Experimental in Lethbridge

I did some time in Airdrie, and had a lot of fun. I had a wild dream about Boards of Canada playing a show (with me watching), and I got really inspired. I remembered I haven't talked much about the music project, and that is because it is becoming a little slower going. The more intricate stuff takes longer, and other things are taking up my time. I am releasing a "Digital seven inch" for everyone to download.

The File
Enjoy

Labels: dlb, mp3, music, summer

I Hate Rodeo

I don't "Hate" rodeo as much as I don't care for it. What I hate is the attitude that you must abuse animals for fun. I do however enjoy watching people getting their asses kicked by said animals. Nature is great!

Right now I am kicking it in Calgary waiting for a ride down to Stampede for some "Hoot n' Hollerin'" fun, and possibly alcohol. Some popular country band will be playing Nashville North, which is where we are going to hang out. This will be reason enough for the alcohol.

Joey is back, and it is her birthday today, so off to the Stampede we must go! It's great having her back as I have never had so much fun sitting around in Airdrie. We're heading back to Lethbridge tomorrow for my own birthday, which should be a good time.

Many regards my good friends, it's hot, so I will need your prayers.

Labels: adventure, friendship, life, road trip, summer

Bicycle Buddhism

Only a few days back on my new bike, and I must say that I am smitten. The weather here has been great bicycle riding weather. I was riding tonight, with a cool breeze in my hair and warm pavement under my wheels. Call me a romantic, but I was seriously in love with my life. There is clarity in the craft of bicycle riding, and I must say I am rather sorry I hadn't been in so long.

Like I mentioned before, my bike was stolen and that discouraged me a bit from riding. However this newish addition to my life has pepped me up with a love for a nice bike. I think I have developed a new style of thinking due to this fact, and I'm very excited. My summer has exponentially improved.I'm sure these ideas have a lot in common with many other thinkers, I do not consider myself a philosopher or a profit of any sort.

When I was a child, I felt chained down when I did not have my bike. Locked down in my basement, doing banal little things because I been grounded or popped a tire I could not afford to fix. A terrible atrocity to a 14 year old boy. Did anyone else feel this way? I usually only had one desire, adventure and explore.

Riding these past few days, I felt the same way, I felt like I was exploring. I think I saw most of Nicolas Sheran park in the past few, and it feels great. I am also finding some fine time to meditate. When I am riding, I am focusing forward, on my bike, on pedaling, and maintaining balance. Clearing my mind of everything else, moving forward without dying is an interesting goal to set. I also find that I do not want as much when I am riding my bike. My desire for worldly possessions falls limp, and my mind goes almost blank. Bicycle meditation? Bicycle Buddhism?

Not saying that this type of feeling is exclusive to cycling, as I am aware of the thrills and fun of many other modes of transportation. I guess whatever works for you will hopefully guide you to a place you want to go. Just as Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty found America and themselves kicking up dust up and down California. Jack Kerouac knew the score, and I feel closer to his stories now that I can relate. I may have found the strange hybrid of Buddhism that I have been looking for.

I'm not preaching to destroy your cars and join my cult, but I would not shy away from a leisurely ride around the west side of Lethbridge with anyone willing for a ride.

Labels: adventure, lethbridge, philosophy, summer

Zen and Bicycle Repair

So I finally got my bicycle back from a friend who had it due to a series of strange events, but I must say that I am thrilled. My original bike was stolen and almost completely trashed due to being ridden in some sub-zero temperatures, and much harder than any Sport-Chek bike should be. I used to race BMX, so I'm pretty good at riding in a reckless manner, and I am sure that lead to the death of the bike. However the thief now has a broken bike.

I however decided to try and balance some karma by stealing a bike from the university that had been tagged as "In violation of bicycle parking", and was long abandoned. I later found out the bicycle belonged to a friend of mine, and she gladly allowed me to steal it. Here is a picture of the bicycle in all it's glory.

Ok, I know it's a girl's bike, but I don't care, it was free!

I took off the front and rear fenders, as well as the back brake. The back brake was broken, and the fenders were rubbing. As well, it looks much cleaner now. So I am going to do some upgrades to make this the coolest thing ever:
-Get a new seat; The current one is horrendous.
-New pedals; The current ones are probably older than me.
Remove the chain guard; It's ugly and I never wear baggy pants anymore.
-Make it a Fixie?

The reason for the question mark is the fact that riding a fixed gear bicycle can be extremely dangerous if not taken seriously. However, it is apparently very rewarding once you can get the hang of it. It will also let me remove the extremely antique gear shifter, and horrendously rusted gears. Think I can do it? I'm not too sure either. I have however found this resource online, and it seems I may just need to go wheel shopping. "How To Build A Fixed Gear Bicycle"

Let's hope I don't die.

Labels: adventure, holidays, lethbridge, life, summer

Happy Canada Day

Nation Film Board Round Up
Norman McLaren - Boogie Doodle
Norman McLaren - Synchromy
Norman McLaren - Neighbours
Making Music: Dishwasher (a little newer)

Labels: canada, holidays, NFB, video