Michael Buble...Not Just Another Crooner

I am so...so glad I attended Michael Bulbe's concert at London's O2 Arena, accompanied by my 'main squeeze' Marie (not that I'm fortunate to have a minor squeeze!).

In truth I have been a quiet admirer of the 'Buble' for about a year. Owning a couple of his CDs I have developed an appreciation for his jazz vocals.
Of course he's also blessed with good looks, youth, style and fortune (the shit!!); but is that enough to give him all round appeal as an artist?

Even the crooner was quick to jibe that judging from the gender of his fan base, the males in the audience may have come along under duress.
So if you are turned off by 'easy listening jazz chic music' why do I still think Michael Bulbe, is a simply a must see live performer?

It could be his deceptively relaxed style? or his exceptionally talented band?. Then again, the set design and lighting displays were so fantastic, its worth seeing first hand.

While all of these aided in making the 24th July show a memorable event; Buble's personal multi-facet characteristics really stole the show.

On stage that night was not just Buble the singer, but also Buble the comic, the mischievous cheeky boy, the soft-hearted people person, the lad and the playfully foul mouthed, all rolled into one.

More importantly you got the sense this was not an act. As if in response to a call be a well known rapper, this was the "real Michael Buble standing up!". And so he was able to connect with every member of the audience, whether young, old, male or female.

Whatever the preferred musical pallet, we were taken willingly on the lyrical journey from old standards to modern ballads. There was simply nothing else to do but relax and enjoy the ride. It's these unique qualities that makes Michael Bulbe not just another good jazz vocalist, but also a great entertainer.

It's Not Real Life Sim...But It's An Enjoyable Likeness

As a mature man I probably shouldn't publicly admit getting kicks from this newly acquired game. However, I've been laughing at myself all afternoon so I thought I'd share..

Let me start by saying I usually go for the more cerebral strategies simulation games for example Flight Simulators, Civilisation and sport games are my preferences. So 'Sims 2' was a lighthearted departure from my norm.

After using the easy tutorial to familiarise myself with equally easy controls, I created a character based loosely on me. Sad I know, but I'm sure I'm not the only gamer to fantasize in this way...am I?!. Next I set it up in a nice home. Spent most of it's start-up cash on home improvements, furnishing and other comforts and secured it a job in the medical profession, a stark contrast from my retial management profession, but I felt it was the best career choice available to my Sim at that stage of the game.

That was the easy part...now every moment of my Sims' life had to be controlled. Like a film director I spent hours instructing the Sim on every action; such as when and what to eat, wash, what to wear, visit the 'loo', watch TV, listen to music, when who and how to entertain, get dressed, go to work, read the paper, study, exercises, pay bills, when to go to bed or get up, who to interact with and what type of things to say. All in an attempt to develop my Sim's happiness, health, wealth, and relationships.

So how did I do in the end?...well to cut a long story short, My Sim married the girl, eventually, and when I finally figured how to get them 'at it like rabbits', she died?!. Now I wish I could claim the love making was just so good. However, as the 'angel of death appeared on screen to take her corpse away, I studied her vitals and noted I was so intent (and honestly amused) on the prospect of the two Sims 'making out' (not just once but twice); that I hadn't realised the poor girl was starving to death!!.

Bet the girls are thinking "..that's just so typical of a guy"

Needless to say both my Sim and I are devastated. But that's the great thing about computer games...its only a simulation, so unlike real life, you always get an opportunity to do better next time.