Merry Christmas

Today was a work day, but a nice and short one. Everyone that was in the office was in a chatty mood. We have all worked our asses off all year so it's time for a bit of down time. Many of us took the three days off between Christmas and new years so you end up getting a nice little break.

My sister is having Christmas day this year so I get off the hook for the most part so it feels nice and chillaxed. A few years ago the adults in my family decided to stop buying Christmas gifts for each other as we really have everything we need. We still spend time together and enjoy the season so it's a great way to go. Our niece is getting to the age where she is excited so that is fun to see her open gifts.

I have to say, I could really get used to this weather. I know for some there isn't enough snow, but hell, I have seen snow and cold winters my whole life, I have enough years of memories stored up to carry me for a while ; )

So I wish all of you a great Christmas. Enjoy the time with your friends and family and all of the wonderful holiday food. There is plenty of time for regrets in January ; 0

More

The other day at work we were having a conversation which started out about health care. Ultimately it was that if you had a "creme da la creme" plan in the U.S. you could get steak and wine at the hospital, meanwhile the statistics showed how many people died or went bankrupt trying to get treatment. This led to a conversation about rich and poor and the seemingly over indulgence of society in general.

I am fortunate to have a good job, comfortable life, friends, family and health. So I am a happy camper! If I had a wish, it would be for everyone to have the same. Basically have a society where everyone is middle class. No poverty and no 1%. I know this is idealistic but hey, its my dream. Sometimes though I wonder if this is really how many people think? I watch people in the world sell their soul for an once of fame, put themselves in dire straights for stuff that will impress people. I see people aspire to be in work positions not because it's what they want to do but because they feel it will give them power and status. Maybe this is really human nature and I am the odd one.

When we discussed this further, one of my co-workers said that he is comfortable, but if he won a lottery he wouldn't have a problem playing polo at his mansion and not really giving a shit about others in society. Hey, he was being honest.

Today a lady on Dr. Phil had a 1 million dollar bar mitzvah for her daughter because she could. No mention of sharing some of the wealth with charities or doing something useful with their money. It was just more, more, more. More expensive cars, more botox, more houses and more servants. I can't help but feel like the earth is going to self implode one day from all of our over indulgence and greed.

I really hope the next generation does a better job figuring out what is really important in life than mine has.

Prince

Last night I went with a friend to the Prince concert.  I can't remember the last time I have been to a concert at Rexall Place.  The last time it probably had a different name...Sky Reach maybe?

After a bit of a cluster frack at the door and long delay with the concert getting started, the lights finally went down and the show began.  The stage was in the shape of his symbol and there were some huge screens overhead with some cool imagery and closeups of Prince and his band.

I have to say it was an excellent concert.  The funny thing is that the best parts for me weren't all of the 80's hits.  Don't get me wrong, I know the words and really like some, but to be honest it was all of the soul and funk in between that hit the high bar for me!  What an impressive show.  For a 50 something guy he can rock it, shake it and play a guitar like few can.  He had a gaggle of mature chicks behind him with some crazy outfits and amazing voices.  I have been to many a concert at the "coliseum" and often the sound is crappy.  This was crisp and sharp and just the right level.

A highlight for me was when he did "Play that Funky Music White Boy".  I have loved that song since I was a kid and heard it on my first K-tel record.  This rendition had the right amount of funk and attitude.  Here is a video of a similar performance he did a few months back:



I always get a kick out of people watching at those shows.  You see the girls that get waaaay to dressed up. I kept thinking...did you know you were going to "Rexall Place in Edmonton?".    I have to say the venue is getting pretty crappy looking and the sardine seating sucks ass.

But the people who make my night are the ones like the middle aged guy sitting in front of us all still and proper, when all of a sudden he can't take it any more.  He stands up and starts busting a move like a middle aged white man can!  Sometimes you just can't contain the FUNK!