#pat

Sacred Cows

2010-03-31T09:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a new decade of getting robbed by this ridiculous government once more. The 2010-2011 Quebec provincial budget was announced this past Tuesday and while no one is surprised that taxes are being raised, many will be surprised by all the other methods that will be enacted to balance this 4 billion dollar deficit.

To name a few...

2% Provincial sales tax raise, in increments of 1% at the start of both 2011 and 2012

$25 annual health care fee, raising to $200 within 3 years
- Future pay per use fee taxable from your income

Increase in rates of electricty of 3.7 per year, approximately $58 a year for average household

Removing the freeze on university tuitions

1.5 cent per liter fuel tax increase

When questioned if it was a good idea to target the so called 'Sacred Cows' of Quebec such as health care and education, Finance Minister Raymond Bachand answered "Sacred cows only exist in India." I for one am certainly glad to hear this because I have a few propositions of my own, some of which might have been considered 'sacred' by some.

The government obviously considers this a period of crisis in which it must resolve within the next half decade, so it has no problems setting precedents for collecting money from areas that have been 'public' for a reason, such as health care. Now if we're going to start charging for health care, let's look at some other ways to cut costs. If nothing is sacred, than lets finally put an end to this ridiculous set of language laws. Put an end to the entire organization that is paid by your tax dollars to uphold a failed language. Yes failed, there's a reason it's never been adopted by the world, it is inferior. So lets stop wasting money on individuals who's job is to visit private establishments and determine whether or not they have too many English memorabilia items on the wall and whether or not they are translated. Lets stop worrying about an English sign that isn't 10 smaller than a French one.

Taxes in Quebec are going to keep rising and we are going to have to continue to pay because this province is a sinking ship. As you see there is no money. And no one cares to spend it where it needs it most. It's 2010 and listen to this, WE JUST GOT A PUBLIC BUS LINE TO THE AIRPORT!!!! Isn't this fantastic! Give it a clever name like the 747 line and the people rejoice. It is pitiful that Montreal still does not have a connected rail from the airport to downtown. The individuals in charge of Montreal, and Quebec and its peoples have lost sight of where they live. Sure they live in this province they wish to uphold as the greatest place on Earth, but that's just that, we live on Earth. There are many other countries, and in today's global world, we all need each other to survive. Quebec cares not for the image it portrays to the rest of the world. It did once, but all that changed in the end of the 1960s

You see in the 1960s, Montreal was the most promising city in North America. Toronto was nothing but an after thought when thinking about cities in Canada. We had all the right dreams. We built ourselves a mighty fine subway system, we even opened our doors for the world to come see at the Worlds Fair. But then somehow I think the wrong ideas sprung into the wrong people's minds. Somehow they came to the realization that this province could be something after all if all of the world was so impressed with it. We didn't need Canada, they only held us back. We took our identite nationale and moved forward. Ran the damn English out of town. We also ran the Montreal Stock Exchange out to Toronto, and all of the prospect this city had.

So why is the government now not taxing the wealthy or businesses but the everyday middle class people? Well they at least realize that if they start taxing those people, they'll straight out leave and Quebec will be in a bigger hole than it is now. They already realize they could probably live better elsewhere, but if things get any hotter here, they've already got one step out the door.. may it be West or South.

The wealthy and the corporations fortunately have a team of individuals to defend them. We as people in theory elect our politicians to defend us. The wealthy acquire large lobbyist groups to make sure the government acts in their favor if they want their money. So that's why we're the ones getting taxed. You want the most intelligent thing to tax? Lottery winnings. Why this isn't taxed already is ridiculous. If earnings are all taxable, why not lottery ones? That's your money pot right there at your fingertips. Wonder why that's not happening? You can only imagine the lobbying group that follow the steps of every politician in defense of Lotto-Quebec.

In closing, one thing I can fully agree with is the unfreezing of university tuitions in Quebec. I think this is long overdue. It is ridiculous that you still only pay $1500 for a semester at a major university in 2010. The students can protest all they want, alot of people would beg for tuition at twice that price.

So what is it really going to take for people to realize that this place isn't really that great?

Pat FM Top 10 2009

2009-12-27T08:25:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, On this joyous day following Christmas we gather every year to celebrate and honor the music talent that grace our lives. What we're about to see are 10 songs who ultimately made 2009 what it was. They accompanied our tears and our laughter, the wins and losses, the loves and the heartbreaks.

10. Colbie Caillat - Realize (November - December) Q4 #1
9. The Cure - Friday I'm in Love (August - September) Q3 #1
###LISTENER'S CHOICE###
Brad Paisley - Then (June - October)
8. Taylor Swift - Breathe (January - October)
7. Katy Perry - Waking up in Vegas (July - September)
6. Rascal Flatts - Close (May - August)
###LISTENER'S CHOICE###
Katy Perry - If You Can Afford Me (July - September)
5. Lady Antebellum - I Run to You (February - September)
4. Jason Mraz - I'm Yours (January - August)
3. David Nail - Red Light (February - June) Q1 #1
###LISTENER'S CHOICE###
Bruce Springsteen - Thunder Road (March - September)
2. Taylor Swift - Love Story (January - October)
1. Caitlin & Will - Even Now (April - August) Q2 #1

Pat FM Breakthrough Artist 2009: Lady Antebellum
Pat FM Artist of the Year 2009: Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift: Five top 10 hits: Love Story, White Horse, You Belong With Me, Breathe, Our Song
Love Story: remains a top song all year and remains the #2 song of the year for the
second straight year. Becomes the #1 Pat FM Song of all Time.

Lady Antebellum: leads the Country Wave of '09 with their top 10 hit I Run To You. Follows up
with subsequent hits: Love Don't Live Here, Need You Now. With new
album on the way, sure to impress us more in 2010.

Country Wave of 2009 swept through Pat FM in early February and revolutionized the preferred genre of the station. Over 80% of Pat FM plays were country and the trend looks on to continue in 2010.

We now turn the page on 2009. A Brand new chapter awaits us with our relocation to Tampa for the first part of 2010. What will it hold? Stay Tuned to Pat FM

Pat FM Q2 Top 15

2009-07-07T20:13:00.000-07:00

It has already been 3 long months and we've been blessed with some of the greatest songs ever created on our little home here at Pat FM.

Today we take a look back at the top songs from the 2nd quarter of the year and how they fared in the rankings.

15. Jason Aldean - She's Country
14. Miranda Lambert - Dead Flowers
13. Rodney Atkins - It's America
12. Keith Urban - Kiss a Girl
11. Miley Cyrus - The Climb
10. Taylor Swift - Breathe
9. Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me
8. Brad Paisley - Then
7. Rascal Flatts - She'd Be California
6. Taylor Swift - Love Story
5. Taylor Swift - Our Song
4. Lady Antebellum - I Run To You
3. Rascal Flatts - Close
2. Caitlin & Will - Address in the Stars
1. Caitlin & Will - Even Now

So there you have it. Your top 15 songs of the past 3 months. An homage can be given to Taylor Swift for taking 4 of the spots to herself. She really has been the star of the first half of the year. Love Story's run in the top spots is incomparable. We look forward to seeing what she has up her sleeve in the second half of the year.

And it's no surprise to see the Flatts back strong on this chart with their hit album Unstoppable released in early April. Look for their songs to be in the top spots as the year continues.

We finish by congratulating Caitlin & Will for their performance in these past 3 months. The duo that has come out of a CMT reality show featuring duets has sure made an impact on Pat FM listeners and they have been rewarded with the top 2 spots of this chart. Earning a #1 on a quarter countdown is hard enough. Getting both #1 and #2 is a feat all in itself. So we look forward to hearing more from them as their young career blossoms.

As we said in the opening, this has been a great year for us at Pat FM. And Q2 only continued it with amazing music. And you can clearly see that Country music has taken over every top position in our countdown. The power of this genre has been shown and Pat FM is proud of the direction it is heading in.

It is now time to begin 3 more months of fantastic music. We've already heard some great new songs this July and they will only become more in numbers. So enjoy yourselves and we will see you in October for our Q3 countdown.

From all of us at Pat FM,

Thank you

Lost Diary Entry #3

2009-05-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

I didn't think this was worth mentioning when it happened but since they might have just re-appeared, it might be now. Back when they found the caves and the corpses laying in them, one of the Losties (Jack or maybe Locke) found a little pouch with 2 stones, a white and black one. Now later, in Claire's dream, she is strolling around the jungle and stumbles upon Locke and he looks up and his eye balls have been replaced by a white and black stone.. WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN. We know from S5 finale that white and black have a significance on this island.

INTERESTING... The psychic Claire sees tells her that danger surrounds her child, and that at no cost let someone else raise Aaron. Something real bad will happen if he does. We know Kate raised Aaron. What's going to happen! INTERESTING AGAIN.. Charlie realizes this when Claire tells him what happened with the psychic. The psychic insists that she must raise the baby but then tells her its not important and she should give it to a couple in LA. But that she MUST take that one flight to get there. So he knew... I wonder if he's just really psychic or he has some sort of connection with the Island.

Lost Diary Entry #2

2009-05-27T20:04:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

Watched the first Sawyer back-story episode today. Only thing worth mentioning is the appearance of this letter Sawyer has that we saw him write in the S5 finale. Nothing really noteworthy about it, just neat to see.

Watching the next episode now. It's just so memorable to see these things happen that spark the memories of 'oh yea that's going to happen next'. Like Sayid going off on his own for a while. Gets captured by Danielle. And he's also stumbled upon the famous cable. I had no idea this was found so early. Never the less, this is the first contact the Losties have had with a non-Oceanic (still no Ethan.) She asks where Alex is. Oh how little we knew back then.. And just as I say that, Ethan shows up. He's so creepy already. Rousseau mentions 'the other's for the first time. Can't believe because of her that word has stuck. She does say she has not seen anyone else on the island.. I don't know if she's just dillusional or not at the moment.

Not so much to mention in these two eps. Preview clip of the next ep shows the dream Claire has about someone trying to hurt baby. Could get some good stuff from that.
Until then!

Lost Diary Entry #1

2009-05-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

It has been a short while since we have been together. I can say that I have not really had the inspiration to write here so it has kind of been put on hiatus. I imagine there will again one day come a time when this place will be all that it was meant to be.

But for now, I have a new purpose for it. I am currently re-watching the first 5 LOST seasons and am discovering so much that could help decipher the mysteries that engulf the current times. So I will use this place to write notes on my findings. Since I have already watched the first 6 episodes.. I will mostly mention short questions/statements about what I remember. While I'd like to keep this Spoiler free, it's hardly possible so read at your own risk.

1. I don't think this has anything to do with anything, but I really don't know what they did with the place wreckage. It's gigantic and all over the place. And nowhere to be found in later seasons. I may easily find out later where it went as it seems weird to just have no explanation for it. Looking at a LOST map earlier today, I saw that there is a second beach camp, so maybe they just moved.

2. This has been one of the major points of discovery so far. In 1x04 - Walkabout, Locke, Kate and Michael go out to hunt for a boar. When they are attacked by one, Michael is hurt and Kate takes him back to the beach while Locke goes out by himself to try to kill their attacker. On their way back to the beach, Kate, high above a tree is spots something of quite a large size ruffling through the forest heading straight for Locke. From dialogue mentioned then and later, it appears to be smoke monster. We later see Locke come face to face with whatever has chased after him. The shot ends with Locke looking in fear at whatever is facing him. Later he denies any encounter with anything and in 1x05, he tells Jack that he has looked into the eyes of the island and seen its beauty.

Now I'm really curious as to what could have happened to Locke at that moment. Seems like it could have something to do with what we have come to know about Locke and his present connection to the island.

3. This one refers to Christian Shepard. I had completely forgotten that his body had been on the plane. Which kind of lessens the confusion I've always had about why he was always there. If we know the Man in Black or Jacob can take over the body or at least the likeliness of a someone's dead body on the island, it easily could have been done with Christian (And Claire for that matter ).

4. Who do the corpses which lie at the Caves belong to?? Apparently 40 or so years old.

That's all I can remember that's worth mentioning from the first 6 episodes. Tune back in for more as we progress through the past.

Top 15 Songs - Pat FM Q1

2009-04-01T07:34:00.001-07:00

Well we're one quarter through the year and throughout all of 2009, we'll be presenting you with the top 15 songs played during each quarter of the year.

So the following are the top songs played between Jan 1st and March 31st, 2009. The infusion of new music so far this year has been incredible and we only hope it continues as we head into the summer. Thanks to Last.FM for their hard work at keeping all our airplay data.

15. Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold
14. Taylor Swift - Hey Stephen
13. Montgomery Gentry - One in Every Crowd
12. Lady Antebellum - I Run to You
11. Darren Kozelsky - Good Day to Get Gone
10. Randy Owen & Megan Mullins - Holding Everything
9. Taylor Swift - White Horse
8. Taylor Swift - Love Story
7. Bruce Springsteen - Thunder Road
6. Taylor Swift - Breathe
5. Rascal Flatts - Here
4. Gloriana - Wild at Heart
3. Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
2. Rascal Flatts - Here Comes Goodbye
1. David Nail - Red Light

So there you have it. Up and coming artist David Nail nabbing the number 1 spot as he made his mark in the first quarter with his chart topping single. Hard to ignore the magnitude of Taylor Swift's success so far this year so we congratulate her for her outstanding 4 spots on the top 15 (including 2008 #2 song Love Story.)

So we're proud of all these artists and want to thank them for their great music. We'll be back at the end of June to announce the Q2 Top 15, and we can probably expect to see alot of these great artists and songs still kickin' it at the top.

A Hint of Spring

2009-03-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

I may neglect you all more than Angelina's adopted African children, but I don't forget. I have recently been presented with an alternate personal environment for me to share and express myself in, so that explains why I have had less motivation to spend even more time writing here. But stuff is going on and I feel like talking about it.

First off, let me just say how amazing this Daylight Savings is. I'm not really sure what the 'real' time is. What I mean by that is what the original set of time was before this DST was invented. Whichever, it should just be what it is now. I don't understand why a person would rather come home in darkness as opposed to waking up in it. It's simply depressing. Spring is on our doorstep and I could not be happier. Above freezing temperatures and 6pm sunlight is making March a happy month. We're almost through!

In other news, last night was the official 2009 IBL Draft. This was a very special draft for all of us as it featured a full set of 12 teams for the first time since its inception. It makes me quite proud that the league we started 5 years ago with five simple teams now has grown to a full-sized success. Not only that, but we have now switched to a keeper format. This will enable us to possibly turn our franchises into full-fledged dynasties. This only made this year's draft that much more important. And I am fully confident that The Raccs, entering its sixth season of existence, has come out with yet again a terrific team that will contend til the final weeks of September. I was able to follow my prepared plan very well and it worked out quite possibly even better than I thought.

So watch out league, because these are... The 2009 Raccs, The Dynasty Starts Here.

Filming With the Stars

2009-02-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

I've got a lot to say today so I'll try to keep everything compact. This should really be several posts. I'm considering splitting them, but it's so fresh in my mind and I don't want to lose it.

So as promised, I'll rehash the events of the past weekend. As we all know, this weekend was the big Doc Shop 6 workshop weekend at the NFB offices in Saint Laurent. It was overall a pretty good experience even if we were all exhausted the entire time. It was Friday from 12-5, and Sat and Sunday from 8:45-5. And it's not close to start. But it was nice to be able to go into the actual NFB complex. I had always seen it when driving by it on the Metropolitan ever since I was young and always wondered what was in it. Well it's ground zero for the Canadian film and documentary industry so it was a privilege one might say.

The first two days we're mostly guest speakers and some screenings of films. We got to meet the head of the NFB, and the woman in charge of programming for CBC. Overall it was pleasant to listen to all these people speak about the business and give us their advice. On Sunday, we got to be split up into smaller groups and have dedicated camera and sound instructors to really work closely with getting our technical skills up to par and receiving more personalized advice on questions and fears we might have regarding our own productions. The 3rd day was absolutely the best and most valuable. I only wish we could have had two days of this and just one day of speakers. But overall a good weekend. I look forward to the next event in the beginning of March where we will be screening our first rough cuts at the CBC offices downtown.

As we all saw last night was the series finale of The Wonder Years on Pat Tv Late Night. I have to commend the series on a fantastic run with us. We began the 1st season back in August of last year and have been running it daily since. So a 6 month run that spanned alot of time and events. And I have to say, I will usually get emotional during any finales from which I've been involved with. I cannot help it and I'll usually get those watery eyes. But I don't know what it was last night, those last five minutes was one of the most emotional experience I've gone through from a television show/movie. I was almost bawling. Which I guess is understandable from a growing-up show like this that's not a sit-com type a la Growing Pains/Boy Meets World. So my hands are off to The Wonder Years, a terrific show that was a pleasure to run. We didn't know when it would finally finish, but now it is and we're going ahead with our plan to air a lighter but not lesser show, the classic Cinar adaptation of The Wizard of Oz.

Well that was mostly what I wanted to say. Before ending, I'd like to take the opportunity to congratulate Sugarland on their Grammy win last night. Stay is a wonderful song and definitely deserved the award. Keep up the good work.

Oh February

2009-02-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

Time for our first post of February. Hopefully we can match our large total of 3 for January.

Can you believe we're already a month into this new year already. It literally seems like it was just New Years. To be honest it seems like it was just December. 1/12th of the year is already done. January went by in a flash. Though it seemed to drag out a bit towards the end. But we can finally now say.. 2 months left of winter! I just hope we experience some more modest temperatures as opposed to the deadly conditions we've suffered in the recent past. I'll say it again, we're not meant to live on these lands. That's why the natives migrated to South America. The earth is dead for half the year here! How can we survive. The natives who did stay here covered themselves in animal skins and furs. We have cheap cotton jackets!

Anyway... It's been a busy past couple of weeks. Not that I'm at the liberty to even discuss it as of yet, but it's coming don't worry. Operation Bulls is the single biggest undertaking I've had the opportunity to launch so far and I'm just glad I was able to successfully get through the initial process. I got the support necessary to make it a possibility. Now we wait til most likely March to find out if it's a reality. The only reason I'm preventing myself from discussing it is that there is no point if in the end if falls through. But if it doesn't... next year will be very interesting.

In other noteworthy news, The Pat Network welcomes back its MySpace affiliate this week. We've decided to give it new life once more in hopes that it can be a substantial part of our presence. Former visitors of the site already got the benefit of a special tease regarding our special project. I'm going to be looking into ways of collaborating it alongside #pat. I've considered universally posting these entries, but that could defeat the original purpose of #pat and its exclusive content. So we'll see.

For those in the know, this weekend is the big NFB/CBC Workshop I'm attenting. Check back in the latter parts of the weekend to find out all the details about what happened and all the excitement.

The Return of the King

2009-01-20T18:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my grand return to work. I had been looking forward to this for some time now. Since I was delayed a week after returning from Florida, I was even more excited to finally go back and see everyone.

Although it was a radical shift from the last time I worked, it was good to be back. You can imagine since my last day was Boxing Day, it was a 95% decrease in customers. But at least everything is clean now. And most of all, I don't have to be angry at the customers anymore.

You really get a sense of how disgusting people are after having worked the holiday season in retail. To get an idea, there is actually a Facebook group dedicated to retail workers who have gone as far as to lose their Christmas spirit because of their experience. It really makes you lose faith in our society.

Just how lazy can people be. Being responsible for the toy department in a store, I got the worst of it by far. They will just leave things anywhere that offers support for an item. And that includes the floor. People will continue pushing their carts while dragging an item until it becomes dislodged and can be kicked aside. It's ridiculous.

I know many will say, well that's not my job to clean the store. Well certainly it isn't. But it was also your job to be educated enough to have the courtesy to put something back where you put it instead of throwing it on the floor. In the end, you're ultimately hurting yourself. We as employees only have a certain amount of time to do work. The only duties we had in December in terms of tasks were to assist customers, and clean up the store. If you figure how packed the store in December, there is pretty much someone who needs help at any given amount of time. So there is little time left to clean.

So the little time we do have when we're not helping someone, is spent cleaning. And in this type of environment, 'cleaning' can only mean picking things up off the floor. We can't possibly begin to put things where they belong. Because nothing belongs anywhere anymore. As customers have shuffled everything out of place. As a result of this, I'm forced to remove all the price tags from the shelves. Otherwise a customer will demand the item for free when he feels cheated by the misguided price tag. So for the better part of 2 weeks, 95% of inquiries were 'How much is this?', 'Why are there no prices??' Well that's why there are no prices. And we don't have time to put new prices because we're too busy cleaning up the mess. At the end of a typical last week before Christmas day, the store ends up with about 15-20 carts of merchandise to return to its department. Either from items left at the cash, returns, and most likely items misplaced throughout the store. How is that relevent? This blew me away, on one of these days, 2 CARTS worth of toys were found in the clothing department. That's 2 carts of toys left in the clothing department by customers. Sickening.

Anyway, this was not the intention of this post to go on a rant. But I needed to paint a picture as to why such a rage against customers had been bloomed before going on vacation. But after 3 weeks off, I come back and I'm at peace. I can be happy to help the customers again. Nothing makes me happier than to have someone thank me for my help.

So it is good to be back. Even though no one else shares my enthusiasm.

Surf our way

2009-01-16T22:28:00.000-08:00

Yes! Believe it! Channel Pat is back!

We hope we didn't scare you into thinking this place was dead.

I'm just wrapping up the end of my vacation this weekend so it's as good of a time as any to return to what we had so enthusiastically started at the end of last year. Consider this our first full-season premiere.

What I really want to start off and say is just how much excitement has surrounded me since the beginning of this year. 2009 feels so fresh and new and full of potential. I see 12 empty canvases for me to craft the most I possibly can. And do I ever have things planned for this year. For some reason I feel more in control over my life than ever before and it seems like anything I want to do is simply at the reach of my fingertips.

To give you a little sneak peek at whats coming up, here are a few things. We're of course about to begin pre-production on our CBC documentary. Which has the potential to be very good if we can commit to doing the best job possible. At the very least its great experience and a decent amount of exposure. We have signed a contract which gives CBC a 1-year control over the rights of the film. So they will be posting it online, as well as broadcasting it on network television. On top of that, their award division will submit the film should it merit to various festivals for us. So it's all just amazing. It's going to be a fun couple of months.

Apart from that we're also celebrating the 10-year anniversary of our departure from Florida this year. So stay tuned for fun little treats from the past as well as a more official announcement regarding the 2009 Pat World Tour. That's right, after such a success last summer, we're bringing it back with hopefully some new locations. Keep in mind that it wouldn't be much of a 10-year anniversary if we did not return to South Florida. So as I said.. stay tuned!

We're also coining 2009 as the Year of Driving. If all goes to plan, we can be licensed by May, and be purchasing our first automobile by the end of the fall. It's a big engagement for sure, so we can't be certain of anything. But that is the plan and I'm certainly 'driving' towards it.

School is back in full swing and we return to work on Monday. I'll wait til the week starts to discuss those returns in more extended details. For now I bid you all a good end to the weekend.

For a New Year has Come

2009-01-01T07:54:00.000-08:00

So it has come. 2009. The new year.

It certainly is something to look forward to. And it's not a year change like ones I've seen in the past. Where I will say that this new year will be a good one. This time I already know it will be good. I just can't wait to see how good and what exciting things continue to happen.

It's the last year of this decade. A decade which has encompassed my entire growing up from teenager to adult. Needless to say that there have been some great years and some pretty lousy ones. But I think we can take 2008 and revel in how great it was all around. If there was any indication that we are doing well, it's that year. It shows me how I'm on the right path and I just need to keep going.

We set out to do the things we wanted to do this year and much more. We can feel proud in the accomplishment of our summer tour. We set out early on in 08 with the desire to go to HK, Florida, and New York throughout the summer. And we successfully did go to all of them. Resulting in a blissful summer. So I know I'm not crazy when I tell someone I can do anything.

We can take what we learned this year and continue building upon it. We can already see great seeds planted in 08 now ready to soon blossom in 09. And even if they don't, we at least know that sometimes the greatest things aren't planned and come and go into your life when and in the form you least expect it. So if what we foresee is already great, imagine what we're not.

Maybe the biggest task is to leave unfinished roads in the last pages of December. Maybe the obvious is for that to be done. But simply forgetting and ignoring all that has happened will never create a resolution. Those roads aren't finished for a reason. And have something at the end.

That is my new years inspirational speech. Happy New Year to all. May it surpass all others. And if you're as much of a fan of 2008 as I was, stay tuned. You won't believe what I've got in store for 2009.

The Empire State

2008-12-29T10:06:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-26T19:10:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-24T20:42:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-22T21:03:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-21T20:58:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-19T21:43:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-18T20:59:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-17T19:21:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-17T18:12:00.000-08:00

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...