LePhil blog @ Vorg

The Oldest Trophy in the World

LePhil — 2009-12-19T12:29:18-05:00

I know you've all been wondering: "what's going on in the world of the America's Cup lately?"
Well, exciting things have been going on, that's what.

It all started at the end of the last challenge, when the Swiss team Alinghi (of Societe Nautique de Geneve) successfully defended the cup. Shortly after, Bertarelli (the billionaire owner of team Alinghi) declared that Club N�utico Espa�ol de Vela were the challengers of record for the next cup. A club, that only existed in paper, and which he controlled. The set of rules that came out of those "talks" were so controversial, that Larry Ellison (the billionaire owner of team BMW Oracle) took them to court.

As it has so many times in the past, the New York Supreme court sat and heard arguments, consulted the Deed of Gift, and precedence. Eventually they ruled in favour for Oracle and the Golden Gate Yacht Club, and the challenge was set. Of course, given that they each have tons of money, and many lawyers, there have been many, many suits since that time. Bertarelli (aka the cheating bastard) has lost nearly all of them

In the meantime the design specifications that Oracle put forth, rather than being a complicated set of rules and walking away from the old formula:

Was ridiculously straight forward, it had to fight in 90' by 90' box, essentially, a baseball diamond.

Well, this is how you advance the world of sailing, give two of the top 100 richest men on the planet, carte blanche to build a fast boat. Here are the results:

Team Alinghi built a catamaran, All carbon fiber, including the sails. In even light wind it manages to fly one of their hulls and go at least twice the speed of the wind, possibly more.

The official videos I can't embed, here's a link to their promo

More incredibly is team Oracle's Trimaran. Disaster seemed to strike when the 280 foot, 10 million dollar mast snapped while they were pushing the boat to it's limits one day. However, the next week they unveiled their new hard sail, the biggest wing ever built by man, and launched the boat once more:

and a little promo of the boat, both with it's soft and hard sails:

Boating in Canada

LePhil — 2008-12-26T11:29:00-05:00

Taken in Toronto, of all places.

EXTREME!

LePhil — 2008-10-24T19:11:28-04:00

Why have I not heard of this before?

Ikea: on path to own world.

LePhil — 2007-07-29T11:20:07-04:00

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2007/jul/13/travelnews.norway

I don't understand people's obsessions over this store.

Also, KingCasey introduced me to this great show called Flight of the Conchords, I suggest you guys check it out!

Hollywood's first strike against Iran meets heavy resistance

LePhil — 2007-03-13T12:37:51-04:00

I was going to invite Maryam to see this film with me, but now I know better.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6446183.stm

Beautiful Music

LePhil — 2007-03-05T18:28:48-05:00

I highly recommend this Artist. She used to live here in Montr�al, in fact her song 'Love this town' is about this city. The problem is is that I don't think that she has any published works yet. So I need for everyone with a myspace account to listen to her music, pass it on, and write many encouraging messages to her to get her to put out an album.

Natasha Bouchard

Sulu, the gay activist

LePhil — 2007-02-21T17:28:55-05:00

In his own way.

http://www.influks.com/post897.html

But the future is now?

LePhil — 2007-02-09T12:15:10-05:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6335899.stm

I love it.
Finally we are safe.

Yarrrr!

LePhil — 2007-01-28T00:08:21-05:00

Montreal to Hollywood: "Bring it!"

Too much information..

LePhil — 2006-11-14T09:45:19-05:00

http://aclu.org/pizza/images/screen.swf

Let there be dancing!

LePhil — 2006-11-10T10:31:57-05:00

I can't decide if I like the bunny hop best, or Marc's intensity!

Thanks Maryam, I had fun!

Way beyond thunderdome

LePhil — 2006-10-17T22:58:29-04:00

There's nothing like the ULTIMATE Showdown!

Sure I grew up here, and no I don't know this city!

LePhil — 2006-09-20T14:37:49-04:00

Alright, I'm sick of my old haunts. Looking for nice bars, ideally with a terrasse to hang around and be able to have conversation, all within walking distances of the Plateau.

Where do you guys suggest?

ZeFrank

LePhil — 2006-09-11T17:37:34-04:00

I like his show. He can be a little on the preachy side, but since I usually agree with his politics I'm cool with it. He does crazier shows such as his fingers in fruit episode, is responsible for the earth sandwich project, has a degree in pseudoscience.. I mean neuroscience (sorry KingCasey) and has a cute obsession with duckies. He appeared at the TED conference as well. Still not entirely sure what the conference is about though...

I recommend this daily video blog, what are you guys watching?

Passing the torch

LePhil — 2006-08-09T11:17:35-04:00

Manhunt update:

-This Saturday the National Press (don't know who) is coming out to play, please come and show them how it's done! 5pm, back in Carre St. Louis.

-Adair is leaving the country, and I'm lazy. As such the organizing duties are being passed to Amy Luft.

-This Saturday there will be a grand celebration at PhilAdair's place. Celebrating the passing of the torch, and wishing Adair a fond farewell. Please come and join us!

Join the Hunt!

Go All Blacks!

LePhil — 2006-07-26T00:16:54-04:00

I don't watch Rugby, but the All Blacks are now officially my favourite team. I thought it was amazing when I saw a team perform this chant at the dragon boat festival, and now that I know it's background I think it's ten times as cool.

All of us should find ways to incorporate the Haka in our daily lives:

you should at least watch the very end, or just watch the following version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC4SOo5cMss&NR

I don't support the company, but the ad is great!

LePhil — 2006-06-03T12:04:00-04:00

Joga Bonito
Stand for beautiful soccer.

STM and vending machines merge at last...

LePhil — 2006-05-31T20:11:14-04:00

The Montreal buses are now impervious to my old put in many coins of different sizes and they'll assume you payed the correct amount technique.

I like his Robot moves...

LePhil — 2006-05-31T19:32:24-04:00

Evolution of Dance

Leaving the Nest

LePhil — 2006-05-02T11:37:44-04:00

Manhunt now has it's own webpage. It's pretty basic and is experiencing a few technical problems right now, but it's up, and it tells you what you need to know. Come check it out!
http://manhunt-montreal.com

Google has a sense of humour

LePhil — 2006-04-30T03:50:43-04:00

Go to Google, type in "Miserable Failure" and then click on "I'm feeling lucky" chuckle quietly.

Corruption v Theater

LePhil — 2006-04-28T16:23:35-04:00

When major corruption at the highest levels of the Kenyan government is exposed, theater groups from across the nation put on plays condemning it. Plays such as this one, which is entitled: "The Operation about a surgeon who removes his patient�s intestines without telling him."
from the BBC

Post ManHunt

LePhil — 2006-04-23T15:17:35-04:00

I hereby declare the first Montreal ManHunt to be a success! It was so successful in fact, that the Habs went on to kick Carolina's collective derrieres!

At the height of the game we had 20 players, and never had less than 15. We played two games, each half an hour long. That time seemed to work best for the number of people there. The area was filled with alleys, parks, parking lots and the occasionnal crack addict. In a testament to her ingenuity, Giulia managed to use that last one as a very successful hiding spot.
Everybody had a great time and are eager for the next event. Thanks to Julien over at InOverYourHead for coming out with his friends. There is talk of setting up a proper website for the event, and putting out more posts to the Montreal bloggers and flashmob scene for future ManHunts. Which could be as soon as May 6th!

The After-party was a similar success, we got back just in time for that incredible hockey game, and there was much cheering to be heard. Check out some pictures at my flickr site. There aren't many, these were from early in the night and mostly were taken while I was still sober enough to understand all the buttons.

Thanks to everyone for good times!

A friendly Manhunt Reminder

LePhil — 2006-04-20T19:16:35-04:00

For those of you who are choosing to be lined up and hunted like the scurvy curs you are, then this applies to you.

The event is going ahead on Saturday the 22nd at 5:00pm as planned, come rain or shine!

There is no need to RSVP. We will have 30 armbands more or less, and all are welcome until we run out.

If you choose not to participate, you will still be welcome at the spectacular celebrations that will immediately follow this outstanding event at Chez PhilAdair's.

See you in Carre St. Louis!

Manhunt Montreal

LePhil — 2006-04-11T20:09:31-04:00

1st Chapter of Manhunt hits Montreal - Saturday April 22nd, 5pm
Meeting at the little hut in Carre St. Louis, corner of Prince Arthur and Laval st.

Have you ever dreamed of hunting down your friends? Hurtling over urban waste, hobos, broken toothbrushes and that pack of six you threw out your balcony last Thursday and meant to pick up last night but were too drunk? Grabbing onto the back of their scrawny necks and screaming 'HA! I GOT YOU!' as if you were six years old? Of course you have!

The wait is over!

This is a game of hide and seek - much like the game of cops and robbers you may have played as a child:

1) All players receive a highly visible ARMBAND which they wear on their right arm. This is so that you don't confuse players with pedestrians. Attacking pedestrians is an automatic OUT of the game. (Even though we may slap you on the back later. That�s your own business.)

2) Everybody is given two minutes to hide, be it behind garbage dumps, in the trees or inside the Square St. Louis' fountain with your brother Jimmy's scuba gear.

3) There is a chosen hunter - it is his or her job to find your sorry ass.

4) Once he or she grabs onto your sorry ass - firmly, but not sexually (it is important that it is not sexual, that is a completely different game) - you become one of the hunters.

5) You can hide for a total of 60 minutes. After that everyone must return to the rendezvous point.

6) The winners are allowed to strut as if they were James Bond or Nancy Drew. Suits and patterned dresses are allowed.

7) Important: Should you be chased or run out of the designated area, you become one of the hunters! STAY INSIDE.

8)Going inside stores, restaurants, cafes or any area that is not within the public sector is prohibited. This is an outdoor event, and not only is hiding inside like a mangy dog completely dishonorable, it will also have a number of shop owners playing their own game of 'catch those armbanded infidels!'

The rules are fairly simple. It's not rocket science. If you want to strategize with other hunters or huntees it is up to you. It is a game of skill, of athleticism and honor.

This game will be played within the confines of St. Laurent, Pine, St. Denis and Prince Arthur. St. Louis Square is included.

After the game there will be a party of incomparable magnitude at the house of Phil and Adair - the hosters of this game and various other events of even greater repute. Bring your own booze, your friends, your winnings and the remains of the weakest pedestrian.

RSVP! We need to know how many armbands are needed. Like seriously RSVP, not like 'Oh yea! Is that today?' People of such ilk will receive cheap armbands and will be accordingly laughed at like the sissies you are. Seriously. R S V P.

Phil and Adair

Please email me to RSVP

Stay Tuned!

LePhil — 2006-04-07T23:59:08-04:00

A manhunt in Montreal? Good times coming on April 22nd to a few blocks near you? Tune in for further details!

Phil's first post, so let's have a party!

LePhil — 2006-03-18T22:17:11-05:00

Ironically written by Adair,

Phil and Adair's Party Invitation Dictionary:

ec�sta�sy Pronunciation Key (kst-s)
n. pl. ec�sta�sies

1. Intense joy or delight.
2. A state of emotion so intense that one is carried beyond rational thought and self-control: an ecstasy of rage.
3. The trance, frenzy, or rapture associated with mystic or prophetic exaltation.
4. Slang. MDMA.

In late March in ancient Rome, female Bacchus worshippers would take off all their clothes and attempt to commune with their favorite god of wine and fertility. It didn't take long for the guys to follow. Before they were banned by the Senate in 182 BC, the Romans knew that a lot of alcohol and dancing made a sweet shin-dig.

Phil and Adair also agree that enough alcohol and dancing make a killer blowout.

dec�a�dence Pronunciation Key (dk-dns, d-kdns)
n.

1. A process, condition, or period of deterioration or decline, as in morals or art; decay.
2. often Decadence A literary movement especially of late 19th-century France and England characterized by refined aestheticism, artifice, and the quest for new sensations.

It's fallen out of favor over the past one hundred years for the rich to eat themselves until they throw up. In Victorean times it was possible to find many a good party in the upper strata of the higher classes with a healthy supply of food.

It has been re-found by Phil and Adair and is in the process of being reinstated into popular culture.

par�ty Pronunciation Key (p�rt)
n. pl. par�ties

1. A social gathering especially for pleasure or amusement: a cocktail party.
2. A group of people who have gathered to participate in an activity. See Synonyms at band2.
3. Slang. An act of sexual intercourse, an orgy.

The 20th century term 'party' seems to have be derived from telephone operators who couldn't come up with a better word for person than 'party'. While it's not known whether they ate themselves to the point of bursting or if they drank until they either passed out or communed with fertility gods, it is often said that they could at least make connections.

Phil and Adair also make connections. Phil was once seen putting moves on Adair's friend in front of the roaring fireplace. That is a connection.

Drink�ing Com�pe�ti�tion Par�ty Pronunciation Key (drngk kmp-tshn p�rt)
n.

1. A period of celebration at Phil and Adair's condo
2. often Decadent The modern twixter's re-invention of the Victorean eating frenzy. Wherein a mass of food is prepared and given to guests. See Synonyms at: spread.
3. A semi-formal party. Not the type where you have to dress up, but the type where it is expected that you RSVP the hosts, be they Phil or Adair, so that they can ascertain how much of a �spread� they need in order to feed the expensive tastes of their comrades. See: Somewhere between where 'ass' was put into 'classy'.
4. A party where certain rules are given and expected of all guests:
1. One prepares his or her own special cocktail. This could be a martini, a shot, or a drink � blended, mashed, stirred, shaken or mulched. It can be made with pop, juice, coffee, food stuff, and anything remotely ingestible.
2. One brings enough alcohol for their drink to be served to all other guests (an average can be made at about 6 other guests, even though there will probably be many more.)
3. A hilarious competition ensues, whereupon the players in the game may scream, thrash, dance and attack the other players.
4. The winner is named champion. All others must bow and pay tribute to his creativity, his unwavering fealty to alcoholic perfection and his lack of better things to do.

5. A party for would-be yuppies who are intent on denying their accelerating age and waning virility.

Phil and Adair's Yuppy, Twixter and Sophisticated Drinking Competition

(aka Annual Alcohol/Food Exchange)

Saturday March 25th @ 9 pm

Please email me if you need directions!