Samurai Buddha

Read "The Road"

2009-01-26T18:59:00.002-05:00

Don't just see the movie, read the book. It has writing like this:

"You think when you wake up in the mornin yesterday don't count. But yesterday is all that does count. What else is there? Your life is made out of the days it’s made out of. Nothin else."

Yes, We Can (Eat More Bacon)!

2009-01-25T18:05:00.002-05:00

The Audacity of Bacon.

Seriously, Oscars? Would you like your balls back.

2009-01-22T21:21:00.003-05:00

Did watch the Dark Knight? Rachel Getting Married? The Wrestler? I mean, did you really watch them or were they just on while you were doing a rail of coke of some model's body.
Travesty!

R.I.P Andrew Wyeth

2009-01-16T19:07:00.005-05:00

American artist Andrew Wyeth died today. His most famous painting, "Christina's World," is as beautiful and devastating now as it was when it was painted in 1948. It depicts Christina Olson, who had an undiagnosed muscular deterioration that paralyzed her lower body dragging herself across a field back to her home.

Now Ain't the Time for Your Tears

2009-01-09T21:22:00.005-05:00

William Zantzinger, the man whose horrific act inspired Bob Dylan's "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll," has died at the age of 69. At a Baltimore hotel in 1963, Zantzinger, a 24 year old wealthy tobacco farmer killed Hattie Carroll, a 51 year old black barmaid and mother of 11, for not serving him fast enough. At trial, he was convicted of the minimum charge of involuntary manslaughter, sentenced to six months in prison and charged approximately $625 in fines. This provoked outrage in the civil rights movement over the blatant preferential treatment Zantzinger received by the justice system and prompted Bob Dylan to write the largely factual account in a song modeled after Bertolt Brecht's "Pirate Jenny."

Zantzinger told Howard Sounes, a Dylan biographer, he "should have sued him and put him in jail.”

Here's Dylan performing the song on The Steve Allan Show in 1964:

Good Riddance. Bob Dylan gave him the life sentence he deserved.

The Wire: 5 Seasons in 5 Minutes

2009-01-09T20:31:00.003-05:00

Below is the Wire "rap up," a five minute rap track detailing five seasons of "The Wire." I'm sure you've been told this a million times by now but if you haven't seen "The Wire" you absolutely have to see it. Now. Like, right now. Get your hands on all five seasons and watch them without sleeping, eating, or going to the bathroom.

For good measure, here's the classic scene between Bunk and McNulty where they use only the "F" word for two minutes straight:

I Have Better Taste than You: The Top 15 Albums of 2008

2008-12-29T17:47:00.005-05:00

15) Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles

14) The Black Keys - Attack and Release

13) Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend

12) My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

11) Girl Talk - Feed the Animals

10) The Hold Steady - Stay Positive

9) Vivian Girls - Vivian Girls

8) M83 - Saturdays = Youth

7) Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever

6) The Walkmen - You & Me

5) No Age - Nouns

4) Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

3) Fucked Up - The Chemistry of Common Life

2) Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!

1) TV on the Radio -Dear Science

Book of the Year: The Lazarus Project

2008-12-27T15:05:00.004-05:00

The usual end of year round up will dominate most of the posts for the next few days. When it came to deciding the best novel of 2008 there was really no question in my mind. It had to be Aleksander Hemon's fantastic and devastating third novel The Lazarus Project. The novel intertwines two stories, one being the true life murder of Lazarus Averbuch, an Eastern European Jew, who was shot to death in 1908 by the Chicago chief of police while trying to deliver a letter. His death sparked widespread paranoia about anarchy and dissent while only perpetuating unrest in the city's immigrant ghettos. The second story arc follows a Bosnian immigrant writer who becomes obsessed with the case and sets off to Europe with a photographer to try to understand Lazarus and his horrible fate. Hemon does a brilliant job balancing both narratives: one factual (kinda), one fictional. The novel is also interspersed with beautiful photographs, either from the Chicago Historical Society or by Velibor Bozovic. The photos enrich Hemon's hugely entertaining chronicle of loss, identity, and place. There is also an underlying comment on today's War on Terror. The Lazarus Project is one of those BIG IMPORTANT BOOKS we'll be talking about for years to come.

Merry Christmas Guys and Gals

2008-12-24T18:06:00.001-05:00

Ranking the Coens - The 5 Best Coen Movies

2008-12-20T16:23:00.010-05:00

5) The Man who Wasn't There

4) Raising Arizona

3) Fargo

2) The Big Lebowski

1) No Country for Old Men

Honorable Mentions: Miller's Crossing, O Brother, Where art thou?, Barton Fink,

The Thetans are Pleased - My Five Favourite Scientologists

2008-12-18T20:55:00.009-05:00

When L. Ron Hubbarb made up all that crap about intergallactic battles and aliens giving you drug addiction, I bet that in in his wildest dreams he never would have believed the following Scientology would get in the celebrity community. Sure, actors are stupid but who knew they were Scientology stupid? Everybody knows the connections between the "church" and the Travoltas and Cruises of the world but not every celebrity follower is as vocal about their faith. So, here are my favourite super secret Hubbardites:

5) Nancy Cartwright (Voice of Bart Simpson):

4) Jason Lee

3) Giovanni Ribisi

2) Greta Van Susteren

1) Beck

Honorable Mention: Isaac Hayes, Leah Remini, Jenna Elfman, Sonny Bono

Just sayin'

2008-12-16T16:39:00.004-05:00

"Watch out! It's coming right for you!"

Montreal, where I live, was hit by some pretty harsh weather last week. Well, not harsh by Montreal standards but still pretty ridiculous. As is usually the case, snow storms lead to icy conditions on the sidewalks. Normally, the city will send out its army of high school dropouts making $60 000 a year to salt the ice. However, Montreal has elected to put abrasive gravel down in some neighbourhoods. Problem is, gravel sucks; it doesn't work. As I walked home from work today, it came as no surprise to me that Westmount, a white upper class borough, was a breeze to navigate while Notre Dame de Grace (NDG=No Damn Good), a racially diverse and working class neighbourhood with a reputation for crime, was a wintery urban hellscape.

Just sayin'

SNIKT!

2008-12-15T16:34:00.005-05:00

I'm cautiously optimistic about the new "Wolverine" movie (trailer below). I just hope it's more like the first two X-Men movies and less like the craptastic Brett Ratner third one.

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE HD

Also, I think Hugh Jackman works out. Wait what? I mean, I love women!!!

Christmas Gift Idea - 'Tis but a Flesh Wound

2008-12-07T23:25:00.005-05:00

This Black Knight seems standard enough,

it's only after you see him like this,

that those in the know recognize its Pythonesque significance. If you don't get it, you really need to watch "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" or at least the following scene on YouTube:

The Black Knight doll is available at ThinkGeek.

A Broken Wing and Nothing More

2008-12-06T20:29:00.003-05:00

I'm really digging the album from Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan, "Sunday at Devil Dirt." The sweet voice from the Belle and Sebastian alum is the perfect counterpoint to the former Screaming Tree's brooding intensity. "Sunday" feels feels a bit like an album of Nick Cave ballads but that's not a bad thing at all. Their songs make me want to join the merchant marines and set out on an adventure full of fisticuffs, deals with Satan, and pale and tragic women. What can I say? I'm a romantic.

Here's the debauched and NSFW video to "Ramblin' Man" off their debut:

Riku - My favourite Finnish-American movie blogger

2008-12-04T23:15:00.003-05:00

Billed as the most popular Finnish-American film themed blog, Richard Hourula's Riku Writes is certainly a blog worth checking out. Hourula writes thoughtfully about his greatest passion; movies. I don't always agree with him and he tends to focus on older movies but his engagement with his material is evident and well worth reading.

L'État Sauvage

2008-12-03T17:55:00.004-05:00

The Samurai Buddha would like to call a moratorium on using the term "coup d'état," at least until a military junta shows up...

However, when one governs like "l'état c'est moi," a coup d'état might be necessary...

No one to blame but himself...

2008-12-01T21:55:00.002-05:00

"To know a man, observe how he wins his object, rather than how he loses it; for when we fail our pride supports us; when we succeed, it betrays us." - Charles Caleb Colton

Mickey Rourke Wrestles Botox

2008-11-22T13:17:00.004-05:00

Here's the latest trailer for the upcoming Darren Aronofsky film "The Wrestler." Would anyone think less of me if I told them I cried watching this? It's just a trailer, after all. This film has been getting almost universally good reviews since it took the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year. I really like Aronofsky as a director. I even thought his last film, "The Fountain" was misunderstood and criminally lambasted. Check it out:

Sir Ben is no Minor Threat

2008-10-25T19:28:00.002-04:00

Oscar winner Sir Ben Kingsley steps into Ian Mackaye's combat boots in a tribute to Minor Threat:

Sir Ben Kingsley STOMPS into the shoes of Minor Threat's Ian MacKaye from Mean Magazine on Vimeo.

Pretty Awesome!

My Heart's in the Strangest Place

2008-08-28T20:29:00.004-04:00

I'm loving the new video for The Walkmen's "In the New Year." Check it out:

Their new album "You and Me" is out now. It's a real return to form for the band from NYC. I've always maintained that the song "The Rat" from "Bows and Arrows" should have been a massive hit.

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-08-12T09:49:00.002-04:00

That's right, the Samurai Buddha is 23 years old. In honour of that, here's the video for "23" by Blonde Redhead:

My City on Fire

2008-08-10T16:22:00.002-04:00

Here is an amazing video of an explosion in Toronto:

It is suspected to be of a propane facility at Keele and Wilson. Absolutely unbelievable.

John Cazale: The Best Resume in Film History

2008-07-29T00:05:00.001-04:00

To call John Cazale a selective actor would be a gross understatement. The brilliant actor made only five films in his career that spanned the 1970's but he sure did know to pick 'em:

The Godfather (1972)

The Conversation (1974)

The Godfather Part II (1974)

Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

The Deer Hunter (1978)

Every film Cazale acted in was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar.

Cazale's career was cut short by bone cancer in 1978 before he could marry his fiance, Meryl Streep. His work in these five films speaks for itself. His finest work is probably in "The Godfather Part II" where Cazale reprises his role as the doomed and troubled Fredo Corleone starring opposite his childhood friend Al Pacino. Cazale proves the cliche: quality over quantity.

Cazale's most famous scene, "The kiss of death":

Advertising is based on one thing: Happiness

2008-07-28T00:05:00.001-04:00

Minus the blatant sexism and racism, I don't think there's a time I would rather have been a part than the 1960 of "Mad Men." Three martini lunches, three piece suits, and three women in one night all sound pretty good to me. Much better than today's work environment where you have to walk on eggshells and have HR rep present to use the vending machine. The second season starts tonight. If you're not watching this show, I'm ordering you to do so. The first season DVD is on sale now as well. My fellow Canucks can watch the entire first season on CTV broadband.

One of the best scenes in recent TV history:

Two Thumbs Down

2008-07-23T10:35:00.002-04:00

It's pretty much the end of an era in film criticism, Roger Ebert & Richard Roeper have severed ties with Disney and their Ebert & Roeper show. Two other film critics are going to take over. I assume they'll want to change the title.

I Live a lot of Places

2008-07-22T00:05:00.000-04:00

Calgary's own Woodpigeon is really starting to make a name for themselves. They're one of those bands who sounds exactly like their name implies. Check out their myspace for some solid folk music. You can also download their EP "Houndstooth" from their website for free.

Here they are on Calgary Breakfast Television:

Some Men Just Want to Watch the World Burn

2008-07-21T00:05:00.001-04:00

"The Dark Knight," the second installment of Christopher Nolan's Batman reboot is the best superhero movie ever made. In fact, the sequel to "Batman Begins" is the best film I have seen this year. It is closer to a crime epic than a superhero film. The audience is launched into a Gotham City on the brink of collapse. It has been brought to this point by the self-described "agent of chaos," The Joker played by Heath Ledger. In a film full of spectacular performances, especially by Christian Bale and Aaron Eckhart, Ledger's Joker stands out as a classic villain performance. Constantly licking his lips and walking with an animalistic hitch in his step, the Joker emerges fully formed with no back story or motive. He asks, "Do I look like someone who has a plan?" and mocks average citizens who try to make meaning out of their existence, "I'm a dog chasing cars. I don't have plans. I just do things. I'm not a schemer." He is pure id, pure anarchy. What is particularly interesting is the suggestion that it is Batman who is complicit in the escalation of Gotham's violence. The Joker tells him as much, "You've changed things... forever. There's no going back." The symbiotic relationship between the Joker and Batman transforms "The Dark Knight" from a standard superhero film into an existential meditation. We see the toll Bruce Wayne's personal mission has taken on him and his loved ones. Batman is Gotham's Dark Knight. Aaron Eckhart plays its White Knight as Harvey Dent, a courageous District Attorney who is the symbol Gotham needs because he can inspire good. Unlike Batman, who only inspires fear and a string of incompetent copycats. Nolan does an exceptional job of maintaining tension and strikes the right emotional note at every turn. The film's moral ambivalence and downbeat ending does not come at the expense of the action which is worthy of a Batman film. Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, and Maggie Gyllenhaal all turn in excellent supporting performances. See "The Dark Knight" and see it in Imax.

"Why don't we cut you up into little pieces and feed you to your pooches? Hmm? And then we'll see how loyal a hungry dog really is. It's not about money. It's about sending a message."
~The Joker

Subpoenaed in Texas, Sequestered in Memphis

2008-07-18T00:05:00.000-04:00

The best bar band in the world are back. The Hold Steady's latest record "Stay Positive" has dropped and it does not disappont. Very few bands can match the Hold Steady for sheer rocking ability and the album's two opening tracks prove it. "Constructive Summer" recalls the youthful optimism of a new summer and the adventures that can be had, "We're going to build something, this summer." However, this optimism is tempered by the realization that these days are shortlived, "Getting older makes it harder to remember... we are our only saviors." Don't let the album's explicitly positive title fool you - The Hold Steady have not gone all saccharine on their fourth album. "Stay Positive" is as bittersweet as the band's breakthough "Boys and Girls in America." The usual themes of youth, religion, rebellion. and partying are all there - sharing the stage with some sweet guitar solos. The album is classic Hold Steady - wordy and cathartic. If you really want to experience the Hold Steady, though, you gotta see them live. Perhaps, in Ybor city with Charlemagne and Holly.

Who Will Watch the Watchmen?

2008-07-17T18:54:00.003-04:00

The trailer for Zack Snyder's film version of "The Watchmen" hit the ol' series of tubes today. "The Watchmen" is the the best graphic novel of all time and the one of the best books ever, period. The trailer is beautifully crafted but I remain unconvinced that the director of "300" can capture the complexity of "The Watchmen." The good news is that I have until 2009 ti worry about it.

I Work Through Pain

2008-07-17T00:05:00.001-04:00

It's no secret to anyone who reads this blog that I am somewhat looking forward to The Dark Knight. Okay, I would marry that movie if I could. I bought my tickets today to see it on Imax this Saturday. I wanted to see it on opening day but I have to work and a couple friends wanted to go out Friday evening. Even a huge nerd like myself couldn't justify picking a movie over socialization so I'll have to wait until Saturday afternoon. How will I do it? I fully expect this movie to cure cancer, heal centuries old rifts in the middle-east, and satisfy you sexually. Umm... I'm just saying my expectations are high.

My expectations are so high that I bought "Gotham Knight," an animated Batman film meant to bridge the gap between "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight." Visually, "Gotham Knight" is pretty slick. It has a pseudo-anime style with a more western sensibility. I wish the six interlocking stories were a little deeper. Instead, they feel short and underdeveloped. I also wish Christian Bale's voice could have been used for Batman for the sake of unity but substitute Kevin Conroy does a fine job. The stories generally provide glimpses of how Gothamites view Batman and the myth he has cultivated. Check it out if your a Bat fanatic but it's not essential viewing.

Here's the trailer:

Forget it Jake, it's China

2008-07-16T00:05:00.000-04:00

I'm going to be sorely disappointed if the Beijiing Olympics aren't the biggest clusterfuck in history. Between reports that the Chinese government is trying to control the weather with ammonia and the fact that China's government felt it necessary to ban spitting and crossbows, the 2008 Olympiad is starting to look more and more awesome. Slate magazine has a pretty sweet disaster guide for surviving the games. Read it if you plan to attend or if you're just interested in a trip to the land of crazy.

Hellboy II is a good time

2008-07-15T00:05:00.000-04:00

Hellboy's popularity stems from the fact that it doesn't take itself too seriously. You won't find a bigger Batman fan than me but, truth be told, the guy is a tad on the morose side. Hellboy's exasberated sarcasm and vulnerability make him very likable. After all, he just wants to belong in a world he is apparently destined to destroy. Who hasn't been there? I saw "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" last week and quite enjoyed it. Visually, it is stunning. "Pan's Labyrinth" director Guillermo Del Toro does not disappoint in that deparment. Nor does his script which features many quips and a credible villain. Also, he fights lots of monsters.

Here's the trailer:

100th Post: Your Life in Music

2008-07-14T00:05:00.000-04:00

Sorry for no post on Friday but I wanted my 100th post to be legendary. So, I suggest that all you music junkies try playing this game: choose your favourite album from each year you've been alive and list them. Some interesting trends emerge:

My list:

1985: Rain Dogs - Tom Waits

1986: The Queen is Dead - The Smiths

1987: You're Living All Over Me - Dinosaur Jr.

1988: Daydream Nation - Sonic Youth

1989: Dolittle - Pixies

1990: Violator - Depeche Mode

1991: Loveless - My Bloody Valentine

1992: The Future - Leonard Cohen

1993: In Utero - Nirvana

1994: Weezer - Weezer

1995: Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness - The Smashing Pumpkins

1996: Endtroducing.... - DJ Shadow

1997: OK Computer - Radiohead

1998: Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane over the Sea

1999: The Soft Bulletin - The Flaming Lips

2000: The Moon and Antartcica - Modest Mouse

2001: Is this it? - The Strokes

2002: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot - Wilco

2003: You Forgot it in People - Broken Social Scene

2004: Funeral - Arcade Fire

2005: Apologies to the Queen Mary - Wolf Parade

2006: Everything All the Time - Band of Horses

2007: Boxer - The National

2008 (so far): My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

Nerds Love Lists

2008-07-10T19:30:00.002-04:00

Empire Online just released their list of the 50 Greatest Comic Book Characters of All Time. It's not a bad little list and I give them props for thinking outside the box with a number of their selections but I have a few problems with the list. First and foremost, there was only one character from Alan Moore's The Watchmen, one of my favourite books, let alone comic books, of all time. It was a very American heavy list with no Bone or selections from Seth or Chester Brown. Furthermore, there was no Clowes or Ware (Jimmy Corrigan, anyone?). Also, Superman once again won out over the far superior Batman. Worst of all, this list only served to remind me what an enormous nerd I am. That's the true tragedy.

Walkers of the World Unite

2008-07-09T00:05:00.000-04:00

As someone who is too poor and incompetent to own a car and too scared to bicycle in the city, I pretty much walk everywhere. Truth be told, there is nothing I love more than a good long walk. As a result, I have adopted My Morning Jacket's "Sec Walkin" as my new personal theme song. It nicely encampsulates my transportation philosophy:

Left leg, right leg

One leg at a time I keep on walking

I keep on walking

Red light, green light

First light I see tonight I am walking

Oh, yeah I am walking

Fever, breathe in your own cool, blue air

Look for eyes that hypnotize and sparkle

Look for eyes that hypnotize and sparkle everywhere

Brother, brother, don't you care?

Left leg, right leg

One leg at a time I keep on walking

I keep on walking

Red light, green light

First light I see tonight I am walking

Oh, yeah I am walking

Fever, breathe in your own cool, blue air

Demon eyes, demon eyes are watching

Demon eyes, demon eyes are watching everywhere

Brother, brother, don't you care?

You can read my full review of MMJ's latest effort here.

Wild and Wicked Sleep

2008-07-08T00:05:00.000-04:00

The Acorn are an indie folk band out of Ottawa, ON. There latest album "Glory Hope Mountain" is a concept album about the life of lead singer Rolf Klausener's Honduran mother. I'm not sure how I feel about their music yet but one thing that is for sure is that made a wicked video for the first single off that album "Flood Pt.1." I suggest you watch in full screen:

Well, that's Impressive

2008-07-07T00:05:00.000-04:00

The largest wave ever surfed caught on video.

Hey, anyone remember the movie "Point Break"? That was awesome, Keanu Reaves should only be allowed to play surfer dudes.

She pahked her cah in Hahvahd Yahd

2008-07-05T12:49:00.002-04:00

J.K. Rowling gave a pretty inspiring address at Harvard this year on the benefits of failure. Listen to it or watch it here.

Quick Note

2008-07-03T23:13:00.003-04:00

The Montreal Jazz Fest is awesome and mostly free. Check it out.

Oh, Give Us Your Votes

2008-07-02T00:06:00.000-04:00

New music week continues: Unlike Wolf Parade, Tokyo Police Club didn't have a successful debut to live up to. However, they had something much, much worse: unbearable hype. Hype is a strange thing; it is often as much an albatross as it is a blessing. Judging by their latest release "Elephant Shell," TPC tried to avoid the next big thing curse by sticking to what they do best; short, catchy and quirky rock. Their debut is practically another EP, clocking in at just under 28 minutes so it is as aerodynamic as it is danceable. While I believe that "Elephant Shell" lacks the unity of their earlier EPs like "A Lesson in Crime," songs like "Your English is Good" and "Tesselate" deliver on the promise of their early hype.

Hipsters frolicking: The video for "Your English is Good"

As if you didn't know that it would sting

2008-07-01T00:05:00.000-04:00

New CD Review week continues: The infamous sophomore jinx; the pressure to follow up a succesful debut has crippled many bands. Luckily, this is not the case for Montreal's Wolf Parade. The band's debut "Apologies to the Queen Mary" is nothing short of spectacular and cut through the indie rock landscape (including many other bands with "Wolf" in their names) in 2006. "At Mount Zoomer," the band's second offering doesn't quite approach the classic status of the first album but it is still quite an accomplishment nonetheless. Songs like "Soldier's Grin" and "Call it a ritual" sting with the urgency of the first album. However, it is the album's closer "Kissing the Beehive," a ten minute epic written by both of WP's main songwriters, that nudges "At Mount Zoomer" towards greatness.

Here's my favourite song of the last album, "I'll Believe in Anything":

The Storm still Rages...

2008-06-30T15:31:00.003-04:00

Lazy music critics often describe Kentucky's My Morning Jacket as "Southern Rock" or banty about the name Lynyrd Skynyrd in their reviews. Easy labels like these don't nearly capture My Morning Jacket's eclecticism and appeal. Their eclectic nature is on full display on the band latest album "Evil Urges." Although the reviews for MMJ's 5th album have been positive they have often described "Evil Urges" as a fall off from the band's previous two albums, "It Still Moves" and "Z." I happen to think both those records are modern classics but there's something about "Evil Urges" that really grabs me. From the Prince-esque opening track to softer fare like "Librarian" and "Thank You Too," listening to "Evil Urges" in its entirety is a joy. In my opinion, it matches and perhaps surpasses any of the band's previous work. I'm so mad at myself for cheaping out on seeing live in Montreal last week. There's always next time.

Here's some making of footage for "Evil Urges."

That's Who I Am and You're Nothing!

2008-06-27T00:05:00.000-04:00

I have always felt as though Alec Baldwin wasted most of his career as a dramatic leading man when he is so clearly a comedic genius. His work on SNL and 30 Rock prove this. The Onion's A.V. Club recently compiled a list of of the best cameos ever in cinema and it reminded me of Alec Baldwin's memorable turn as the world's biggest asshole in "Glengarry Glenross." He is the living embodiment of capitalism and ego and greed. I can't help but think that Baldwin is so good at playing aggressive assholes because he is one himself but no one can deny the virtuosity in this scene:

Why So Serious?

2008-06-26T00:05:00.000-04:00

Full disclosure: I'm an enormous Batman fan. I have been one since I was a child. Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns ranks among one of my favourite books let alone comic books. Of all the superheroes, Batman is the most relatable because of his tortured psyche and absolutist moral code. I was very impressed with Christopher Nolan's revamp of the film series "Batman Begins" and I can't even begin to write how stoked I am about its sequel "The Dark Knight." It features two of my favourite actors in Christian Bale and Michael Caine and, sadly, features the last performance of Heath Ledger as the Joker. I'm looking forward to this movie so much that it can't help but disappoint. Or could it? Rolling Stone has an early review and it is positively glowing. I can't believe I have to wait until July 18th to see it.

Here's the trailer:

My Favourite Springsteen Song

2008-06-25T12:57:00.002-04:00

My City of Ruins

"Now theres tears on the pillow / Darling where we slept / And you took my heart when you left / Without your sweet kiss / My soul is lost, my friend / Now tell me how do I begin again?"

"Stuff White People Like" Don't Like Me

2008-06-24T00:32:00.004-04:00

I'm sure most of you have heard of the blog, "Stuff White People Like." Well, they held a little contest to write a new entry in their ongoing series on the unique taste of millions. I sent in what I thought was a hilarious submission on Leonard Cohen Surprise surprise, I did not win. Still, no one can stop me from putting it up on my own blog. So, without further ado, my stuff white people like:

Normally, in white culture, artists have to die before they get lavished with the kind of affection only white people can provide. Death is pretty much the only way to ensure that one’s legacy remains intact. Vincent Van Gogh sold but one painting is his life before dying tragically guaranteed that posters of “Starry Starry Night” would witness hundreds and hundreds of white college students’s dorm room deflowerings. However, sometimes an artist is lucky enough to be inundated with praise without meeting his or her maker. This is the case with Leonard Cohen – white culture’s poet rock star.
Cohen has returned to touring after a long fifteen year absence. Given his 40 plus year career, the crowds at his recent concerts have certainly been multi-generational. They have probably not, on the other hand, been multicultural. In fact, it’s safe to assume the colour wheel at his shows range from mother of pearl to ecru. Like Mos Def, Leonard Cohen encapsulates so much that white people hold dear. He is Canadian, bilingual, writes poetry and novels, is vaguely ethnic (i.e. sort of Jewish), and practices Eastern religions. What makes Cohen especially irresistible to white people is that a lot people find his music to be depressing and his voice to be sub-Dylan. This only adds to his white appeal because it gives white people what they have really always wanted: a sense of superiority. Those who don’t appreciate Cohen simply don’t get it.
Unfortunately, Cohen’s devotion to Buddhism allowed his manager to steal most of his retirement nest egg during a five year stay as a Zen Monk on Mt. Baldy. Well, Buddhism’s loss is white culture’s gain since Cohen has to tour at the ripe old age of 73 in order to recoup his losses. White people have never been so glad to see an old man go bankrupt. Hallelujah!

George Carlin 1937-2008

2008-06-23T09:53:00.003-04:00

This is truly sad. George Carlin has passed away at the age of 71. In honor of a true original, here's his classic "7 Words you Can't Say on TV" routine:

All words you can say in heaven, no doubt.

Illegal Art

2008-06-20T00:05:00.000-04:00

Now, I thought the whole mash up trend jumped the shark in about 2004 but long time readers of the Buddha will remember that I'm a big admirer of superstar DJ and former biomedical engineer Gregg Gillis aka Girl Talk. Yesterday, Girl Talk released his second full length album of sample based dance music and after just one listen "Feed The Animals" is as excited as his debut "Night Ripper." The album is available to download via his label Illegal Art. Even better news is that Girl Talk is releasing it Radiohead style so you cab pay what you see fit for it. However, if you decide to pay nothing, you better be prepared to be guilted. If you enter a price of $0.00 this is the question you'll be asked why and presented with these options:

- I may donate later

- I can't afford to pay

- I don't really like Girl Talk

- I don't believe in paying for music

- I have already purchased this album

- I don't value music made from sampling

- I am part of the press, radio, or music industry

- Other reasons

I paid a dollar so I know I'll sleep at night. Can you?

The cage doesn't seem to open very wide at all...

2008-06-19T00:05:00.001-04:00

I became a fan of Martha Wainwright when I saw her last summer at the Osheaga festival. She was so charming and disarming that no one cared when she stopped mid song to demand a joint from the audience (noticed said joint nestled in her guitar in the above photo). Well, Ms. Wainwright is in fine form again on her new album, "I Know You're Married But I have Feelings Too." The usual subjects are covered; love, lust, insecurity and fragility. Despite being recently married, Martha is certainly not letting the male of the species off the hook, "You got a girlfriend and I can only talk about her for so very long". It's good to know that the angry young woman of "Bloody Motherfucking Asshole" is still around. I will say that the new album does, at times, seem to be overpolished which diminishes the emotional intensity of the first record. Still, I would recommend giving it a listen.

Tower of Babelfish

2008-06-18T00:05:00.001-04:00

I'm sure most of you know the Babelfish as "the strangest creature on Earth" from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. However, Babelfish is also the name of Yahoo!'s free translation service and the home to my new favourite game: Broken Babelfish. Like Broken Telephone, Broken Babelfish is a game of miscommunication. Simply type a sentence into Babelfish and have it translated into numerous languages before finally returning to English.

Start out with this: "It went rather well. It was like playing a really complicated game of 'broken telephone.' Mrs Solazzo was right, I speak French like a Spanish cow."

And get this:

"He was liberated well. Him Was with a game which is complicated with justice realness; In order to play; tel. cassé." Solazzo Ms French which says with the cow Spanish people, accurately, was."

This is what Babel fish gives you when you go from English to French to Dutch, to English, to Greek, to English, to Korean, and then finally back to English!

All I have to say is...

2008-06-17T00:05:00.000-04:00

It should be illegal for anyone to this good at anything.

On the Fringe

2008-06-16T00:05:00.000-04:00

The Montreal Fringe Fest is on right now and I'd encourage everyone in my neck of the woods to check out some of the dozens of plays and performances around the city. Last night, I saw a few of Montreal's indie bands at Parc des Ameriques. It was a pretty good vibe with a mix of hipsters and eccentrics rocking out to bands like the Winks, Ethereal Tribal, and Broadcast Radio. As the sun set over St. Laurent, my friend and I headed south to Theatre Ste. Catharine to take in "Crude Love," a love story set in the Alberta oil sands. This play might've been titled "Love in the Time of Oil." The two person play, starring the husband and wife team of Gillian and Russell Bennett, tells the story of a female dump truck driver from Newfoundland and a cynical environmentalist from Toronto who wants to put her out of a job by protesting the oil sands. Surprise surprise, they fall in love. Despite the tired formula of opposites attracting, "Crude Love" is a very funny and profoundly sad play about love, politics, and priorities. There are several more performances throughout the week so I would recommend that everyone seek out this gem. Watch for it at a Fringe near you.

The Gazette has a more detailed review.

Writing the Book of Evidence

2008-06-13T00:05:00.001-04:00

I recently finished an excellent novel by the Irish novelist John Banville called The Book of Evidence. This novel was shortlisted for the Booker prize in 1989. Banville eventually took the Booker for his eighteenth novel The Sea, published in 2005. Banville's style is cold and calculating and he has been called "one of the great stylists writing in English today." Don DeLillo calls his work "dangerous and clear-running prose." All of this true but Banville is also one of the sharpest and darkest wits in fiction today. Despite his cold-Nabokovian style, Banville is able to craft a very compelling and charismatic protagonist in The Book of Evidence. This is especially impressive because the first person narrator of the novel is a despicable human being. A cultured but self-absorbed scientist, Freddie Montgomery, murders a servant girl while attempting to steal a painting to pay off a debt he didn't need in the first place. The majority of the novel is Montgomery's testimony to the court, giving his reasons and justifications for the murder. However, Montgomery knows already that he did it because he could, "I killed her because I could kill her, and I could kill her because for me she was not alive." The true theme that Banville explores is the great myth that high culture makes people more moral. Montgomery's detached cynicism and amorality makes Banville's stance on the issue clear. Anyway, I think The Book of Evidence is a must read.

When Milton met Galileo

2008-06-12T12:05:00.001-04:00

Earlier this year, in a class on Victorian poetry, the professor played a couple of wax cylinder recordings of Alfred Tennyson reading some of his most famous poems like "The Charge of the Light Brigade." The recordings were taken by Thomas Edison. I always find it hard to fathom whenever I read of two geniuses like Edison and Tennyson getting together. What do they talk about? It's rather like the comic book crossovers they would have when I was a kid where Batman and Superman would team up to fight crime.

In the New Yorker, Jonathan Rosen discusses the enduring relevance of John Milton and Paradise Lost. Most interestingly, he discusses a 1638 meeting between Milton and the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei. The meeting clearly had an impact on Milton since, in Paradise Lost, Satan’s shield looks like the moon seen through Galileo’s telescope. Pretty cool... almost as cool as Batman and Superman teaming up...

Hold Steady Streams new LP

2008-06-11T00:05:00.000-04:00

Minnesota heroes The Hold Steady are streaming their entire new album "Stay Positive" on their MySpace page right now as you read this. Who knows how long it will be up so you better hurry up and listen. I've listened to it all the way through only once so I'll have to wait awhile before I write a proper review but I gotta say that I like what I hear. It doesn't have the same unity as "Boys and Girls in America" or "Almost Killed Me" but the epic scope is certainly still there. Craig Finn and the best bar band in the world really seem to be experimenting with their sound a little as well. Is that a lute I hear? Like the band's famous "Southtown Girls," "Stay Positive" might not blow you away but you know that it'll stay...

The Hold Steady - Stuck Between Stations:

I Don't Give a Hoot

2008-06-10T00:05:00.002-04:00

Oh Weezer, what has happened to you? My once favourite rock band has devolved into a novelty act. As far as I'm concerned, Weezer's first two albums are untouchable classics and I had such high hopes that their third eponymous album would be a return to form for Rivers & Co. after hearing the epic first single "Pork and Beans" and seeing its snarky video. However, this tease only makes the "Red" album more disappointing. The album's first three songs, "Troublemaker," "The Greatest Man that Ever Lived," and "Pork and Beans" wouldn't seem out of place on Weezer's better efforts but after that, the songs are completely bereft of any emotion. What made the "Blue" album and Pinkerton so remarkable was that the band's detached irony was coupled with a real emotional centre. The "Red" album is even worse than 2006's "Make Believe" because head songwriter Rivers Cuomo has become a pure mathematician, crafting catchy pop songs that are vapid at best.

Skip this one and watch this to remember happier days:

If you must watch a new Weezer video, make it this one featuring Brian Bell and Internet sensation Tay Zonday:

Ring the Bells that Still can Ring

2008-06-09T12:05:00.000-04:00

Usually, legends have to wait until they die before they receive the type of adulation they deserve. The only good thing about Leonard Cohen's financial troubles is that he has a year of multiple standing ovations to look forward to. I was fortunate enough to attend the June 6th kick off of Mr. Cohen's first tour in 15 years at Toronto's Sony Centre. The multi-generational crowd showered Cohen with affection for the show's impressive 3 hour length. Yes, any worries that Cohen, at 73 years old, may have lost a step were quickly assuaged as he launched into his 1984 classic "Dance me to the End of Love." Cohen's set (posted below) was littered with of 40 years of classics. His arresting recitation of his poem "A Thousand Kisses Deep" was a personal highlight. "Hallelujah," "Suzanne," "Bird on a Wire" and "Everybody Knows" all delivered. Lenny's hair may be grey, he may ache in the places where he used to play but Friday night proved that he's still got charisma to burn and a voice to leave with you goosebumps three days later.

I Came So Far for Beauty

2008-06-06T00:08:00.002-04:00

I don't believe in heroes but if I did Leonard Cohen would certainly be one of them. Tomorrow night, I'm going to see the man himself at Toronto's Sony Centre. Needless to say, I'm so excited I could plotz.

Expect a full review of the show on Monday.

Cohen performs "Avalanche" in 1988:

Durham County = Twin Peaks 2.0

2008-06-05T00:05:00.002-04:00

Anyone who owns a television is painfully aware that the summer months are not the prime TV watching season. Nor should they be. After all, we ought to be outside chasing butterflies and playing Ultimate frisbee. However, you can only do that so much before you are crushed by the sheer whimsy of it all and you find yourself on the couch yet again watching some reality dreck like "Moment of Truth." I was pleased to discover that the Canadian networks were going to use the summer months to play some programs from their sister networks like "The Movie Network." I am particularly interested in watching the critically acclaimed "Mad Men" which starts on Global this Sunday.

I am also half way through the 6 episode story arc "Durham County" which aired on the Movie Network last year. The series stars ex-Headstones frontman Hugh Dillon as a big city detective investigating a series of violent murders. The intrigue being that Dillon's character was intimately involved with one of the victims and is trying to keep it from his superiors in order to remain on the case and not become a suspect himself. The series owes an explicit debt to David Lynch's "Twin Peaks." The parallels are obvious - big city cop investigating a murder in a small town that features an eclectic cast of crazies. Like Kyle Mclaughlin in "Twin Peaks," Dillon has frequent dreams that reveal important aspects about the case. It may not be the most original show but it is certainly worth watching in this depleted summer lineup.

Coldplay Makes Politicians Dance

2008-06-04T00:02:00.005-04:00

Now, I've never been the biggest Coldplay fan. I never felt Coldplay adequately filled the gap left by Radiohead when they renounced their guitars in favour of robots. However, no one can deny that Chris Martin and co. can craft a solid hook and make a good video. The official video for "Violet Hill," the lead single off their new LP "Viva la Vida" is quite boring but the band approved, Mat Whitecross directed viral video is inspired. The video features stock footage of politicians like Bush, Blair, Castro, and Yeltsin dancing and rocking out. Almost makes them seem human...

Check it out:

Boring official video here:

Kingsley Amis sums up my worldview in one paragraph

2008-06-03T12:33:00.003-04:00

Celebrated British novelist Sir Kingsley Amis, who passed away in 1995, has posthumously released a cheeky new book, Everyday Drinking: The Distilled Kingsley Amis. In addition to sound drinking advice like "Up to a point... go for quantity rather than quality," Amis was somehow able to distill all my thoughts on social drinking in one short and succinct paragraph:

"The human race has not devised any way of dissolving barriers... that is one tenth as handy and efficient as letting you and the other chap, or chaps, cease to be totally sober at about the same rate in agreeable surroundings"

Well put Sir Kingsley, it does not get any more complicated than that.

The Return of Bond

2008-06-02T21:05:00.005-04:00

As an enormous James Bond fan, I'm more than a little excited about the release of an all new Bond novel. Devil May Care was released last week in true Bond fashion with a military escort down the Thames accompanied by a leggy blonde, of course. The novel's release coinicides with what would have been original author Ian Fleming's 100th birthday. What particularly piques my interest is that the Fleming family commissioned a surprisingly literary scribe to update the gentlemen spy for a new age. Sebastian Faulks is best known for sprawling psychological novels like Charlotte Gray and Birdsong. Faulks, who considers himself a keen literary mimic, tried to write in the style of Ian Fleming, a roguish spy in his own right. The story takes place in Cold War stricken 1967 and is played out across two continents. I should pick up the book this week so I'll post a more detailed review once I finish reading it. Between last year's excellent "Casino Royale" and what looks like a promising new novel, a Bond renaissance could be upon us.

Miss Cellania has a good collection of James Bond lists and trivia.

For good measure, a classic Bond scene for "Goldfinger":

Don't Call it a Comeback!

2008-06-01T15:50:00.002-04:00

Faithful readers,

I have returned from my self imposed hiatus to bring you the internet's tastiest nuggets. It has been approximately 9 months (no, I wasn't preggers) since my last post. Moving, starting grad school, and trying to make my way as a timeless, hopeless bachelor in Montreal left me drained and unable to contribute to the white noise of the blogosphere. I sincerely apologize for leaving you all without a lazy spiritual guide for so long and I really hope you forgive me. I have been given a second wind and I have this insatiable desire to write something that is not an essay on Canadian print culture. So, please check back regularly and leave your comments.

I swear, baby, I'll never leave you again,

Mr. Samurai Buddha

As a teaser of what is to come, here is a brilliant video of my humble neighbourhood by Montreal hip hop collective, Da Pimp Class. "Where U From? (An NDG Anthem) depicts Notre Dame de Grace in all its glory. I think my favourite line is when one of them says, "If pimpin's a crime, you better lock me up." I'm pretty sure "pimping" is a crime so he shouldn't be so boastful especially while strutting down the street with twenty of his friends who are nicknamed, of all things, Da Pimp Class. Not smart.

The Best of Phil Spector

2007-09-24T22:09:00.000-04:00

Amazingly enough, the jury is still out in the murder trial of Phil Spector. California juries are obvously incapable of convicting celebrities, no matter how guilty they may be. Despite the man's obvious mental instability and violent tendencies, he was one genius of a record producer. So, in honour of what I hope will be his impending guilty verdict, I bring to you my top ten Phil Spector produced songs:

1) Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers

2) The Long and Winding Road - The Beatles

3) Instant Karma - John Lennon

4) To Know Him is to Love Him - The Teddy Bears

5) River Deep - Mountain High - Ike and Tina Turner

6) My Sweet Lord - George Harrison

7) Be My Baby - The Ronettes

8) Christmas (Baby, please come home) - Darlene Love

9) True Love Leaves No Traces - Leonard Cohen

10) Rock N' Roll High School - The Ramones

11) He Hit Me (It Felt Like a Kiss) - The Crystals

12) Let it Be - The Beatles

13) Every Breath I Take - Gene Pitney

14) Across te Universe - The Beatles

15) Black Pearl - Sonny Charles and the Checkmates

16) I Love How You Love Me," the Paris Sisters

17) Not Too Young to Get Married," Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans

18) Walking in the Rain - The Ronettes

19) Imagine - John Lennon

20) You've Lost That Loving Feeling - The Righteous Brothers

Unchained Melody

Shows you can take away

2007-09-05T20:52:00.000-04:00

French Director Vincent Moon has a knack for creating what he calls "the spontaneous music video" where he captures some of rock's most interesting artists performing in unexpected locales. He calls these videos "take away concerts." All of his videos can be found on YouTube or at his site, Blogotheque. Here are three of my favourites:

The Arcade Fire perform "Neon Bible" in a cramped elevator:

Grizzly Bear belt out an accapella version of "Knife" on the streets of Paris:

Sufjan Stevens performs "The Lakes of Canada" on a rooftop in Cincinnati:

The Prodigal Buddha has Returned!

2007-09-03T16:31:00.000-04:00

Greetings Kids,

I hope everyone had a great summer. My summer was very interesting and one of immense personal change. I have moved out of my hometown of Toronto to beautiful Montreal in order to start my graduate studies in English. I've never been more excited/terrified. Anyway, I know no one particularly wants to hear about my personal life but I thought y'all would enjoy this little tidbit from my first week in Montreal.

I thought you'd enjoy this tidbit from my life. So, I was walking home late at night after having a few drinks with an old friend from high school whom I hadn't seen in years. Now, my neighbourhood is very nice but it has a certain criminal element that I love because it livens things up a little and gives me oodles of street cred that otherwise I would go without. My neighbourhood is called Notre Dame de Grace aka N.D.G. aka No Damn Good.

Anyway, like I was saying, I was walking home and I decided to cut through a dark alley for some reason. So, I'm strutting around like I own the town feeling pretty proud that I'm assimilating so well to my new surroundings. Then, as I round the corner onto my street I walk headlong into the handsome gentleman pictued below:

Yes, that is a grown man with a skull tattooed on his face. Needless to say, I promptly crapped my pants. The pants crapping was then followed by a fear induced vomit. After I scampered home like a little girl, I was on the internet and came across a list of the "10 of the Most Insanely-Modified Human Beings in the World." This skull faced gentleman, who lives in Montreal, was listed as #4. Weird, eh? I still have nightmares.
Anyway, I hope enjoyed that tale of my cowardice. Come back for some more posts.

Gone but not Forgotten (Hopefully)

2007-07-09T18:13:00.000-04:00

Hello disciples,

The Samurai Buddha is on Summer Hiatus.

Check back in September.

Stephen Harper: "We don't break contracts"

2007-06-12T21:24:00.000-04:00

I love this story concerning the ongoing battle between the federal government and the governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoudland about allegedly broken accords aimed at protecting the economic security of the two eastern provinces. The best part is Harper's rebuke;

"It's a contract. We don't break contracts. We respect contracts. Normally, I expect, if someone says you've broken a contract, they are going to follow that up by going to court to make you abide by the contract. But I don't see that happening."

"We don't break contracts." Hmmm.... I guess he doesn't count the Kyoto Accord. OOOPS!

Thanks Dad!

Another reason why the United States is stuck in Iraq

2007-06-11T18:04:00.000-04:00

President George W. Bush does not know how to pour a beer.

Poor Form, indeed.

There is a reason why I'm against homeschooling

2007-06-07T16:11:00.000-04:00

And here it is:

Evan O'Dorney, winner of the 2007 spelling bee and grade A oddball. This kid is in desperate need of some social interaction.

Crystal

2007-06-06T12:24:00.001-04:00

I checked out the recently revamped Royal Ontario Museum yesterday and I must say that I was quite impressed. I know a lot of people are going to be hating on the new design but I just ask that you reserve judgment until you actually check it out from the inside because I think the museum will be world class once they get all the exhibits in there. The architect, Daniel Libeskind, did an excellent job combining the new building with the old. Check out the new Michael Lee-Chin crystal.

Hotter than a Pistol

2007-06-04T00:40:00.000-04:00

Pistol Pete Maravich is generally believed to be the best college basketball player ever. While at Lousiana State University, Maravich averaged an amazing 44.2 points per game under the tutelage of his father Press Maravich who trained him in ball handling and shooting from a very young age sometimes making him dribble two balls outside of a moving car. It is difficult to fathom the artistry and grace with which he played the game. Pete went on to have a very successful career in the NBA playing with the Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans/Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics. A leg injury forced him retire in 1980, at which point he became a recluse for two year practicing Yoga, studying Hinduism and UFOs.

In 1988, while warming up to play a pickup basketball game, the Pistol collapsed and died of a heart attack due to a congenital heart defect fulfilling a prophecy he had as a young man. At age 23 Pete said, "I don't want to play 10 years [in the NBA] and then die of a heart attack when I'm 40."

A fascinated new biography about Maravich was published recently by Mark Kreigel. If you're a basketball fan, pick up this excellent look into a very interesting character.

Here's a great highlight mix so you can get an idea of what I mean:

Boy Wonder

2007-05-31T12:14:00.000-04:00

In the May 28th issue of The New Yorker has a great article on one of my favourite childhood characters, Tintin. Anthony Lane discusses Tintin's creator Hergé (Georges Remi) and how he went about creating the intrepid Belgian reporter as well as his cohorts Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus and, of course, Thomson and Thompson. He also discusses various literary interpretations of the Tinitin. If you're a fan of Tintin I'm sure you'll find this article interesting.

More interesting is the prospect of a Tintin movie. Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson have signed a three-picture deal to bring Tintin to the big screen. After reading the article, I'm tempted to think that a film about Hergé himself wouldn't be too bad either.

I can't wait. Who should play Tintin?

New Zealand's 4th most popular Folk/Comedy Duo

2007-05-30T09:50:00.000-04:00

The Flight of the Conchords are a musical comedy duo from New Zealand made up of Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement. They specialize in absurdly funny songs. They have been making audiences laugh for a couple years as part of their "Folk the World" tour which has resulted in them getting an HBO series. Luckily for us without HBO, the duo have posted the entire pilot episode on the good 'ol series of tubes:

Bonus: My personal favourite Conchord's song, "Business Time"

New Dawn Fades

2007-05-29T19:16:00.000-04:00

A rough/subtitled trailer for the Anton Corbijn directed Ian Curtis (Joy Division) biopic has surfaced online. It is a difficult story to tell but my interest is piqued. I like the decision to shoot in black and white since whenever I listen to Joy Division it always evokes images of black and white for me.

This Post is Just for Me

2007-05-29T09:26:00.000-04:00

Bob Dylan - Don't Think Twice It's All Right

I'm walkin' down that long, lonesome road, babe
Where I'm bound, I can't tell
But goodbye's too good a word, gal
So I'll just say fare thee well
I ain't sayin' you treated me unkind
You could have done better but I don't mind
You just kinda wasted my precious time
But don't think twice, it's all right

Back in Black

2007-05-28T11:20:00.000-04:00

Hey everybody out there in radio land,

I am back from my adventure on "The Rock." Newfoundland was great, despite losing my camera and dignity. I'll have a much more substantial post later this week about Newfoundland because I'm a little worse for wear right now. However, I haven't forgotten about you so here's a couple juicy tid-bits to tide you over:

First, the Globe and Mail had a great article/interview Saturday featuring one of my personal heroes; singer, songwriter, poet, ladies man Leonard Cohen. You can read it here. In other Cohen news, his first three albums have been re-released and remastered (Songs of Leonard Cohen, Songs of Love and Hate, Songs from a Room). Please check them out, they're three of the best albums ever recorded. Cohen's been everywhere lately, he's clearly trying to recoup some of the millions of dollars stolen from him by his manager but who cares, we get more Lenny.

Also, in case you missed it, here's Al Gore's interview from the Daily Show last week. He makes some good points. When did Al Gore become a rock star?

Part 1

Part 2

Spring Hiatus

2007-05-17T19:01:00.000-04:00

Hello loyal listeners,

I'm just writing to let you guys know that I'm going to the Canadian east coast for the next week or so so I won't be updating the Buddha until May 29th. Good luck navigating the blogosphere without me.

But seriously, don't forget about me!

Until then, let me tide you over with the first look at Heath Ledger as the Joker in the upcoming Batman movie. Holy John Wayne Gacy, Batman! I'm going to have nightmares!

How is this man not the MVP?

2007-05-16T12:04:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Dirk Nowitzky was named the MVP of the NBA. Dirk is a great player for sure but he is nowhere near as important to his team as Steve Nash is to the Phoenix Suns. It's obvious enough to me that the only reason Nash was not awarded the MVP was because certain sportswriters did not want to place the Canadian point guard in the same category as other hoopsters who have won the MVP three consecutive times, an honour that has only been bestowed three times to Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird. While Nash has never been to the NBA finals, no player has displayed the skill, grace, class, and commitment to improving his game more than Nash in the past ten years. Nash's desire to return to Game 1 against the Spurs with a profusely bleeding nose and his ability to fight through every dirty trick the Spurs have thrown at him proves he is the only MVP.

Here's a good mix of Steve Nash highlights:

Power Ranking: Clint the auteur

2007-05-15T18:39:00.000-04:00

Clint Eastwood is one of the greatest actors of his generation. He is the archetype of the American male for many people. His roles in Dirty Harry, A Fistful of Dollars, Every Which Way but Loose, and Paint that Wagon has cemented his position as an iconic actor. However, he has most recently received most of his acclaim from directing. So, here is my power ranking of the top 10 Clint Eastwood directed films:

10) Absolute Power

9) High Plains Drifter

8) Play Misty for Me

7) Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

6) The Outlaw Josey Wales

5) Million Dollar Baby

4) Flags of Our Fathers

3) Letters from Iwo Jima

2) Unforgiven

1) Mystic River

Jerry Falwell (1933-2007)

2007-05-15T18:31:00.000-04:00

"If you're not a born-again Christian, you're a failure as a human being."

"AIDS is not just God's punishment for homosexuals; it is God's punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals."

"The idea that religion and politics don't mix was invented by the Devil to keep Christians from running their own country."

Nice Guy!

Power Ranking: The Top Broken Social Scene Spin Offs

2007-05-14T18:50:00.000-04:00

Broken Social Scene is the Death Star of the Canadian indie rock scene. Like the Death Star, it has many Tie Fighters or spin off projects. So, which ones are the best of a very crowded group of Toronto bohemians. Well, I present to you my power rankings for Broken Social Scene spin-off bands.

First, this list is purely subjective but based on the following criteria:

• Success as solo artist or spin-off band (both commercial and critical, but mostly based on my own entirely subjective opinion)

And

• Quality and quantity of Contribution to Broken Social Scene (again, entirely subjective)

Let the Debate Begin:

Didn’t make the cut: Valley of the Giants, Junior Blue, Fembots, Reverie Sound Revue

The List:
10) K.C. Accidental - Kevin Drew and Charles Spearin
9) K-OS - Kheaven Brereton
8) Do Make Say Think - Charles Spearin and Ohad Benchetrit
7) Raising the Fawn - John Crossingham
6) The Weakerthans – Jason Tait (Great band but only a minimal contribution to BSS so they’re ranked lower on this list despite my love for them)
5) Metric - James Shaw and Emily Haines
4) Jason Collett
3) Stars - Evan Cranley, Amy Millan, and Torquil Campbell

2) Apostle of Hustle - Andrew Whiteman

1) Leslie Feist

BSS performs "7/4 (Shoreline)" on Conan (with both Haines and Feist):

For the record I consider the BSS lineup to be: Brendan Canning, Kevin Drew, Justin Peroff, Charles Spearin, Andrew Whiteman, Jason Collett, David Newfeld, Leslie Feist, Emily Haines, James Shaw, Evan Cranley, Amy Millan, Ohad Benchetrit, Martin Davis Kinack, Jo-ann Goldsmith, Torquil Campbell, John Crossingham, Lisa Lobsinger, Julie Penner, Jason Tait, Kheaven Brereton

This is why the U.S. is losing the war in Iraq

2007-05-14T17:24:00.000-04:00

They couldn't even win the war on Vanna White:

Stup_d

Happy Mother's Day!

2007-05-13T15:41:00.000-04:00

The Samurai Buddha wants to wish all the mother's out there a happy mother's day!

The Graduate

2007-05-12T18:15:00.000-04:00

I'm going to be graduating from university in June. I'm pretty excited and have been patting myself on the back since exams ended. However, what I'm really looking forward to is the graduation speech. Personally, I hope its as full of as many cliches as possible. To further enhance what is sure to be a cheesy affair, the lads at CollegeHumor put together a "Graduation Bingo" grid to make your graduation that much better. I sincerely hope to hear someone yell BINGO! in the middle of my graduation.

Tony Blair bids adieu

2007-05-10T22:30:00.000-04:00

Today, Tony Blair announced that he was resigning as Prime Minister of Great Britain and leader of the Labour Party effective June 27th. Recent history has not been kind to Mr. Blair, mostly because of his ill-fated decision to support President Bush in his war of terron, but his legacy is far more complicated than Bush's ever will be. Up until his recent foray into the middle east, Blair was almost universally respected as one of Europe's most effective leaders. Perhaps he paid the price of being in power too long. I'm reminded of one of the last scenes in Stephen Frears' "The Queen" when Queen Elizabeth reminds a neophite Tony Blair that public opinion may one day turn against him. I think that's true, like Yogi Berra correctly and eloquently pointed out, "The sun don't shine on the same dog's ass everyday."

I can't help but think he will be missed.

Here's a video of his resignation speech.

Further adventures in bizarre album covers

2007-05-09T23:56:00.000-04:00

What's up with album covers this year? They are getting progressively fucked up...

Interpol joins The White Stripes and Spoon by choosing a maddeningly odd album cover for their latest release. Here it is:

Riches and Riches and Riches

2007-05-09T23:26:00.000-04:00

I just got through watching the premiere of "The Riches" on Showcase and I was quite impressed. The drama stars the brilliant Eddie Izzard and resurgent Minnie Driver as the patriarch and matriarch of the Malloy family, a vagabond group of thieves and con artist. They are associated with the mythic "white gypsies" of the American south. Through a variety of mishaps, the Malloy family ends up assuming the identity of the "Rich" family who were killed in an accident and set out to "steal the American dream." This show is well acted and well written with a lot of room to grow. Check it out!

Marvel vs. DC = MAC vs. PC

2007-05-08T11:56:00.000-04:00

When I was in 5th grade, comic book giants DC and Marvel had a crossover promotion in which superheroes from the two universes battled for supremacy. For example, Superman fought the Hulk, Batman battled Captain America, Wolverine fought Lobo, Spiderman fought Superboy etc. Needless to say, it was perhaps the greatest moment in my young life. My friends and I actually took bets on who would win. In that vein, and hot off the heels of Spiderman 3 making a bajillion dollars over the weekend, some funny clips have appeared on YouTube pitting action figures from the two brands against each other in arguments for who makes the better movies. They are brilliantly done in they style of the MAC vs. PC ads and you can watch them below:

Floss your Brain

2007-05-06T12:14:00.000-04:00

Mental Floss is a great magazine full of what I love most: useless trivia. I strongly suggest you check it out if you want the tiny tidbits of knowledge that will impress/enrage your friends at parties but will serve no useful purpose in life. The magazine, known as "The Floss" to those in the know, also has historical features that highlight some quirky facts from past. I found one such feature particularly interesting about drinking games of the past, you can check it out here.

Also on the historical front, I found this cool list of amazing coincidences in history. It's a tad long but it's worth the payoff - check it out here.

Don't you love idiosyncratic history?

My Sequel Sense is Tingling!

2007-05-04T21:15:00.000-04:00

Ladies and gentlemen, blockbuster season is upon us. Exhibit A: Spiderman 3. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two installments of the Sam Raimi directed franchise but this one has been getting mixed reviews and I must say that I had a mixed reaction to it. First of all, the action is top notch and the special effects are exactly the quality you would expect from a movie with a reported $400 Million price tag. The sequences involving the Sandman (Thomas Hayden Chuch) are particularly eye popping. The movie loses its way, however, because it tries to cram too much into its 2 hours and 20 minutes. As a result, most of the film's storylines remain undeveloped, especially the criminally underused Topher Grace as Eddie Brock/Venom. The "Symbiote" story arc isn't given the seriousness of tone it deserves. In fact, as the alien symbiote enhances Peter Parker's (Tobey Maguire) Spidey abilities it is also supposed to turn him into a jerk. However, in "Spiderman 3," Parker's transformation is symbolized by subtle eyeliner and asymmetrical bangs a la Fall Out Boy. Yes, Spiderman became a self asorbed emo boy for a good portion of the film. While the story and pacing may be unfortunate, there are more good points than bad. For instance, Bryce Dallas Howard is very effective as Gwen Stacey and the audience finally gets a payoff to the Harry Osborne (James Franco) and Peter Parker rivalry. "Spiderman 3" is a bit of a disapointment but don't let that dissuade you from seeing it.

The Limit to your Love

2007-05-03T18:07:00.000-04:00

That's right, the new Feist has arrived and it is an absolute thing of beauty. I've spent the past couple days absorbing Leslie Feist's third album, "The Reminder," and I can't stop the songs and her voice from weaving in and out of my brain. The album is anchored by Feist's jazzy smooth voice on singles like "My Moon My Man" and "1234" and skips along at a rate that seems almost effortless. Unlike her sophomore disk, "Let it Die," Feist is credited with writing every song on "The Reminder" except for Nina Simone's "Sea Lion Woman." Feist sings with such emotional gravity that, at the same time, remains as light and airy as a wafer cookie. The Calgary native, Toronto Punk Kid, Paris Ex-Pat, and Broken Social Scenester has delivered one of the best albums of 2007 so far by far.

My Moon My Man

Sea Lion Woman

Gotta Love It!

The Top 5 SNL Digital Shorts

2007-05-02T10:18:00.000-04:00

The Lonely Island-esque digital shorts are pretty much the only things worth watching on Saturday Night Live these days. They can be hit and miss so I thought I'd post my top five:

#5 - Dear Sister

#4 - Business Meeting

#3 - Natalie Portman Rap

#2 - Dick in a Box

#1 - Lazy Sunday

Enjoy!

Need Help Getting Through Exams?

2007-04-30T23:04:00.000-04:00

The final exam of my undergraduate degree is tomorrow night from 7-10pm. I've never written an exam that late before so I don't know how my body will react. In order to ensure that I won't fall asleep I've developed a contingency plan should I start to nod off. That plan involves the new Steven Seagal energy drink "Asian Experience." I'm not going to drink it - I'm just going to look at it, laugh my ass off and get back to writing:

Top 3 Girl Talk Remixes

2007-04-29T18:54:00.000-04:00

I've never been a fan of the whole mashup genre at least not since everyone with a laptop began to think that they were Danger Mouse. However, the highly touted Girl Talk (nee Greg Gillis) lives up to the hype. His 2006 masterpiece "Night Ripper" is just an amazing work of art executed with mathematical precision. I encourage anyone who thinks the prospect of hearing Biggie rhyme over Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" is appealing to pick it up and dance their confused heart away. The biomedical engineer by day and charismatic DJ by night is also a sought after remix artist. So, I present to you the top three Girl Talk remixes:

Grizzly Bear - The Knife (Girl Talk Remix).mp3

Peter Bjorn and John Lets Call It Off (Girl Talk Remix).mp3

Tokyo Police Club - Cheer It On (Girl Talk Remix).mp3

Don't underestimate the power of the laptop!

GaGaGooGoo

2007-04-29T00:02:00.000-04:00

2007 is really shaping up to be a great year for music with a lot of my favourite bands releasing hotly anticipated new records like The Shins, Arcade Fire, Feist, Modest Mouse, The White Stripes, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and now Spoon. However, Britt Daniel and the boys seem to trying to compete with The White Stripes for the most bizarre album title prize of 2007. Spoon's latest album "GaGaGaGaGa" (yeah... I know) is coming out July 10th and here's a preview of the cover art: How 'bout some old school Spoon:

I Turn My Camera On - Spoon

In Praise of the Unsexy Candidate

2007-04-27T16:43:00.000-04:00

I'm just an insignificant Canadian but I don't think it would be an exaggeration to say that the upcoming 2008 U.S. presidential election is going to have global ramifications and determine the direction of virtually every country's foreign policy for years to come. That in mind, the Samurai Buddha is now officially endorsing New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for the Democratic nomination. The first debate was yesterday and Bill mopped the floor with the media darling candidates; Clinton, Obama, and Edwards. He may not be a sexy candidate but he is the most qualified diplomat in the race. He's low in the polls but now that he's going to enjoy the Samurai Buddha bump. Here are some of his resume highlights:

- Nominated 4 times for the Nobel Peace Prize
- Negotiated the succesful release of U.S. soldiers captured in Iraq (Saddam era), North Korea, and Sudan
- Served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
- Served as Secretary of Energy during the Clinton administration
- Current Governor of New Mexico

Impressive, no? Check out his campaign videos:

Hard Boiled Gaming

2007-04-25T19:13:00.000-04:00

I've been playing Hotel Dusk: Room 215 for the Nintendo DS for the past couple days and its a great little crime story reminiscent of a James Ellroy or Elmore Leonard novel. The visuals are stunning giving the gamer a real film noir quality to the game. In a cool twist, Hotel Dusk requires you to flip the DS on its side and read it like a book which only enhances its pulp fiction quality. You are Kyle Hyde, an ex-cop in the late 1970's, who has switched careers and become a traveling salesman but hasn't given up hope on finding his supposedly dead partner, Bradley. Following his boss' orders, Hyde checks into the seedy Hotel Dusk which is full of mysterious characters all of which seem to have a dark secret from their past. Could this Hotel have something to do with his ex-partner? Answer: Yes. This interactive mystery can get tedious at times while you search the hotel for things to do and some of the tasks that you are supposed to complete are, at times, laughably easy. Ultimately, however, Hotel Dusk: Room 215 is a lengthy but stylish neo-noir mystery that makes excellent use of the touch screen. Also, the main character kind of looks like a badass version of me. Here's the trailer:

You can read a more complete review at Gamespot.

Portrait of the New Century

2007-04-24T00:10:00.000-04:00

An African tribeswoman with her Ipod and AK-47.

What an amazing image.

"Globalization was a deep trend pushed by technology and right ideas, as much as anything else"

~Jeffrey Sachs