Reflections on a Riot



The view from my window, smoke billowing
over downtown Vancouver

Many words have been written about last night's meltdown in downtown Vancouver and far more eloquent. I was not going to comment on my blog about the riot, preferring instead to focus on the positive. The actions of the few hundred hooligans, criminals really, who turned over vehicles and set them ablaze; breaking windows; committed theft and other criminal acts must be brought to task and face the consequences of their actions.

These were not Canuck or any other sport franchise's fans, these were people who had an agenda regardless of the outcome of the final Stanley Cup game to wreak havoc and cause mayhem. Unfortunately, through their actions, the city which had basked in the glow of the Olympics and post-Olympics goodwill has, once again, some work to do in rebuilding its image.

Though this group of creeps was not the same people who participated in the 1994 riot incident, the mindset is the same - mob mentality. Trying to make some sense of it all today, there is not anything anyone can say or do to change the events from June 15, however, I sincerely hope that this scene will not be repeated again here nor anywhere for that matter.

Thank you Cancucks for a great season and great big thank you to the police, fire department, health care professionals and others who assisted in helping to control the crowd.

'Wicked' a Musical

On June 4, I saw 'Wicked' at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver. Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West", this musical explores the themes of differences and acceptance.


Since 'Wicked' debuted on Broadway on October 30, 2003, it has consistently sold out and is still going strong. The music is amazing and the performances stellar.

The touring company of 'Wicked' that is currently performing in Vancouver is excellent. My review is posted on Ticketmaster.

Inside the theatre, the curtain which depicts a map of the Land of Oz

Stanley Cup Finals 2011

The run-up to the Stanley Cup Finals was an exciting time in Vancouver. The Canucks had been a stellar team and gone through 3 playoff series to face the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals.

I participated in two viewing parties, the first coincided with the night that I saw the musical 'Wicked' on June 4 - I joined hundreds to watch the big screen setup at Hamilton and Granville. From my perch on the sidewalk next to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, it was a family-friendly atmosphere - lots of families, young and old mingling and enjoying one of our first summer-like evenings. This was Game 2 and the Canucks won on home ice.


Hamilton and Georgia Streets, Vancouver - June 4, 2011



Team spirit

The atmosphere in the city was like that during the Olympics, a sense of camraderie and a sharing of a common experience, it was very positive.

Watching two minor hockey teams play during breaks between periods at the viewing party at Rogers Arena on June 8, this is what the game is about - pure, exciting and fun. Let's not let a few hooligans ruin it for all of us.

In light of the shenanigans from June 15, I would like to remember these days where there was no negativity, no nonsense - just people brought together for the love of the game. Hopefully, those responsible for the riots last night will be brought to justice but the underlying issue is why it had to happen in the first place. These people are not true fans, this behaviour needs to be addressed. They lack respect for themselves and others and must be brought to task and face responsibility for their actions.

Oh, and lest we forget, thank you Vancouver Canucks for laying it all on the line and for playing some excellent hockey!

 

Jon Hamm to Direct First Episode of 'Mad Men' Season 5



Source: People.com



Cannot wait for the new season of 'Mad Men'. After a rather lengthy negotiation, see previous posts, it came as very welcome news that viewers would be treated to the directorial debut of its star, Jon Hamm.

Filming of season 5 will begin in July and will air in March 2012 on AMC.

"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" - The David Fincher Treatment

When I heard that an Americanized version of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" was being considered, I shuddered. Having read the books by Stieg Larsson and watched the Swedish films, I just could not perceive how an English-language version could match the brilliance of the original. Then I heard David Fincher would be directing the first installment and knew that he was the right choice - remember '7even'.

If they were going to remake these films, it may as well have one of the best directors at the helm. The trailer was leaked late last week, initially it was rumoured that Sony, the parent company of Columbia, the studio producing the movie, had purposely leaked a shaky trailer-alluding to Lisbeth Salander, the lead character of what is also called The Millennium Series, who is also a hacker. Conspiracy theories aside, the trailer is kick a$$. Me likey, a lot...have watched it about a dozen times now. Christmas can't come too soon this year...

First Communion Video - May 1974

A family friend took this video (Super 8) in May 1974 on the occasion of my First Communion. It is the only video ever taken of my siblings and I as kids. My grandfather makes a brief appearance as well. So neat to see this again.