La magie de Noël

Un super 'week-end' à Blainville avec la famille. Mamie nous a tous ébahis avec son talent d'artiste peintre. Incroyable c'est le mots..
Nos nièces (Alex, Flo, Gen, M-C) nous ont parlées de ce que Noël représente.
D'ailleurs, je vs aient préparé un video.

Chris  on MOJO

Back from the Web Brake (needed it actually)

I'm back.
After pending over 400 hours editing a three part Documentary, i am back on the blog.
 I want to share portion of the Doc with you by posting all the images that were used on the documentary on Gaétane, my mother.

Je suis de retour sur mon Blog après une pause bien mérité je crois... après plus de 400 heures sur le Mac et Final Cut Pro a faire le documentaire sur Gaétane (ma mère) j'ai pris un p'tit Brake. Je vs aient préparés un slide show des photos utilisées dans les trois vidéos du Doc.

Je serais de retour après les fêtes pour vs donnés, mes "best of" de vins d´guster durant la période de Noel.
I'll be  back after the holidays to share with you my Wine Favs' tried during the Xmas Parties

Chris on Mojo

                                             WMV File

                                          MP4 File
                                          

You keep loosing these RF Wind Sock?

Being tired loosing expensive Wind Socks for your RF Microphones during a field shoot?
But  you  need them  no matter what. I make a couple before going out on location shoots

When shooting video outside on location, you have to deal with Wind  hitting the  RF mic. After loosing a couple of  Wind socks during a field exercise, I can up with a temporary solution, one that i'd like to share with  you.

You'll need:
1. Matt Knife
2. Rubber bands (1 or  2 depending)
3. Foam from Pelican Case or equivalent (1 Inch x 1 Inch square, 1 Inch thick)

Make incision from the bottom to the middle of the cut  foam, Wrap the foam around the Mic, Secure  the temp Wind sock with  Robber Band. Leave room for the Lapel Clip. Use a pair of scissors to round up the extra foam. I used a Sharpie Black Permanent and run it against the rubber bands to make the  yellow go away.
I am  working on getting a Temporary Lapel Clip build from Gator clip,  paper clip etc, will post soon.

                                                                                                          photos by: Chris on MOJO

Chris on MOJO

RØDE Mic - Cold shoe issues

Hi all,

I  have received  an email from RØDE and they were aware of the problem with the Cold Shoe not fitting correctly and have since then fixed the problem. They are offering to ship replacements shoe that will do the job. Simply contact them via their web site. I received a positive reply from them within 24 hours. Another good story that ends well.

Chris on MOJO

RØDE On-Cam Stereo Microphone issues

Hey MOJO gang,

We just got our new Rode X/Y On Camera Mics and the Hot-shoe has a problem where we'll need to take a file to it in order to make it fit on the Owle Photo:*a. I have tried unsuccessfully to fit the Mic on my own Canon 5D MkII and as well on a Nikon D-7000. It has to do with the way the Hot-shoe was made on the Microphone Photo: *b

Please don't take me wrong, I have use the RØDE in the past and i am very satisfied with the results (audio wise) the fitting on the camera/device is where the problem is. Photo: *b
I have shot a few pics to show the problem area of the mount. in photo a) &  c) , the Mic barely fits in as its catching and blocking the entry.

a)                                                                                                     b)

 

c)

 I will post solution as soon as our team of dedicated Geeks figures this on out.

Chris on MOJO

Sad news today

http://www.apple.com/

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

Soo how much is your Local Wine? hey?

 I was  searching for a Dead Arm last week for  last week end Cork Twist-cap challenge (or just another good reason to  drink  wine!)  and I was actually surprise to see the price differences between Canadian  provinces. Some provincial liquor Board are also just too hard to find online. Once in a while I'll post  some interesting findings as far as Wine prices. You'll say "well, I never spend more then 12.00 on a bottle of  wine" fine by me mate, I'd like to pay $12 for a Calon-Segur or a COS, but this will never happened.

 

Found at SAQ in Quebec, Canada:

-Shiraz d'Arenberg The Dead Arm McLaren Vale 2007 : 51,50 $

 

Found at LCBO Ontario, Canada

Shiraz d'Arenberg The Dead Arm McLaren Vale 2007 : $54.95

 

Found at BC Liquor Board, BC Canada:

Shiraz d'Arenberg The Dead Arm McLaren Vale 2007: $69.99 

 The moral of this story, If you live in Ottawa,  cross the Bridge and get it in QC.

* I did not find the Dead Arm in Alberta, I remember visiting a awesome  wine Boutique at Calgary Airport a few years back.

** all prices are in Canadian Dollar

 

 

Wine Contains Sulfites.. They probably all do!

I've been reading warning' on wine  label recently. And  i am wondering if the Sulfite has contributed to the  itching nose,  hot ear and  scratchy eyes  that I get when i Drink wine with too much Sulfite in it. This is what I found when researching about it:

Wine

Sulfites occur naturally in all winesto some extent. Sulfites are commonly introduced to arrest fermentation at a desired time, and may also be added to wine as preservatives to prevent spoilage and oxidation at several stages of the winemaking. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂, sulfur with two atoms of oxygen) protects wine from not only oxidation, but also bacteria. Without sulfur, grape juice would turn to vinegar.
Organic wines are not necessarily sulfite-free. In general, sweet (dessert) wines contain more sulfites than dry wines, and white wines contain more sulfites than red wines.
In the United States, wines bottled after mid-1987 must have a label stating that they contain sulfites if they contain more than 10 parts per million In the European Union an Equivalent reg came into effect in 2005.
Maybe I'm simply allergic to Sulfites found in wine, if its the case, I'll take my chances and keep drinking red wine

 

Photo by: Chris C.

Cork vs Twistcap showdown.. The results

Well it wasn't an easy one.. sort of speak. Well all got pretty Corked.. Juss Sayin'


The results: Remember it was about Cork vs Twist-cap:  We have a tie
- Both Cork and twist-cap did what they were supposed to do and did not damage, alter, change in any way the taste, quality of both wine tasted.

All six participent all agreed that the cork was harder to remove from the bottle then the Twist-cap but had preserved the wine  magnificently.
The twist-cap was a no brainer to open.
Once opened both wine were served from a Decanter that  had gone  thru the *Venturi wine aerator.

The taste test:
-The Dead Arm 2007 Wine had more structure with a heavier taste at first, dried and locked its flavor in mouth for a good 20 seconds +. Not  too acid (noted by taster #2) after 20 minutes of Oxidation in the  decanter the Dead Arm, evolved to a new level and became much smother to drink, with hints of dark chocolate and licorice. This bad boy could use 5 years in cellar. Chris on MOJO Score: 93/100


- The St-Henri 2006, is well balance and did not evolved or change taste  during the testing. Slightly lighter to drink at the beginning compare to the other wine tasted, the St-Henri is a more delicate wine smoother, with short time on mouth.Did not evolved and stay very stable while it lasted. Chris on MOJO Score: 90/100

The winner: all 6 agreed that the Dead arm was a hell of a wine. If you are wondering why its called *Dead Arm, check on Wikipedia.

Cork vs Twistcap showdown

The two contenders are showing their colours.. Red that is

Cork vs Twistcap showdown

Another wine Blog but this one has a twist.. Juss Sayin'

The myth, the Players:
- Corks are better for wine bottle then Twistcap.. well 400 years ago they didn't have any Twist-cap and cork was widely available in Europe so they have the field advantage.

-Twist-Cap make a perfect seal on the bottle content but have a bad rep with High Society circles, F-1 Jet setters etc etc.. also, Leonardo DaVinci probably had a Patent on a Twist-cap.

The Test:
A team of four wine Aficionado will blindly taste the 2 wines of equal values from the same country and made from the same type of Grapes to determine: Cork or Twist-Cap?

The Pretenders:
Two Australian Wine. Both are rated pretty equally by WS and other well known wine references. *90+

1. Twist-Cap, Penfolds, St-Henri 2006
2. Cork, D'Arenberg, Dead Arm 2007


We will report the findings in the next 48 hours.

Chris on MOJO 

                                                                                                     Photo by: Chris on MOJO

Vintages Wings this week end

I'll be checking out Vintage Wings week-end show at Gatineau Airport this week end. I'll be posting Pics and Video.

If you are in the Ottawa area, check out the place:

http://envol.vintagewings.ca/?page_id=25

Chris on MOJO

911 Where were you? - Ou étiez-vous le 11 Sept 2001?

I would like to know where you were on the 11 Sept 2001.

I want to gather 911 testimony from Canadians that will tell me on Web Cam what they were doing and where when the world changed. Let me know and i will contact you on Skype or Facetime
This Video document will be posted later on YouTube and on this Chris on MOJO Blog
Christian C

Plan 'B' Football

For those who know me, everytime I write the letter 'B' means Bruins.. not today.
I had to postpone the tasting of the White from Domaine du Ridge, that will be next week-end.
I had a round a Golf yesterday that turned to a Beer call, That turned to a dinner at friends place. No worries, this guy didn't drink and  Drive!

So to redeem myself i went to see a Jr High School football game. The Tigres of Buckingam Qc, Visiting the Jaguars of Poly Érablière de Gatineau. The Jags won 21-11. I took my Canon 5D mkII and did a few shots with the 300mm.
 

Wine to do this week-end

Returned from the Eastern Township of QC with a few bottles of wine from Domaine du Ridge.
I will try the Vent D'ouest this week-end. When tasted at the Domaine, missing were Oysters, cheese, Smoke salmon and french bread.  I will give you my impression on it. Stay tuned..

Chris on MOJO

Great visit at Domaine du Ridge Estate, Saint-Armand QC, Canada

Touring the Eastern Township this week-end. Had a wonderful visit at Domaine du Ridge. The owner of the Estate, Denis Paradis gladly spoke to me on his passion for wine.

Très belle fin de semaine dans l'Estrie. J'en ai profité pour visiter le Domaine du Ridge, le Proprio, Denis Paradis partage sa passion pour le vin.

The video is already posted on YouTube. Look for "Domaine du Ridge"

La version française est présentement en ligne:

Road trip ahead - Canton-de-L'Est / Eastern Townships

Looks like we are heading to Bromont QC, area next week to visit father in law and zip down south of there to visit a few winneries.
I will likely post a little MOJO after the visits.

Speaking of wine, *Piedmont before Bromont... i'm juss sayin'
I had this bad boy Friday night. It was great, multi level not so fruity with a taste of Vanilla, Dark Chocolate. Ayways, so good that i went back Sunday to get all there was left on the rack, managed to pick up five bottles.
The MonPrà contains: 45% Nebbiolo, 45% Barbera, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Red ears, itching eyes Sulfite allergic reaction: 0%
Chris on MOJO Score: 90 / 100 (this includes all the winnos that tasted the wine that evening)

Meal for the evening: 
- Scallops in Jack Daniels and Maple sirup- 
- Chris on MOJO Prime Ribs

Chris on MOJO

Making a Quiz on a DVD!!

Hi folks,
A few months back I needed to create an interactive Quiz that could be inserted on a DVD as a "extra content"
After looking for templates online (the free stuff) I spoke to my 'oll bud Matt Davis, aka: Matt the Wizz
He created a Script and template with DVD Studio Pro. It links all the Quiz answers (right or wrong)  together to make a final count and send the viewer back to the main menu of the DVD/Blue-ray when conpleted. So far so good, I will see if I can post the template somehow for anyone to use on their video project.

Cheers,
Chris on MOJO

Back from Malartic

Back from Malartic. (My Hometown)

Well I visited my mother in Rouyn-Noranda over the past week-end and had the oportunity to play 2 rounds of golf with her, Aime and Lyne.

On Saturday we left Rouyn-Noranda for Malartic to visit the new open pit Gold mine. In order to get the mine going, Osisko Mine moved over 150 houses and relocated them in a newly build sector of the town. they did in my opinion a very good job. Fact is the residential sector has nerver look better in the 20 odd years that I lived there. I got to video with the MOJO (Mobile Journalism) Hope you will enjoy.


Note to self: Next time  they tell me that  they are fully booked and there is no way to get access, bring  the whole kit anyways: sticks, mic, monopod

Off to the Gold Rush.. sorta speak

I'm going on the road again. This time  i'm off to my  birthplace : Malartic QC
The town  has  boomed  in the past 4 years, it's totally insane. They discoverred that the there is  a huge  amount of gold to be mined just under the town of 4k peeps. So www.Osisko.com started to move  houses out of their  spot (Giving a very healthy compensation to the owners) and  since the month of  May they have been  pumping out  gold from this open pit mine.
I hope that i can with my Mobile Journalism gear (MOJO) show you  the mine and what has  happended since i left  some 37 years ago.
More to  follow

Christian C

QR Codes simplified

First and foremost, i am not endorsing  the software  developer but simply thank  them  for its  easyness of use. 
http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

So while traveling i came across a QR Code  in a newspaper and i had to see where i could read what it was  hiding inside ;-)
I first downloaded the QR Scan App from  i-tunes  for free ( as it should be)
once installed, i started the Scan App and pointed  my i-Touch  (or i-Phone)  at the  QR code in the paper and right away it  opened  the Web site with  more information on the  product. Great stuff..

But what about me, how could i use  a QR Code ?? 
Well, I'm getting my Business cards remade with a QR Code in the back so  that  when i distribute my card at a conference  they can  see my  info  web page contact etc  right away. I also got the Idea from my good  friend and new media instructor at DPALC (Guy Paquette) to place my QR Code on my Power Point so that  people can point directly at the screen  to scan the  QR Code and  get redirected to the posted  power point online, therefore no more " you have a memory stick i could borrow.."

I hope this  helps.

Christian Coulombe

Back from Ville de Quebec

Just returned from Quebec City. I used my MOJO (Mobile Journalism) and i-Touch as second camera to do an interview with a 99 years old Nun that tough my mother at the Convent St-Joseph de St-Vallier from 1949 to 1950. I've never seen anyone that age that was Sooo Sharp, she could spot mother  on a group photo taken in  1951.. imagine that.
I'm looking  forward to finish this Documentary/life Biography of my mother. I can't  reveal too much as a portion of the Documentary are secrets to my mother and since  she has a computer,  she can see my blog. I expect o release the Documentary on line and  on DVD for  family only around  October.. for the  first version anyways.

Back from Boston

Got back from Boston Sunday evening. The flight from Ottawa/Boston is just under 1 hour and very convenient. During our 24 hours stint in B-Town, i had enough time to  see with m very own eyes the statue of Bobby Orr and also the statue of Paul Revere.. another great man that certainly left his mark in this beautiful town. We walk for a good 5, 6 hours like tourist to see many interesting sites, I had to make a draft stop at Cheers, then up the Avenue at the Mass Governor, I will return for a visit that is for sure. We  took a few rides on the train as well as I  don't recommend the use of  you car  here. Parking is a nightmare so forget about it.
Overall very friendly people and it is great to see a society that take pride in fitness, must be because of the amount of hills that need to be climbed everyday or the  fact that the only  transportation students can afford if their  running shoes.
 The following is a video of the  Boston Bruins Cup  parade shot with a i-Phone using the Vericorder  Video editing App: 

 

I'm Off to Bruins Cup Parade

I'm off to Boston to celebrate the Bruins Stanley Cup Parade.
I'm  joined by By Better half Lyne and I'll be (hopefully) will have  with me  my I-touch and MOJO Kit to share with you my journey