all, it was a great show that Lisa and I will remember for years to come. Below is some video footage we took of the concert.

Part I: U2 hitting the stage with Kingdom of Your Love (rumoured to be on potential U2 2010 summer album called “Songs of Ascent”) then breaking into Breathe off New Line on the Horizon (released February, 2009).

Part II: U2 finishing up Get On Your Boots from No Line on the Horizon (released February, 2009). Incidentally, this song was the lead single for the album (to mixed reviews) but it broke through in the 5 year-old demographic as Natalie was running around the house singing “let me in the sound” for a few weeks.

Part III: Bono injecting some “Torontoisms” into the concert between Magnificent and Beautiful Day.

Part IV: Arguably, one of the most fun parts of the show (for band and audience alike) with remix of I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight.

Shoveling Snow

// January 9th, 2010 // No Comments » // Family & Friends, Home Videos

Dug this video up from family video archives (February, 2006). Lisa (girlfriend at the time, now wife) narrates Natalie observing me (Barnes) shoveling snow after a bad storm. Pay particular attention to Natalie’s fearless “one boot” fashion statement…always a trend setter.