Happy New Year :D

Yes, my New Year greeting is a tad early for the timezone I currently reside in (Eastern -5 GMT), but as Mr. Fox from the famous Foxtrot cartoon said, "It is midnight somewhere".

Two of the biggest thrills from 2011 were befriending my Richmond pal and future Youtube sensation Winchester Red, and discovering that up and coming band from Nashville :D No, they are not the Predators; they are "The Nearly Deads"!
Other highlights include the CTFxC wedding of Charles & Alli Trippy, and becoming semi-compotent at playing the piano and guitar! I expect big things come 2012, and it would be awesome to share all the good times with you and all my blog readers and friends ^_^ Thanks again, and have an awesome New Year!

Being Girl Crazy and Other Tangents

If it wasn't for the Oakland Athletics trading away the 2010 American League Rookie of the Year Andrew Bailey to the Red Sox, then today would be a good day for me >_< Meh, it is what it is (Phil throws Wii Remote at wall). What?

Am I Girl Crazy?

During the Christmas holidays, the lead singer for the music group The Nearly Deads, the band I follow on Twitter and sometimes talk about on this blog, considered dyeing her hair last week. Thankfully, TJ did not change her hair as her current shade is PLATINUM, and I like PLATINUM...a lot. PLATINUM takes blonde to a whole other level, drives me crazy, and makes me type the word as such: PLATINUM in all capital letters. I'm also a fan of blondes, redheads, and brunettes, and girls with black hair; all of these shades are tied for first with PLATINUM, but I don't capitalize those like I do PLATINUM. Does this make me weird or just wired differently?

I do notice other shades, which are not as prevalent and maybe rarer than PLATINUM. Violet or purple hair is making the rounds in my town, and was once a lyric in a Nickelback song years ago (Don't quote me on that o_O). Sidenote: Also making the rounds is the current fashion of shaving off the hair from one half of your head. I don't mind this practice because most hairstyles, if not all the ones I encountered in life, tend to grow on me and finish in a tie for first place (I sported the BALD cut in high school: Me being BALD was not fun). I do have two questions about the "Half-Style" (?): What does it mean, and who started it? Hayley Williams of Paramore posted her portrait on Twitter with this bizarre look, and I admit I liked it! Nevertheless, according to the Rock Band video game, she doesn't remember what her original hair colour was before she started dyeing her hair, so her air of mystery increases by one billion! o_O Was this the first time she did the "Half-Style"? Why am I drawn to the "Half-Style"? Who came up with the "Half-Style"? Will I ever do the "Half-Style?" Are you crazy? What kind of question is that? Who am I talking to? o_O Where was I?

No, I did not stare at this photo of
Taylor Swift for 25 minutes and 14 seconds! >_<

Oh yeah, am I weird? No, I'm not weird for believing all hair colours are tied for first place, and awarding all hairstyles with the gold medal ("Half-Style" included). No matter what hairstyle and hair colour my future wife currently sports, I will still find Taylor Swift, o_O I MEAN, that random, mysterious, and sparkling young lady to be all the more lovable with each passing day. As for being girl crazy, I could just be over-thinking the issue; yes, I am looking for someone, but I should keep my emotions in check so I'm not staring all over the place and creeping people out!

Speaking as a fan of TND, I can't really picture TJ with any other hair colour than PLATINUM. I associate her with that colour, the same way I picture Hayley Williams as a redhead, or Taylor Swift with blonde hair, or even Taylor Swift with blonde hair ^_^ (What? o_O). Anyway, the Nearly Deads' lead guitarist Steve Tobi, drummer Cory Walen, and new bassist Keith Lee are cool cats as well; their music is well worth a listen to ^_^ Note to self: Turn to The Nearly Deads for guidance in case of zombie infestation o_O I'll like whatever hair colour TJ decides to go with in the future, and I appreciate her letting all TND fans on Twitter know what she's up to ^_^
Speaking of new bands following me on Twitter, a band called Throwing Gravity is after me o_O Is this because of that Inversion trailer I clicked on a couple days ago?! I'll see what these guys are about, and tell you more about them later. Apparently, TG and TND share the same record producer, Jon King ^_^ Hooray for lightning quick research skills (Google)!

Greatest Day Ever ^_^

What is the difference between a regular day, and the Greatest Day Ever? What constitutes a bad day, and if some of the details about that day are not involved, would that day be just a regular day or a better day?

NFL quarterback Philip Rivers suffered his "worst day ever" following a loss this season. What is the makeup behind the "Greatest Day Ever" and why don't we feel that way everyday?

On the whole, all if not most would agree everyone should have a good day: In general, safety on the roads, gas in the tank, shoes on the feet, food on the table, et cetera. The reality, of course, is not everyone does; in the global sense, those reading this blog that have access to at least one of the previously listed 'reasons' are among the richest people in the world, according to the global standard of living. Where does all this come from?

Natural selection is not the answer to that question, because that is the crutch corruption would use to justify, if not continue or further, the current exploitation of the political, economic, or social structure(does that make sense? o_O). Do we have the rights to road safety, gasoline, and appropriation of goods and services? That is a more difficult question to answer; rights are won on a battlefield, whether on physical borders or through spiritual testing, yes? If so, then did we stop fighting and why? These are simplistic questions meant to generate discussion; I understand it is more complex than that, as I am just putting it out there. Nevertheless, the elements behind a good day or a bad day are at our fingertips, correct? No matter what occurs, our 'greatest day ever' hinges on how we feel and what happens, yes? Well, no...

Good times abound for Phil Kessel (right) & Co. in this picture. Now that the Leafs are slumping, do the good times continue for the Buds?

Someone I know used this phrase when I visiting a church many months ago, and it had a profound effect on how I view life on day-to-day basis. Of course, I'm not an expert and I don't have all the answers; isn't it obvious: I'm a Leafs fan, for crying out loud?! I don't know what is around EVERY corner, but whatever happens I know God went before me and checked it out. Whatever happens at each corner, so long as I turn my eyes toward Him, I will be alright. I try to keep this perspective wherever I am, and in whatever I'm doing, and saying like these help out a lot:

"You DESERVE Hell, but you are GOING to Heaven: You ARE having a good day." - Robbie Symons, Senior Pastor, Harvest Bible Chapel, Oakville.

The goal, therefore, is not to let horizontal blessings and hindrances dictate how one feels during the day, or if a day can be the 'greatest'. By understanding that vertical blessing, which God gave in all sovereignty, a person can have a "good day" in spite of everything that is happening around her (good and bad). No matter if you are Phil Wood, Phil Kessel, Philip Rivers, Movie Star Glasses Girl, or Steve Bartman, everyone heads toward and deserves the Worst Day Ever, which does not end, but each person can have a great day so long as they understand what God did for them before they thought of asking. It takes a humble heart, and faith to reach out and have that "good day" every day, and while things don't get easier, things get you less in a mess when put against the Big Picture ^_^

Additional references (People, who can say the same thing I just said, better with fewer words and more meaning)
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Philip Yancey, The Bible Jesus Read

^_^ Have a good day!

LIVE Blogging to Soccer o_O

I can't remember the last time I wrote about soccer, but I will try to write this while watching this replay of Newcastle United versus West Bromwich Albion from this previous round of games from the English Premier League (OH, LOOK AT THIS!).

Watching soccer games, and previously playing soccer games on my computer, can be a trying experience for other people in the same house. There is a lot of screaming (kick the ball away; don't play with your food, son), asking the television questions (where are you shooting?), and otherwise going bananas (That's not right! He should get a card; good, it's yellow).

Whether it's a Champions League group stage match or kids playing the park, it can be a joy to watch for those not caught up in the politics and cynicism from football federations, analysts and critics like me (That ball is up near Saturn now!). Albion won 3-2, how about that? (Albion players gone bananas, Albion fans gone bananas, Albion manager Hodgson...shaking hands and not smiling o_O)

Switching channels to another game: Manchester City versus Stoke City on Sportsnet. Right now the score is 3-0 to City o_O, Man City (Oh, look at this!). If you notice, there are words in parentheses; as I typed the regular words in this blog, I am saying something about the action on the television screen. Stoke City's manager is Tony Pulis; he likes to wear baseball caps when he is on the sidelines. You gotta respect a man that likes wearing hats; not off to the side, or tilted so the cap comes over the eye, and makes the wearer look like a pirate, but straight on. Dad says there are two ways to wear baseball caps, and the second one is when you are not wearing a baseball cap o_O That used to confuse me, too. In this replayed game, the hat is not a snapback, but a belt-back o_O, if there is such a thing (He's just dancing around the ball; just take it!). Speaking of hats, I received more Major League Baseball fitted hats last week: The new Blue Jays hat, which is actually BLUE this year, and the cartoony Orioles hats. I should post a video blog about my collection soon.

Oh wow, some guy on Stoke punched a dude from Man City in the face! It's not like taking an arrow in the knee, but it hurts like mad! At least the referee saw it, and elected to let play through; referees do that nowadays, don't you know. What do I mean? I mean they see things ^_^ LOL.

Korea On My Mind

I was correct when I thought it was awhile since I last wrote for "Just Phil". Right now, I have Utopia playing on iTunes, so forgive me for being detached or otherwise distracted when I started writing (Listening to the Utopia tune "Wildlife" from the "POV" Album ^_^; eventually, I turned off the music. Guess where I stopped the music; I think you will be pleasantly surprised)

On a serious note, however, there is mixed reaction to the news of embattled and controversial North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il's passing. Scenes of mass mourning in the capital city of Pyongyang aired all over the world, from news media outlets to YouTube; the video was one of them:


Kim Jong-Il had numerous opponents, if not enemies, all over the world. The 38th parallel is the border that separates communist North Korea from the democratic South Korea; since the end (?) of the Korean War in 1953 the tension and uncertainty between the two nations grew with each passing year: North Korea and the United States signed the ceasefire agreement, but South Korea did not. Therefore, as a friend of mine visited the 38th parallel a year or so ago, you will see scenes like this:



This is not a rant or asking the question 'can you spot the actor?'. There are millions of people on the northern side of the 38th parallel, millions south of that border, and many more billions affected by what decisions the deceased's son and new North Korean ruler Kim Jong-un (?), his subordinates, and other allies/enemies. A prayer must go to Koreans of all stripes as their concerns about family, welfare, security, and the future need swift and positive answers. These are real people with major concerns and they need, first and foremost, our thoughts and prayers. Politics aside, I think all of Korea needs at least one moment of peace, and maybe more scenes like this:



Since I'm on Christmas vacation, I will try to be a little more active with this blog: Last week, I was in a hurry to finish my work before going on holidays, so I could only write a couple things on my hockey blog "Behind Blue Lines".

You know what is a great Utopia tune? The live "Midnight Special" version of "Freedom Fighters" ^_^

Tebow NEEDS to TEBOW

Since starting "Just Phil" or any of the sports blogs I also maintain, I refrained from commenting on the sport of American football. This, however, is more than a football story.

What is tebowing?

Since his first start of the 2011 NFL campaign against the Dolphins in Miami, Denver Broncos star quarterback Tim Tebow captured the hearts and minds of the football world from fantasy team pundits to little kids, from die-hard fans to occasional channel surfers, and from adults looking for something to believe and kids looking for heroesto believe in. After winning another epic, back-and-forth battle in Minnesota against the Vikings, the Broncos won six of their last seven games since Tebow became the starting quarterback. Coupled with the notoriety for winning football games by 'miraculous finishes' is the notoriety Tim Tebow receives for his public displays of his faith before, during, and after football games: Praying on the field.

Why is this a problem for so many people? For one hour on Sunday, Tim Tebow requires an extra amount from God, not to win the game, but to get through the day in one piece, so he kneels and prays. I'm not an expert or a mind reader, but from following him from his Heisman trophy, and national championship winning days at the University of Florida, I hope he is praying for the safety of all the players at the game, the fans in the stands, and all people who love football, in general.

Why does Tim Tebow pray on the field? Perhaps a better question requires a more compelling answer: What happens during that provokes Tim Tebow to pray on the field? Better still, what happened during the week leading up to the game that provokes Tim Tebow to pray on the field during a Broncos game? Let's start from the end of the Thursday night game against the New York Jets on November 17th.

1. Prayer huddle after the game with football players from both teams thanking God for the ability to play and for the safety of the players during the game.
2. Post-game on field interview with NFL Network broadcasters and former players.
3. Post-game interviews in locker room.
4. Drive back on clogged highways from the stadium.
5. Return to team facility to rehab.
6. Attend team meetings on Monday and Tuesday, possible discussion with coach John Fox, review game film.
7. Rehab minor injuries because tackling hurts o_O
8. Team practice with pads on Wednesday.
9. Press conference for quarterbacks across the NFL on Wednesday.
10. Review film on next week's opponent, which would the San Diego Chargers, on November 27th.
11. Memorize new set of plays from playbook for the San Diego game.
12. Improve on passing drills so not to be one-dimensional on the field.
13. Learn which teammates are out, questionable, or probable to play in the upcoming game.
14. Another interview with someone from NFL Network.
15. Team discussion about gameplan before flying to San Diego for the Sunday game.
16. Flight to San Diego.
17. Bus to hotel.
18. Fans of both teams waiting for Broncos bus at stadium; some are shouting words of encouragement, and others are shouting. o_O
19. Pre-game warmups and prayer.
20. Pre-game banter from Chargers fans talking about what the defense will do to Tim Tebow when he is on the field (I'm paraphrasing o_O).
21. San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers wants to shake hands and say something before the game.
22. San Diego coach Norv Turner wants to shake hands and say something before the game.
23. The small defensive players Tebow analyzed on game film during the week look much bigger in person. o_O
24. On-field distractions (goofy mascot, fans with too much beer, fans with too much makeup, fans without shirts, fans without common sense, cheerleaders, etc.).
25. The national anthem, and final opportunity to prepare thoughts for game.
26. First offensive possession of the game for Denver Broncos.
27. First huddle and recall of opening play to start drive.
28. First look at defense before taking the snap.
29. Audible at the line?
30. HUT!

These are only thirty of the things Tim Tebow must deal with on an ongoing basis. To repeat this process week after week, and maintain that vertical perspective on life and ultimate dependence on God to stay up for one more day, one more game, and one more play requires not only faith, but intense courage as well. Tim Tebow doesn't want to pray during the game; Tim Tebow NEEDS to pray! WE NEED TIM TEBOW TO PRAY!

NFL critics and former players voted Colts quarterback Peyton Manning as the eighth greatest football player of all-time; that is eighth of about tens of thousands of players over ninety plus years of professional football. Manning's mental approach, passing prowess, physical ability, and leadership are valuable assets to any football team, and without him calling the plays on the field his Indianapolis Colts are without a win so far this season. Tim Tebow doesn't list very highly on a lot of football top tens, but he more than makes up for his ugly passes and scrambling ways with what you can't teach: Desire, determination, dedication, the ability to lower the shoulder and run through "Revis Island" for one more yard, or break containment and run for twenty yards on a last second touchdown, the know-how to throw a stiff arm to extend a play against a hostile defense hungry for victory in their stadium, and the belief in a 1-4 team to score 15 points with less than five minutes to go in the fourth quarter to TIE the game.

Tim Tebow has it, and whatever he lacks he...prays for, because it is not by his strength he does all those 'miraculous' things on the field, but only by 'His strength' alone. No doubt there are teammates and management types of the Denver Broncos, who do not share Tim Tebow's beliefs, but they are just as excited and willing to support Tebow on this improbable an unconventional journey.

Whatever the outcome, whether it is a Super Bowl, conference final, playoff game, or whatever, it defies convention, but it feels so right to be a part of ^_^

Yea, Tebow! ^_^

Board Games: The Blog Series (Part 3)

CHURCH GAMES

PIT: No one knew how it got there, but we knew why it left. It sat in the Youth Cabinet in my church for many months. Unopened and undisturbed at the back of the third shelf from the bottom behind to the table tennis racquets, Bibles, and various Sunday School papers. I noticed the small red box marked PIT in old-fashioned lettering, but because of its age I thought it wasn't a kids game (No, I thought it would be boring).

After many months of curious looks and using it as a divider to keep the table tennis balls from rolling off the shelf, and onto the floor, I decided to pull it from the bowels of the Youth Cabinet! With my arm still intact, I pulled out the box and managed to also drop a pair of table tennis balls on the floor -_- Inside, the box consisted of playing cards, rules, and a bell, which you could find at the front desk of many a hotel establishment. I read the rules, and then examine the cards listing items such as CORN and WHEAT and THE BULL o_O It wasn't long before I understood how to play, and reading the cards made me hungry for corn on the cob, bread, and beef ^_^

WOO HOO! Homer Simpson, what are you doing here? o_O

Weeks later, the church held a congregational meeting (pizza lunch; we like food ^_^). In an effort to find something fun to do, while our parents talked about church budgets and administrative updates, I got the guys together and pulled out the PIT card game from the Youth Cabinet. It took only three minutes to teach them how to play, but for the next thirty minutes to an hour all our parents heard from inside the Youth Room were words such as "TWO!", "FIVE!", "ROBIN, STOP CHEATING!", "NOT BARLEY?!", and "DON'T GIVE ME THAT BEAR CARD, YOU GOOF!" (Hi Robin; oh, and that last one was me...! o_O). It was amazing that such an old game could find a new life among teenagers, who never heard of PIT before! Yet, we had a ball playing a stock trading game in the church...wait, what?

The next week, we couldn't find PIT. We searched the whole of the Youth Cabinet, and the entire Youth Room for the red box and service bell; both disappeared. No one bothered with PIT for the months it was here, but after one raucous and enjoyable game it disappeared from the shelf inside the Youth Cabinet. I bought the PIT card game, and it sits in my collection of board and card games, but since that wonderful Sunday in March years ago I never played it. Nevertheless, PIT will always be one of my favourite games. ^_^

Board Games: The Blog Series (Part 2)

MONOPOLY + NHL = EMPIRE MANIA?!

Yes, it's true. Back in the 1980s, the National Hockey League marketing group licensed a Monopoly-themed board game, and called it "Empire Mania". I own a copy of the game, and from the box cover the game looks less like actual hockey playing and more like Uncle Pennybags' beard wearing, hipster cousin that is wearing a suit he pulled off a rack driving and flying all over North America, and chasing all the women in town -_-

If you remember your hockey history, then you know during the 1980s the twenty-one team NHL had two conferences: The Campbell Conference and the Prince of Wales Conference. Each consisted of two divisions: The Norris and Smythe resided in the Campbell Conference, while the Adams and Patrick were in the Prince of Wales Conference (think of the Campbell as West, and the Prince of Wales as East). The Patrick Division consisted of six teams, while the other three featured five teams in theirs; hence, a twenty-one team league o_O In Empire Mania, players had to purchase and sell as many teams as they could to earn a monopoly with the winner claiming the Stanley Cup. Funny how you had to BUY the Stanley Cup in order to WIN. Empire Mania also had weird teams such the Quebec Nordiques, which occupied the space Monopoly gamers would refer to as "Boardwalk", and you could buy the Winnipeg Jets for a million dollars. That's right: ONE MILLION DOLLARS (cue music)
Classic board games, in spite of accuracy issues, are cool collector's items ^_^ It's always nice to whip out the old Empire Mania board game with friends, some of which don't know a thing about hockey, and have a good time playing it. You don't need to know the history of the Washington Capitals to know how to play, or know what the tag-up offside rule is ^_^ Which reminds me...


TEXAS HOLD 'EM + NHL = ICE BREAKER

I bought it when I was driving around Toronto last year. I never took it out of the box; I'm scared!

Board Games, The Blog Series (Part 1)

NO HARD FEELINGS: RISK

Before we talk about something I dislike, last week I told my older sister about something else I dislike: I hate Winnie the Pooh. She ordered me to renounce my heretical views of Christopher Robin, otherwise she would change the locks on the house, and thus banish me from the family forever. When cooler heads prevailed, I was still in the family, and my key still works ^_^ Don't know about her, she is fine with my views on the failings, I MEAN, history of early childhood entertainment.

RISK is the popular, turn based, world domination strategy game owned and played by millions. Players move multi-coloured army units and occupy territories on a game board depicting a political map of the world; success or failure of invasions or defenses hinged on the roll of the dice. In my early teens, I enjoyed playing RISK at Young Adults nights at the church on Fridays. There were other board games I enjoyed playing as well: Classics such as Axis & Allies, SORRY (I am happy I never won that game; more on that in a later blog post, if you are interested), Scrabble, Monopoly, and Diplomacy. I call Diplomacy 'everything RISK is without dice', and I could regale you with stories of strained marriages, broken friendships, and blood feuds going back decades, but that is for another day. If you want to make friends at a Games night, don't play Diplomacy; if you want to send a message about where you stand, well, that is where our story begins...

As I said earlier, RISK was a game I enjoyed. Mind you, most of the time my friends/opponents from the neighbourhood north of the church would play long into the night, and well after I lost my last army fighting for the independence of Brazil (this one is for you, Tom). It was not only RISK that circle dominated in, but in the youth group in general. Those guys were always the focus, better at public speaking, among the first to learn how to drive, play varsity, get baptized, get girlfriends, get married, etc. I was the goofy kid, who everyone liked, but not much else, at least I don't think? They are good guys, all of them, but I wasn't...you know, 'any good'. To add insult to injury, one of the popular guys had the same name as me, which made everything very confusing. As a Bible joke, one of the sponsors suggested we have names like "Phil the Greater", which is me because I was older, and then "Phil the Lesser". This also made things worse, in particular with my psyche, because I thought I was "Phil the Lesser" because less people wanted to talk to me, or know what I was thinking. That was a sidenote; the real issue is RISK: Why do I hate RISK?

I didn't know Rodney Harrison played RISK? Oh wait...

I don't really hate RISK, but the memories I associate with RISK are depressing and sorrowful. I am thinking of one particular Friday all-nighter the guys from our youth group held at the church. To start the night off on the right foot, we all put the fold-up tables together, sat down, and played a giant game of RISK with "special rules" for the night. That night's game of RISK started like it usually did with the popular guys taking the lead, and the n00bs/visiting kids on the outside looking in before the second hour into the game. Not surprisingly, I was one of the n00bs quickly backed into a corner of the globe, and no longer a threat to anyone else in the game. However, I did notice one of the guys, as former NFL defensive back Rodney Harrison said, "did not take his foot off the gas".

This is the part where I say his name, but I'm not going to do that. Forgiveness is difficult, for some more than others, but it is necessary if you desire to move forward with your life. To hold a grudge over a game is silly, but what happened that night shaped my life in a particular way. Again, my issue is not what him, but with the game.

As I said, the player wanted to finish the job and remove me from the game completely. As any assistance at this point was not forthcoming, I rolled a single die in a vain and fruitless attempt to save my one army in a bid to defend Brazil to the last man (Again, Brazil! Tom!). Alas, my game was finally over, and me and some of the other kids grabbed some food in the kitchen. Hours after the RISK game finished, I returned to the empty table to find those "special rules" one of the leaders scribbled onto little bits of paper, which he inserted to spice up the game. My rule was to "defend South America to the last man", of which I failed miserably -_- (Tom is going to tackle me for this). There were several bits of paper bandied about on the table, so I retrieved each one and put them back in the box. Near the end of that exercise, I read one of the papers and immediately sat down in the chair to save from falling over in disbelief. This "special rule" was unlike the others, because it shone a light onto why that other player, from earlier in the game, kept after me and avoided all others. I can still read the block letters written on the ruled strip of paper with an HB pencil.

"Eliminate Phil (W)"

Why would someone write that? Why would someone write only that? Why was no one there to help? Why did I never play in the game past hour number two? Why was this rule so easy to enforce or play through, as no one else made a significant effort to stop it (within the 'rules' of the game)? Why would the player, if not everyone, be the one to win once I was gone from the game? I always wondered why I was never really part of that circle, and by reading too much into what "eliminate Phil (W)" meant, I understood why. RISK was a microcosm of my Youth group experience: I was that outside kid, who people liked, but wasn't part of any group or cliche. I was just there being a goofball, and from "eliminate Phil (W)" I thought I wasn't really wanted around as much as I thought.

In my massive collection of board games gathering dust, I don't own a copy of RISK. I had a RISK computer game on my PC from years ago, but I never bothered to download another copy on my new laptop. Whenever I see RISK at a department store or some of the younger guys talking about RISK the computer game, I look away to avoid thinking about RISK or getting caught up in the conversation. No doubt the burden of RISK will follow me right into the grave, unless I exorcise it. How do you exorcise a 'hatred' for a board game? I don't really hate RISK; what I hate is the memory I attached to RISK from that night almost two decades ago. How do you forget something like that? I thought I could do it with Scrabble, but what I call the "Bobby Fischer" phenomenon kicks in (the better you are at playing a game, the less people want to be around you when you play it). Alas, RISK is always in capital letters in my mind.

There was a reunion of the old youth group a year or so ago, and one of the selling points to me was a game of RISK just like old times; I decided against attending long before they asked, because I believed I knew where I stood with the group: Outside. "No one wants me there." I thought, "I'll probably end up alone at some random table reading the rules of some random board game."

"It's not worth the risk."

State of Fashionable *Finger Snap ^_^

LA DI DA: Slim Casual Double Zip Up Coat ^_^

Sorry this blog post was late coming, I was crying earlier in the day. Why can't I blog and cry at the same time? Maybe because I was crying at work, and instead of blogging I was working, so blogging and crying would be impossible, and it would get me fired. I wasn't crying over work or about work, but it was during work, so I can't count it as working as crying isn't work. Although, I managed to finish work while keeping my composure, and thus not get tear stains on my work (I did knock over a water bottle today, but that wasn't why I was crying). What was I talking about again?

Moving on...Hey, look at that!

FASHION FAUX PAS: Ok to collect, not to wear!

Something that helped to lift my spirits was what I received in the mail: Two new jackets! One 'light grey' and the other 'navy' like in the picture above ^_^ I never wore a navy jacket before, and it goes with most of my baseball hats: I can wear my Yankees hat, my Twins hats, two of my five Padres hats, one of my Nationals hats, and my Marlins hat! Oh wait...never mind. The designers modelled the jacket after leather motorcycle jackets as seen on "The Wild One" with Marlon Brando, minus the leather, second meaningless zipper, and the ability to act...

Woo, look at that hat! I can zip the jacket all the way, and then fold the collar for a faux turtleneck ^_^ At least, that is what I think they are called: Faux Turtlenecks? Mind you, it is November and the weather is little bit on the chilly side, but things should improve come the weekend, and with that comes a dress shirt, solid coloured red tie, and a NATIONALS baseball cap! YAA! XD #CheeseFTW! Cue the Music! Wow, I really need a girlfriend.

In all seriousness, you risk being pushed around in the nerd circle for wearing one of those Marlins hats. They are unique, to say the least, and they make anyone that wears them stand out from the crowd, and instantly produce conversation starters such as...

• Why is Phil wearing that Marlins hat?
• Why is Phil surrounded by bikers for wearing that Marlins hat?
• Why are those bikers only pushing Phil around in a nerd circle for wearing that Marlins hat?

Always practice safe fashion, kids. Remember: If on the runway it is fashion, then on the street it is indecent exposure...! o_O

Now for something completely random:

My Future Wife Needs Help!

Oh wait, maybe I should read the rest of this article before jumping to conclusions...again. Remember that "Red Devils Come to Toronto" headline from a few years back? Yea, let's not relive that episode again o_O

Apparently, my future wife, I MEAN, country music and pop icon Taylor Swift is in some kind of contest for a "People's Choice" Award for "Favourite Female Artist for 2012" (Must be something new, like that "Saturday Shootaround" idea I am working on in my hockey blog. They are probably unsure if this "People's Choice Awards" is going to be a thing, similar to that "Shootaround" idea I am often debating turning into a weekly thing on Saturdays)

According to Facebook and various reliable news outlets, Taylor Swift has over twenty-six million "likes" on the social network, almost ten million followers on Twitter, sold millions of albums in stores and online, three footballs, two baby frogs, and one delicious cookie! Earlier this week, the CBS news magazine "60 Minutes" interviewed her about her blossoming career, worldwide acclaim, and being a role model ^_^ Critics complain her consistency and down-to-earth nature don't sell magazines, is too goody-goody and out of touch, or hit the headlines on whatever outdated gossip television spot every week, but in today's world of viral videos and over-saturation of media devices it is nice to know there is an honest and approachable person who likes being my future wife, I MEAN, an honest and approachable person ^_^ (Phew, that was close). To all her critics, I say PATOOIE!

Readers will remember how I couldn't decide between Taylor Swift and "Mike & Ike" candies earlier in the year, but I will definitely choose Taylor for that "People's Choice" thingy (MARRY ME!). We all need heroes, and in the midst of unstable and turbulent times consistent and stable people, either on the stage or on our streets, are about the most solid people we can look up to (MARRY ME!). I am impressed that realism and authenticity are relevant and important to her, even when no one is around, because in secret is where one forges those values. She understands that one person cannot do it alone; as human beings we can only progress with patience, teamwork, and imagination.

MARRY ME: Is it possible to like Taylor Swift a little too much? Is it possible live underwater?!

I think you can VOTE for Taylor Swift on her Facebook page: Click Here!

To see if her list of followers went over ten million on Twitter, click here!

Time Out

With the end of the year approaching, I am mulling over when to use my remaining paid vacation days for the year. I used a total of ONE of those days thus far, so not only do I need to decide when to go on vacation, but where to go. I thought about visiting my sister, who lives in the States, but I also have friends who live south of the border as well; perhaps I should make an extended road trip to visit them?

I always wanted to visit a college town as well, drop in on a class, and see how the folks in the United States learn and educate the country's best and brightest. INSERT OBLIGATORY RANDOM COLLEGE FOOTBALL HIGHLIGHT:

While we are on the subject of collegiate athletics, I have difficulty stomaching the ongoing developments in the Jerry Sandusky/Penn State University child abuse scandal. I am a youth sponsor serving in my hometown church, so trust and safety are very important. What goes through someone's mind when he is victimizing or taking advantage of another person in his care? While those in authority, who knew about the abuse, can wheel and deal out of any legal trouble, all are morally at fault for staying quiet for the sake of sponsorship, and maybe a few extra dollars. Penn State's trustees cleaned house and fired most, if not all, the administrative authorities in charge at the school, which included the most notable on campus, football head coach Joe Paterno, who recently set the NCAA record for wins as a head coach. Penn State was one of my favourite schools, and during my days in university I would play football video games and play as the Nittany Lions; today, even weeks after the story broke, I'm not so sure how to feel about the institution.

More important, however, is the state of the children and their families. Their childhood and trust will be forever marred by years of abuse and neglect, and along with the physical scarring there is no telling what psychological impact this will have on them growing up. NCAA authorities penalized football programs over the years for lesser crimes, but the Penn State situation cuts to the core of human decency and social responsibility. Whatever decision the NCAA or the courts render, it will definitely not be enough to repair the damage caused to those boys who attended Sandusky's development camps on the Penn State campus all those years.

100th Post: Shout Out to CTFxC!

The 100th post in "Just Phil" should go to something incredibly awesome and wonderful. Therefore, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the coolest and cutest couple currently on the internet! ^_^ Charles Trippy and Alli Speed of CTFxC, a popular daily vlog on YouTube, are now husband and wife TODAY! I only started following them and their two adorable doggies Zoe and Marley in the spring, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching every video since then. For all fans of CTFxC today is a special day, but for two special people it is one they will never forget ^_^

As a mere fan, I wish Mr. and Mrs. Charles Trippy all the best, and may God bless you two with long life, lots of love, and loads of laughter. Oh, and say HELLO to Zoe and Marley (more adorable zoom-ins on the doggies, please!) :D

Nearly Bananas About The Nearly Deads

As most readers of this blog know, I am a big fan of The Nearly Deads over the past year (I wrote about them earlier in 2011, for that blog post click here!) ^_^ They are a small band from Nashville, but they are growing in popularity on the airwaves as well as online. I recently asked them if they planned on visiting Toronto, and the answer was an affirmative ^_^

The plan is to play in concert here in Toronto in March of next year! I'm so excited that I'm going to embed a video of theirs on my channel!

You Are TWO Much ^_^

Before I write another entry in my "Behind Blue Lines" hockey blog, I want to express my thanks to all you readers of my personal blog "Just Phil".

Since I posted a thank you note on my blog, after reaching one thousand pageviews, in the space of two months this blog hit the 2000 mark! It is absolutely mind blowing at the rate we accomplished this incredible feat! When it took more than nine months to view my blog one thousand times, you more than doubled your efforts to push this blog over two thousand before American Thanksgiving.

I want to thank you each and every one of you for the incredible support I received since "Just Phil" began in late 2009. It is because of you this blog is still running today discussing important subjects of the day, and providing the internet with a little bit of comedy along the way. Special thanks goes out to the wonderful folks on Facebook who helped circulate this blog to the masses in their social network. Of course, the longstanding and patient folks at Twitter, through which "Just Phil" could never get off to the start it did, deserve an awful lot of credit as well. Finally, to the good folks at Blogger, who gave me a start at this professional writing thing, I say thank you for their neverending support and feedback over the last three years.

Of course, now the goal for "Just Phil" is simple: FIVE THOUSAND VIEWS! It looks like a giant number, but as the views come I hope I can bring more good writing to you. Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers, may you have a great holiday here in 2011, and have an equally fantastic 2012 :)

God bless,
Phil Wood

P.S. What blog entry would be complete without an embedded video?

She is Right Over There: Meeting Danielle Todd

I walked into Chapters last Sunday afternoon and spotted someone sitting behind a keyboard in the main foyer. I'm not a big fan of staring or acting like a deer in the headlights, so I waddle to the left near the magazine rack prevents a pile-up by the front doors so not to block everyone behind me. At that moment, this conversation is going on in my brain:

"Who's that?"
"That's...Danielle Todd."
"What?"
"Danielle Todd."
"MySpace Danielle Todd?"
"Yes."
"YouTube Danielle Todd?"
"Yes."
"Why is she here?"
"I don't know!"

The Chapters at the busiest shopping center in Mississauga doesn't get too many visitors, but a special appearance by Danielle Todd, one of Canada's newest and brightest young musical talents, should draw a fair share of attention. To tell the truth, there were not that many people stopping to listen or pick up an album at the time.

After picking up a copy of Lacrosse Magazine, and a short visit to the American History section in Chapters, which shares a shelf with "Wicca and Witchcraft", I return to the foyer and the girl from Guelph is still there.

"That was a nice song."
"Yea..."
"How come no one else thinks so?"
"Because they are all shopping or busy, or something."
"Oh."
"Yea, she's finished."
"...I'm going to buy a CD."
"What?"
"I'm going over there."
"They will just let you do that? What about security?"
"No one tackled me yet, and I'm halfway across the aisle."
"Don't do it! They are going to deck you from the weak side like Lawrence Taylor!"
"I'm doing this!"
"They evicted a couple whose baby wouldn't stop crying last month; just imagine what will happen to you!"
"I'm doing it!"
"Ah, I can't watch!"

The stack of compact discs were right next to the keyboard, so she watched me as I reached for one of the discs. Although it was a wacky question to ask, I asked her if it was alright to take one. She laughed and said yes; so far so good, and nobody tackled anyone. I did notice on her album her hair was shorter in the picture than it was in real life; she thought it was funny that I would notice.

"Oh dear, there he goes being awkward again."
"Such a sad, strange, little man..."

After buying her CD and my monthly lacrosse magazine, we exchanged smiles before I left Chapters that day. All in all a good day, and really good music to listen to on a Sunday drive through my hometown ^_^

If you ever have a chance to check her out online, via MySpace, or if you know her music, then it is worth the listen. Not unlike following "The Nearly Deads", I like following musicians when they are just starting out, and Danielle has the talent to attract some attention. Hopefully she makes it, because she seems like a really nice person.

"That wasn't so bad. ^_^"
"What?!"

By the way, here is Danielle's MySpace and YouTube links ^_^ She is also on Twitter under the username @Danielle_Todd. My name on Twitter is @PhilHollywood, in case you were wondering as well...you wouldn't happen to be Danielle Todd reading this, would you? What? Oh wait, I thought I heard someone say "Yes" there...? ;)

11.11.11 = Remembrance Day (CAN)/Veterans Day (US)

Take the time out to reflect on the sacrifice men and women made for the freedoms you have.

MUSIC CHALLENGE UPDATE!

Hi everybody. Sorry things were quiet on here, and on my YouTube channel. The last few weeks were hectic, to say the least, and I am in the midst of another busy month.

My guitar and piano practices are moving along, and with every session comes new ideas about what to write and which songs to cover. I plan on uploading a set of songs to my channel, not just one or two, but I'm not at the stage where I can cover "In My Place" by Coldplay, or anything like that. My friend Jessica, who is from Richmond, is keeping me honest about the whole CHALLENGE thing, and I am confident I can fulfill my end of the bargain in December. I think back to the days when I covered a Neil Young tune, and posted it on my Facebook page; oh dear, what was I thinking? That was years ago, when I didn't know what I was doing in front of the piano. Now I sort of get the instrument, but only sort of... o_O Does that make sense? Insert GRATUITIOUS CUTE KITTEN VIDEO!


I'm still thinking about getting a personalized drum kit. Something simple yet patriotic; I'm talking about the colour scheme of the drums, but drums cost money, and I'm thinking too far ahead. Since I started playing piano I got better at the drums. I asked my drummer friend Adam about the relationship between piano and drums, and he says there are rhythmic and percussion elements to the physical playing of the piano keys. I also asked my piano playing friend Bethany about the same thing, and if I know anything about silence, it is that silence is golden! Thanks guys! ^_^

I'm doing a lot of public speaking this month, so there isn't a lot of time left for practicing. There is a small window during the next two weeks where I can work toward completing the MUSIC CHALLENGE. I really want to see this through, not just because of the CHALLENGE but I felt like I missed out on something when I quit piano twenty years ago. I would like to see if the ability is still there, and if I can still carry a tune. ^_^

I'm still writing for here, and on my hockey blog "Behind Blue Lines". Follow me on Twitter @PhilHollywood to keep up to speed with all the happenings and what not! Search "PhilHollywood82" on YouTube and check out my videos there, too. I didn't post any NEW content in recent times, but if you subscribe then you will be among the first to see and hear what a twenty-nine year old dude looks like when he spends twenty years away from the piano, takes it up again, and then practices for several months before uploading a video of him covering a song or playing a new tune.

Remember: hashtag #CheeseFTW; See you next inning!

The Prophecy of Sean Avery

I thought about writing this for my hockey blog, but the story is much more about a personal story than a sports opinion piece.

How many more times will headlines read "Sean Avery Returns to the NHL"? I read Jeremy Roenick's piece on the talented yet beleaguered and embattled hockey player today, and I do agree the best place for Sean Avery to be is on the ice. When he is playing the game, Sean Avery has potential to be one of the best around; however, add controversy, poor deportment, off-ice issues involving health and wellness, Sean Avery stands alone as the NHL's troubled foster child. Well into his second stint with his fourth NHL team in one decade, Sean Avery returns to the Rangers' starting lineup after a deplorable performance by the Blueshirts in their defeat to the Maple Leafs in their home opener at the Garden last week.

I can't compare Avery's track record to the lengthy suspension list of Chris Pronger because the way NHL officials referee and adjudicate gameplay and care about the general welfare of its players was different from the time Chris Pronger played for the Hartford Whalers, to the years Sean Avery spent with the Los Angeles Kings in the mid 2000s, and up to now when Avery laces the skates for the Rangers against the Anaheim Ducks tomorrow night. A lockout and a change of the guard in terms of league discipline, as noted by the hiring of former NHL player Brendan Shanahan as vice-president of player discipline in the off-season, occurred during that time. So did Sean Avery, according to the rules established by the NHL, team doctors, and the go-ahead of Rangers coach John Tortorella, earn the right to play for the Rangers in their next game? YES. However, does he deserve it? No.

As a youth sponsor and mentor at my church and the neighbouring community, I see lots of kids pass through the doors into the drop-in center located in the basement of the church. In the last six years or so of being a sponsor, I had run-ins with 'problem kids' or 'troublemakers'; sadly, there was always one teenager that never gets it together, settles down, obeys the rules, and becomes a good kid. It is a familiar story within almost every neighbourhood in the Greater Toronto Area, and it is unfortunate how many of those 'troublemakers' wind up dead, or wishing they made the most of their opportunity before things went spiralling out of control.

To tell the truth, I was one of those kids. Of course, I knew what was right and what was wrong, and while I wasn't a boy scout, I tried to stay out of trouble and in the good books. Nevertheless, those that really knew who I was during those days, either at school or in my church, knew I was a 'fake' or a 'phony'. I didn't want anyone to know what demons I hid inside, and being a loner was the 'perfect escape' from the overweight and shoddy dresser I was in high school. By the grace of God, I caught on in one of the last possible moments what my life was leading toward, and decided to turn around. I didn't deserve that moment to change, instead I had every opportunity granted to me, for some weird and wonderful reason. Now, as a twenty-nine year old napkin writer, the goal is to continue making good on that sovereign decision to bring me around, in spite of the occasional daily screw-ups, and then transmit the sovereignty and grace of The Decision-Maker to the next generation of kids who walk into the drop-in center.

If we are honest with each other, which may mean entering a secluded room with no cameras or windows for a one-on-one conversation, then each of us would say no one deserves anything we have or can obtain. The only solution to the Avery problem, or an issue with any person for that matter, is when that person sits down and takes account for everything that happened and everything that could happen if he/she does not change. There can only be so much grace, before you are just "handed over" to the demons.

Sean Avery will play tomorrow night at the Madison Square Garden for the New York Rangers against the Ducks of Anaheim. I hope he will make the most of THE opportunity, but I'm not talking about hockey.

Top 3 Reasons Why YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR CAMERA PHONE!

Yesterday was the perfect day to carry a camera phone. Not because it was Halloween, but because of the hilarious things I saw on the streets of Mississauga today.

1. Man eats Blackberry: Not only does the oblivious bus rider put it in his mouth, but he also sticks the business end of the Blackberry up on nostril, and then grooms his face with it like an electric razor o_O
2. Barista in Red: There isn't a particular costume he is wearing, but he makes regular appearance from the back room of the Mississauga Starbucks Coffee watering hole with cell phone in hand as if there is nothing weird about wearing a red woolen jumpsuit (watering feels like a word I am misspelling whenever I type it).
3. Grown Man Fights Scarf: This one is me. I had to go out and drop my Mom off at her Zumba class just south of where I live, and I was wearing a brown and black checkered scarf with a black overcoat. To keep out the wind from getting inside, as I was wearing a Mario Bros. T-shirt underneath the coat, I tied my scarf into a 'modified' waterfall. Unfortunately, one of the folds didn't cooperate, so I was fighting the scarf all night and in public!

If you are confused as to what I mean about 'waterfall' and scarves, then observe this viral video, by "wendyslookbook" of YouTube, fame about the twenty five ways to wear a scarf. It is fashionable and informative, and guys can wear scarves like this as well (save for a couple ways, give or take o_O)

I ABORTED MY POST (Now Updated)

Watching Tim Tebow make awkward passes and lead the Broncos to a thrilling overtime victory against the Miami Dolphins last Sunday reminded me of a blog entry I wrote, what seems like, many years ago. However, I discovered I wrote this right after 2010 began. I centers around a very tense and divisive debate about life, the choice one has to start or end it, and if that choice is ours to make. Families and friendship continue to be tested around this issue, but because of one young woman's choice Tim Tebow is with us today - throwing awkward passes, winning football games, and inspiring young and old with his character and leadership in one of the world's most demanding professions, on and off the field. Aside from video and pictures I included, the entry is the same from when I scooped it from my old FRANCHISE blog.

Understand this is the most difficult piece I ever wrote, and I don't like talking or thinking about it because it involves an issue much larger than I can deal with, given I am a dude and I was always single, no matter how hard I tried to change the latter. Nevertheless, I hope if another Tim Tebow emerges thanks, in a small way, to what I wrote here then it will be worth the stress and suffering to write it.

My original plan was to skip Super Bowl XLIV, which would be the first Super Bowl I didn't watch since my Dad dragged all of us to church before Super Bowl XVIII (interesting story about that one), but some friends challenged me to write a blog, not about the game, but about a commercial to air during the game.

The American focus group "Focus on the Family" paid almost four million dollars for two minutes of air time; in the commercial, outspoken Christian and Heisman trophy winning college quarterback Tim Tebow and his mother will speak during the pro-life message. Unlike blog posts in the past, I would add a convenient link, but I did not include one because everyone is bound to see it eventually (Yes, I wrote that many moons ago, but I am going to embed a video about the Tim Tebow short in question).



I responded, up and down, this was not part of the mandate of "The Franchise". As a "sports blog of the masses", the debate of abortion stood on the sidelines of what I wanted to talk about. However, as I thought about it, there is an iron-clad link between sports, entertainment, and existence. Last night I wrote more than five hundred words about the definition of sport, and why there is a the disparity between it and what we partake in or view on television. From there, I explained if we could not define and fulfill sport, then who are we to define existence. I was writing my THESIS STATEMENT: There is no such thing as sport. I was so excited, flying from word to word, explaining and cross-referencing everything. That's when it happened...I fell asleep.

When I woke up the next morning, everything I wrote was gone. The greatest blog post I ever wrote disappeared without a trace. I could try to rewrite it, but I would be chasing ghosts. In a sense, I aborted my post. It was an accident, and I don't know what exactly I wrote or how I ended up asleep in my room. I suppose I will never know, but I did find out something about this experience...

I physically can't write about this.

What can a single man say about something only a woman can do? Who do I think I am, when I never married, never been in a relationship, never been on a date with a woman, never been kissed, and never been thought of by any woman, for taking up the flag of pro-life. Pro-Life? With my twenty-eighth anniversary upcoming, no woman was ever pro-spending life with me. Pro-Choice? I never had one, and no woman ever chose me! In baseball terms, I am batting zero-for-zero with a batting average of "mathematical improbability".

I know from experience if any woman said YES to me, then she is Pro-Choice because, as wrong as everyone else thinks she is, she chose me. I also know from experience if any woman said YES to me, then she is Pro-Life because there will be that expectation there will be children. Like throwing a touchdown pass, we have physics, arm strength, the speed of the receiver to get open, awareness, and even the hands to throw and catch; however, we don't control the outcome. We will accept whatever that outcome in faith and we will move forward. There will be people who look out for our safety, suggesting one way or another. In the end, we will place our trust in the hands of the person who knows the ultimate outcome.

Wow...for someone with a lot to say, I said very little.

THE CHALLENGE

A friend of mine from Richmond, Virginia, challenged me to write a song! O_O

I wasn't O_O at the prospect, but I did o_O for awhile. I am video logging throughout the month of October in response to the Major League Baseball Postseason tournament. I am a lower case novice at this, unlike the Novice I was about six months ago.

The plan, originally, was to become a competent piano player. My music background, which I acquired in high school, helps because I understand the difference between major 7th chords and minor 6th chords, bass line progressions, cat crawls, and crescendos. I did have a follower on Twitter who provided a lot of inspiration for me, and convinced me it wasn't too late to return to playing the piano after twenty years away from the keyboard:

I discovered Diane Birch on the online show "Live From Daryl Hall's House", in which the Hall & Oates frontman rocks out with various, and talented musicians singing old favourites, songs written by visiting artists, Daryl Hall standards, and other music. ^_^ I enjoyed her music so much, I bought all her albums and downloaded them onto my iPod.


I enjoy music very much, and played trombone in high school. Unfortunately, being lazy and not very good meant I didn't really have a future in music, so I dropped it when I graduated and entered university. My problem was I always had excuses, and I didn't want to push the limits to see how far I would go. Not because I might fail, but because I might succeed, and not have time for the things I liked doing (at that time, I like watching television, eating, and playing video games o_O).

It bothered me I didn't push the limits and see how good I could really be, so I picked up the piano again. As I began, Momzo quickly reminded me, "I BOUGHT YOU A GUITAR FOR CHRISTMAS TWO YEARS AGO! HOW COME I DON'T HEAR THAT PLAYING?!" So, now I'm practicing how to play two instruments: Piano and Guitar. The latter is taking off, and I am quick to remember my fingerings with every passing week. The former, however, is slowly moving along; I started practicing by chords first, and then working in individual fingers and would throw in riffs. I went from terrible to not so terrible in six months o_O A good start...?


Which brings us to THE CHALLENGE? I wasn't thinking at the time, so when Jessica challenged me to not only play, but WRITE AN ORIGINAL SONG the macho EXTREME persona inside me said "I would do it". The small rational voice in my head also said, "Are you crazy?" o_O The task is more daunting than it looks; I don't even have music sheets!


The goal is to write something original, practice the song, play the song in front of a working camera, post it on YouTube, and tag it so my friend can see it. I don't think there is a timeframe, but the sooner the better because after this blog entry EVERYONE, who reads this, will hold me accountable...including Momzo. I don't know if I will play piano, guitar, or both (one instrument accompanying on audio feed in a Movie file). This should be fun, and if I can parley this into another online gimmick then everyone will win! What do you think? Do you think I can do it?

Oh yeah, who is Jessica, you ask? She is a "Youtube peasant" who I met via Twitter a few months back ^_^ She is really sweet, and I find her videos enjoyable to watch. Here is one of them...

Who Do You Trust?

This feels like a short entry, and I'm no expert in calling to arms and such. Anyway, here it goes: Earlier this week, a friend posted the image on the left on his Facebook profile page. I suppose the coincidences of time, famous surnames of the dearly departed, and the current economic and social climate can be put together in a humourous factoid. However, it begs the question of where humanity's trust lies when Steve Jobs (innovation), Bob Hope (entertainment), Johnny Cash (rage against the machine), jobs, and cash are not in overwhelming abundance as they were a decade ago. After all, the Iron Curtain fell, capitalism and spending were in abundance throughout the world (well, most of the world. Hi CHINA!), and peace and prosperity were the latest rage. There was an omission in this list, but if one's hope or heart lies with those that are no longer in abundance than all hope for humanity in the future is lost.

There is a movement in New York to "Occupy Wall Street", and to take a stand against the backroom dealing and big business attitude which are widening the divide between rich and poor, and plunging the post-modern world back into recession. Upon returning to the social network on October 1st, one can't help but notice the flood of Facebook wall photos uploaded and shared throughout the online community concerning the occupation of New York's financial district. Every person should return to those basic human principles of honesty and character, but not without painstaking effort to sift through and eliminate the pork barreling, toxic money lending and credit practices of decades' past which brought society to this place in 2011. This would require a complete overhaul of how people do business; like the previous sentence exemplifies, people must come before business.

I have no way of knowing how to accomplish that, but there are MANY people who do. It takes a unified team of people to make changes happen, so there will be benefits in the long term.

A journey of a thousand steps begins with a single step, so why not begin with what the artist of the image is confuzzled over? There is no hope because the trust was the first from the scene. If this is true, then where does the artist place his trust? More specifically, where do the people looking at the photo place their trust? Where does society place their trust? Where do you place your trust? Who do you trust?

There was an occupation of another kind at the start of 20th century. Upon occupation of the territory of Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908, the Austro-Hungarian Empire believed it would bring stability to the culturally fractured region of the Balkans. The age of open warfare in Europe among the major countries was over, so it seemed, and peace and prosperity were in great abundance. Of course, when the whole of European, nay, world society placed their TRUST in the world order, the web of alliances, military might and outdated strategies, imperial gain, and subservience of the less fortunate for the sake of a few, the occupation set into motion a dangerous chain of events that linger to this day. However, that couldn't happen again, can it? 

I saw black & white footage of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary in high school and college: He gets around...very quickly, but everyone back then was quick on their feet then. What? o_O

If the hope of nations, people, and families remains set on the things of this world, then those poor souls occupying Wall Street are no better than those of the Hapsburg court in Vienna at the turn of the century, who are no better than those looking at the "No Jobs, No Hope, and No Cash" picture above and agreed without thinking about its ramifications. In effect, everyone needs to learn why trust is important, and whom to place trust. There may be no jobs or cash, right now, but trust and hope in what and who is right will see us through.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I would like to take the time to wish all my readers a Happy Thanksgiving. Now, I know some of you don't celebrate Thanksgiving on this day in your country, so I would like to wish you a Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! ^_^

Currently, I'm checking out my user information on the Major League Baseball website, MLB.com. I can't find the last entries I submitted on the website, and while they say I received likes and comments I can't locate the pages which I wrote about o_O Confusing, yes?

I write under the name "PhilHollywood82"; things are pretty busy here since I increased my workload. In some instances, I write on MLB.com and copy whatever I write to my baseball website, but I can't locate what I originally wrote on MLB.com so I can follow-up or post additional comments.

Wish me luck in my search! ;) In the meantime, enjoy this YouTube video!

Logging Off: In Memoriam of Steve Jobs

Pardon the lack of prose and proper grammar, but I received some news that upset me. Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, technology giant and trend-setting computer wizard passed away today at the age of 56. I do not have a personal story of meeting him, going to an Apple event, or standing in line to await the arrival of and purchase the latest Apple product as introduced by the turtleneck wearing inventive genius. I didn't know his birthdate until today, which shows how much of a tech geek I am (February 24, 1955 - October 5, 2011). you pause for a moment and look around from where you are, however, you can see or hear the influence of Steve Jobs everywhere. I was in my car driving back to my house from the coffee shop: Here I can list some of the technology Steve Jobs and Apple influenced during his brief time on Earth.

1. iPod music player
2. Computer laptop
3. Interac
4. Electronic cash register
5. Automated traffic signals
6. Remote car starters
7. Auxiliary cable to connect iPod to automobile speakers
8. Cell phone
9. Twitter
10. Facebook

I could go on, and I'm sure I missed a ton of examples, nevertheless in one car ride these are just some of the examples of how this man shaped our life in the last twenty years. I could go on, and explain how these inventions shaped my life, but more learned men and women could spin together better sentences about the man without the letter 'e' than I could with all the letters of the alphabet, and all the time in the world. I wouldn't do that...

There is one person, who knew Steve Jobs better than I ever could, and when I heard of the late Steve Jobs' passing I immediately thought of her, because she loved him so much and he meant the world to her. If you know her by sight, then you probably know her iconic name as well:




iJustine made me cry only twice in my life; this is the second. I hate seeing her cry because her crying makes me cry, and when all I can do is watch her cry it makes me feel worse because there is nothing I can do. Don't you see the irony about this unfortunate circumstance? Steve Jobs and Apple, and Bill Gates and Microsoft made the world a smaller place with the technology they invented, but in circumstances such as this we remember how truly distant we are from each other. We are so close, but really so far away, and it was Steve Jobs' mission in life to bring us a little bit closer together. I'm so confident that I am willing to believe Steve Jobs was working on an application to give someone a hug who really needed it, even if he/she was half a world away, but he's not here to see that through.


In the end, and all alone they are gadgets, trinkets, and toys, but in the hands of people who really care about each other, love each other, and unify the world they help in making us a powerful people. That should be Steve Jobs' legacy: To unite the peoples of the world, or at least make the world just a little bit smaller. To think it all started with a simple computer in 1977.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Steve Jobs, his co-workers and employees at Apple, the geniuses at his store, and his many fans and supporters around the world.

In case you are reading this, iJustine: (((((HUG)))))

The Canadaian Broadcasting Corporation released a statement upon the death of Steve Jobs earlier today: Here is the link to the web page.

The Return

Well, it was a great ten months of working in a small, family business, exploring Southern Ontario, meeting new people, making new friends, winning the city championship for baseball over the summer, reawakening dormant social skills (more on that one later), and finding out what I missed about the great world during those years of inactivity. I learned a lot about writing, too, and discovered that there is more to life than going overboard and spamming people day after day. Twitter gave me an opportunity to publish my blog and post my musings on the message boards on the farthest corners of the earth, and make some potentially exciting new friendships via Twitter and Google+ (including one with an up and coming Youtube "peasant" from Richmond, Virginia, and a new and HIP alternative rock band from Tampa...more on that later! LOL XD)

A sobering thought, which I discovered blowing out my knee during a baseball game over the summer, is I am not getting younger and I should cherish every moment and every friendship. There are times when going bananas is cool, like during a Dr. Mario church Tournament, but there is never a good time to spam the living daylights out of people you care about. As I enter this new chapter in my life, I hope I can reach as many people as I can without losing my identity and becoming an overbearing, needy leech. There are still things about me which need to change, and God willing, those habits I formed back in the day will no longer hamper my present and future relationships. Hooray for time management and the lessons learned from piano and guitar practice sessions ^_^ Now, I really can't wait to see what is in store for me as we enter the autumn, and progress into the winter. I'm so stoked about this year and 2012, I'm going to post an image, and then embed a video about a music group I think is HIP. We follow each other in a great, big circle ^_^ ...on Twitter o_O

Second Thoughts During Baseball Excitement

"Why did I just tweet Charles Trippy of CTFxC about the Tampa Bay Rays game?" o_O

Classic Post - AIRBORNE: Remembering Lindsay

Exactly one year ago I lost a dear friend of mine in a freak car accident. She battled hard for days afterward before succumbing to her injuries on September 29th, 2010.It took me one week to write up something in her memory, not just because I never did something like it before, but she played a part in getting me to come out of my shell, and actually converse with people. As a matter of fact, I started "Just Phil" with this blog entry almost one year ago. I am writing another entry to Lindsay Tamminga just now, but in the meantime I want to share with you what this lively, witty, and wonderful young woman meant to my life.

Isn't it rich? Aren't we a pair? Me here at last on the ground, and you in mid-air.

I last saw Lindsay Tamminga in person seven years ago. Our church youth group went to AIRBORNE trampoline place to the west of Erin Mills, and when it was her turn to bounce on the trampoline she jumped really high. She leapt so high that she almost touched the ceiling! This was incredible when you consider she was a few feet shorter than me, and I couldn't reach that high.

If you ever saw her smile, then you know how much you felt like smiling, too. If you were standing in the corner of the room, she would make you a part of the group discussion; if it was me though, she would order me to contribute, and most of time I would.

Before she quit Facebook because it was "time-consuming", we would chat a little bit about our life and times. From her pictures, she seemed very happy with her family and her friends. I remember getting a notice of uploaded pictures of her trip with friends up to Wasaga beach, and looking at a girl enjoying a small paper plate of french fries and wondering how happy she must seem. Just like that girl at Airborne so many years before. I remembered another picture of her with her family at the LAC in Mississauga. Family was always important to her, and she did not mind showing off her cool parents. Her dad rode into the church parking lot one night on his motorcycle, and I remember being very, VERY afraid of him. She was low-key about the motorcycle, and she said there was nothing to be afraid of. I took her advice and before the night was through I was able to talk to Mr. Tamminga about motorcycle stuff. She even had a red motorcycle jacket; I thought it was neat.

If there is something I learned from her is that independence is nothing without family. Friends are good, too, but the best friends should be part of your family as well. It is important to remember how precious each moment must be, and why we never forget where we come from as we move forward. I doubt I will ever meet someone like her again, but I hope I will someday, and she will still be wearing that patented smile.

To the family and friends of Lindsay Tamminga, who knew her best, I send my heartfelt condolences. Words cannot adequately express how sorrowful I am about the news of Lindsay's departure. My family and I continue to have you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.