Training Log
Posted by: agsharma on: February 3, 2010
- In: About Me
- 4 Comments
Tracking my training for the Mississauga Marathon through dailymile.com. As you can see it’s not going very well.
Death
Posted by: agsharma on: January 7, 2010
For some reason the idea of death come to my head the other day. Not what happens after I die. Throw me in the furnace after harvesting me for organs. I don’t care. But what I have been thinking about is the Moment before I would die. What would happen? What would I be thinking about?
This question has been bugging me quite a lot. And the worse thing about me is that the way I answer troubling questions is to actually imagine it happening. And that’s what I did twice today. I placed myself at the moment of my death. I am on bed, wearing PJs with sheets covering me and I am dying. The thing was that the only thing that I was fretting about at that moment was how sad it would be not to see the people who matter to me anymore. Literally bought tears in my eyes.
At first I was really upset about it but then it occurred to me that maybe that’s what the IDEA of death is…..to make us live more fully. I know I will die one day but as long as I am alive, I am going to make the most of it!! And my main purpose in life is to make sure that everyone around me knows that I love and adore them a lot.
Since then I have been feeling better and feeling more alive than ever before. Try it yourself. Place yourself at the moment of your death and everything will become clear about what you really want out of life.
Good luck :)
Update : I just realised the massive Cliché in this post. The simple fact is that it’s the truth and that’s why it’s a Cliché!!
Favourite 2009 Albums
Posted by: agsharma on: January 7, 2010
- In: Music
- Leave a Comment
Right. It’s time to do my top 10 albums of the year 2009. Inspired by Will, Barrett and Chris (WBC!!) from Wills Band Of The Week.
10) The Decemberists.
Album : The Hazards Of Love.
Track: The Hazards Of Love.
The album not as powerful as The Crane Wife but still packs a punch. And the voice of Colin Meloy. Wow!!!
9) Noah And The Whale.
Album : The First Days Of Spring
Track : Blue Skies
Amazing, amazing album!!! Listened to it from track 1 to the last track on the first go. Will be keeping a sharp eye on this band. (h/t to WBC)
8) The Phantom Band
Album : Checkmate Savage
Track : Crocodile (Instrumental)
I don’t really remember why I downloaded this album but I am infinitely thankful to the thought that possessed me to do so. Another superb album. Tapers off a little in the end but the songs Crocodile and The Left Hand Wave are the constants in my runners playlist.
7) Bill Callahan
Album : Somtimes I Wish I Were An Eagle
Track : Faith/Void
What a voice!! I love the singing style of Leonard Cohen and this guy fits the bill perfectly. Solid songs with amazing music and lyrics. I especially like this song which opens with “It’s Time To Put God Away”. (h/t to WBC)
6) We Were Promised Jetpacks
Album : These Four Walls
Track : It’s Thunder and It’s Lightning
I seem to be having some Scotland phase going on. This is the second band from Scotland that I totally in love with. The first one being Frightened Rabbit. I guess the Scots can really play the gloomy pop music that I love.
5) Wilco
Album : Wilco
Track : Bull Black Nova
What a great band!! Alternating from country, to blues, to downright guitar rock that will knock your socks off!! This band was so good that my 6 year old daughter, who usually snubs the music I listen, actually liked it!!(h/t to WBC)
4) The Clean
Album : Mister Pop
Track : Moonjumper
I listened to this album and did not really get it. But during a drive to work I put the album on and by the time Moonjumper started to play, I fell in love with the album. Psychedelic and pop mixed are one of my favourite styles of music. Throw in some solid guitar work and soothing lyrics and you have got yourself a winner! It would be interesting to go back to the older stuff.
3) Eels
Album : Hombre Lobo
Track : Prizefighter
For some reason I am in love with the lazy, hazy, droning vocals and music. I guess I can blame it on growing up with Indian classical music where the focus is on repetitiveness. Excellent music and superb lyrics.
2) Dan Mangan
Album : Nice, Nice, Very Nice
Tracks : Road Regrets
I an an avid fan of CBC Radio 3, a great platform for Indie artists, and have discovered awesome music listening to the podcast. One of the “finds” was Dan Mangan. When I first listened to his song (Road Regrets) to me it sounded so much like one hit wonder type of music. But I decided to try his album at least once and before I knew it, I was hooked to his music!! I liked the way he has mixed the music. There are pop songs, melancholy songs, rock songs and the album leaves you satisfied. Definitely an artist to watch out for.
1) The Pink Mountaintops
Album : Outside Love
Track : Axis: Thrones Of Love
Here is a band that epitomizes my love for music. Powerful lyrics touching all the forbidden/difficult human traits (love, sex, death, emotional pain). Music that has hazy, lazy guitar that explode exactly when required. Vocals that growl and are right on pitch with the claustrophobic music. Back up musicians who know exactly when to play and when to stop. This band has it all. I have listened to their older stuff and to the music from their alternate band The Black Mountains, and this “side project” is way more powerful than anything they have done so far. Outside Love is ultimately an album about Love and Hate and it’s consequences on you. By far the best album of 2009!!
You can listen to the tracks here (unfortunately, I could not get the order right)
Sherlock Holmes
Posted by: agsharma on: January 4, 2010
Went to see the new Avatar movie on Wednesday but it was sold out (still selling out after 3 weeks!!) so decided to see Sherlock Holmes. Because I am a big (huge) fan of Sherlock Holmes (I have visited the 221B Baker Street Museum in London), I was not sure what kind of justice Guy Ritchie would do to this legendary figure. I was pleasantly surprised!
First of I would say that the movie is just an interpretation of Sherlock Holmes. The story is not by Arthur Conan Doyle but the screenplay does follow some aspects of how Doyle would write the story. The biggest difference that I saw was that Sherlock Holmes was portrayed as some macho figure. And in the books and TV interpretations, that’s not the case. Rather the Sherlock Holmes that I know is more feminine than the one in the movie.
Then there are little differences like Sherlock Holmes obsession of Irene Alder. In the movie she comes back after going on a marriage spree and Sherlock Holmes has a picture of her and articles on her from various magazines and by the conversation between the two characters, it seems they have spent time together in a hotel room. In the books, however, Irene Alder features in only once and Sherlock Holmes admired her for outwitting him. That’s it. She goes off to marry the love of her life and that’s the end of that. I guess it’s hollywood and they want a romantic angle no matter what.
In the movie, both Sherlock Holmes and Watson are portrayed as young men with old men experience. How that’s possible, I have no clue. But they both fight at the drop of the hat and are have great wit and come off as happy go lucky friends. But in the books Sherlock Holmes is completely aloof, indulges in opium when he is bored (a glaring omission in the movie), has no time for frivolities like fighting (there are only 2 occasions I can think of when Sherlock Holmes actually throws a punch), does not indulge in any physical activities and loves to play the violin.
On the whole I think the movie was an excellent introduction to the younger audience and both Robert Downey and Jude Law have done a masterful job. I like the aggressive and brash Sherlock Holmes. And I also like that Guy Ritchie let the tension build without explaining each mystery and let Holmes handle it at the end (like every good Sherlock Holmes novel). And the next movie is already set up. Professor Moriarty has been introduced and Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson have already accepted the case. Game On.
BTW, what’s with the warning signs everywhere at the theatres about carrying recording devices into the cinema halls? Is there a recording epidemic in Canada that I am not aware of?
In Honour Of The Disgraceful Show At Copenhagen By Climate Change Denialists
Posted by: agsharma on: December 14, 2009
1) Via funtimesguide.com from Twilight Earth (twitter account)
2) Google Earth and climate change.What could happen in the future? (Link)
3) Really cool quiz here about how much you consume to maintain your lifestyle. (Link)
4) The Story Of Stuff. Bookmark it. NOW! (Link)
5) It”s a cruel joke to play on the Harper CONservatives but this is too funny.
A group of veteran pranksters have stepped forward to say they are responsible for a series of fake news releases sent out Monday that claimed Canada had committed to drastic greenhouse gas emission cuts.
The U.S.-based Yes Men told The Associated Press they launched the complicated hoax to expose what the group feels is Canada’s failure to take tough action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
More links to follow!!
Story Of Anvil
Posted by: agsharma on: December 3, 2009
- In: Music
- Leave a Comment
I had heard of this band before and knew they were an influence on Slayer and Metallica but that was about it. I never really gave much thought to them because I was concentrating on the big names (Slayer, Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Anthrax etc.)
So, when Will recommended Story Of Anvil, I thought, since I like VH1 documentaries, I would give this whirl. And oh boy, did I whirl!!!
The documentary is an amazing story of perseverance and friendship and a strong belief in yourself and your abilities. There are highs and lows. I mean you feel so sorry for the band as they play in front of 5 people in a club in a basement somewhere in Bulgaria! And how their peers basically ignored them at some festival even though Lips knew details of how they met 30 years ago! Another low point, some of their own family dismisses them as has been and dreamers.
The highs include how some of their own family comes through for their passion with their own resources in spite of 30 years of bottom-scrapping. Bought tears to my eyes. And then there was the moment the strong friendship between “Lips” Kudlow and Rob Riener is put on display. Lips is explaining how he wants to become a rock star and would do it because it would be so much easier to jump off the cliff and at this point Rob, who has been nodding his head all along suddenly says nonchalantly “no you wouldn’t. I would stop you.” I would stop you. Wow! If that is not friendship then I do not know what is.
Watch the trailer.
A few negative points.
Spinal Tap was everywhere in this movie. That’s what the story was…..a band that almost made it to the top but never could and just as they were about to give up, they make it big in Japan. That’s Spinal Tap AND The Story Of Anvil. Having said that, Anvil actually went through the low and high points where as Spinal Tap was just a movie. Also, I could not help but feel the director (the screenwriter for The Terminal – Sacha Gervasi) added a few syrupy moments at the end just to give the movie a happy closure.
But on the whole, highly recommended and you do not have to be a metal fan to like this movie as the music is in the background, it’s the passion for the music that is the story.
Running, Some Thoughts
Posted by: agsharma on: November 18, 2009
So, I love to run. A friend introduced me to running 3 years ago and slowly, but steadily, I have gained immense appreciation for this sport. On twitter I follow all sorts of runners. From ultra runners to casual runners and each one has their thoughts on running so I guess it’s my turn to put in some thoughts of my own.
Some of my observation on running are :
- Always keep an eye on the road. Since I run on the pavement, I always look over my shoulders to make sure there are no vehicles approaching when I am about to cross a road. This has become a habit for me and has saved my skin a number of times. And a few times when I know I have kept my eyes open and the driver has not, I have let the driver know what I think about him/her. :)
- I work in an area which is surrounded by hills. So I have been trying to conquer the hills without compromising on my pace. It has not worked very well so far. When I run up the hill, I lean forward and keep my head straight. For some reason, this seems to be the least stressful position. And when I am running down hill, I lean back and look up which shifts my centre of gravity backwards.This lets me maintain my speed/momentum. However, I always, always get shin splints so maybe I am doing something wrong.
- I always keep my head straight. I do not know what the body mechanics are but if I hang my head when running, I get tired very quickly.
- My nipples chaff very easily. Something I learned from my last 1/2 marathon. The worst feeling EVAH!! And it took me 1 week to recover and had trouble wearing cloths…..so no matter what, I will never ever wear a new t-shirt for a run.
- Music is very important to me. It’s been one constant in my life and I listen to it whenever I get an opportunity. But 3 years ago, the opportunities began dwindling because of added responsibilities in my life. I could have always kept on listening to music during my long commutes but for some reason I would always take a nap so that opportunity was lost too. It was running that saved my love for music. During a run I had no one to talk to me, no chance of falling asleep, no one telling me the music sucks so I should turn it down, no one to tell me how the music I listen to hurts someone’s ears etc. I began to consume music passionately.
- After a run, the warm feeling is one of the most amazing feelings I have ever experienced. I know it’s mostly the endorphins but there is also a part in me that’s super proud of the run I just completed.
- I am a weakling when it comes to food. I just have this propensity to hog and feel really guilty after my meals. But on the days I have had a run I do not feel guilty at all. In fact I use my running to justify a super big meal!!
- Till last week my mode of running was to set a pace and keep at it until the end of the run. I do break into walks because I still have not learned the art of drinking water and running at the same time. Now I am trying something new that a colleague mentioned. During the week I am going to run short (5K to 8K) runs but run as fast as I can. And then after a couple of short hard runs, I will be going for a really long run (aiming for 20K over the weekend). Well, that’s the plan but god knows if I will be able to do it.
Updates to the list to follow!!
My New Obsession
Posted by: agsharma on: November 10, 2009
- In: About Me| Music
- Leave a Comment
So, I found this site through stumbliing (what did people do on the internet before stumbling?) called 8tracks.com. This site presents itself as internet radio managed by you, the user. You essentially create lists of songs you like and then broadcast it to the world. That’s it.
As with every technology in the world, the ones that do well are the ones that are simple and intutive. You upload songs from your computer and then start mixing them up and create lists. If you like a certain mix by another user, leave a comment, follow that person’s mixes, or click on “next mix” and the site is intelligent enough to present you with a similar mix. Simple as ABC. There are numerous categories for you to choose from. And if you really like some music (e.g. I found I love CocoRosie’s music), there is a link to amazon and you can purchase your music.
As per their Legal page, their site works because the bitchy organisation called RIAA (and it’s counterpart in Canada called CRIA) is paid for each song uploaded and played on the site. Which is probably why RIAA has not issued takedown orders to 8Tracks. (note : Isn’t it funny, RIAA does not care where the song originated. (I may have downloaded it ileagally and uploaded to 8tracks.com) But because RIAA gets paid, they say “aw shucks”).
Anyway, there are restrictions. Only 2 songs from one album and you cannot skip songs more twice on a mix which I think is fair. If I create a mix, please listen to it and don’t skip over and over every song. If you think the mix is not good, just skip to the next mix.
The things I like about this site it how easy it is to find music of your taste. All I had to was to click on my desired categorise and off I went. And I did create a couple of mixes for your listening pleasure (you do not have to sign on to listen – that’s another amazing part!!). Here are the lists. Hope you like them :
Men Who Stare At Goats – No Spoilers
Posted by: agsharma on: November 9, 2009
*This is my first review of a movie so please excuse the cliches!!
So, I was able to get away from my routine on Saturday and, with nothing much to do, I decided to go for a movie. I really wanted to see The Invention Of Lying but it’s not playing in too many theatres (- why?), so it was either some new horror movie (a genre that I cannot stand) or the new Clooney movie. I chose the later.
Thank god I listened to my inner self. What a fantastic movie!!
The synopsis of the movie is : back in the cold war days, the US government started a secret program to train soldiers with telepathic powers.The movie is about how the program started in the 80s until the beginning of Gulf War II.
The story is excellent and written brilliantly. But the way it’s told as a movie, falls short of the great cinematic experience it could have been. Up until 15 minutes before the movie was going to end, I thought it was one of the best anti-war movies I had seen in a long time, then, it fizzled. It almost seemed that the director/producer/who-ever-was-in-charge-of-the-movie could not decide what was the best way to finish the movie so they probably shot a few endings and let a popcorn-munching, happy-ending, crowd decide how the movie should end. The ending just makes the movie fall flat on it’s face.
George Clooney was excellent in the movie, a guy seeking meaning to his life through his “psychic” abilities. I thought he played a whimsical version of the character he played in Syrianna. Ewan McGregor plays a run of the mill journalist who happens to “fit into” the designs of these psychic soldiers. He plays his role excellently, as usual, and when there is a reference to Jedi Knights in the movie, you can almost see the twinkle in his eyes!
On the whole highly recommended but on DVD.
Walken And Lady Gaga
Posted by: agsharma on: November 6, 2009
I have always loved Walken’s comic timing. It never ever fails. Even when he is playing a bad ass, it seems his inner comic is just bubbling under the surface. Here he is reading out the lyrics of a song Poker Face by Lady Gaga. First the original :
and here’s Christopher Walken :
Isn’t that hilarious!!!
Yearning
Posted by: agsharma on: November 5, 2009
For some reason I am really missing India a lot these days. I guess not having visited my place of birth for 7 years would bring about the yearning. A part of it is because the places I used to love in India have gone through a drastic change (as everyone loves to tell me) and I want to compare the changes with the image in my mind. My hometown of Patiala, as my folks say is now unrecognisable. The places I used to hang as a youth have either been razed or have been altered drastically. Another place I really want to visit at my hometown is the engineering college I used to attend. I have a lot of wonderful memories of that place and visiting it after 7 years would surely bring all those memories rushing back into my mind. And to be able to share them with my daughter, who will be with me, is something I am looking forward to.
Delhi is another place where I want to spend some time. Again, a lot of memories. Delhi was the place where I really matured (stop snickering, mom and dad). I had a lot of tough decisions to make in Delhi and more often than not, I ended up making the wrong decisions. Those were moments that really taught me valuable lessons which I like to think I continue implementing to this day.
Hullabaloo Over Swine Flu Vaccination
Posted by: agsharma on: November 5, 2009
I am not really sure what the big noise is about NOT getting vaccinated against the swine flu. The argument seems to be that there are unknown dangers about the swine flu shot. But those risks seem to be unknown and the risk of getting swine flu and dying from it are very real.
So, once the rush at Ontario clinics die down a bit, I and my daughter will be getting the swine flu shot. Of course, convincing my daughter to get a shot is going to be herculean task.
Why We Should All Love The Onion
Posted by: agsharma on: November 4, 2009
This video demonstrates why The Onion is the best non-news news site out there.
Changes
Posted by: agsharma on: November 4, 2009
I am trying to take my blog into a new direction. I know I have not been posting for a little while but I had fallen into a rut and could not break out of it. Hopefully, my mood is now changing for the better and I will post more often.
Here’s what I want to focus on
- Music
- Running
- My life
- and everyday funnies.
I do want to talk about other stuff too but I prefer twitter for that….hopefully I will not lose too many readers!!
The “New” Music Industry
Posted by: agsharma on: October 15, 2009
<Link>
Before he signs a new band to his independent music label, Franz Schuller usually gives aspiring musicians bad news: They’re probably not going to be famous. This bitter pill is briskly followed by another: “Whatever they think they knew about the music industry from what they’ve heard, or read, or seen on television, that really doesn’t exist any more,” says Mr. Schuller. “It’s really, really hard for artists out there now. It’s an insanely huge challenge to actually make a decent living playing music these days. That’s the reality.”
Ok, I do not know much about the music industry but right away this statement by a music industry insider put me off. If this is true then all the musicians are doomed and it’s the end of the indie music industry and we will all be listening to manufactured pop from the major labels from now.
But wait. Is that what’s really happening? No. We consumers of indie music are not being forced to listen to manufactured music at all. There are tonnes and tonnes of choices of indie musicians who are creating superb music. I am a child of the 90s but I can say without any doubt in my mind that the indie music scene at the moment has been the best EVER.
Schuller thinks that bands will never make it in the real world.
“For all the massive opportunity that the Internet and mobile phones and devices give us by reaching millions and millions of people, there’s also a gazillion bands. It’s really hard to get noticed or to get anyone’s attention,” says Mr. Schuller. “It’s allowed people with absolutely no business competing in the same space to complicate the careers of people who do have a lot of talent. There’s way, way too much stuff out there.”
So, the reason you are not making money because untalented people are taking up your space??? What the fuck? That is one of the crappiest statements I have ever heard. You will get noticed if you are good and if you think you are destined to be famous then tap on the shoulder of your management not the technology. No one is asking you to be a technology genius. Just be smart about how to connect to people. If you can’t do it, ask your friends, family, your fans or just google it. I cannot believe that the reason why you are not successful is because you think someone else it taking up your space. What nonsense.
And then there is this :
This rings true for Tim Baker, lead singer of the burgeoning Newfoundland-based band Hey Rosetta!, which made the shortlist for this year’s Polaris Prize. As social networking technologies grow more popular, bands are put under pressure to communicate with their fans in a way that didn’t exist a decade ago.
“I just want to create a clone who actually enjoys being online,” he says with a laugh. “What a band is historically supposed to do is tour, and write music and put on shows. When you get home, your time off is actually way more work than being on the road.”
Again. What nonsense. If you do not like to spend time on line – Don’t. Please. Spare us.
Just make sure your music is easily accessible (iTunes, emusic, amazon) and put up shows in different parts of the country to stay in touch with your fans. Stay away from Twitter and facebook if it bugs you so much. I want to hear your music and I will pay for it and your shows/t-shirts. I do not want to hear about your life. I have no interest in it.
I think that’s what bugs some of the musicians these days. Gone are the days where a musician could define a fan, now it’s the fan who defines a musician.The fan decides what he/she wants to hear, what he/she wants to share and what he/she wants to spend money on. The musician should focus on what they do best, play music and leave the business of making money to the quality of their music.
Watch this video to learn the business model of the new music industry.
More (broken) Harper Promises
Posted by: agsharma on: October 15, 2009
<Link>
“What’s becoming apparent is that the Conservative stimulus program is biased, unfair, targeted to Conservative ridings and shameless in the way it uses party logos to promote a stimulus program that ought to benefit all of Canadians,” Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff said in Regina on Wednesday.
Conservative MPs have been orchestrating cheque-presentation ceremonies, in which the oversized ceremonial cheque contains the picture of the MP, the signature of the MP, Conservative Party logos or a combination of all three.
One of those MPs, Nova Scotia’s Gerald Keddy, said the $300,000 cheque he presented for an arena upgrade mistakenly contained his party’s logo and he could not explain how his signature ended up on the cheque.
“I think the member (of Parliament) in question admitted that was a mistake and should not be repeated,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Wednesday while visiting Edmonton.
“So Keddy’s not going to do it again, but what about the rest of them?” said NDP MP Peter Stoffer. Stoffer filed a complaint with the ethics commissioner this week. “It blows me away that they could be so blatant, using your tax dollars to promote themselves.”
And this is the same political party that howled incessantly on the Liberal Party sponsorship scandal. It’s one thing to try and win an election but this is blatantly politicising an infrastructure program. I hope Harper is investigated oh wait that can’t happen because of all the cronies now in place.
And this just proves why it’s so easy to detest the Harper adminsitration:
In one case, B.C. Conservative MP Colin Mayes handed over a cheque with the Conservative party logo and his own picture on it.
In Ontario, Conservative MPs Scott Reid and Larry Miller dispensed with party logos altogether, but put their own names in large print in the top left corner of ceremonial cheques they posed with, making it seem as if the cheques were drawn on their personal accounts.
“These are the tax dollars of Canadians,” said Easter. “They’re not Conservative dollars . . . just to be used for the Harper propaganda and messaging machine.”
Cartoon Of The Week!
Posted by: agsharma on: October 7, 2009
<Link>
Hockey
Posted by: agsharma on: October 2, 2009
- In: About Me| Hockey| Sport
- Leave a Comment
Well, I have been in Canada for 7 and a half years and I am finally going to give it a shot……developing an interest for Hockey (that’s Ice Hockey to you non-North Americans).
This season I promise to follow NHL……ok that would be too much. I promise to follow the Leafs this season. That’s how I learned to appreciate football (that’s American Football to non-North Americans). I forced myself to watch the games and over time, I realised that football requires a lot of skills and strategies which really appeals to me as a couch athlete.
So here are my thoughts on the Leafs’ game last night (which I was able to watch in peace and quiet on account of my wife and in-laws). Keep in mind that these thoughts are from someone who has never in his life watched an entire game of hockey.
Leafs and the Canadiens played quite an engaging game of hockey. Never was there a dull moment and when the fights started, it was even more entertaining!! I guess there is a fair amount of animosity between the two teams because they came to blows fairly regularly. I thought it was the Senators from Ottawa that the Leafs hated.
From what I can gather, the offense was top notch from the Leafs. They were playing hard and most of the time the puck was in Canadiens’ half. But it was their sloppy defense that basically lost the game for them. 3 of the 4 goals by Canadiens were from power plays in which, I swear, the scorers basically walked over to the goal and scored. It’s start of the season so let’s see how it unfolds.
I hope to watch more games (now that I have a PVR, it would be easier). I will not bore you with the details except to let you know from time to time if I have any passion developing for the game like most of my colleagues and friends do.
Later.
Thoughts On The Scotiabank Half Marathon In Toronto
Posted by: agsharma on: October 1, 2009
I have taken running half marathons in the last two years or so and I have never felt as alive as I do when I finish a 21 KM run. The delicious ache that flows through the body for a day or so is exhilarating although the the crash that follows is PAINFUL on the legs.
The thrill that one experiences as the run is about to start is pretty amazing!
- The leg muscles are tense.
- The crowd’s thrill starts to infect you.
- The iPod is switched on.
- Just before the start, you start focusing your mind towards the run.
- And the start……I feel as if I have just sprouted wings and am ready to fly.
I am usually able to maintain my enthusiasm until the 10 KM mark. After that for the next 3 – 4 KM it’s a struggle to gain back the momentum. I start popping more gummy bears, start drinking more water which is probably what I should stop doing. This stopping and starting kills me. Once I get my runner’s high back, I can run fairly well until the last 3 KM or so. I feel like I have bricks for legs and I start plopping to the finish line.
And that’s what happened on Scotiabank Marathon as well. I was sure I would crack the 2:15 hour mark but I finished with a pathetic 2:21 hour.
On the whole, I really enjoyed the run except the last 3 KM. Need to practice more.
I did have an issue with the organisation of the event. I mean, the organisers had done a superb job on the course but the approach to downtown (by car) where the event was to start from was absolutely pathetic. I had given myself enough time to reach the venue but because all the approaches to the downtown core were closed (and on the site there was no information that these approaches would be closed), I barely made it to the run on time.
Moreover, once the run was finished, the runners were carted to a cordoned area (understandable, as the organisers did not want anyone other than runner to eat food) where we were squeezed to the point where I was actually claustrophobic. I mean, we have just finished a run, we want to relax and enjoy some food but no, we were squeezed and had to go through back ways to get where we wanted after jostling with fellow runners. Very annoying.
But I will come back to the run again and maybe, just maybe, I will run the full marathon next time
:)
Abdelrazik Sues Ottawa
Posted by: agsharma on: September 24, 2009
<Link>
Abousfian Abdelrazik is suing the government – and Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon personally – for $27-million over Canada’s role in his arrest and alleged torture in Sudan and for violating his constitutional right to come home.
Mr. Abdelrazik, who spent nearly six years in prison or forced exile while his attempts to come home were thwarted, returned to Canada in June after Ottawa was ordered by a federal judge to repatriate the 47-year-old Sudanese-Canadian.
I knew it was a matter of time before Abdelrazik sued Ottawa but what’s surprising is the lawsuit includes Cannon! Good for Abdelrazik. Cannon has displayed over and over again that he is all about “CONservative compassion” – of course, he means only for the non-dark skinned folks.
I don’t know why some anglo-Canadians do not reconcile with the fact that Canada (and USA) is changing. Both these countries are now going to be different shades of colours and to stay fixated on “your own kind of folks” is small mindedness and stupid.
Having said that, this statement is also true for Canadian or other colours. I mean, we Canadians from north India are one of the most racist folks in the world!! Try having a conversation about south Indians (who are a shade darker than north Indians) amongst people from Delhi and Punjab (northern states in India). Oh boy, some of the things I have heard said are so politically incorrect that they would be down right hate speech!!
