Snowy weekend in Toronto. It is the middle of January and already the camera has been traveling to three different clubs. What happened to hibernation?
More travels to come!
Background: After a visit to the Turntable Doctor during Boxing Day week, the recent inspection of my Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge stylus, the verdict was 1000 hours of life left on it. So how long is 1000 hours of stylus life? Obviously, the answer is 1000 hours. The quick math translates 1000 hours to 6 weeks of 24/7. However being human, how long would it take me to explore my record collection to reach 1000 hours of play? The answer is the subject of these posts. Turn off the lights and have a listen to 1000 hours and counting down.
Linda Ronstadt, the subject of The Sound of My Voice movie on CNN inspired tonight’s listening. Skye Wallace’s self titled album has been burning a hole into my ears and her photos from recent club performances on stage with band fronting for Lowest of the Low (see image below) have been blazing from my smugmug and others social media. The record itself is black vinyl with a test pressing label! The listening was quite enjoyable with little to note about any distracting noise. The album ranges from moody reflections to full on guitar and bass rockers which capture the adventures of her life.
Emmylou Harris Luxury Liner was handy and was the natural follow-up. (Dolly Parton and Nicolette Larson provide back-up vocals amongst many. Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt comprised Trio for their two albums.) Even though this is a Warner Brothers Canadian pressing from 1977, the production was immaculate with little if any surface noise. The highlight of Luxury Liner is naturally Emmylou Harris’s voice itself and stellar talent in the band.
While sorting through albums, the Eagles Hotel California on Asylum Records 1976 turned up more than coincidentally (the members of the Eagles being early members of Linda Ronstadt’s band). Checking the 7ES 1084 catalogue number, this album copy is the 1976 Canadian pressing with the gatefold from Asylum. The record might have needed a little bit of record cleaner and a zap of the Zerostat gun. There were a few reminders that this Hotel California was not a compact disc. Otherwise, the memories of past sitting down by the stereo come back. Which is part of the vinyl experience. The familiar intro to Hotel California led all the way past New Kid in Town to the end of side one with Wasted Time. Flipping over the record brings in the reprise of Wasted Time. The second side is the opposite of Life in the Fast Lane and exits with the more sombre outro of The Last Resort. Raise the needle and turn off the stereo for the night. It is 1:11 a.m.
If you have a nice comment or stylus recommendation:
| DATE | ARTIST | ALBUM | FORMAT | TRACK | ALBUM TIME | RUNNING TOTAL | CASSETTE TIME |
| 2019-12-28 | NILS FRAHM | SCREWS | ALBUM | SIDE A/B | 00:28:00 | 00:28:00 | |
| 2019-12-28 | CRASS | Sheep Farming in The Falklands | flexi | SIDE A | 00:05:22 | 00:33:22 | |
| 2019-12-28 | U2 | NO LINE ON THE HORIZON | ALBUM | SIDE A | 00:17:00 | 00:50:22 | |
| 2019-12-30 | BOB DYLAN | LIVE AT BUDOKAN | ALBUM | SIDE B | 00:26:42 | 01:17:04 | |
| 2019-12-30 | SUPERTRAMP | EVEN IN THE QUIETEST MOMENTS | ALBUM | SIDE A/B | 00:43:25 | 02:00:29 | |
| 2019-12-30 | APHEX TWIN | SELECTED AMBIENT WORKS 1985-1992 | ALBUM | SIDE A/B | 00:34:20 | 02:34:49 | |
| 2020-01-01 | EMMYLOU HARRIS | LUXURY LINER | ALBUM | SIDE A/B | 00:38:35 | 03:13:24 | |
| 2020-01-02 | BOBBY WISEMAN SINGS WRENCH TUTTLE | IN HER DREAM | CASSETTE | SIDE A | 03:13:24 | 00:29:07 | |
| 2020-01-05 | ELUVIUM | COPIA | VINYL | SIDE A | 00:18:50 | 03:32:14 | |
| 2020-01-05 | ELUVIUM | COPIA | VINYL | SIDE B | 00:21:00 | 04:12:55 | |
| 2020-01-05 | GLENN GOULD | WELL TEMPERED CLAVIER | VINYL | SIDE 1/6 | 00:19:41 | 03:51:55 | |
| 2020-01-08 | The Replacements | Pleased To Meet Me | VINYL | SIDE A | 00:16:16 | 04:08:11 | |
| 2020-01-08 | The Replacements | Don’t Tell A Soul | VINYL | SIDE A | 00:19:14 | 04:27:25 | |
| 2020-01-18 | Stevie Nicks | Bella Donna | VINYL | SIDE A | 00:19:28 | 04:46:53 | |
| 2020-01-18 | Skye Wallace | Skye Wallace | VINYL | SIDE A/B | 00:33:21 | 05:20:14 | |
| 2020-01-18 | EMMYLOU HARRIS | LUXURY LINER | VINYL | SIDE A/B | 00:38:35 | 05:58:49 | |
| 2020-01-18 | The Eagles | Hotel California | VINYL | SIDE A/B | 00:36:58 | 06:35:47 |
Today’s listening was a couple of classic albums from The Replacements! The records listened to were Pleased to Meet Me (1987), and Don’t Tell A Soul (1989). These are on black vinyl, the original price of Pleased to Meet Me is a whopping $6.97. These two albums are going to be re-issued soon with coloured vinyl. However, the two Replacements albums are minty black and sound fine the way they are. Talent Show from Don’t Tell A Soul and Alex Chilton from Pleased To Meet Me are alive as ever.
As well, Stevie Nicks Bella Donna from 1981 is about as perfect an album as there is and is also going to be re-issued. This one might be worth exploring as a re-issue. (Total album listening time to date is 4 hours and 48 minutes.) Also spun the compact disc of The Replacements Let It Be which sounds fine as a CD.
| DATE | ARTIST | ALBUM | FORMAT | TRACK | ALBUM TIME | RUNNING TOTAL | CASSETTE TIME |
| 2019-12-28 | NILS FRAHM | SCREWS | ALBUM | SIDE A/B | 00:28:00 | 00:28:00 | |
| 2019-12-28 | CRASS | Sheep Farming in The Falklands | flexi | SIDE A | 00:05:22 | 00:33:22 | |
| 2019-12-28 | U2 | NO LINE ON THE HORIZON | ALBUM | SIDE A | 00:17:00 | 00:50:22 | |
| 2019-12-30 | BOB DYLAN | LIVE AT BUDOKAN | ALBUM | SIDE B | 00:26:42 | 01:17:04 | |
| 2019-12-30 | SUPERTRAMP | EVEN IN THE QUIETEST MOMENTS | ALBUM | SIDE A/B | 00:43:25 | 02:00:29 | |
| 2019-12-30 | APHEX TWIN | SELECTED AMBIENT WORKS 1985-1992 | ALBUM | SIDE A/B | 00:34:20 | 02:34:49 | |
| 2020-01-01 | EMMYLOU HARRIS | LUXURY LINER | ALBUM | SIDE A/B | 00:38:35 | 03:13:24 | |
| 2020-01-02 | BOBBY WISEMAN SINGS WRENCH TUTTLE | IN HER DREAM | CASSETTE | SIDE A | 03:13:24 | 00:29:07 | |
| 2020-01-05 | ELUVIUM | COPIA | VINYL | SIDE A | 00:18:50 | 03:32:14 | |
| 2020-01-08 | ELUVIUM | COPIA | VINYL | SIDE B | 00:21:00 | 04:12:55 | |
| 2020-01-08 | GLENN GOULD | WELL TEMPERED CLAVIER | VINYL | SIDE 1/6 | 00:19:41 | 03:51:55 | |
| 2020-01-08 | The Replacements | Pleased To Meet Me | VINYL | SIDE A | 00:16:16 | 04:08:11 | |
| 2020-01-08 | The Replacements | Don’t Tell A Soul | VINYL | SIDE A | 00:19:14 | 04:27:25 | |
| 2020-01-08 | Stevie Nicks | Bella Donna | VINYL | SIDE A | 00:19:28 | 04:46:53 |
The news? Moving into a new apartment with a view in upper Scarborough, we decided to bring the old stereo system back to life. This system is about as analogue as it can get, with Kenwood KA 3500 40 watt amp, Technics SL-1200 MKII turntable, two former Mirage speakers with a Ring Audio internal design and two cassette decks: one Sony and one AIWA.
THE Turntable Doctor at Bay Bloor Radio examined the stylus of the Ortofon 2M Blue After an electronic cleaning and although the stylus was already shorter than an original needle, he pronounced the stylus was still good and had 1000 hours left on it. Now how long is 1000 hours in record playing terms? That was a good question. The Turntable Doctor said that should be three years. I thought why not keep track of what is 1000 hours?
As well, the technician suggested demagnetizing or clearning the cassette heads every 30 hours. So keeping track of that well will be on the table. The titles listed will be either on vinyl or cassette unless listed otherwise. There will be compact discs played as well and those will be included as well (but will not count towards the 1000 hours).
Welcome to my listening, good taste or whatever you may term it.
| DATE | ARTIST | ALBUM | FORMAT | TRACK | ALBUM TIME | RUNNING TOTAL | CASSETTE TIME |
| 2019-12-28 | NILS FRAHM | SCREWS | ALBUM | SIDE A/B | 00:28:00 | 00:28:00 | |
| 2019-12-28 | CRASS | Sheep Farming in The Falklands | flexi | SIDE A | 00:05:22 | 00:33:22 | |
| 2019-12-28 | U2 | NO LINE ON THE HORIZON | ALBUM | SIDE A | 00:17:00 | 00:50:22 | |
| 2019-12-30 | BOB DYLAN | LIVE AT BUDOKAN | ALBUM | SIDE B | 00:26:42 | 01:17:04 | |
| 2019-12-30 | SUPERTRAMP | EVEN IN THE QUIETEST MOMENTS | ALBUM | SIDE A/B | 00:43:25 | 02:00:29 | |
| 2019-12-30 | APHEX TWIN | SELECTED AMBIENT WORKS 1985-1992 | ALBUM | SIDE A/B | 00:34:20 | 02:34:49 | |
| 2020-01-01 | EMMYLOU HARRIS | LUXURY LINER | ALBUM | SIDE A/B | 00:38:35 | 03:13:24 | |
| 2020-01-02 | BOBBY WISEMAN SINGS WRENCH TUTTLE | IN HER DREAM | CASSETTE | SIDE A | 03:13:24 | 00:29:07 | |
| 2020-01-05 | ELUVIUM | COPIA | VINYL | SIDE A | 00:18:50 | 03:32:14 | |
| 2020-01-06 | ELUVIUM | COPIA | VINYL | SIDE B | 00:21:00 | 04:12:55 | |
| 2020-01-06 | GLENN GOULD | WELL TEMPERED CLAVIER | VINYL | SIDE 1/6 | 00:19:41 | 03:51:55 |
The most recent listen goes back to the classical, Glenn Gould Well-Tempered Clavier. No. 1 is in C, it always starts that way. These are pieces that many have undoubtedly played while learning piano for the Conservatory. No doubt no one will ever play them as well as Glenn Gould could.
Eluvium is a taste that goes back 10 years to 2009. The Volume 1 box set of that time is long out of print, but back then it was one hundred sixty dollars which was a lot of money then.
Welcome Dear Gentle Reader.
I love Steaks Wear.
Ever since I have been in contact with them and even met up with a seller of their wares in Finland at the Kallio Invitational, they have always been friendly and professional.
Why me to even be considered for their series of 1/1000 interviews? I consider this to be a very big honour.
O I may have been more than a tad effusive about the travels around the world in pursuit of derby and travel photography, and a liking for the green and white in a til I die type of way.
Reflecting a little further on the sojourn to New Zealand, when Papercut or Cutty as we call her cued me into the Full Contact derby bootcamp was in the month of February, a bell rang inside. February! New Zealand! Summertime! I was so going to be there.
And this comes back to this wonderful video that sums up the life experiences on the road.
If anyone wants to help redesign my wordpress site here or my joemac.smugmug.com site feel free to contact me. Merci!
Hello hello!
Dont know why you say goodbye I say hello.
Don’t mind me.
I have not become a snob or a collector because who could afford that?
My way of lifestyle has been piqued by the monotheistic world of The Beatles in MONO. It may be paradoxical to have updated the stereo system to listen to mono channel recordings. However, with The Beatles it is an absolute pleasure to hear the imaging straight down the centre of the room as I listen. Those who have become accustomed to the way The Beatles sound in the stereo world, you may be in Country Style Donuts and their sound system may be on and you are sitting under a right speaker where all the instruments dwell, meanwhile Paul or George’s vocals are at the other end of the room coming out of a left speaker. Somewhere in between the window seat…
View original post 150 more words
To everyone everywhere it has been the longest Road.
Once again it has been a privilege to capture the best of you all off and on the track. Thanks Ohio. Just when I thought I was out.
A gentle reminder of what life on the road was.
We wish you all Gentle Readers out there the Merriest and the Happiest. Share the spirit of the season and be glad to one and all.
(Previously On the Road: Love will tear us apart and The Factory. Back again to where the gods of Ragnarok play. Back to Canada for the ten years of derby home opener at Tri-City. Then Detroit Roller Derby concludes the season with the home team Championship at Detroit Roller Derby. Just when we thought we were out, Ohio dragged us back into the playoffs.)
more story to come
It has been a long road on this derby adventure. Been to the heights and to the vales. Been to where the One Ring rules them all. Been to where the gods of Ragnarok play.
And we are back in play. Pittsburgh and Ohio, thank you again. And kudos to Boston for bringing me in, too. One last time with Tri-City Roller Derby. Next stop, stay tuned.
Flat Track Brat Pack vs. Killer Cupcakes
Guess who is getting married
Behind the locker
[technical details: Three E640, 3 TT5]
Killer Cupcakes
https://joemac.smugmug.com/CanadianToycon
July 9, 2017 – Belleville Bombshells vs. Kingston Skateful Dead – Frankford, ON
It has been a long road on this derby adventure. Been to the heights and to the vales. Been to where the One Ring rules them all. Been to where the gods of Ragnarok play.
Flat Track Brat Pack vs. Killer Cupcakes
Guess who is getting married
Behind the locker
[technical details: Three E640, 3 TT5]
Killer Cupcakes
Librawlian
Kittens vs. PuppiesThis is a wee reminder of the video we were allowed to shoot last year with our band Paint.
Canada Day approaches
It has been a long road on this derby adventure. Been to the heights and to the vales. Been to where the One Ring rules them all. Been to where the gods of Ragnarok play.
Flat Track Brat Pack vs. Killer Cupcakes
Guess who is getting married
Behind the locker
[technical details: Three E640, 3 TT5]
Killer Cupcakes
Librawlian
Kittens vs. PuppiesThis is a wee reminder of the video we were allowed to shoot last year with our band Paint.
It has been a long road on this derby adventure. Been to the heights and to the vales. Been to where the One Ring rules them all. Been to where the gods of Ragnarok play.
[technical details: Three E640, 3 TT5]
This is a wee reminder of the video we were allowed to shoot last year with our band Paint.
Here is something a little more recent
Round round get around I get around
Derby, the final frontier. Welcome to 2014 as we try boldly one more time for 52 in 52.
Keep checking my Flickr site at Midnight Matinee for the latest Derby photos and more!
As a brief intro: we are based in the city of Toronto, Ontario which happens to be in Canada. This particular province has more than 50 leagues and have the considerable pleasure of being able to consider many of the leagues as friends and have the privilege of shooting in their rinks or arenas. We endeavour to hit the road in all directions, and many times that includes south of the border. Last year for the first time we hit the WFTDA D1 and D2 playoffs and culminating in the WFTDA Championships themselves in Madison, Wisconsin.
Latest update as of October 14, 2014: Survived Team Ontario Bootcamp in Kingston, Ontario. Five classes of top notch players and coaches providing the drills, then a black and white scrimmage with Team Ontario dispersed with the attendees. Lots of learning and thinking.
Latest update as of October 8, 2014: We’re back home again after our second WFTDA D1 playoffs of the year at Salt Lake City, Utah. Not quite safe and not quite sound. We endure. Next stop: somewhere in Kingston for the Team Ontario Bootcamp and Team Ontario vs. Team Ontario scrimmage.
R M R G Rocky Mountain Roller Girls at WFTDA D1 Salt Lake City, UTAH The home of Wasatch
Latest update as of August 12, 2014: Hello again! The road experience intensifies as we enjoyed a most memorable night amongst Detroit Derby Girls at their end of year Rollies Awards commemorating 9 years of existence. Way to go DDG! The overnight bus back to Toronto and then up to Elora, Ontario to witness the Fergus Feims engage the Border City Brawlers from Windsor, Ontario in a tough and tightly competitive bout falling 153-157 at the last jam. Next up: Ohio.
The end of the longest weekend in Fergus
New Skids on the Block @ Quad City Chaos 2014
This derby nomad looks forward to visiting familiar and new friends and facing new adventures in newer territories. There might be an occasional break in the schedule to give the camera and lights a respite. However, we are still endeavouring to shoot derby every week if possible, so if you want to keep the streak going and have Derby happening in your league and if we can get there, feel free to drop me a line!
Team Ontario at The Bunker on February 8, 2014
Derby and Toronto Junior Roller Derby] – Ajax Memorial Arena – Ajax,ONTARIO
4th Annual Gibson’s Cup – July 26, 2014
The orange of Tiger Baby Brawlers at ECDX 2014
The Decapulettes vs. Crow City Roller Girls * last jam over
Lippy Wrongstocking – Vicious Dishes how do derby players recognize photos of themselves?
Quad City Chaos 2010 at The Hangar
CN Power vs. Killamazoo Derby Darlins at The Bunker
March 16, 2014
Thank you to Pack It Up! for their lovely words and recognition. Click here.
photo credit: Meg Mckenna
Thanks Derby!
They call her Ringo Deathstar.
On the Sunday, it is the highlight of the afternoon to watch the juniors of Montreal display their derby skills.
Often coached by senior members of Montreal Roller Derby, that would mean a New Skid past or present, or a father.
From what I can recall the Sunday morning hangover bout after Charm City 109 vs. New Skids 306
Away Games on Sunday, July 19th, 2015
Hangover Bout (Closed games for our All-Star A and B Teams)
Rideau Valley Vixens (Ottawa): 120 – Charm City All Stars (Baltimore, MD): 182
Rideau Valley Sirens (Ottawa): 170 – Charm City Female Trouble B-team (Baltimore, MD): 222
Location: Arena St. Louis – Montreal, PQ
Thames Fatales vs. Mid Michigan Derby Girls
November 6, 2010
Western Fair
London, ONTARIO
CANADA
Sat, Nov 6, 2010
Doors Open @ 7:00PM – Show @ 7:00PM
Western Fair Entertainment Centre
316 Rectory Street, London, ON
Thames Fatales vs Mid Michigan Roller Girls
All Ages / Licensed
Event Details
Western Fair Canada Building
Kids under 10 Free
Event type: All Ages / Licensed
WE ALL BRAWL – TIGHTY WHITEY VS. SOOPA BLACK
November 10, 2012
Bim Bam Baby
Nickel City Knockouts vs. Suicidal Saucies
February 18, 2012
Rainbow Roller Rink
North Tonawanda, NY USA
Come watch the Nickel City Knockouts battle it out with the Suicidal Saucies – you won’t want to miss this bout!
The Ice Ice Babies, QCRG’s very own Junior Roller Girls, will play an expo bout before the game at 7:00 PM!
The Rolling Dead – Grey Bruce vs. Woodstock Warriors October 26, 2013
IT’S BOUT TIME – 2ND PERIOD – Northumberland Roller Girls GRAVE DIGGERS vs. Seaway POWER DAMES
June 22, 2013
The Northumberland Roller Girls Present… Ganaraska Gravediggers. Because some people need to get body checked… Support Local Roller derby …
Nickel City Knockouts practice
January 27, 2013
Rainbow Rink
North Tonawanda, NY
USA
Nickel City Knockouts practice
January 27, 2013
Rainbow Rink
North Tonawanda, NY
USA
Frogtown Fallgirls {Toledo Junior Roller Derby} vs. Torontosaurus Wrex {Toronto Junior Roller Derby} – May 16, 2015 – Toledo, OH
Roller Derby Photographer’s Day?
What is it all about?
2.8 is a reference to the maximum or the most wide-open aperture of the typical prime or zoom lens that you see a photographer use around the track. 2.8 is also the ideal or the ticket into the world of shooting sports. The rationale is the more light the lens can let in, the better the odds of not having a dark picture. Even if one can afford the 300 f/2.8 lens that is only the beginning. After the camera and the lens comes the accumulation of contacts and building of experience. There are of course faster lenses which are just as ideal. 2.8 is just the maximum aperture of a typical long sports lens. Someone might fawningly look at the camera or lens slung over the shoulder of the photographer, some might say it is not the camera or the lens that matters, but it is the camera and the lens that matters. Many thoughts and dollars go towards the consideration of the camera and the lenses. Knowing what to do with it all, that is another matter.
I do not need any special day. We are here to celebrate and thank you. As a reflection of the year of what derby leagues and teams and players and coaches – junior or senior – and volunteers and fans go through, most of my friends out there know the distances and lengths that I fly or ride the buses or travel in your cars carrying suitcases of gear.
2.8 With maximum aperture comes maximum effort.
And I would have to cite my influence Cartier Bresson:
“There is nothing in this world that does not have a decisive moment,” wrote the 17th-century cleric and memoirist Cardinal de Retz, “and the masterpiece of good ruling is to know and seize this moment.”
Welcome to the Crow City Roller Girls! … is travelling to Stratford on Saturday May 31st, to play Festival City’s Decapulettes, and we’re a little short on referees.
Terror on the track
Just moments earlier:
This video embodies all that was Auckland and living out of that apartment in Otahuhu way on the outskirts and in the wrong direction from Henderson. It was a rush.
2015 was a good year. But what lies ahead?
Welcome to the New Year.
The derby road show goes on and on. After all the great food of Milwaukee at Midwest BrewHaHa, can you say mac and cheese pizza and George Webb hash brown omelet, we headed to Feasterville which is somewhere near Philadelphia for the pool party that is East Coast Derby Extravaganza 2016. Next up: Men’s Roller Derby World Cup in Calgary, Alberta! shooting for Team France! [vive la France!] and Team Canada, eh?
Update! October 11, 2016. After the ride to Lansing, Michigan to shoot the D2 Playoffs for Tri-City Thunder and Calgary Roller Derby, it’s been the month of travel in September, taking the train to Montreal. Flying to Vancouver to shoot on behalf of VRDL, then back to Toronto then heading out to Madison to shoot for the Ohio Roller Derby in Wisconsin. The 2016 WFTDA International Playoffs are concluded thankfully, and the 2016 WFTDA Championships are ahead in November!
We also got called upon to shoot a video for the Toronto based band Paint, something we have not done for a long time. The event was celebrated for the birthday of the Paint lead singer at Horseshoe Tavern on January 28, 2016. You can watch the video on YouTube on the link below.
