Tariq's Web Journal

I don't know if I get it or not - what's up with people driving Hummers? Yesterday, I saw 2 on 4th street and it just seemed like the drivers were giving off that: Hey look at me, I'm so cool - I drive a Hummer. Man, I think us humans get our priorities mixed up sometimes. I mean, is that what defines a person - how big and manly your vehicle is? I guess if you have money to burn, maybe you spend it on stuff like that. Me, I've never had money to burn, but even if I did, I'm not sure if it would go to defining myself with my personal toys. When there's just too many people in the world who don't eat, and pollution is screwing up the atmosphere it doesn't seem to me to make that much sense to drive a Hummer. And just think how a Smart car might fair in an accident with a Hummer. Actually, I don't want to think about that - it would be ugly. As far as I can see, there just doesn't seem to be any good reason to own one besides an ostentatious display. TQ

Hey there world - just thought I'd check in with y'all. Things are good with me. I'm looking forward to the Calgary Film Festival this weekend and especially to seeing the film "Water" by Deepa Mehta. In fact, I will be doing an interview for Beat Route Magazine (November Issue) with Deepa Mehta tomorrow about her film - that should be very interesting. As some of you may know, I work for CBC doing arts and entertainment reporting - love that gig. But of course, we've been on strike for the last 6 weeks or so. I hope this all gets resolved soon, although I have to say, I've been able to have some good chats with people "on the line" that I might never have had the chance to speak to before. It's a funny way to meet your peers, but adverse situations do unite people I guess. Well, off to serve some beer and burgers. See you soon. TQ

I saw that on the news yesterday - this giant cake with something like 2000 candles got a little too hot n' heavy. No one in that crowd was able to make a wish and blow the candles out - they had to use fire extinguishers on it and evacuate the building! All in celebration of Alberta's 100th birthday which was yesterday. Well, you have to give the chefs credit for trying to get into the Guiness Book of World's Records for the most candles on a cake ever - they also made the evening news. No one got hurt - that's the good news. Anyway, let me say Happy Birthday Alberta. Speaking of fire, the fireworks show last night was pretty amazing actually - they were launching them off the roof of city hall. No fire extinguishers needed thankfully. We played a show earlier in the day just after Paul Martin made his speech at the busy Olympic Plaza. There was another big cake somewhere in our vicinity but we didn't get any of that one either. It was angel food cake I hear. But we did have a really nice crowd at our stage, right to the last song - thanks to everyone who was there and smiling - yes, I could tell you were liking the cake, but I think you were liking the music too. Watching the news when I got home last night, I felt bad for all the folks in New Orleans. I hope they get some giant cake soon too. Over and out. TQ