French Class Blog

So I have started a new blog about my French lessons. Check it out!

http://parlayvoozfransay.blogspot.com/

Paris - Nuit Blanche

After trying to organize an event on Glocals (unsuccessfully) and trying to find a room for the night (unsuccessfully) I ended up going to Nuit Blanche after all!

Rahaf had a change in plans and we ended up staying with friends Saturday night. Nuit Blanche in Paris was not as big of a deal as I would have thought. Most of Rahaf's friends in Paris were not really even aware it was happening and didn't really plan on going. Our wonderful hosts ended up coming out for a bit though and thought it was interesting.

The theme was video and you would think someone who does what I do would be excited about that - I wasn't.

I don't really like the vast majority of the "video art" I have seen. And as an event, Nuit Blanche is all about roaming the city at night, experiencing art. I can experience video art on YouTube at home. I want my Nuit Blanche to be an experience I can't get from my MacBook and a wifi connection.

While there were some decent pieces I have to say that Toronto's first Nuit Blanche is still my favorite.

Regardless of Nuit Blanche's shortcomings it was great to be back in Paris again. Rahaf and I both love that city with a passion. We made our regular stop at Pierre Hermes for the best pastries in world. It was also nice to meet some of Rahaf's new friends and to see Martin and Sebastien again who were fantastic hosts.

All and all a good escape from Geneva.

NYC - Summary

Wow, we haven't really been blogging much lately.

Rahaf and I were in NYC for the last week.

A summary of the highlights:

-A great dinner in SoHo
-Sushi in MidTown
-An awesome hotel room at the NY Palace
-Yankees VS. Red Sox
-Mary Poppins - The Musical
-MoMA
-Central Park
-Top of the Rock
-Crazy cab rides

I will be adding some photos to my Photo Blog soon!

My Turkish Haircut - partie deux

I return to my favorite place for a coupe in Geneva, The Turkish Barbershop.

This time, I got the flame in the ear thing. Verdict: It was quite hot, but not too bad!

They did a great job as usual.

The rain outside my window

I win a RTNDA Award!

I have been in London, England for a little getaway for about a week with no internet access (roughing it I know, I will post more about the trip later). I came home last night and a number of my former CTV colleagues had forwarded me this press release.

A short feature piece I shot, produced and edited titled "Tiny Tom Donuts" had won the 2008 RTNDA Best Videography Award.

The RTNDAs (Radio Television News Director Association) are the "Oscars" of the news world. I feel very honored to have won!

A note that the same piece placed 2nd in the NPPA (National Press Photographers Association) Regional Competition a few months ago.

London Calling

I am off to London for a few days while Rahaf is taking a well-earned break in Paris.

We should be back in Geneva on Friday!