Iranian Revolutionary Tribunal [Doonesbury]

April 2-14, 1979
...where the Ayatollah's aide is on leave from Iran for a school reunion in America Dr. Ali Mahdavi (class of '74) joins Mark on his local radio show. Ali is here to celebrate his 5th anniversary since graduating from Walden College. What sets Ali apart from the other graduates is that the doctor has spent sometime working for the Ayatollah in Iran on his tribunal.

Sino-Vietnamese War [Doonesbury]

March 12-17, 1979
...where Ambassador Phred responds to China's invasion of Northern Vietnam

Last we heard from Phred, he had just started a job as a United Nations ambassador for Vietnam. Here, he is responding to the embassador of China's tirade during the Sino-Vietnamese war, a brutal war between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. After Vietnam occupied Cambodia (which belonged to the PRC at the time), PRC's government, the Khmer Rouge, fell. The conflict lasted a little more than one month, and what is curious is that both sides claimed victory.

Read more about the Sino-Vietnamese war on Wikipedia.

More Google Health Privacy Concerns

As a follow-up to my original post about the new Google Health product, I came across a Slashdot article with plenty of references supporting my concerns. This is a definite must-read for anyone disturbed with a mega-corporation having full control of your information.

Indiana Jones 4: A summer must-see

Yesterday, we saw the much-anticipated Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I won't bore you with details or reviews, since you can read all about it here, here, here, here, and finally, here. All I can say is, go out and see this movie in the theater if you can, you won't be disappointed. This is, in my opinion, a great way to finish the original franchise, and of course, I am sure we can expect more from Shia LaBeouf soon.

#5. Evergreen (Mostly Autumn)

Title: Evergreen
Artist: Mostly Autumn
Album: The Spirit of Autumn Past
Released: 2002
Genre: Rock

For those who haven't yet discovered the British band Mostly Autumn, I highly recommend you head over to your local record store and purchase "Catch The Spirit: The Complete Anthology". I guarantee you will not regret it. Mostly Autumn was formed in the late 1990's, and their unique amalgamation of rock, folk, and Celtic sounds make this one of the most original bands of the 21st century. They are mostly influenced by the sounds of Pink Floyd, and after listening to this album, it is with no surprise that they are called "Pink Floyd of the 21st Century".

The song "Evergreen" is just one of many that I have already included in my collection. The song starts with the beautiful slow melodic introduction by Heather Findlay, whose heavenly voice sets the tone for a very strong performance. As the title indicates, this song is about a forest called Evergreen. The song progression does an excellent job of following the evolution of this forest. Heather's Celtic musings transport us to the middle of this forest, where we are shown the true beauty of nature.

Keeping the slow rhythm, Bryan Josh plays an amazing guitar solo that compares in style to Roger Waters. When Heather starts singing again to Bryan's playing, you have the impression that the bridge has already been played, and the song is coming to a close.

And then, just when you thought it was over, it starts over again. This time, however, the beat picks up as all 5 band members do what they do best. With the fiddle, keyboards, drums, guitar, and vocals, the song explodes into a finale that is genuine and heartfelt.

If ever there is a song that must be included in any audiophile's collection, it is definitely this one. As a matter of fact, I think every song on this album should be included - they are THAT good!

Google Health launches today

Google has launched its Health online application. This new addition to the Google family can supposedly help you figure out what your body is telling you based on information you feed Google, such as your medical history and medication prescriptions.

Am I the only one that has a problem with this ?

Tracking my Google search engine usage is one thing, but now, not only does Google know where I am, what I am doing, but now, Google knows how I feel and what I should be doing about it. Although Google's Privacy Statement guarantees the information will not be sold to third-party providers, I am sure that my insurance company would have a field day with that information. Not to mention that Google Health's Private Statement is not yet available online as of yet.

For example, if I do some research on Google Health about some horrible disease, does this mean that I am the unfortunate soul who contracted it ? And where does liability end ? The strong disclaimer you sign up for when you first access Google Health ensures that any information provided by you or by Google are not to be taken seriously, and a doctor should always be consulted for serious ailments. However, disclaimers on paper are one thing, and I wonder if the gullibility of the general public would make the distinction between a medical opinion and that of a multi-million dollar corporation.

Another complication is advertising - will Google AdSense now display Viagra ads in addition to wonderful vacation opportunities ? (Thank god for Firefox AdBlock!) And who else would benefit from this, other than the already too-rich pharmaceutical companies ?

Google Health on the surface may be a good idea, but it seems to be a huge conspiracy for multi-million dollar conglomerates to profit off the backs of an ignorant public.

#4. Way Down (Elvis Presley)

Title: Way Down
Artist: Elvis Presley
Released: 2002
Genre: Early Classic Rock
Rating: 4 hip-sways out of 5

I think everyone should have at least one or Elvis songs in their music collection. Of course, everyone is familiar with hits such as Jailhouse Rock and Hound Dog, but with over 800 Elvis singles to pick from, some simply stand out more than others. One of these songs is called Way Down, and was released in 1977 as the last single before he passed away.

This was a sad year for Elvis, as drugs and alcohol rendered him incapable of performing during the last days of his life. Tours were cancelled, and fans were disappointed. It was therefore with some relief when the song Way Down was released. On the studio album, he sounds like the Elvis everyone knew. If only for an instant, the King of Rock 'N' Roll was still with his fans. With an energetic back beat, and a hip-swaying melody, the song quickly filled the gaps of emptiness the fans had experienced for so long, and if only for a brief period, Elvis Presley was back in the spotlight.

If there is ever an Elvis song to include in your collection, it would be this one.

Quotable lyrics

The medicine within me
No doctor could prescribe

#3. Paris (Andy Stochansky)

Title: Paris
Artist: Andy Stochansky
Album: Five Star Motel
Released: 2002
Genre: Easy Listening / Pop
Rating: 3 French oui's out of 5

Andy Stochansky is a versatile Canadian artist who moved from banging on drums to a successful solo singing career. His songs have been compared to those of Chris Martin of Coldplay, and his wide range of vocals makes all of the songs on this album a beautiful orchestra of sound. What makes this song unique from the rest of the album are the lyrics. Andy does a wonderful job of putting us in the mind of a woman daydreaming of living in Paris. In essence, the song reflects this woman's free spirit, and given the opportunity, she would escape her dull life in an instant. Maybe you can't escape your routine and responsibilities, but if you are looking for a musical escapade, take the journey to Paris, it's well worth it.

Quotable lyrics

She is dreaming at work today
That she's from Paris
Walks with a bright bouquet
And her fake accent coworkers like

#2. I Heard It Through The Grapevine (CCR)

Title: I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival
Album: Cosmo's Factory
Released: 1970
Genre: Classic Rock

Why this song rocks
John Fogerty (guitar) and Doug Clifford (drums) pound out an amazing 7-minute solo.

What this song is about
The narrator comes back after being away from home, only to hear that his girlfriend dumped him for another guy. He can't seem to cope with the loss, and we see him struggle to bounce back before confronting her about the situation.

What I think about the music
Today's song choice is a cover of the classic song "I Heard It Through The Grapevine". The song was originally written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. It was made popular in 1967 by soulful artist Marvin Gaye, and his rendition quickly made it as a #1 hit in 1968. His version was voted as one of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Soul music is powerful - it coveys feelings of heartfelt emotions, and those familiar with the works of Curtis Mayfield and Isaac Hayes can attest to that. Comprised mostly of slow songs with a melodic back beat, soul music tells a story, usually of love lost, but also of survival and moving on. Only CCR can maintain the soulful composition of the song, while adapting it to a classic rock melody with gripping guitar and drum solos.

The first 5 minutes of the song mimics the original in melody and lyrics. John Fogerty's voice can belt out those high notes with ease, and his guitar playing is unmatched, making him one of the most versatile guitar players of all time.

The rest of the song (approximately 7 minutes) is a unique collaboration with drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford (hence the word "Cosmo" in the album title) in one of the most amazing guitar solos in classic rock history. John continues to capture the essence of the song by adapting his guitar style to a soulful blues melody, and Doug keeps the rhythm going as only he can. Halfway through the solo, however, the roles are reversed as John appears to be leading Doug in a crescendo of drum-pounding and string-plucking chaos until the song fades, leaving you with wanting more.

Okay, maybe Creedence Clearwater Revival's version did not make it to #1, but this rockin' remake did make it to my list, if only because of its originality and creativity.


Quotable lyrics

I know that a man ain't supposed to cry,
But these tears I can't hold inside.
Losin' you would end my life you see,
Cause you mean that much to me.

#1. 7-11 (Buddy Guy)

[Song of the Day]

Title: 7-11
Artist: Buddy Guy
Album: Slippin' In
Released: 1994
Genre: Blues

Why this song rocks
Anybody who's ever been (or soon will be) in a dead-end relationship can relate.

What this song is about
The story appears to be about Buddy's relationship with a girl he is clearly in love with, but feels left out because she's partying all of the time (hence the 7 to 11 reference). He is struggling with the decision to let her go, despite the advice of his mother, who can clearly see that he can do much better.

What I think about the music
Buddy Guy has captured the essence of the story, and we can relate to him during his many solos (despite this song being only 7 minutes). You can almost hear him crying as his fingers dance across the fret board, as only Buddy Guy can do, and includes a fantastic piano solo by the one and only Johnny Johnson (Johnny worked in collaboration with greats such as Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters). The song is full of soulful yearning for years when their relationship was at its peak, making this song a definite listen-to for any blues aficionado.

Quotable lyrics

Oh, Son you've got to let her go
Can't you see this a woman got her game up tight
She said son get your hat and get your coat
Or she will never treat you right

If you like this, you will enjoy:
"Someday After A While" by Eric Clapton
"Stormy Monday" by Gary Moore
"Tin Pan Alley" by Stevie Ray Vaughan.

5,589 songs and counting...

My wife and I very eclectic taste in music. We listen to everything from classical to heavy metal. In fact, music was what brought us together. Over the years, both her and I have amassed over 5,500 songs (all legally bought, of course). We don't always agree, but there is very little that we refuse to listen to - those that know us know what not to play when we come over!

But surely, out of 5,589 songs, some stand out more than others. And why ? Well, you're about to witness the analysis of some of the most original songs in our collection, and why I decided to include it into the newly opened "QGeek Music Hall of Fame".

Please enjoy, as sure I am sitting here writing this, some will agree with my selection, and others will not. Music transcends all senses, making it a truly personal experience for each listener. If you don't agree, please leave a comment. If you agree, leave a comment. Heck, just leave a comment.

Not available in Canada, Part 1

I was under the impression we were living in a global marketplace. After all, someone living in the U.S. can call India for a technical support problem or order the coolest laptops from Japan. But if you live in Canada, your choices are unfortunately limited. I have come across many sites where not only am I treated like I have infiltrated the CIA (cease & desist), I have no choice but to conclude there is a conspiracy theory to prevent Canadians from getting access to the coolest ideas on the Net.

In this first part of a series of posts, I will try to find out why this is. Right now, my hunches point to one source: the government. Canada appears to be over-regulated, especially in the field of telecommunications and anything related to transmission of information. By now, most Canadians in the Ottawa area are aware of data throttling being performed by the almighty Bell and Rogers. If this continues, the big cable companies (with help from strict CRTC regulations) will continue to thrive, while new technologies will slide by the wayside.

I, for one, am fed up with this "U.S. Only" attitude. One such example is Hulu HD. Hulu, unlike other video streaming sites, offers free, full content in High Definition. Upon entering the page, I immediately get a pop-up, saying that I can browse the site all I want, but if I need to be a U.S. resident to be able to watch anything. Thanks, but I think I'll pass.

Ever hear of Woot ? Here, you can find cool electronic gadgets at up to 60% off the retail price. Even in U.S. dollars (especially now that the dollar is almost at par), this is a significant savings, especially since the markup on electronics is extremely higher than it is in the U.S. Nope - not available in Canada.

We, as Canadians, must constantly fight for the survival of our unique culture. How can we fight when we don't have the tools to do so ?

If you know of any other Canadian-excluded sites or offers, please let me know about them, and I will make sure to publish them.

Guitar Hero on Crackberry: a good idea ?

I recently came across an article talking about a version of the popular console game "Guitar Hero" for the Blackberry and other mobile devices. As if the game itself wasn't addictive enough, adding it to the Blackberry lineup can only serve to feed typical obsessive compulsive behaviours normally associated with typical users of these devices, namely teenagers.

Don't get me wrong - I personally love the game. I have had the chance to play it numerous times on my friends' consoles, and just fell in love with it right away. The graphics are first-rate, and the originality of the game play makes any player stand up and take notice.

Yet, that is not what makes this game unique.

For decades, we have used all sorts of devices to control objects on a screen: paddles, joysticks, game pads, mouse, keyboard, etc... What makes Guitar Hero such a phenomenon is the unique way of taking a common object (such as a guitar) and turning it into an interactive device that makes you, the player, completely responsible for the way the game looks and sounds. And the controls are so simple - five buttons, a strum bar, and a whammy bar are all you need to sound like Jimmy Page on steroids.

Sure, the game feeds into our fantasies. After all, who hasn't dreamed of one day walking up on stage and performing in front of a live audience ? But that is what makes the console game so unique - the look and feel of the game. When I am holding the guitar controller by the neck, and strumming those notes as they whiz by, I am immediately immersed in a truly realistic simulation.

That is where the Crackberry version loses me. I am having a hard time picturing myself on a crowded bus, constantly thumbing my way across the top row keys. It would seem to me that all I would get is a sore thumb! Not to mention the wear and tear it would place on those keys. (Have you ever tried to type without the letter "E" ? It's not prtty.)

No, I think I'll wait until I can afford to get an Xbox or a PS3. And if I can't wait, my friends are only a phone call away.