winter | timotheories

Twilight Zone (Daylight Savings Time)

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Tim Kuefler

This isn’t nothing new. We’re playing for keeps in the daylight, in the dark, in the twilight of our hearts.

People have been setting back their clocks for the better part of a century now. First proposed by an American inventor and politician by the name of Benjamin Franklin, back in the late 18th century, Franklin’s idea was to have citizens of Paris wake up earlier in the day and take advantage of the natural light; a means of savings on candle usage.

Burning The Candle At Both Ends

Eventually the idea was refined and defined by New Zealand entomologist and astronomer George Hudson, with German and Austria-Hungarians being earlier adopters in 1916. Since that time numerous countries have adopted it into their calendar year with daylight savings time happening in late winter and ending during fall, when we switch back to standard time. The literal notion of daylight savings time is to spring ahead by an hour, but the rationale is far more complex.

In an industrialized society we follow a clock based schedule, with activities that are not dictated by sunlight, by changing the schedule as the days shorten, we effectively gain an extra hour of sunlight in the evening, when most people are off from their work.

But in agrarian work, daylight dictates how much time is spent in labour. Whether one way or another is better is unclear, but where you live in the world does make a difference in the impact of the event. The closer we get to the equator the less daylight varies throughout the year, while the further north we go, the more wildly the daylight length swings throughout the year.

Hands of Fate

To be honest, I don’t know where I truly fit into this debate. Having danced this dance for quite some time now, it often feels great to get that extra hour of sunlight during the day, but the disruption to my sleep in the first place is definitely unsettling. As something of a night owl, I usually better use of the evening hours anyway, and up in northern Alberta our winters are longer with less daylight, while our shorter summers with longer daylight can be a welcome distraction… And so I can see merit to both sides of the argument.

I will say this though. No matter what art form you choose to make dear readers, and where you live in the world, you absolutely need to find a schedule that works for your own predispositions. It is a daily fight to make that art, so no matter where you live, it’s your responsibility to work within the environment you live in.

theories Summarized

I’ve gotten quite accustomed to using the #liveyourlife whenever I can in social media creative cuties, and I think it rings true here too. Whether or not you need lots of daylight to function properly, and I’m betting that is true for most of us, then absolutely take advantage of what you can get in your climate. That may mean more productivity in summer months and hibernating in the winter, but only you can figure out what that really looks like.

With that mentioned, don’t forget to set your clocks forward this weekend, wouldn’t want you to sleep in on Monday and something melodic.

And just like that, I’m out of theories for the day. Or should I say time?

Tim!

But The Fire Is So Delightful (Michael Bublé, Christmas review)

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Tim Kuefler

In my family it’s pretty common to listen to the same three or four Christmas albums over and over and over again. Bing Crosby’s Merry Christmas, Burl Ives Have A Holly Jolly Christmas, Christmas with The Chipmunks featuring Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Christmas with Boney M.

It’s like clockwork. But every so often, my parents slip and let one of us take the helm, and that’s when I get to put on my favourite Christmas album.

Michael Bublé – Christmas
released October 24, 2011
******** 8/10

Michael Bublé is a Canadian well known for his abilities as singer, songwriter, actor and record producer. In fact, he has won several awards and honours, multiple Juno Awards, and four Grammy Awards.

His first album BaBalu charted the top ten in both Canada and the UK, but it wasn’t until his fourth album, It’s Time, that Bublé found a worldwide audience. Then his 2007 album Call Me Irresponsible did even betters – it was able to reach number one in Canada, the UK, the US Billboard 200, Australia and several European charts.

Bublé’s 2009 album Crazy Love debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 after just three days of sales… It was also his fourth number one album on Billboard’s Top Jazz Albums chart. But His 2011 holiday album, Christmas, did the best yet as it was in first place on the Billboard 200 for the final four weeks of 2011 and then for first week of 2012, totalling five weeks atop the chart.

Christmas is a big deal for Bublé, and no I’m not talking about the holiday, I’m referring to the album. In fact, I’d say his album is a big deal to a lot of people. It was the first holiday album to win a Juno award for album of the year.

I was reading reviews of the top holiday albums ever and Michael Bublé really is in good company with this record. You often see artists like Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Elvis, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Mariah Carey, and The Beach Boys on those kinds of lists, but there is something special about this Canadian crooner that allows him to fit right in with both the old and the new Christmas jams. He does a great job reimagining Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You, has some fun on his duet with the Puppini Sisters for Jingle Bells, and really gets into the big band mode with It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas.

Silent Night is hauntingly beautfiul and simple in it’s delivery, and the gender twist on Santa Baby is pretty cute, sparking a few laughs from me each time I listen to it. Also the duet with Shania Twain on White Christmas is something special for fans of both artists.

If you like Michael Bublé this album will suit you just fine. If you like classic Christmas music, this album will suit you fine too. If you don’t typically like either Michael Bublé or Christmas music, then I caution you to avoid this, because it’s a lot of fun and maybe you don’t like fun, so why are you even reading this post in the first place.

This is hands down my favourite holiday themed album, and there are some excellent ones out there to be sure. Why I enjoy this over other is because it offers an excellent mix of old and new, and it’s length is perfect for unwrapping presents, take a short trip out of town to visit the in-laws or while you are lounging with brandy and wine after Christmas dinner. This really will get you in the holiday spirit friends, and I hope you have a holly, jolly Christmas. This is my last album review of the year, check back on January 2nd for something new. And come back tomorrow for my favourite Christmas movie, reviewed just for you!

Tim!

Let It Go (Every Time I Die, Low Teens review)

Posted on October 3, 2016 by Tim Kuefler

I’m not the biggest fan of winter. Like at all. I should have a better taste for it as my ancestors are a variety of European types, but for whatever reason, I was a skinny kid with a fair complexion. So I hated winter. Like a lot.

It makes me want to scream into a microphone.

Thankfully, I found my winter jam just in time – So enjoy it along with me dear readers.

Every Time I Die – Low Teens
released September 23, 2016
******** 8/10

Every Time I Die is an American metalcore group that have been around for almost 20 years. Known for their energetic shows and ability to infuse meaning with melody, Every Time I Die have been with Epitaph records since 2008, and were with Ferret Music before that.

I probably sound like a crotchety old man, but I fucking love most artists signed to Epitaph records, so vis a vis, I love Every Time I Die. Maybe that’s a juvenile or closed minded way to look at the subject, but come on people I’ve reviewed everything from pop, to hip hop, to metal, to jazz, and everything in between in the past year, which should tell you that I may have favourites, but I play a bit of everything to continuously expand my sonic ability.

Now let’s get down to business.

Low Teens was recorded in the midst of winter, but it has a surprising amount of heat behind it – these guys decided to focus their already biting sound and circle pit tendencies on a rather somber and enduring note of the frailty of life. For instance, frontman Keith Buckley almost lost his wife and daughter during pregnancy complications while the album was being recorded.

Which is awesome, given that these guys have never had a slump of quality in their long run, despite a few lineup changes over the years.

Let’s start with album opener Fear and Trembling which is a duel between Buckley and death itself, and he stands firm in the belief that he’ll follow death straight into the pit itself if he loses the battle for his loved ones. This is quickly followed up by the speed and precision of Glitches, one of the albums singles and a great way to keep us engaged.

C++ is yet another track that explores death and that pleading for another sweet moment with a woman on life support. Seriously haunting.

Track number four, Two Summers is somewhat divisive, as it deviates from the typical sound of the band somewhat, but damn it if it doesn’t have a great southern drawl, and I cannot seem to place my finger on what song it reminds me of, so hopefully one of you will help me out.

The adventure continues onward and upward with I Didn’t Want To Join Your Stupid Cult Anyway, It Remembers, and Petal. Only gaining in steam and energy. It’s not until we hear The Coin Has A Say, that we take pause and recall a time when ETID was a bit younger and less world weary. When we finally reach album closer Map Change, the audience is primed and the stage is set for a song that really addresses the cold of winter AKA hell.

As is so consistent with their track record, throughout the years, the track record on this album is one of both chaos and order. A challenge well met.

Everything is coming up roses Buckley screams in bonus track Skin WIthout Bones, and I have to agree with him. This album is reliable and also noteworthy. If you’ve been wavering on the fence about whether you should listen to Every Time I Die, now’s the time to give them a chance. They’re made of the right stuff.

Tim!

Ice, Ice, Baby (Ice Castles, Hawrelak Park)

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Tim Kuefler

It always feels so damn cold this time of year! I blame it on the lack of feasible options of things to do in winter.

Stupid Edmonton and the weather.

Whoa, wait up a second timotheories! You told us weeks ago that there is lots to do in Edmonton in the winter because we are a festival city. That our mindset is often our biggest problem and that it’s all about getting out there and trying new things especially things which don’t fit into our comfort zones.

Oh right, I forgot about that for a minute there. Must’ve had brain freeze or something.

Well I’m glad you are keeping me accountable dear readers. I don’t know who else would otherwise. And if that was the case, this blog would slip into anarchy. And we’d see burnt out cars or worse. Though the warmth might actually be worth it…

No! I’m just kidding. Let’s refocus.

I definitely don’t want to read in the papers that several of you decided to take lighter fluid and set a bunch of property on fire to simultaneously keep you warm and entertain yourselves.That would be terrible.

Instead, I want you to get outside and explore our river valley and our parks this winter season. With just 10 weeks or less of winter to get through, we aren’t going to be able to enjoy this opportunity for much longer. Especially because February is the month of “love” or “love hatred”, mardi gras, and groundhogs. Then we move into March which ushers in green beer, Easter, spring, and madness.

So January really is the best time to try something new and exciting.

Okay we’re convinced timotheories, what should we do this January that is so timely and appropriate for you to bring up today?

Have you heard of the company Ice Castles before? Well, Ice Castles is a Utah based “entertainment” company that has a very niche purpose. That’s right, you guessed it, they build large scale ice castle sculptures by hand and give you the opportunity to walk, squeeze, slide, and crawl through them.

I haven’t actually been yet myself, but this is the very first time they’ve come to Edmonton. The company has been constructing these ice castles since 2009 in many of the colder states of the United States. And even better, we are the first Canadian city to get the opportunity to experience this amazing structure. Apparently it had been drawing crowds since before it even opened at the end of December.

If you want to visit the Ice Castles you’ll have to buy your tickets before the end of March (weather permitting), and they definitely do sell out each day, sometimes a week or two in advance. I’ve personally got tickets for this Friday night and I can’t wait to take my girlfriend to go see it. If you’re interested in checking it out, the Ice Castles are open at Hawrelak Park between 3-9PM Monday-Thursday (except Tuesdays), 3-10PM Fridays, noon-10PM Saturdays, and noon-8PM Sundays.

I was fortunate to find out about this from friends and my good friend Douglas from How-To-Douglas finally reminded me enough times that I made the commitment to check this thing out.

Earlier in the year, just before New Years Eve, I made a promise to my girlfriend that I would take her out every Friday night for food and some sort of activity, and the one caveat is that we do something NEW once a month.

Well, Ice Castles is that thing for the month of January. And I’ll do what I can to let you guys know if it was worth it when Friday is all said and done.

And that’s all the theories I’ve got for Timely Thursday my friends. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I’ll check you back on Sunday evening something rather stimulating.

Tim!

Brightest Day, Blackest Night (Festival of Lights, Candy Cane Lane)

Posted on December 17, 2015 by Tim Kuefler

Ah winter has finally arrived, and it looks like it won’t be leaving any time soon! I was nervous for a bit there. Thought we were going to witness another Super El Nino equivalent to the one we had back in 1997. That year we didn’t know what to do, when the snow simply would not stick around until New Years.

But that famous Edmonton snow is here now folks! Rest easy.

The snow is everywhere, and with it the cold of winter combined with the limited daylight make for an interesting combination. One which can have depressing effects if you don’t know how to combat it.

The time of year when both heat and light is precious.It’s somewhat regrettable how we yearn for cold in the summer and heat in the winter, when we should instead be celebrating the possibilities of the current season.

Which is why we could benefit from a lesson from Rome.

The Romans had no issue with this concept of seasons and prepared for the winter solstice with vigour. Saturnalia was an ancient Roman holiday held in service of the Roman god Saturn. It was a period of merrymaking and is the unofficial predecessor of the Christmas holiday (read: feasts, rest from work, servants are served, dinner clothes, gift-giving, and toy gifts for children). If you aren’t familiar with Roman mythology, Saturn was a god that represented agriculture and ruled the world for a time. A time which the Romans called the Golden age, when the earth was filled with food and labour was non-existent.

The Augustan poet Vergil had this to say of Saturn,

He gathered together the unruly race [of fauns and nymphs ] scattered over mountain heights, and gave them laws … . Under his reign were the golden ages men tell of: in such perfect peace he ruled the nations.

Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information about the holiday Saturnalia which comes from one particular source. The best known work that provides the most detail on the event was written by Macrobius. In it, he refers to Saturnalia as a festival of light which leads up to the winter solstice. Candles are used everywhere to represent truth and knowledge and merriment is the order of the day.

I thought that the acknowledgement of Saturn’s dominion and care-taking of other species was particularly interesting, especially in light of (future bad pun) the timely event I’m going to share with you today dear readers.

You see, and this isn’t a new theory, there are many accomplished philosophers and intellectuals out there that believe humans take their moral cues from whatever appears to be higher in power and influence than themselves, whether it be law, principles, or spiritual. Thus, even though Saturn and Saturnalia have disappeared from the forefront of mythology and belief for several centuries, the themes present still exist to this day.

Which is why I think the Festival of Lights put on by the Edmonton Valley Zoo is a fascinating event that mirrors those ideas of bounty, dominion, care taking, truth, and knowledge just ahead of the Christmas season and in time with Saturnalia.

Okay maybe not really, but I had you going there for a while didn’t I?

Truthfully, the Festival of Lights is a staple of the Edmonton holiday season, much like Candy Cane Lane, the Citadel’s Christmas Carol, and the Festival of Trees. And no matter what your belief system, I think we can all agree that whatever the roots or reasons of these types of traditions, what is most important about this time of year is thinking of others and your place in the world.

This year the Festival of Lights took place between December 4-13 between the hours of 5-9 PM.

Wait, hold up timotheories, are you saying that this event already came and went? Why yes, dear readers, I am. But I wouldn’t ever share something timely with you that was no longer relevant. That’s just silly.

No, fortunately for you, I heard from How To Douglas, that there is a special one shot of the Festival of Lights this Sunday, December 20th from 5-9 PM. So why don’t you come check it out? The Edmonton Valley Zoo can be found at 13315 Buena Vista Road, and you will definitely enjoy all of the art installations, the lights, and the night sky. Sometimes they feature a skating rink and snack stand.

And if you are disappointed by that fare, you should also check out Candy Cane Lane, which is located at 148 Street between 100 Avenue to 92 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

These types of events only come around once a year, and showcase some incredibly creativity on the part of the home owners and patrons that organize them. If you haven’t been before, check them both out. And if you have, and it’s been a little while, please go and support your local community!

That’s all I’ve got this week folks! 7 more sleeps until Christmas, and one more week until I take a bit of a hiatus. So please check out next week’s articles or spend some time getting caught up on posts you’ve missed.

Tim!