Monthly Archives: August 2013

Culture

10 Year Old Eco Blogger Hannah Alper

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Eco-blogger and 'kid activist' Hannah Alper.
Eco-blogger and ‘kid activist’ Hannah Alper.

Dear Silo,  you’ve probably heard me talk about my daughter Hannah in the past. She has been called many things: “The future of social media”, “Eco-Warrior”, “Changemaker” and “Activist”.  At 10 years old, she is all of these things. And now, she can add Free The Children’s “We Day” speaker to the list. There will be nine We Days across Canada this school year, plus two in the United States.  And the first U.K. We Day will happen in London next spring.  [More on what “We Day” is all about below CP]

She created her blog, www.CallMeHannah.ca , at 9 years old, with the goal of sharing her growing knowledge and concern for the environment. Having always loved animals, Hannah made the connection between animals and the effects of environmental destruction on their habitats and lives. Hannah has become an engaged global citizen seeking to further her own understanding of her connection to and responsibility to the world. Believing that even the little things that we do add up to make a difference, her journey and discovery meet her call to action through her blog.

Issues that Hannah has written about in the past year include eco-friendly living, fair trade, bullying, clean water and child labour. She seeks inspiration and motivation from those who have come before her and regularly features the stories of her role models on her blog.

Not limiting herself to her laptop, Hannah has put her words into actions. She organized a shoreline cleanup in her community, was a WWF  Earth Hour Team Captain 2013 and spoke at the WWFs Earth Hour event in Toronto, was the official “on the ground eco-blogger” for the JUNO Awards and launched We Create Change. Her impassioned speech at two local schools motivated her peers to collect 97,500 pennies for Free The Children’s clean water projects. An effective communicator, Hannah is comfortable and confident on both sides of the camera or in front of a crowd. She has honed her skills as an interviewer through conducting interviews with Craig Kielburger, Spencer West and Severn Suzuki. Hannah has appeared on CanadaAM, The Marilyn Dennis Show, APP Central, CBC’s Fresh Air and The George Stroumboulopoulos Show.  She has been featured in a spotlight from Chickadee Magazine and named as a Champion of the Earth in Owl Magazine and was the youngest team captain for The WWF’s Earth Hour in 2013. As you can see, I am very proud of my daughter and her efforts to improve the world we live in.  Her current focus is on We Day.

“We Day is a room that can transform people, where messages about bullying and social issues can resonate and a place where students can find people just like them,” said Free The Children ambassador Demi Lovato. “Growing up I was forced to deal with many personal struggles and I craved a space where I not only belonged but felt powerful enough to  make a difference. To me, that‘s what We Day does – it brings people together in a day of celebration for world change, showing them they aren‘t alone in their journey and that it is cool to care. And I am so grateful to be a part of that.”

“As kids, we face different pressures all the time,” said Austin Mahone, Award-Winning American pop singer. “You‘ve got to surround yourself with positive people in your life, and that‘s what We Day does. It brings people together to celebrate the difference we can make for each other. I‘m so excited to be a part of it for the first time this year!”

We Day is a stadium-sized educational event and a movement of young people leading local and global change. We Day is tied to the year-long program, We Act, which supports students and educators with free educational resources, student-led campaigns and support materials to help turn the event‘s inspiration into sustained activation. Since 2007, youth involved in the We Act program have raised $37 million dollars for over 1000 local and global causes and logged more than 9.6 million volunteer hours.

 

“I had the opportunity this past summer to participate with Free The Children‘s communities in Kenya, and see first-hand the lasting impact that youth in North America are making through their charitable work,” said Joe Jonas from the Grammy® nominated, multi-platinum band the Jonas Brothers. “I understand what it means to these communities to have access to clean water and an education and I was thrilled to get involved by committing to help build two schools overseas with Free The Children. It may seem like a simple assignment to make one local and one global commitment, but these efforts fundamentally impact the lives of people around the world.” Eric Halper.

 Stay connected:

– Like We Day on Facebook: facebook.com/WeDay

– Twitter: @Freethechildren; @CraigKielburger

– Official Hashtag: #WeDay

– Visit www.weday.com

About Free The Children

Free The Children is an international charity and educational partner. Founded in 1995 by international activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children believes in a world where young people are free to achieve their fullest potential, and empowers youth to remove barriers that prevent them from being active local and global citizens. The organization‘s domestic programs—which includes We Day, Free The Children‘s signature youth empowerment event—educate, engage and empower 1.7 million young people across North America, the UK and around the world to become engaged global citizens. Its international projects have brought more than 650 schools and school rooms to youth and provided clean water and sanitation, health care and food security to one million people around the world, freeing children and their families from the cycle of poverty.

The organization has received the World’s Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child, the Human Rights Award from the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations, and has formed successful partnerships with leading school boards and Oprah’s Angel Network. For more information, visit www.freethechildren.com.

 

Culture

Minister Matthews asks Opposition to stop backtracking on Youth tanning bed ban Bill 30

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Ontario's ruling Liberals want to ban Teen Tanning but need support to pass the legislation.
Ontario’s ruling Liberals want to ban Teen Tanning but need support to pass the legislation.

 

 

 

“PCs and NDP Threaten to Stall Youth Tanning Bed Ban” (Queen’s Park)  One day after calling on the government to fast-track Bill 30, legislation to ban youth access to tanning beds, the PCs and NDP are threatening procedural tricks to stall the bill in the Ontario Legislature.

“When the House returns next month, our government will move a programming motion in the Legislature in order to quickly pass this life-saving bill into law by the end of September,” said Liberal MPP Deb Matthews.  “The PCs and NDP have already pledged to support Bill 30 – it’s concerning to hear the opposition parties might play procedural games to prevent this vital legislation from passing.”

Matthews was referring to published media reports that indicate both opposition parties are backtracking from a commitment to fast-track the tanning bed ban:

·         NDP Health Critic France Gelinas said Thursday the Government should pass the legislation “fast, very fast…[Ontario Liberals] controls the calendar.” (Toronto Sun, August 22, 2013). Today, Gelinas said the Liberals “are not in control” and “can’t simply push legislation through the house without getting agreement from the two opposition parties.” (Toronto Sun, August 23, 2013).

·         The PCs said Thursday “We support the legislation” and called for a time allocation motion to secure speedy passage (Toronto Sun, August 22, 2013).  The same day, the PCs wouldn’t confirm if they will follow through on their pledge to fast-track the Bill (Globeandmail.com, August 22, 2013).

“It’s time to put an end to the procedural games blocking our efforts to pass new tanning legislation so we can prevent skin cancer among young Ontarians.  MPP France Gelinas has been unclear on whether or not she will support our efforts to fast-track this legislation.  I would like a clear answer from Ms. Gelinas – yes or no – will her party help us get this bill passed before the end of September?  All MPPs have a shared responsibility to make the legislature work so we can help to keep young people safe,” stated Matthews.

The proposed legislation would prevent skin cancer among youth and create awareness potential harm by prohibiting the sale of tanning services to youth under 18.  It ould also require that tanning bed operators request identification from anyone who appears under25 years old.

Last spring, the opposition blocked progress on Bill 30, Skin Cancer Prevention Act(Tanning Beds), 2013 by needlessly extending debate on three other bills for more than55 hours – far more than required.  By running out the clock debating the Local Food Act, the Air Ambulance Amendment Act & Co-op Housing legislation, the  opposition prevented this important tanning bed legislation from moving forward.

 

Supplemental- Sunlight burning Vampires http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/59697-sunlight-burning-vampires

 

 

 

Sweet Greens Juice Bar Hagersville

Sci-Tech

St. Catharines New Highest Technology Hospital Is Impressive

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The Project: The 980,000 sq. ft. acute care community hospital replaces two aging facilities in the Niagara region and accommodates 375 acute care beds, with associated outpatient and support services.

Niagara Health System New Health Care Complex – St. Catharines Site "2oth Century NOT included" CP
New Health Care Complex – St. Catharines Site “2oth Century NOT included”

It provides a comprehensive range of clinical services including:

• a cancer centre serving 1,200 patients close to home, relieving them from the stress of travelling to Hamilton or Toronto for treatments

• a longer-term mental health service that includes 53 beds

• dialysis services

• cardiac catheterization services, which provides diagnostic investigation, reduces hospitalizations for heart disease and provides faster local care for residents of the Niagara region

The goal of this project was to provide Niagara Health System with a modern, state-of-the-art, one million square foot building capable of providing one million square feet of care.

In addition to design and construction management, PCL’s [ PCL comprises a  family of  general contracting companies  and is the largest such organization in Canada and the fifth largest in the U.S. CP ]scope of work also included the procurement and installation of more than 25,000 pieces of medical equipment, as well as medical gas, head walls, nurse call system, information technology, audio visual, and security technology.

Some of the many interesting features that set this building apart include construction of the first radiation suites in the Niagara region, an enclosed ambulance bay to provide protection to incoming patients, an interior design that strategically locates departments to minimize clinical travel time by staff, and an exterior design that implements materials indigenous to the Niagara region.

 

Interior and exterior architectural designs affect patient and staff psychology so why not design accordingly? This ceiling detail of the Walker Cancer Care Treatment Room ceiling reveals the care and consideration that went into the hospitals designs. CP
Interior and exterior architectural designs affect patient and staff psychology so why not design accordingly? This ceiling detail of the Walker Cancer Care Treatment Room ceiling reveals the care and consideration that went into the hospitals designs. CP

 

Architectural

• Main Street feature wall using a combination of indigenous and complementary stones that tell a story of the geological formation of the  Niagara Escarpment.

• Use of structural elements in the form of a tree at the main entry and cafeteria to create the canopy.

• First operating rooms in Canada to use Corian wall finishes.

• Integrated interior finishes and way finding system,using landmarks to help visitors and patients locate themselves in the facility.

• Enhanced use of natural light to infiltrate deeper into the building, with particular attention to patient spaces.

• An acoustical design at the building envelope to mitigate and isolate noise generated by a nearby train corridor.

 

Structural

• Blending structural elements with architectural finish and spectacle.

• Strategy of a structural grid system to maximize open spaces and floor to ceiling height.

• Foundation system and MRI inertia slab to address vibrations created by train traffic and a nearby machine stamping plant.

• Post Disaster design to address potential seismic event, to allow the facility to operate during and after as a relief centre.

• Use of cast-in-place elements to allow equipment flexibility.

Mechanical/Electrical

• Pandemic containment capability to deal with infectious outbreaks and disasters, allowing the facility to isolate building sections and departments.

• Building automation system, fully integrated with building elements and equipment to monitor and ensure optimal building performance.

• Back-up and dual power systems to ensure fundamental building and medical systems remain available and functioning at all times, including integration with the building automation system, to allow targeted load distribution to non fundamental systems to become available as required.

 

The Operating Theater. It's understandable if you think that this is a set from Star Trek-
The Operating Theater. It’s understandable if you think that this is a set from Star Trek-

 

Sustainability

• The project is targeted for LEED® certification. As part of the construction and design strategy, the project team developed several innovations and elements for a significant improvement of the target to LEED® Silver certification – from 26 to 35 points.

• Incorporated an energy efficient lighting strategy using natural lighting as much as possible, as well as the broad use of occupancy sensors and low energy lighting systems.

• Integrated and efficient cooling and heating systems, and an optimized building envelope system that helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• The overall energy strategy resulted in the Energy Model that realizes an energy savings of 46% relative to the Model Energy Code for Buildings, which is expected to produce savings to the client in excess of $1 million annually.

• Use of native and hardy plant  species and an integrated storm water management program, including irrigation and water features to eliminate city water use for landscape elements.

 

A look at the state-of-the-art radiation treatment facility.
A look at the state-of-the-art radiation treatment facility.

Supplemental- Corian mineral composite wall panels– http://www.architonic.com/pmpro/corian-panels-mineral-composite-panels-mineral-composite-materials-finishes/3240623/2/2/1

1000 Canadian projects now LEED Certified/What is LEED– http://www.dcnonl.com/article/id55463

B+H Architects, designers of St. Catherines new hospital- http://www.bharchitects.com/en/projects/129

PCL Construction, builders of St. Catherines new hospital– http://www.pcl.com/Pages/default.aspx

Transportation

Is this what Bruce Wayne is driving? Rolls-Royce Wraith arrives in Canada

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You've heard the expression "the photo doesn't do it justice" right? You're best bet is to surf this link and watch the video. http://tinyurl.com/opu3uow
You’ve heard the expression “the photo doesn’t do it justice” right? You’re best bet is to surf this link and watch the video. http://tinyurl.com/opu3uow

Rolls-Royce know how to throw a party and turn an unveiling into the perfect analog unwrapping for the Wraith: the most powerful, technologically advanced and arguably the most beautiful Rolls to date.  On the evening of Wednesday, 28 August 2013, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars “got ‘er done” by celebrating the Vancouver arrival of its newest and most powerful model, with a dramatic unveiling event at the Rocky Mountaineer Train Station.  The private event, hosted by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver was carefully thought out and put together  to reflect the dark beauty and unparalleled power that are the hallmarks of Rolls-Royce Wraith and we were there! Take a deep breath and sit down…..

We knew this car was something out of the ordinary back in March, when we paid attention to the Geneva roll-out and a few months later, we were blown away by the Hollywood-esque Wraith promo films we were privileged to see. The Wraith seemed like the de facto standard automobile for a superhero in disguise or a secret agent and that’s a good thing.

“The Rolls-Royce Wraith is unlike any automobile produced in Rolls’ long and fabled history, so it is especially fitting that its arrival in Vancouver be marked by an event that [was] as grand as this,” commented Eric C. Shepherd, President  of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America. “The  Wraith represents a bold and powerful new statement by Rolls-Royce, so this event [had] been designed convey those same qualities, while bringing  this premier luxury brand to life in a way that is relevant to our  customers.”

It’s a Fastback!
Wraith’s sweeping fastback gives the car its unique character. Bold lines, tension in the panels and a raked rear screen evoke the image of an
athlete poised in the starting blocks. Further expression of dynamic intent can be seen in Wraith’s deeply recessed grill and wide rear track.

Coach doors open to reveal a sumptuous interior complete with softest  Phantom-grade leathers and expanses of wood. Named after the famous cove in the South of France where Sir Henry Royce and his design and  engineering teams spent their winters, the Canadel finish sweeps through
the contemporary interior, cosseting four occupants in a space bathed in  light and warmth.

Sumptuous- tasteful.....but is there a hidden 'machine gun' or 'oil slick' switch in here somewhere? hmmmm.
Sumptuous- tasteful…..but is there a hidden ‘machine gun’ or ‘oil slick’ switch in here somewhere? hmmmm.

 

The interior ambiance is complemented by Starlight Headliner, a Bespoke  feature available beyond Phantom family cars for the first time. 1,340
fiber optic lamps are hand-woven into the roof lining to give the  impression of a glittering, starry night sky.

A twin-turbocharged V12 engine married to 8-speed automatic ZF  transmission ensure that power delivery is effortless, but dramatic. 624
bhp is available to the driver while the 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in  4.4 seconds, compared with 563 bhp and 0-60 in 4.7 seconds for Ghost.

From 1,500 rpm 590 ft lbs of torque available, a wide rear track, shorter  wheelbase and lower roof height further underwrite the Wraith as the most  powerful, involved driving experience of any Rolls-Royce in history.  Performance delivers as the car’s suspension has been tuned to minimize body roll and discreetly amplify feedback when cornering; while steering weight is heavier at high speeds and lighter at low speeds to give a more polished and spirited drive.

624 BHP. 250 KPH/ 155 MPH with a Governor? A "spirited ride" indeed Helmut!
624 BHP. 250 KPH/ 155 MPH with a Governor? A “spirited ride” indeed Helmut!

Satellite Aided Transmission   The Wraith is no GT bruiser. Agility improvements have been achieved with absolutely no compromise to the sensation of riding on a bed of air. Furthermore, the debut of Satellite Aided Transmission technology takes the powertrain to a new level of effortless delivery, one that perfectly suits the Rolls-Royce brand.

Satellite Aided Transmission uses GPS data to read the road ahead. It sees  beyond what the driver sees; anticipates his next move based on location  and current driving style, then selects the most appropriate gear for the terrain ahead. Corners, motorway junctions and roundabouts are all anticipated meaning Wraith is constantly poised to deliver on its promise of performance.

A more polished, effortless driving experience and even better response brings a new even more dynamic dimension to the famous Rolls-Royce trait, waftability.

For over a century a Rolls-Royce motor car has featured technologies designed to support occupants discreetly, delivering a peerless driving
experience epitomized by the term ‘effortlessness’. In every Rolls-Royce these assist the driver when called upon, but are prepared to return
without fuss to the background when no longer required.

A real "Smart Car". Rolls-Royce innovates once again with Satellite aided transmission: GPS technology interprets the roads physical construction and predicts the best transmission settings for the road ahead. Case in point: Curves ahead. The computer makes adjustments to ensure the driver has the ultimate amount of power and control at their disposal.
A real “Smart Car”. Rolls-Royce innovates once again with Satellite aided transmission: GPS technology interprets the roads physical construction and predicts the best transmission settings for the road ahead. Case in point: Curves ahead. The computer makes adjustments to ensure the driver has the ultimate amount of power and control at their disposal.

Advances in mechanical and electrical technology deliver systems like head-up display, adaptive headlights and Wraith’s keyless opening trunk.
But improvements in connectivity have taken the human-machine interface to a new level of sophistication, a suite of aids that could be likened to a contemporary on-board valet.

Voice activation commands, for example, come with a one-touch call button located on the steering wheel. A destination no longer requires manual input from a navigation menu and route assistance begins immediately, on-screen and via audio guidance following a voice command such as “navigate to 5th Avenue in New York City.”

Additional improvements in communications come in the design and functionality of the elegant Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller. This
allows navigation through on-screen functions using a touch pad that features pinch and pull functionality to echo smart phone usage. Letters
can also be “drawn” onto the pad by hand rather than by scrolling through a series of available characters on-screen. CP ***coming soon- a Silo field report from Vancouver correspondent Arthur Maughan AND his experience driving this incredible machine. Stay tuned.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Rolls-Royce Wraith

Dimensions

Vehicle length
5269 mm / 207.4?
Vehicle width
1947 mm / 76.7?
Vehicle height (unladen)
1507 mm / 59.3?
Wheelbase
3112 mm / 122.5?
Turning circle
12.7 m / 41.7 ft
Trunk Volume (DIN)
470 ltr / 16.6 ft3

Weight

Unladen Weight (DIN)
2360 kg / 5203 lb

Engine

Engine / cylinders / valves
V / 12 / 48
Fuel management
Direct injection
Power output @ engine speed
624  bhp /  465 kW @ 5,600 rpm
Max torque @ engine speed
590 lb ft  / 800 Nm @  1,500-5,500 rpm
Fuel type
Super unleaded1

Performance

Top speed
250 km/h / 155 mph (governed)
Acceleration 0 – 60 mph
4.4 sec
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h
4.6 sec

Montreal

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Quebec

5155 Rue de Sorel Montreal Quebec H4P 1G7

Request contact

                Phone: +1 514 738 3030

Visit website

Toronto

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Toronto

740 Dupont Street Toronto Ontario M6G 1Z6

Request contact

                Phone: +1 416 530 1880 Fax: +1 416 530 4495

Visit website

Vancouver

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver

1717 West 5th Avenue Vancouver British Columbia V6J 3H5

Request contact

                Phone: +1 604 736 7381

Visit website

Culture

Why are Ontario farmland values skyrocketing? Greens: due to development

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Ottawa, ON – Green Party leader and Guelph candidate Mike Schreiner called for the complete protection of prime farmland in Ontario.
“We can’t eat subdivisions, quarries or pipelines,” said Schreiner while attending the Association Municipalities of Ontario Conference
in Ottawa.

“The Ontario government must stop destroying prime farmland before it’s too late.”  Only five percent of Ontario’s land mass is suitable for growing food. Less than 0.5% is prime farmland. Yet Ontario is losing approximately 126,000 acres of farmland each year to development.

“People are tired of the Liberal’s bait and switch government that says one thing and does another. The government’s local food act is meaningless if the Liberals fail to protect prime farmland,” added Schreiner. “There will be no local food if the province continues to lose farmland at a rate equal to the size of Toronto each year.”

Farmland under development threat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Green Party is pushing the government to protect prime farmland from development in the new Provincial Policy Statement, which is currently under review. Schreiner is the only political leader to sign the Food and Water First pledge to protect farmland and source water regions. He has challenged other political leaders to sign the pledge.

“Good soil is priceless and must be protected. It is a shame no Liberal, NDP or PC MPP has taken a simple pledge to put food and water first in Ontario,” said GPO deputy leader Kevin O’Donnell. “The Greens will always put food and water first before developers, quarries and pipelines.”    CP

Big rise in per acre value in only 12months. We're not sure why but Norfolk County and Haldimand County farmland values are missing from this chart and we were unable to find those stats anywhere on the RE/MAX farm realty site.
Big rise in per acre value in only 12months. We’re not sure why but Norfolk County and Haldimand County farmland values are missing from this chart and we were unable to find those stats anywhere on the RE/MAX farm realty site.

 

Supplemental- Ontario farmland values are skyrocketing http://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/aboutus/media/flv_spring2013_on_e.asp

RE/MAX Agricultural Real Estate is bonafide- Farm Market Trends- http://www.slideshare.net/SandraDales/remax-market-trends-report-farm-edition-2011

 

 

Culture

Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue Nurturing 180 Lost Souls

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Letters to the SiloDear Silo,  Dave and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for a successful 6th annual horse fundraising open house event which was held on July 13, 2013. It was a great success again this year reaching our goal of $20,000.

The volunteers did a great job and worked very hard; without their dedication the rescue would not be possible.

A special thank you to all who attended, it was overwhelming to see the support for our cause.  Many commented on how much enjoyment they had spending the afternoon on the farm.  There was something for everyone including a garage sale, tack sale, BBQ, bake sale, pony rides, face painting and prize table.  The petting zoo was a hit with Cashew and Peanut, the mini donkeys being the favourite!

We would also like to thank our event sponsors for providing items and supplies; we are very grateful for your donations.

Lastly, we want to thank you- the media for the continued coverage of Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue’s ongoing operations; it is the public awareness that bring us all together to make a difference.

The proceeds from our event will help with the ongoing care and expenses of over 60 horses, building 4 new paddocks, vaccinating over 60 horses at a cost of $6000 and purchasing much needed hay for the winter. It is this annual event that allows us the opportunity to continue our mission to help horses in need.

Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue has been humbled by the generosity of so many people that have been touched by our rescue efforts. In the past six years, thanks to the overwhelming aid from the public, Dave and I have been able to build a quarantine area for new arrivals; a new barn addition with 5 stalls; fatten up hungry bodies; heal wounds; attend to feet and health issues; and most importantly nurture over 180 lost souls.

We could not do this without help.

This has been an amazing team effort between the Public, Volunteers and generous Community Partners.

Thank You – the Horses Thank You!

Brenda and Dave Thompson

 

 

Culture

Alice Cooper Names These Acts Rock And Roll Misfits

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“Rock n roll is not about happy, happy, happy, everything’s okay” Alice Cooper. In this YouTube video, filmed last year – the icon himself explains that today’s generation of rock fans and rock industries are missing something. Perhaps it’s the lack of meat in their diet says Alice, as if this that prevents their ability to “get the blood pumping”.  Have new bands that are being qualified and labeled as “rock n roll” anemic?

What’s at stake here is categorization. Mr. Cooper uses Mumford and Sons and the Lumineers as prime examples of today’s rock and roll misfits. Simply put- he asks why the industry has labeled these bands as Rock and roll artists and that’s a question worth contemplating but take note, it’s not a criticism of the bands’ songwriting abilities and musicianship.

From an historical consumer point of view, the pop music condition has always seemed to me to have  been one of extremes.  Either you follow the pack in terms of ‘what’s popular’ and listen to what’s on the hit list or you’re a lone wolf and seek out new bands and artists that are not as popular as the industry-promoted talent.

To categorize listeners like this today however would be a mistake because the World Wide Web and digital technologies have rewritten the rules. Access to all types of music has never been more available and an offshoot of this is a vast, untamed sea of variety and choice. YouTube further strengthens the notion of schizophrenic listening and lifestyle because nothing is really ‘in’ anymore. Everything that has been labeled as ‘good’ or ‘cool’ in the past is still considered ‘good’ or ‘cool’ in the now- there does not appear to be mainstream rebellion against former generations music. I think this is the point that Alice Cooper is also making. He is old enough and wise enough to understand the phrase “not your father’s music”.

Let’s think about the qualitative issue of seeking out music.  Before the internet, you had to seek out – borrow, beg and steal music that was more than a few years old. Major music department stores were in effect cultural libraries. Rural teenagers might have planned a trip to Toronto’s Sam the Record Man [RIP]  for months in excited anticipation of finding records that mattered to them; records that were spoken of in hushed tones or discovered on late night distant radio. We’re talking about an experience. Today  you only need to wait for the computer search to deliver the goods. As long as you have access to the internet you can purchase anything.

Alice Cooper really wants the Rock Music categorization to reflect the "rebelliousness" that it once did. He's talking about my generation.
Alice Cooper really wants the Rock Music categorization to reflect the “rebelliousness” that it once did.

Back to Alice- Perhaps then it’s this sea change that has nauseated the old stage troubadour. Alice Cooper really has a grievance for categorization. It’s not that he doesn’t like Mumford and Sons and it’s not that he doesn’t acknowledge their posits, it’s just…..he can’t understand why they are considered a Rock and Roll band. He has a good point. Perhaps the reason why bands like Mumford and Sons and the Lumineers are now fit into those spots is that the industry has said so.  After all, they control the distribution and marketing and they want to grow their product and if we consider contemporary rock and roll bands that have the rebelliousness and the anti-socialism that energized the previous generations of rock- there aren’t many. Those that are left, perhaps a throwback to the 1990’s or beyond are aging quickly and if it’s hard to imagine who  today’s generation of rockers are, what can we expect in another twenty years?

Comments-

Nathaniel A. Walrus Alice makes some great points here, recognizing the talent of some of these dainty acoustic rock bands… But they don’t have the spirit of rock and roll. The Edge radio played pearl jams new tune today, and it was the first new song in months that doesnt feature a synthesizer. What is happening to rock and roll? Hopefully Dead End Sessions can be a part of the salvation.

Rob Lamothe He’s sure got a lot of rules for what a ‘rocker’ is supposed to be. I love Alice. Saw him in a restaurant once in Los Angeles. He was there with his Mom, which I thought was cool. But the coolest thing ever is when Alice tells Wayne and Garth about the history of Milwaukee. Classic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5FT3IGXtAk   Wayne’s World (8/10) Movie CLIP – Alice’s History Lesson (1992) HD

Adam Platsko We’re not Worthy!!!! We’re not Worthy!!!!

Nathaniel A. Walrus Does this guy know how to party or what!  via mobile

 

 

 

 

 

 

Art

Ceramic Food Art Inspired By Cultural Differences

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Jack Nicholson, playing The Joker in the 1989 Tim Burton film Batman, said “I don’t know if it’s art, but I LIKE IT!” Looking at artist Sarah Smith’s ersatz ceramic food sculptures  I am convinced this work is incredibly effective art. And I like that. A lot.

Part of Smith’s inspiration comes from the cultural differences found when it comes to food preparation and presentation. From her experiences, European’s tend to favor and appreciate food that not only tastes good but looks just as good to match. In the discipline known as culinary arts, the appearance of food is intrinsically linked with the skill of the chef and also with the intended effect on the consumer. In other words, form effects function. Strong components in any art form, Sarah Smith has applied this notion to fake food, emphasizing and reminding the viewer that strong physical reactions can be manipulated through visual presentation.

Throughout time, food has been linked with human emotion and health. Consider this: Apples are associated with our health and death. The “perfect” apple and the “poison” apple. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

Symbiosis of food and the human body. Cucumber slices and orange slices are a remedy for tired eyes and worry lines. Black eyes are healed with a raw steak. Aromatherapy consisting on some level as ‘concentrated scents of food’ (coconut, vanilla, bananas….attempts to create a strong physical reaction such as calming through an associated mental- visual representation.  But why is that and is this what Smith is asking us with her food? How do we feel when we see a raw pork chop?

So it’s connections like this that demand we consider Smith’s artistic motivation. Her work exists on many levels. Is it hyper-realism? Surrealism? Pop-art? I believe it is all of those things and more. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker. 

Culture

1964 GI Joe Prototype Lead Toy Auction

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The very first  handcrafted mock-up of GI Joe, the original 12″ tall Real American Hero and simply the most prized collectible there could be for generations of men, crossed the block at Heritage Auctions on Aug. 10, 2013 as the centerpiece of the company’s  Entertainment and Music Memorabilia event. It carried a starting bid of $125,000+ usd.

“There are few more hallowed pop culture artifacts that could come up for auction than this,” said Ed Jaster, Executive Vice President at Heritage Auctions. “Ten years ago when we sold this piece at Heritage it realized slightly over $200,000, which we believe it may bring or exceed again. To help make sure that it finds a new steward, however, we’ve joined with the consignor and placed what we feel is a conservative $125,000+ estimate on it.”

 

Also being offered in the auction are  the prototype for the first G.I. Joe dressed in an Air Force uniform (Palitoy/Hasbro, 1964) and  an early production model G.I. Joe Navy Talking Action Figurine (Hasbro Circa 1967), both formerly from the collection of G.I. Joe creator Don Levine, and both estimated at $12,500+.

 

Early production model G.I. Joe Navy Talking Action Figurine (Hasbro Circa 1967)
Early production model G.I. Joe Navy Talking Action Figurine (Hasbro Circa 1967)

 

G.I. Joe First Dressed Air Force Prototype Action Figure”The two rare Joes, while not as historically important as the prototype, both mark important evolutions in the toy,” said Jaster. “Not only do you have GI Joe branching out into the other U.S. Military branches, these also represent the broadening of the character that would lead to the entire world of G.I. Joe characters that exists today.”

 

The prototype, carefully constructed of hand-shaped and shaved plastic, hand-crafted metal, and hand-sewn fabric, was the brainchild of Don Levine, Creative Director at Hasbro in the mid-1960s, who developed an idea first proffered by licensing guru Stan Weston, that little boys would play with a doll as much as little girls would — it simply had to be the right doll, and it had to be called an “action figure.”

 

“In 1964, Hasbro’s proposed 12″ GI Joe toy line flew in the face of conventional wisdom,” said GI Joe expert Mark Bellomo. “The company defied a nation of traditionally-minded consumers who considered poseable dolls a product expressly made for girls. Hasbro saw an opening and invented their GI Joe line, marketing him as a ‘Moveable Fighting Man.’ The rest is history.”

G.I. Joe Navy Original Talking Action Figurine Adopting the roles of Action Marine, Action Pilot, Action Sailor, and Action Soldier, GI Joe became the central figure in countless backyard adventures. Thanks to Hasbro, boys could now commandeer a strike force of realistic, 12″ tall, fully-articulated GI Joe action figures, all of them descendent from this single example.

The prototype is crafted and consists of a plastic body with wire-spring joints, a hand-painted plastic head that was created by pulling a temporary mold from a carved wooden original and a completely hand-sewn uniform of olive-drab fatigues and requisite four-pocketed field jacket with a set of hand-stitched, superbly-detailed three-tiered chevrons worn on each shoulder, reflecting the rank of E-5 [sergeant].

The GI Joe brand has rightly been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame (ca. 2004), and this irreplaceable iconic artifact exists as one of the most important cultural touchstones on the planet. The toy is about to celebrate its’ 50th anniversary and has seen an upsurge of popularity in recent years with a variety of licensed toy properties, television programs and movies. CP

Supplemental- National Toy Hall of Fame http://www.toyhalloffame.org/