On Sunday, being the last day of May, I got to check out the NCVA’s First Annual Ottawa Veg Fest 2009. Knowing me, I am interested with events dealing with food. Vegetables and organic food has become somewhat of a hot topic issue because of the changing enviroment and pesticides being put in manufactured foods. The event gave me a good and already known perpective to buying organic food. One of the guest speakers I checked out caught my attention to the change in the Earth and how we should change our diets. It was Yasmin Fudakowska-Gow, from Montreal who gave a good but unprepared speech on the changes and causes in Earth’s changing climate in terms of food and growth. She’s also a yoga instructor and an enviromental activist. At least she winged it and got through with the presentation. There were some free samples I took like Cocoa Camino fair trade chocolate, this One Million Acts of Green card which you can plant and Vega drink mix.
What was unfortunate on Sunday was the cold weather. Silly me, I was wearing my new adidas sandals and didn’t bring an extra sweater or jacket because I was about to freeze like crazy. Out of my own silliness, I decided to buy new shoes again, but I got it at Roots, it’s a Converse Jack Purcell (silly Twitpic link) leather shoes. It was on sale as I had been worried about my bro’s Chuck Taylor All Star Converse shoes because there’s a small gap in the left shoe and needs a shoe glue.
After the shoe shopping, I went to Confederation Park for the free outdoor accoustic concert for Skate4Cancer/The Cure Is Knowledge. The event was great because it also brings an awareness to cancer and people who have been close had lost to cancer. From the photo on top, that’s The Love Machine performing an accoustic song. At that time, I was totally freezing because I didn’t wear shoes and not dress warmly. I know that sometime in May and June, it should be warm but due to unsual weather, it was just cold. All in all, The Love Machine were excellent in their acoustic set.
Well, it’s now June and time for a season ending entry to start Summer. I will be putting some Summer special entries with no witty comments.
Seeya until the Fall. I will be on Facebook and Twitter the whole time, so you will catch updates from there during the Summer.
Series 4
Co-Hosting With Craig Norris on CBC Radio 3 – S04E25
It has finally happened, I got to be co-hosting with Craig Norris on CBC Radio 3. How did it go? It went pretty good, aside that I was getting nervous the week and days before it happened. It’s all in the preparation. Here’s the link to the blog entry from CBC Radio 3, http://tinyurl.com/odv2sz
Overall, I hope anyone who listened enjoyed what I had to say and the song choices as well. During one of the host break, I said “Wu-Tang (as in the rap group, Wu-Tang Clan),” and it’s a nod to the two guys at Fundamentally Sound on CKCU-FM, Dennis and C.J. “Showtime”. As they usually call me that in their shout-outs. 🙂
Sorry for the Photoshop job on the photo. The original photo was with Pedro Mendes, producer of the R3-30 with Craig Norris. It was taken on April 24, 2009 when R3 was doing a live taping for Black Mountain/Ladyhawk/Pack A.D. for B.C. Scene.
At least Craig got a good laugh at the photo job. The original photo is on this link, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/3472674616/.
Here’s the Flickr link to previous Listener Co-Host Initiative images. http://www.flickr.com/photos/cbcradio3/sets/72157616677894211/.
I’m hopeful that it will be replayed on Sunday morning on CBC Radio 3. Let me know if you liked my co-hosting.
Comic Talk
I haven’t been able to talk about comic books in awhile but the buzz right now is Archie Comics. Yes, Archie Andrews will be proposing to Veronica Lodge in August at comic book store. In my opinion, I kind of prefer Archie going for Betty instead. I used to read Archie Comics when I was young. Let the joking go ahead.
News sites like the CBC (story linked) have been talking about it. Will I be picking up a copy come August? Probably.
Aside from that, I still pick up the usual Marvel Comics but I am not getting too many comics due to a lack of interesting stories and possible price hikes to over $4.
Oh! I Forgot That Punch-Out!! Returned (Entry Updated on May 30, 2009)
Due to not updating a lot on my blog, I had the opportunity to play Punch-Out!! on the Nintendo Wii. The game was released on May 20, 2009 and the irony is that I did not brag to friends that I got the game as it felt like a quiet update. So far, I have enjoyed the updated revival of this beloved NES classic. Mind you, I never got to play Punch-Out!! (NES) and Super Punch-Out!! on SNES when I was young. Since getting the Nintendo Wii, I got to download Punch-Out!! and Super Punch-Out!! through Virtual Console. I gotta say that I had trouble playing through Punch-Out!! because I never experienced it when I was younger. Super Punch-Out!! came out around at the end of March (I downloaded it in April), as I didn’t play much of the SNES version a lot. On the Wii’s update, I found the controls to be looser than the original version. In a way, it’s easier than the two previous versions. Overall, I am totally enjoying the game but I am sticking to the NES classic control setting as I did try the motion with the Wii Balance Board and I am used to it. I would probably use the Remote and Nunchuk with friends for fun. A beloved classic for new generations is a definite must.
Close to a Season Finale
I am nearing my end for season 4 of my blog and so far, I haven’t been able to go to a lot of concerts or events for May. OK, I did checked out the tulips and checking out the Canadian Museum of Nature on Victoria Day. No photos were being used. I hope there will be something to do for this coming weekend as we end May.
Enjoy!
Hanging Out at Fundamentally Sound – S04E24
I was thinking that this would be another lame or dubious entry being written. Well, I returned from a short “hiatus” in hanging out during CKCU-FM’s funktacular show, Fundamentally Sound. I decided to take some photos during the show. As usual, there were the hijinks and humour coming from Dennis Molnar and C.J. “Showtime”.
Here’s the link to the photos, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157617764311519/.
As I will explain, some of the shots were taken when C.J. “Showtime” was rapping as a Canadian politican. I won’t say who, but that will be the extent to it as I don’t want to put embarrassment to the fellow.
Sorry for the lame photo on top because I couldn’t pick a decent photo to go along for this entry.
Afterwards (well, a long one due to killing time), I went to Avant Garde Bar & Gift Shop for the Ennuie CD release party/concert. The irony to the CD release was one half of the duo will be away for five months, an odd time to release the new album and be away for several months. I couldn’t watch the whole concert as there were a lot of people standing but there was one notable cover song that the duo performed. It was Saturday Night by Whigfield. It sure brought up memories from junior high school. Oh boy!
Overall, it was an excellent show for Ennuie. Sorry, didn’t take photos for it.
The Start of the Summer Movie Blockbuster
I finally got to watch X-Men Origins: Wolverine. What did I think of it? It was ok but I am pretty disappointed at the Hollywood style to the comic characters. If I wasn’t a comic fan, then I would enjoy it but there were points that I felt nitpicky at the aspect of the film.
I was hoping to watch Star Trek on opening day but it might be uncertain when I will go watch it.
Why the “interest” for Star Trek? If you go back to my previous entry at #22. You will know why.
Last thing, I planning to do two more entries as I will follow the TV shows ending this month for the season. I will do Summer entries by using a new page and hopefully no humour coming from me. Continue reading
A Hot Night For a Whale & Ocean – S04E23
Another back to back entry which wasn’t planned because the Sci-Fi Spectacular and George Takei from Friday night was unexpected. Originally, I planned the Said The Ocean and Hey Ocean! concert as my returning blog entry from my so-called April hiatus. All I can say that I totally enjoyed Said The Whale and Hey Ocean! concert at Zaphod Beeblebrox as part of BC Scene. It’s my third time to see Said The Whale live and the first time to see Hey Ocean!. The crowd was red hot for both bands but it was fully packed for Hey Ocean! Said The Whale also had a good amount of crowd as well. The more I keep seeing Said The Whale, the more they keep turning up a notch for their performances. As you see on the photo, Amanda Putz was introducing to Said The Whale. The funny thing when I encountered her was that her CBC Radio 3 sweater (I think) was drenched because earlier tonight, it was raining. I stayed indoors the whole time. I was lucky to avoid the rain. I did not get to take a lot of photos for Hey Ocean! because the crowd was packed like crazy and tried to take some good shots. Overall, it was an excellent show and the Ottawa crowd loves British Columbia music bands.
Photos from the concert is at this link, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157617341504906/.
Sunday Talk
I still like “Zero” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Finally, Brian Leung played the song on his Go West radio show on RTHK Radio 2. During his show (spoken in Cantonese), he mentioned the passing of Bea Arthur, who played Dorothy Zbornak, in The Golden Girls. I am still fond of the show because I grew up watching this sitcom and mentioned on his chatroom that the show was the Sex and the City at that time.
To round out my exciting week, I had a lion dance performance. It was at a church in Gatineau, QC. It was great to see the lion dance buddies but it was pretty chilly outside and I thought it would be warm for Sunday.
That was my Sunday.
An Evening of Sci-Fi Symphony and Mr. Sulu – S04E22
I am back from my April hiatus and this blog entry will be interesting because on Friday night, I went to The National Arts Centre for NACO’s Pops concert, Sci-Fi Spectacular. What was unique with this concert was that George Takei of Star Trek’s Mr. Sulu was on hand as the narrator for the famous Star Trek theme song and for another song. There were songs from Star Wars, Star Trek, Superman, Harry Potter and 2001: A Space Odyssey that were played. I didn’t expect to go to NAC for this because plans to go to the Black Mountain, Ladyhawk and Pack A.D. at Capital City Music Hall as part of BC Scene, fell through. In a way, I was surprised to enjoy the Sci-Fi Spectacular and getting to meet George Takei at the end of the concert (photo above). What was also ironic was that my bro and I ended up sitting at the front row for the concert. I was like having an “oh crap” moment because I got a good view and having George Takei be several feet (about 8-9 feet) away was fantastic enough. Before the show started, it was almost a sci-fi convention because there were people dressing up as Star Wars characters. It reminded me of the comic and anime convention when I went to Toronto and almost driving myself nuts with it.
Oh yeah, prior to going to NAC, my bro and I decided to hang outside at Capital City Music Hall to see if CBC Radio 3‘s Pedro Mendes and/or Amanda Putz would be around. The answer was yes, I got to see them, even though I wouldn’t be attending the concert. I’m happy I got to meet another Radio 3 personality. No Craig Norris and Grant Lawrence (har har) yet. I wasn’t sure if Pedro would know or heard of me because on CBC Radio 3’s website, I go by WildWorks. All in All, it was a great Friday to enjoy and even the weather was awesome too. Continue reading
Six Years On, Remembering Leslie Cheung and April Hiatus with Shoutouts! – S04E21
Please go to this link from my blog, not this one. This entry was written in 2009, go to the current one!
It’s been six years since Leslie Cheung left the world. So many fans still miss his talents and always on this day, I would be listening to his songs as a way of remembering the impact he had in movies and music in Hong Kong and the world. I never expect to have grown to liking Hong Kong superstars like him and Anita Mui. I still feel a sense a loss that both are no longer around. It’s tough to keep clinging to the past. As usual, fans and myself will always remember Leslie Cheung.
Link from China Star, http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/showbiz/2009-04/01/content_7639286.htm
Cupcakes Galore on a Sunday – S04E20
What’s not to love having cupcakes on a Sunday? I got to attend the first Capital Cupcake Camp at the Jack Purcell Community Centre. From what I heard, Cupcake Camp started in San Francisco, California in 2008 and today’s event make it the largest in attendance. It looked like it was an unexpected surprise because the crowds got bigger and bigger and I was told by a friend that they had to wait 45 minutes to get in. Luckily for my bro and myself, we arrived at the venue an hour earlier and it was nice that my bro got media access as a blogger and photographer. What amazed me was that there was over 3000 cupcakes for the event.
OK, I should stop writing and enjoy viewing the photos that I took on the cupcakes. I know there would be friends and strangers feeling jealous that I got a chance to taste some yummy cupcakes. There was too much sugar rush for today’s event.
Here’s the link to the photos, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157616004012597/. [Account no longer on PRO]
Enjoy!
Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees on Monday Night – S04E19
Monday night was a jam packed night at Zaphod Beeblebrox. There were 3 bands and the headliner being Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees, which totals to four. Plus, it was a free Monday live show, so it was good to check it out at no cost minus the drinks cause I don’t drink. The three other that performed were The Gentlemen Husbands (from Cobourg, ON), The Sound Technicians (from Ottawa) and from the Netherlands, Venus Flytrap.
Onto Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees, it’s my second time to check out Rebekah Higgs live but this time, she’s with this group and the style of music is electro/techno and trip-hop. All I can say that she still looks lovely and most likely one of the hottest Canadian indie female singers around. The group gave an exciting and stunning performance as Rebekah, I mean Ruby Jean kept coming down to the crowd to keep them dancing. I almost fell when she rolled to the floor and getting caught from the microphone cord. I could say that this would be one of my favorite for this year for now. The surprise I got was the group performing a cover song to Heart’s Barracuda. Another surprise I get from Zaphods is that the show went past the 11pm curfew since it was on a Monday and not much is exciting on a Monday night.
Here’s the link to the photos, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157614997728997/
Enjoy!
Went to The Josh Reichmann Oracle Band Concert – S04E18
Last night (Friday), I went to Zaphod Beeblebrox for the Josh Reichmann Oracle Band concert. The two openers were New Teeth and Glenn Nuotio. I did not get to take photos during the headlining band because my brother used the camera throughout the whole time. The photo displayed is during Glenn Nuotio’s performance.
Overall, the 3 performances were excellent. The first band was pumped up because there was more of a female following. Glenn’s performance was mellower and then Josh Reichmann Oracle Band lit up their performance.
New Jacket
Before going to Zaphod’s, I decided to go to Roots in the Byward Market and shop for a new jacket. Thankfully, I got a $100 Roots gift card and what a good way to have a change in fashion come Spring. I went for this track jacket called Liard Track Jacket (link won’t be up for long, it will be temporary). What I didn’t know was that the jacket got the smell of Lush soaps. I couldn’t believe that Lush, next door to Roots can have a strong odor spread over to them. I hope I can I take photos of my new look soon. As you see from the previous entry that I have been wearing my green jacket for over a year. It’s nice to have a change.
Last thing, I didn’t know we have to change our clocks one hour ahead. Well, I am happy as usual because I like to follow Hong Kong time since it’s similar but at different timezones.
Finally Tried Street Fighter IV – S04E17
Yep, I finally got a chance to play Street Fighter IV on the Sony PlayStation 3 at a friend’s house on Thursday night. It was great to see my friend because we haven’t hung around for awhile due to his work and other things. There you see a lame photo of myself playing SF4. What did I think of the game? The graphics are nice and the moveset has been the same except for the changes to the Super moves. It was a confusing to know that there is a new combo called Ultra Combo and another new feature called Focus Attacks. Overall, it’s the same Street Figther and I was happy to Ken, Chun-Li and others. The question remains, which console system to get; PS3 or Xbox 360? I am still having a difficult time on what to choose because of Street Fighter IV.
Who Watches The Watchmen? It’s unlikely I will be getting a chance to watch The Watchmen in theatres because my bro is refusing to go see it with me and I think various friends will be watching it at their planned times. Plus, this friend of mine is still in Boston and wish to watch it with him since we are comic fans. Furthermore, I still haven’t read through my copy of The Watchmen (Absolute Edition) because it’s an oversized hardcover and I am very delicate in keeping my books in good shape.
TV Watching. I am still hooked on watching lots of Gordon Ramsay shows. From The F Word (Food Network Canada link) to Hell’s Kitchen, I am totally hooked on the famous chef swearing alot. I am also watching Survivor: Tocantins and for the life of me, why?! I guess there is not much to watch on Thursday nights but I don’t watch it LIVE because I just record it and watch it later. Thank goodness to PVR.
Another show I really enjoy is CBC’s Being Erica. It’s an excellent series because I wish I could time travel and fix up my own mistake. What’s surprising is that they play Pop music and it’s a Canadian show. It kind of bring me back memories knowing certain songs.
WildWorks 