Tuesday thoughts for you

Self-Portrait of course. I imagine the shot from the CCTV camera inside that mirror would be identical. 

Alright, let's get this blether[1] going. First. Happy early Canadia Day to you all. Today after work, I left our glass and steel mega-newsroom in the city centre, and was greated with a lovely wall of muggy heat. You really don't expect that when the skies are grey and dreary. Felt like Toronto.

Made dinner, and read a few things. Just got in from a lengthy walk around the West End, pictures and writing, and thought I would sit down and share with you a little. Listening to Bon Iver tonight, looking at pictures, and drinking an endless cup of tea; the same old thing.

Here we go..

Monday articles and thoughts

Photo: The Reverend O'Boogie.

After getting back from a brilliant run this evening - about 8 miles - I ate my fifth meal of the day and watched Andy Murray struggle through his fourth round Wimbledon match. Britain goes tennis wild for two weeks a year, which is sad, but I've definitely remembered this week how much I've always loved tennis. Wish my boy Pete Sampras was still around. Ha.

Having a cup of decaf tonight and listening to Michael Jackson's 'Dangerous'. I've had that album since I was eight years old, thank-you very much. I'm not one of this band-wagon fans. Not hard to believe that MJ is number one in this country again. Just kidding, the King of Pop should be celebrated.

Bright lights and endless nights - Budget Travel

Archive Photo: 'Parisian Afternoons,' Daniel C.

As the real summer approaches, I suggest you get out of town. Seriously boys and girls, just go. Stay off the beaten path when you can. Explore. If you need any travel tips, don't ask me. I just roll with it.

Watching Franz Ferdinand rock the hell out of Glastonbury as we speak. This band kills it. I remember when they came on after Death Cab For Cutie at a gig in Calgary a few years back. All the emo kids ran screaming to the back when Franz kicked off their set with their heavy distortion over dance beat sound. Fists in the air, the girls are still dancing. Good Glasgow stuff.

Thoughts and Things

Photo of someones art: Daniel C. O'Boogie

Thank-you, thank-you, to those who have shared links and articles with me today. Keep them coming.

Sidenote: How many people actually read this banter? Hands up my pretties. Speak to me. While I'm not much of a talker, as I've mentioned, I love to listen. Oh, how I write it all down.

Right, well said for a Saturday:

A week at work and at play

Photo: JLM

Today I was devastated to hear about Michael Jackson like most people. Although many people hate him to bits, you have to admit he was the best thing to happen to pop music since the Beatles. Probably the biggest solo artist of all time, yeah, I said it, bigger than Elvis.

When I was in the third grade, I wrote about my favourite album, Dangerous, and my favourite singer, Michael Jackson, on a class questionnaire. My mom found that piece of paper a few years back. I always enjoyed Michael Jackson, the best stage performer of all time. Say what you will about his weird and troubled social life. Even if it all the rumour and scandal was true, I would still love him for his music and dance. Sad day.

Umm, a week in review...

Punk Rock Photo Shoot

Glasvegas, L-R, Paul, James, Rab, Caroline. Photos: Kirsty Anderson - Lighting/production/song requests: Daniel C./The Sunday Herald

Piling out of a black taxi on a Wednesday into the rare afternoon sunshine walked three journalists - one with a pen and pad, one with a camera, and the other just lugging some gear. We were not really sure what to expect from an earlier e-mail, which presented the Sunday Herald with the opportunity of meeting a Glasgow band, who were spending a much needed day off in their hometown between months of endless touring.

It seemed there would be time to chat, and the band had also agreed to participate in a photo-shoot, where we hoped the frames would suit the cover of the weekend issue which was to be an exclusive interview with the band, to come out on the same day the rockers were to play the Glastonbury festival in England.

Work experience

Photo: JLM

Apologies for the blog having been a bit quieter in the past few days, but you'll be happy to know it is only because I've been a little busier at work. I've had a little less original material being printed this week, as I'm finally getting the chance to do some job shadowing.

I can't even begin to tell you how many reporters and photographers I've engaged in recent days, watching them come to life as they describe a passion for reporting, snapping or writing as we drive across the city to a job or hang in the newsroom.

I think I've met almost everyone at the three newspapers now, with most people happy to have me hang out and share ideas. I'm not much of a talker as you all know (more like a bullshitter), but I'm a great listener. Everyone wanted to hear your opinion of course This weekend I will have to make some decisions for my remaining 4 weeks at my work (all work, and no pay) experience/internship.

Sayanora wee ninja

Photos: AP/Getty, Daniel C.

I can honestly say I was devastated this morning when I flipped to the back pages of the Evening Times when I arrived for work. I had not got into my bed until 4am after returning from a film premiere in Edinburgh last night, but it was not for lack of sleep that I was getting a wee bit emotional this morning.

Rumours have been swirling for weeks, but it was finally confirmed today that Glasgow Celtic's most popular footballer - 'Soccer player' - will be trading the rain in Scotland for the sun in Spain. 30-year-old Shunsuke Nakamura was expected see out his playing days into the red sunset in his native Yokohama, Japan.

Marching rights, links, and thoughts for a Sunday

Photo: Daniel C.

Twitter isn't all that revolutionary. In fact, it may get you in trouble. Still refusing to tweet for anyone out there keeping track.

How did Mike Weir do in the rain today anyways? Go Canadia.

Sad story for Glasgow, and all of Britain for that matter. I interviewed the lawyer for these men's families a few weeks back. I have a hundred more questions to ask him, probably more focused this time, but do not have the heart to call of course.

10 things returns, and Articles for Saturday

Photo: Daniel C. Bach/Freelancer - A couple 0' sheep rest in the afternoon sunshine atop Ben Lomond.

Almost forgot about my favourites list. I make them for just about everything; films, books, albums, t-shirts, grape varietals. I haven't counted in a while, but I think I've been to twenty-three countries. Scotland is probably the only place where the landscape looked exactly how I had pictured it.

So, in honour of rolling hills, sheep, cattle, cobblestones and pristine lochs, here goes: #7 thing I love about Scotland: Hills and sheep. Better yet, hills with sheep on them.

Articles

Photo: JLM

Photo: Daniel C. Bach

Have had a little more time to read this week so far. Must be the rain. Also enjoying a little more time in writing. Stories to follow soon. Interviewed the NASA pilot from the last shuttle mission today. And some more politicians. And some streeters. Lots of talking. Lots of writing. Sharing soon.

Night Walkers

Photos: Daniel C. Bach

Went on a chilly midnight walk hand in hand a few nights back. A few shots of an inspiring and well-lit city - Camera, tripod, remote trigger, jacket, scarf, boots. Cheers.

Tour Guide

Photos: JLM

Photo: Daniel Bach

Forgot to mention. Had a great Saturday adventure with visitors, Canadians and cousins Alex and Jen. So good to see the girls, and I did my best to give them a Glasgow crash course in 5 hours. Sunshine, coffee, and lots of walking. Managed to stumble into a few places I have never been before. My humble thanks to my favourite photographer who captured the highlights as well.

Funny, all those times I walk the same streets, I always find something new. Hidden treasures among the avenues and alleyways. A life on the cobbles. I would love to show you around if you fancy a wee visit. You may have some competition if hoping to crash on one of the couches, however.

All the best. Goodnite,

Daniel C.

Articles found and shared

Photo: JLM

Lots of thoughts today. The rain was on again in Glasgow, this morning feeling closer to January than June. The rain was off again this afternoon, a warm afternoon inspiring a long run and a quiet evening. I found some things.

I enjoy stories of many stripes, and of various nature. Stories about wine or random travel, on foreign affairs or policy reviews, gadget guides and funny facts, anecdotes and investigations, sport gossip or historical survey.

Share your stories, or just read these:

i - Who wrote Holden Caulfield?

ii - The internet as a lifeline in China and Iran. Keep talking, keep reading, keep fighting. Tweet if you must I guess.

iii - Phantom murders in Dostoyevsky, a curious place and city so named for my favorite existentialist. Have you ever read "Crime and Punishment"? Well, you should read it.

iv - Treasures of the Yucatan; wee hotels, and off the beaten path. Candles for a Pisa festival. Wtf. Time to upgrade that iPhone. Or get one. Lifesaver. Well, except in the UK where mine is rendered useless. Still fun though.

Articles for a Tuesday

Photo: Daniel C. Bach

A few things I came across today. Spent most of the day in the sun, but will try to find you some more readings tomorrow. Happy Tuesday kids.

a - No cashiers needed at the honesty cafe.

b - Fantastic narrative. History lessons through fiction and the memory of a drunk grandfather. Am I Ulysses? Am I Ulysses? No, but you are now boy.

c - Saving the coffee triangle of Asia. Let it grow. In the shade. Coffee!

Articles of the Day

i - The dangers of the new journalism, and working for small and start-up media outlets.

ii - The one millionth official English word is.....Had a great conversation about this the other day. Haha.

iii - A late congrats to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Supurb. That's the kind of team Brian Burke will build the Leafs to be in 2052. Excited for the Pens, and Mario, as the only team I dipise more than Ottawa, Vancouver, and Edmonton, is yes, Detroit. Blah. Sidenote: I believe Crosby is now guarenteed to be Captain Canada at Van2010, although, before Crosby lifted the cup, Dany Heatley, Vincent Lecavalier, or one Jarome Iginla (best bet) probably deserved the honour. Look for those three and/or Regehr to get the A's.

iv - Took to the cobbles on Thursday to ask some streeters the most important question of the day.

Articles for today

Photo: JLM

Bits and bobs from around the world. Happy Friday.

i - Paris: Photography captures the city of light's overhaul during the time of Napolean III and that grandeous urban magician called Haussmann.

ii - Venice: Tap water in Venice. No way.

iii - Iran: Record poll turnouts. The day in pictures. Down with Ahmadinejad.

iv - Manchester: Is any man actually worth $136m?

Articles

Photo: Daniel C.

For anyone actually listening. West End Festival starts in Glasgow this weekend. Art, music, dance. Tens of thousands in the street. Jazz Festival starting this weekend. Visitors from Canada. Art school graduation party. Sunshine, we hope. Stay Tuned. Thoughts for the day. Cheers.

A- I'm still refusing to Tweet. Perhaps I'd be tweeting/tweetering if my freedom of speech was taken away. China.

Articles of the day

Stories found today with a little help.

Around the world:

i - Japan - The pursuit of happiness - a little different. No cars or phones.

ii - China - Bullet the blue sky; up close and personal.

iii - India - The English Premier League has already taken over Africa, Europe and Asia. Why not India too.

iv - Washington and Calgary - Well said. One story among a billion. Can't wait to read the book.

v - Pyongyang - How long will North Korea - or the 'Korean Nation' I guess they call themselves- get away with injustices like this . This makes me furious.

vi - Calgary - The next Andre Picard. Still digging up mental health issues, my best mate at the Calgary Journal.

- Daniel C.

Hostages

Edwin Dyer in a photo released earlier this year in an ultimatum to the British government. 

The best story I've ever worked on, hands down.

Daniel Bach, Ren Deakin, and James Ellingworth

The Sunday Herald

The adventure trip of a lifetime and just another day at the office, but neither was to end with happy snaps or a job well done.

Dùn Èideann

Photos: A- D.Bach. B, C - JLM

The two of us woke up early on a Sunday, made a hearty breakfast, packed our Canon cameras and some Scottish snacks and made our way to the local train station. Hopped an express train, and ended up in some medieval city called Dùn Èideann, err, Edinburgh, which is apparently a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climbed some things, walked around, had some drinks, enjoyed the sun and a brilliant Sunday.

- Daniel C.

Photos

Photos: Daniel C. 

Going to swap taking pictures of buildings and graffiti. On the advice and expertise of my photography muse, I will attempt now to produce photo essays of people and puppies. Smiles and tails. Not for sale.

- Daniel C.

Thoughts for a Thursday

Photo A- Heads at the art gallery. Daniel C. Photo B- Daniel under cloisters at Glasgow Uni. 1451 AD. JLM. Photo C- Paisley kid with the voice. Paolo Nutini. JLM. 

i - 20 years ago the students sang, the soldiers came, the tanks rolled; the bullets ripped through the night sky. Art soldier tells his story. Photos and cigarettes. Beijing 1989.

Articles for today

Photos: Daniel C. 

Things found today of interest to me, and maybe you. Smile, question, live. Take your time. Have a beer. Happy Wednesday.

- Daniel C.

A- Four photographers captured the same historical moment in 1989 from different vantage points in the Beijing Hotel. Most young people in China would not recognize any of the photos, which are famour around the world.