Raining on Servette

Shot from my window on a stormy night

Gmail - Now with 100% less Beta!

I am a big fan of Gmail. It's only let me down once in the 4 years or so I've been using it (jessejmorgan @ gmail.com!).

After reading a Gawker article I had to check my own account to be sure of it... the little "Beta" tag is gone!

Happy Beta-Dropping Gmail! I've always believed in you!

RIP Martin Streek

I have fond memories of listening to 102.1 The Edge growing up. It was THE station when I was in high school. Matthew Good Band, Moist, Sound Garden, Smashing Pumpkins, The Hip, Radiohead all came to me via CFNY and their (once) great team of DJs.

After Corus purchased the station I noticed an immediate change. The music began to suck. They started playing what I like to call "I'm 15 and angry at my father music".

The DJs started to change too. Less "Tool" was played, but more were on the air you might say.

I stopped listening years ago, I was obviously about 10 years older than Corus's new demographic. I don't know why they seem to think clueless highschool kids would mean more advertising dollars than a generation that is finally starting to work and earning a large disposable income! Buying cars and iPods and cell phone plans... - But I digress.

Before I started to tune out the only people left that were worth listening to were: The Brother, Martin Streek and of course, Alan Cross. I don't know if The Brother is still there, I know Alan is. Martin was let go about 2 months ago (news to me, I've been in Geneva).

I learned via Facebook that Martin took his life yesterday. If you want the details, click through to the CBC here. What you should read though is a post from the ever eloquent Alan Cross.

It starts like this:

"Let me start with this: Martin Streek was the most charming dude I ever met. He could turn it on like THAT, no matter what the circumstances. There wasn’t a person on the planet that Martin couldn’t win over within minutes. He had a savage wit and an ultra-quick mind. No wonder he had been trying his hand at stand-up comedy. If by the grace of geography he’d have been born in LA, he would have had a three-camera sitcom on CBS years ago—probably after hosting Weekend Update on SNL for two years."

I can still hear Martin in my head calling me to The Phoenix, telling me the doors are now, OPEN.

You will be missed.
(photo courtesy "the Internets")

London

I spent a few days in London last week. Great town for pictures (or "pickys", thanks Shaleena). Here are my favorites:

I win the 2008 RTNDA Best Videography Award!

I have been in London, England for a little getaway for about a week with no internet access (roughing it). 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.

Geneva Rainbow

After my French class on Tuesday I was riding the tram home and spotted the most amazing rainbow by the Jet d'Eau. I literally ran home, got my camera, and ran back to the edge of the lake to grab this shot. I think it was worth it. The light was surreal as the setting sun was shining through the dark rain clouds producing this awesome rainbow.
(Click on the picture to see a larger version)

A Baby and a Puppy

Two shots from my recent return visit to Toronto. It was a great trip! I got a nice shot of my friend Chris and his new son when the sun was setting, giving it that nice warm glow. I also took a few pictures for my Mom of her new puppies. Yes, they are as cute as they look.