The smartgun

by | Sep 19, 2013

Introducing the Smartgun. The ordinary handgun is useless but for one thing.  It can’t be used as a doorstop, a paper weight, bottle opener or hammer. The handgun exists for one reason: To shoot people. People might buy a handgun saying it’s only for...

Ugly is beautiful; beautiful is ugly

by | Jul 15, 2013

What if the ugly is beautiful and the beautiful is ugly? How would that reversal change our value system? These are questions for intellectuals much deeper than I, but I found myself wondering what constitutes beauty and, conversely, what constitutes ugly? I can only...

The Pope of Hope

by | Feb 11, 2013

Pope Benedict 16 is resigning, February 28, due to failing health. This will be the first resignation in 600 years. Most Popes die on the throne although it might take a few days to realize they’re dead. Cardinals around the world are gathering to elect a new...

Campus radio

by | Dec 23, 2012

The most powerful person at CYVR was the woman who operated the cash register at the the cafeteria. There was a dial on the wall beside her. If she didn’t like the music – which was often – she could turn off  CYVR  or turn it down. There’d be...

The Not So Faceless Rock Of Ages

by | Dec 23, 2012

It took a few months but I finally saw the film Rock Of Ages. Rock Of Ages is a rock musical starring Tom Cruise as a decadent rock star and features  covers of songs by Journey, Foreigner, Night Ranger, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar. The place is Hollywood, the time is 1987,...

Anatomy of a hit

by | Mar 14, 2012

The chairman of the board of a major record company has a product meeting with his head Artists and Repertoire man. “Here it is,” says the A&R guy. “Our latest single.” “Who’s it by.” “Who knows? Who cares?”...