The Empire State

Greetings from cloudy Plattsburgh, New York!

Our long awaited travel day has arrived and we are halfway to our destination. I don't know what it is about traveling but it is something I revel in so much. The excitement, the exclusivity, just everything about it is thrilling for me. Even if it means waiting in a rest stop sized airport for 5 hours. It's a journey we are attempting to accomplish and be proud of.

I sometimes think my love of traveling stems from my father's endless and repeated travels. How every other day I would see him carry a suitcase on his way to an airport. I maybe relate the ability to travel as a form of success. Not that I've accomplished anything that can be considered as success of his magnitude so far, but I can be proud in the hard work I deliver to be able to take these trips.

It's also the idea that today is my day. I get to do something special that no one else around me will do. I can stare out the window of the Greyhound bus and watch the people go about their morning routine. Heading to work, school, or wherever their day takes them. I on the other end get to do something that is so out of the ordinary. I suppose that's a personal form of enjoyment. I'm sure all of these ideas and theories interconnect to each other someway.

The journey is probably my most favorite part of the trip as a whole. It's always enjoyable in some way. From the frantic waking up and packing, to the border crossing. Although sometimes more enjoyable than others. We're 2 days from New Years Eve and in the middle of the holiday vacation, so I'm certainly not the only one traveling down to New York. So we had a good over an hour wait at the border. And then I get a goon of a custom agent. When you have traveled as much as I have, you kind of hope to get a certain level of respect when crossing a border. But I suppose its their job to be inquisitive and cunning. I answer that I am going to Plattsburgh to fly to Florida and I am asked if I just said that because I overheard the couple in front of me say the same... You got me.

Apart from that, everything is just as hoped. The delay at the border caused us to arrive about an hour and a half late. Which on this day is a good thing. As I still have over 4 hours wait until my flight. Thank you free wi-fi.

The Countdown

Good evening loyal music fans. Tonight we continue our tradition of delivering the year's best songs. We'll countdown your top 10 songs of 2008 with some few added surprises along the way.

So without any delay, let's begin.

10. REO Speedwagon - I Needed to Fall (May-June)
9. Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child of Mine (January-March)
8. Foreigner - Until the end of Time (April-June)
###LISTENER'S CHOICE###
All-American Rejects - Dirty Little Secret (February-April)
7. Robbie Williams - Feel (May-June)
6. Pink - So What (November-December)
5. Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold (November-December)
###LISTENER'S CHOICE###
Rascal Flatts - Pieces (June)
4. Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run (August-September)
3. Sugarland - Want To (April-July)
###LISTENER'S CHOICE###
Van Halen - Dreams (January-December)
2. Taylor Swift - Love Story (September-November)
1. Hellogoodbye - Here (In Your Arms) (June-August)

All terrific songs. Never had the #1 spot been so contested before by our two finalists. We went back and forth debating on which one deserved the crown. Love Story is truly a song that marked 2008, but we just could not ignore the record-shattering performance of Here (In Your Arms) during summer 2008. They both represent their significant portion of the year and together make up the magic that was 2008 and we applaud them.

There we have it. The best of the best. Pat FM would like to thank all of the artists for their talented work and everyone who helped make 2008 one of our best years ever. The music goes on as we bid you farewell til 2009. Happy New Year to all!

Beginnings

So it has come. The day to premiere this #pat creation. I don't really know what to expect from finally making this public. It's been fun just writing for a couple of people who have had pre-launch access to this site. But now everyone will get to see every word. It is scary in a way. In a way I do want everyone to see what I write because I want everyone's undivided attention. But also what will everyone think. Of course there are a certain group of people for which I feel comfortable enough saying everything. But for that group, there is another group which is not as close for whom it is a little weird knowing that they will now know everything.

But let them. The point of this is is to be honest. I present to you all Pat in its true form. For which I hope to be a true representation. You'll hear from the past, the present, and the future I hope for. I've already presented a great amount of content for you to enjoy. And believe me there is alot more to say. For those in the know who are aware of the events that have marked my past few months, do not worry. I have said nothing as of yet... but it is not forgotten. Consider me under a sort of gag order. We're working on something very special to tell the whole story. So check back here in early 2009.

Until then. There's alot left that is going to happen. So Merry Christmas to you all. Welcome to #pat

Season's Greetings

It really is the most wonderful time of the year. The calendar turns to the row of 20's and the Christmas spirit is now in full force. I just finished watching Jingle All the Way. That is one good Christmas movie. "Who told you to eat my cookies!!" Just puts me right in the mood.

It's really not until the 20's roll around that I really start to feel that Christmas is here. Then by this time it's already almost over. We're already the 23rd tomorrow! 2 More days before Christmas. It's going to be madness tomorrow at the store. The last real push before it's too late. I'm told it will be even busier than last weekend which was hell. Hopefully its more men than women, as they are more of a pain in the ass. Serious.

But Winter is now officially here as of yesterday and up here in the great white north, we're not missing a beat. To welcome us to the dreaded season that seems to have started a month ago already, we were greeted with a 10 hour snowstorm. It started when I got up in the morning and only stopped right as I was finishing work.

The so-called experts had predicted a much milder winter this year in terms of precipitation compared to last year's hell. We got the most snow since the early 1900s last year. Almost 300cm. We're not even done with December this year and we're already at 85cm in total. It doesn't affect me too much yet as I don't drive. It's hell for them. But I do have in mind to have my car by next winter so this may be the last of the enjoyment of the snow. What I don't like however is the cold. It's been in the -20's for the past few days and it just chills you to your core.

Fortunately it appears to be warming up for Christmas so that's just great. At least we're blessed with a real Winter Wonderland.

A Little Promotion

So here we are 3 days away from the grand public opening of this site and I'm proud of what we've put out so far. Every post has been some sort of test as to the different formats of writings we can provide. We're seeing what works and what doesn't. I still don't know everything about what I'm doing here so I'm learning it as I go.. Will I write every single day? Will I take week-ends off? I took a day off yesterday, I just needed my rest. But I don't know, it shouldn't really be forced either. So when I have something to say, and I'm in the mood to do it justice in writing, then you'll get it. Believe me I have enough to write every day. But I'm thrilled that I'll be able to premiere this with great content already.

Speaking of content.. It's December. It's the end of the year. And that only means it's time for everyone to do their year in review countdown. And we're no different here. Don't forget that this Friday December 26th, we will be bringing you the Pat FM Top 10 of 2008 exclusively on #pat. The 2007 edition was so well received last year that we have been anxiously waiting for this since summer. So that is our Christmas present to you that will be delivered Boxing Day evening.

Join us as we count down the top 10 songs of 2008. It was a superb year in terms of music and we're happy to look back and share in our memories of the best songs that made it.

As a special treat, for those who missed out on the fun last December, we're providing you with the results of the Pat FM Top 10 of 2007.

------Pat FM Top 10 of 2007------

10. Fergie - Big Girls Don't Cry
9. The Killers - When We Were Young
8. Akon - Don't Matter
###Honorable Mention### Sugarland - Everyday America
7. Dixie Chicks - Not Ready to Make Nice
6. Backstreet Boys - Never Gone
5. Rob Thomas - Ever the Same
###Honorable Mention### James Blunt - 1973
4. Rascal Flatts - Stand
3. When in Rome - The Promise
2. Peter Gabriel - Solsbury Hill
###Honorable Mention### Van Halen - Dreams
1. My Chemical Romance - Welcome to the Black Parade

2007 was a great year on its own (with an interesting, and somewhat depressing theme), but we promise you an even greater 2008 countdown. While our staff has been working round the clock to get this ready for the 26th, there is still debate for the #1 spot. Who will take the crown? Find out this Friday December 26th.

Concerning Hobbits

It's that time of the year. Illuminated Christmas trees, Christmas songs, and of course Christmas movies. You already know one of my favorites is Jingle All the Way. It's a must see for me every year in December along with a few others. With much controversy, Gremlins is another. I don't want to hear it, Gremlins IS a Christmas movie. Do a quick internet search for Gremlins + Best Christmas Movie. You will see endless results of compiled lists with Gremlins occupying a worthy spot. Most of them are underrated Christmas movie lists. So there, I'm not alone. So Gremlins, Jingle All the Way, and in the end the pinnacle of the holiday cinema tradition.... Home Alone. I always save that for Christmas Eve.

But a new tradition has been created this past decade. The tradition of a Lord of the Rings film being released right before Christmas. Of course we're years after the last release of the trilogy, but I always like to the time to watch them in December. I did that this past weekend this year. And let me tell you it blows me away every time. They really are the three greatest movies ever made in terms of it all.

The story is simply unbelievable. The tale of the entire journey is so deep and time consuming that by the end you are as much of a part of this Fellowship as any other character. And for me it just drags me in. I've seen Return of the King probably 5-6 times so far since its release, and I still have tears when the Hobbits are told that they are to bow to no one, then bowed to by the entire kingdom. It's all so powerful and moving.

This time however, my Ring craving was not satisfied by the movies. So I have decided to re-watch all my DVD extras. Which if you own the Extended box-sets you know are about 3 hours+ in length in each of the three films. I'm about halfway through it all now and you just get so amazed by how much work goes involve into every scene. An entire set of a city was build for just about 2-3 minutes of actual film time. Seems ridiculous, but that's also why the film is so well-made.

It really inspires me to do the best I can for my films. This January, myself and my two lovely colleagues will start production on short four minute documentary movie that is being co-produced by CBC and the NFB. CBC being Canada's major television network, and the NFB the National Film Board, one of Canada's big production agency. We were selected among applicants from communications programs in Montreal and Ottawa from a written submitted pitch. So this is very exciting. We will get to attend a three day workshop hosted by industry professional who will guide and assist us in making our movie alongsides the other selected participants.

So this is another terrific opportunity to get real experience, and to have a piece of work with a CBC and NFB production credit. Which at our young age is pretty surreal. We'll get to see our documentary on TV later this year which will be quite a thrill.

So while we're not making a Lord of the Rings, we still have alot of work to do to make this the best possible product. And watching these extra's certainly are giving me alot of creative ideas and inspiration for the kind of technical aspects of shooting we could attempt. I certainly will be keeping you updated as we enter pre-production in January and throughout the whole process leading into May.

The Art of Performance

If there is something I do not like, it's anything attached with the stigma of the word art. How classless and uncultured am I! Let's not be totally ridiculous here. If you're going to say a film or a song is art, then sure I'll go along and say yes I do like those forms of art. However most people tend to associate the word art with non-sense creations that are so off the beaten path and completely senseless. But all you need to do is qualify it as art and it becomes full of deep meanings.

That's just my rant on art. This evening I had the pleasure to witness a form of performance art I rarely come in contact with. No not High School Musical on Ice, that evening is delayed indefinitely. I was able to experience the wonderful world of ballet dancing. Thanks to my dear friend Melanie, we have been asked by the Grands Ballets Canadiens of Montreal to produce a sort of promotional film of the on-goings with the audience, the cast backstage, and any other interesting aspect of the non-show portion of the production. What production is this anyway?

There's only one performance to see around the holidays anywhere in the world, and that's The Nutcracker. Every major city has its own version and Montreal's continues to be one of the best and most popular. So this is a terrific opportunity to get some real work experience with a significant subject. Plus it comes with some great perks. Complimentary floor seat tickets to a sold-out show, full backstage access, the works.

Tonight was mostly to get a feel for what the show is really about, and to get a look at the locations where we will most likely set up to film our different shots. Was it enjoyable? Well I said it 4 years ago about musicals, that I did not care for them, then ate my words after such an enjoyable screening of Saturday Night Fever. A ballet performance does not sound any better. But the excitement of being at the feet of the stage, a real orchestra playing right in front of you, and professional dancers putting it all on the line just makes anything enjoyable. Okay so I did doze off once or twice during the first act. I've been up since 6am this morning and worked all day so give me a break. But after an intermission, and a $7 glass of red wine which I inevitably had to chug as we were called to the second act, I was ready to get into it.

There is no better way to enjoy something than to have a light wine high. Anything seems fun. But in all reality, I did enjoy myself and I congratulate everyone involved with the show for a tremendous performance. I may not be running out to pay $100 for a ticket to see it again before the holidays are over, but maybe in a year or two I wouldn't mind checking it out once more. For those of you fortunate enough to have the chance to see this production in your city, I do recommend it, if only to enjoy the spirit of the holidays.

The 8 Days of Christmas

While this household counts and celebrates 31 days of Christmas throughout the December calendar, we'll focus on the 8 days that lead to the big day starting today. Christmas has arrived through a different angle this year, which has been quite interesting.

We have been able to see a sort-of behind the scenes aspect of Christmas that most don't see or think about. Being the one in charge of the toy department at a major downtown department store really lets you experience the spirit of Christmas... Shopping! The legends are true, everyone is looking for a Turboman. And yes unfortunately we really only do have his faithful companion Booster.

Jingle All the Way ranks #3 on my favorite Christmas movies, and I'm only going to be able to relate to it more after these 8 days are through. The Christmas rush has truly begun and every day the toy aisles are packed as if it was a Saturday afternoon. I look back on when I first started this job. I remember thinking there is no way I will still be working by Christmas, it would be madness. Well here I am, in charge none the less. Though I can look back on the past 7 months as good training. I don't know how the noobs do it. Though my lovely co-worker Adler seems to have found a good solution to customer questions he is unable to answer.. "Go talk to Patrick, he's the expert." Please remind me to write about Adler one of these days haha.

So what is 2008's Turboman? Believe it or not, it appears to be the Easy Bake Oven! After decades of popularity, this toy is still as demanded as ever. I've never tasted anything made out of one of these 'ovens', but they really can't be that good. What happened to a parent just teaching their child how to cook alongside them? To make actual real deserts, or better yet... a real meal. Kids are getting enough deserts already, they don't need to make their own. But there must be something to that little oven. I know I did want one when I was younger.. And when I first started working in toys, I would pass by it and have some excitement come over me when I saw the $29.99 price tag. At that price I could easily buy myself one! Then you realize, oh right I my own real oven to make real food.

Regardless there are alot of people and alot of questions to answer this week. The one that still gets me the most is "what toy do you recommend for a 4 year old?" I don't think I should really be expected to answer this! There are a million different possibilities. Even if you pick out a random toy that engulfs the 4 year old age in its holy age range, then you get the classic line. And this usually comes from the grandparents shopping.."Well he's 4 years old, but he's really more at an 8 year old level.. he's really smart." You hear it so much now it just makes me laugh. Everyone's child is always so smart.

That's just a little taste of what goes on daily in these crowded aisles. I figure we've only just begun the madness that will be the holiday shopping rush. 7 days til Christmas now.. Should be fun.

Something Amazing This Way Comes

I seem to be stuck trying to find a good way to start this. I got the title down, that was a fine start. Congrats to those who know where the inspiration came from. But I'm not too sure why I'm putting so much thought into this. Knowing me, this will last the total amount of 3 days until I am bored and move on to something new. I know this because I've been planning to do something of the like for years now, to no success. I tried the website deal, that was a bust. My future brother in-law set me up a blog just like this earlier this year and I never wrote a thing. So will this one be any different?

Well I'm writing something right now. So that's a start. I know everyone is just dying to know my each and every thought so I'll try to not let you down. I'm that important. So we'll see how far we can take it. Anyone who knows me is aware how overstuffed I am with thoughts and theories. So let this be my outlet. Maybe this will simplify the falling asleep process. All I hope is for this to be completely honest. That's the only way I see this being interesting on any level. Even if only 1 person ends up reading what I write, then there is a reason to make this the best it can be.

That's my introduction. Now for content, boy how I have a lot to say these days... Where do we start first...