I’m having a nice quite Thursday evening. The eve of our nation’s birthday, finds me smoking Camels, drinking water out of a Pellegrino bottle, and humming along to The Arcade fire. Yes, It is a lovely moment.
I have spent the majority of my day running errands that until now had been largely forgotten about. I’m a last minute kind of guy. I know I shouldn’t be… Especially with the early bird getting the worm and all. (Or so I’m told is normally the case.) I’m one of those people that still actually prefer to go into the bank. I think its because I like to see what kind of people are waiting in the queue.
Everyone in the line has that “Aw… Fuck… can you get a move on it please?” look on their faces. Some of them are a little less glazed over than others, but no one looks thrilled to be at the bank.
The biggest hold up in the line comes from a homeless man who is trying to get the bank teller to accept all his unrolled change. He just kept pulling mounds and mounds of change from his pockets. The teller had a forced smile on her face. The manager strolled over and nodded to indicate that she should continue to put up with it. I found the whole thing amusing. The others did not.
One rather well dressed fellow, clinging to his briefcase, snaps… “This is bullshit… Why the fuck isn’t there an other teller on?”
I smiled, and kind of shrugged my shoulders. He just got angrier.
Briefcase Man: This is making me late for a meeting. This was just a waste of time. Huff (Rolls his eyes)… Fuck…
Me: I don’t mind waiting. I think it’s great that they are willing to give that poor fellow some attention… most people probably ignore him.
Briefcase Man: I don’t care… This just pisses me off…
Then came my turn, so I headed to the teller. She addressed me as Mr. Beaubier. She even pronounced my last name correctly. I love that. It never happens. In all the years that I have done stand up, I have had to correct nearly every MC at least once.
I finish up my business, and I can still hear the Briefcase man bitching from over by the “Special Clients” queue. It seems he got into the wrong line. I bet that burned his fuse just a little shorter.
Me: I hope your meeting goes well…
Briefcase man: Yeah Right… (Muffled voice…) This fucking line…
I open the door and escape out into the sunlight. Next stop, the post office.
It surprised me to find out just exactly how much time I actually spent in queues today. From the bank, to the post office, to Starbucks, to finally where I got my lunch, each one had a line. (For those of you who are interested, I had a BK Veggie Burger, Salad and a medium diet soda. I was amazed at how good the veggie burger was…)
In any case, I’m glad I brought my ipod. Music has always been a good pacifier for me. It keeps me patient. But I’m one of those people that spend so much time sifting through a song. I look for the little hooks in the music. A clever bass line, or a smart key change, and I become a puddle.
On to other stuff…
I had a fun show last night. The crowd was so quiet at the start of the show; I was convinced they were going to hate me. This was not the case at all. Holly told me that I would likely wake them out of their stupor. That was exactly what happened.
They just sat there like lumps for the first 3 acts. Then, as if I had just flipped a switch, they started to perk up and get into the show.
Anyway… enough babble from me…
End of Transmission.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
06/29/05
Well, It sounds like the rain may have finally abated for a while. It has been a relentless so far this summer. Everything is really soggy. I suspect when it finally does dry up, there will be mosquitoes everywhere. Calgary is going to be West Nile central.
I deliberately left the window in my office open all day, just so I could hear the rain pinging off of the side of the building. It’s a strangely soothing sound to me. PING… Tink, Tink, Tink… PING… I love it. It’s a great sound to fall asleep to. Oddly there hasn’t been much in the way of thunder and lightening. I guess it just hasn’t gotten hot enough.
Tomorrow is supposed to be a little nicer. This city isn’t recovering well from the last downpour. It seems this summer’s rain is making up for the last couple of years of drought with a vengeance. I feel really bad for the people of High River; they just seem to be getting flooded over and over again. (Mind you, with a name like High River, you’d figure it might be a tip off of sorts.)
Things are at least nice and green here. Even the foothills are lush and green. Normally by this time of year, there are grass fire warnings. No dice in 2005.
If this rain keeps up, the Stampede might want to consider using sea horses in the rodeo. They might be the only things able to make it in this weather.
On to other things…
I went home sick today. My stomach was really upset with me. I’m not sure what I did to it, but it gave me heck. I’m feeling a little better now, but still not great. I hate being sick. (Not that I can imagine that there are too many people out there who cherish it…)
I had a nap on the couch when I made it home. The TV was on as I drifted off. I must have rolled onto the remote in my sleep, because when I woke up, it was on the “Home Shopping Network,” which would explain some of the dreams I was having.
I dreamt that people were trying to sell me a Tooth whitening kit, but they themselves had no teeth. They were all gummy and gross. One of the “presenters” looked a lot like Herb Tarlec from WKRP. It was all very odd.
I deliberately left the window in my office open all day, just so I could hear the rain pinging off of the side of the building. It’s a strangely soothing sound to me. PING… Tink, Tink, Tink… PING… I love it. It’s a great sound to fall asleep to. Oddly there hasn’t been much in the way of thunder and lightening. I guess it just hasn’t gotten hot enough.
Tomorrow is supposed to be a little nicer. This city isn’t recovering well from the last downpour. It seems this summer’s rain is making up for the last couple of years of drought with a vengeance. I feel really bad for the people of High River; they just seem to be getting flooded over and over again. (Mind you, with a name like High River, you’d figure it might be a tip off of sorts.)
Things are at least nice and green here. Even the foothills are lush and green. Normally by this time of year, there are grass fire warnings. No dice in 2005.
If this rain keeps up, the Stampede might want to consider using sea horses in the rodeo. They might be the only things able to make it in this weather.
On to other things…
I went home sick today. My stomach was really upset with me. I’m not sure what I did to it, but it gave me heck. I’m feeling a little better now, but still not great. I hate being sick. (Not that I can imagine that there are too many people out there who cherish it…)
I had a nap on the couch when I made it home. The TV was on as I drifted off. I must have rolled onto the remote in my sleep, because when I woke up, it was on the “Home Shopping Network,” which would explain some of the dreams I was having.
I dreamt that people were trying to sell me a Tooth whitening kit, but they themselves had no teeth. They were all gummy and gross. One of the “presenters” looked a lot like Herb Tarlec from WKRP. It was all very odd.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Foo Fighters - In Your Honor
B0009HLDFU.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_
Originally uploaded by whiskeydrenched.
Just buy it... It will rock your lame ass...
06/26/05
It’s been a good weekend. I went to see the final performance of Erin’s play on Saturday night. It was really quite good. I’m very proud of her. She seems to have found her stride again in the theatre world. To be fair, she needed to surround herself with the right people. I think she’s done that. It strikes me that the group she’s working with has the same goals and sense of how things should work. It will be neat to see what they do together in the future.
I managed to get some tickets to go and see the Foo Fighters. I’m really excited about that. I suspect that will wind up being one really kick ass show. The band’s leader, Dave Grohl has become a sort of hero to me. Through his efforts and creativity, there is a little hope for real rock and roll after all. He puts the bombast back into music. It’s nice to see someone trying to craft something a little more real. A little message to Nickleback… If you listen to the Foo Fighters, you will know why you are truly awful. Nuff said.
I went to see Batman Begins tonight. I loved it. It was everything a superhero movie should be. My only complaint is that Tom Cruise’s fiancé sucked. Her character was really very flimsy. The introduction of Ra's Al Ghul was really cool. He is one of my most favorite villains. I first read about him in the Jim Aparo days of Detective. Most cool indeed.
It’s nice to report good things. It’s a pleasant change…
I have an idea. I want to write a one-man show. Something that’s different than stand up. I want to try my hand at story telling. Telling people a story about who I am. I’m going to treat it like an experiment. It should be interesting to see where it goes.
I have felt for a little while that there is more than just stand up. Don’t get me wrong here, stand up is my first true love, but I think this will be good for me. I imagine that it could only help stand up in the future. Maybe by doing this, I’ll be able to reach a new level. Stepping away from the comfort of laughter, while scary, has a certain appeal to me.
There is a line that the emperor says in the new Star Wars. The gist is about living a life of greater consequence. Living a life that’s more meaningful, having a life with significance. I think there is a little wisdom in that. I don’t want to exclude things, or dismiss them, but rather employ differing skills to create a better me. It’s not fame or glory I’m after, just the ability to be the best me I can be.
Anyway, It’s just a thought right now, but who knows… there could be something there.
End of Transmission.
I managed to get some tickets to go and see the Foo Fighters. I’m really excited about that. I suspect that will wind up being one really kick ass show. The band’s leader, Dave Grohl has become a sort of hero to me. Through his efforts and creativity, there is a little hope for real rock and roll after all. He puts the bombast back into music. It’s nice to see someone trying to craft something a little more real. A little message to Nickleback… If you listen to the Foo Fighters, you will know why you are truly awful. Nuff said.
I went to see Batman Begins tonight. I loved it. It was everything a superhero movie should be. My only complaint is that Tom Cruise’s fiancé sucked. Her character was really very flimsy. The introduction of Ra's Al Ghul was really cool. He is one of my most favorite villains. I first read about him in the Jim Aparo days of Detective. Most cool indeed.
It’s nice to report good things. It’s a pleasant change…
I have an idea. I want to write a one-man show. Something that’s different than stand up. I want to try my hand at story telling. Telling people a story about who I am. I’m going to treat it like an experiment. It should be interesting to see where it goes.
I have felt for a little while that there is more than just stand up. Don’t get me wrong here, stand up is my first true love, but I think this will be good for me. I imagine that it could only help stand up in the future. Maybe by doing this, I’ll be able to reach a new level. Stepping away from the comfort of laughter, while scary, has a certain appeal to me.
There is a line that the emperor says in the new Star Wars. The gist is about living a life of greater consequence. Living a life that’s more meaningful, having a life with significance. I think there is a little wisdom in that. I don’t want to exclude things, or dismiss them, but rather employ differing skills to create a better me. It’s not fame or glory I’m after, just the ability to be the best me I can be.
Anyway, It’s just a thought right now, but who knows… there could be something there.
End of Transmission.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
This Hole I've Dug is Mine Forever...
thisholeivedugisminefor
Originally uploaded by whiskeydrenched.
Another one from
www.explodingdog.com
This one is actually my favorite. I think that I can relate to this drawing for some reason.
The Glass is Half Full
theglassishalffull
Originally uploaded by whiskeydrenched.
This was taken from one of my favorite websites of all time.
Check out
www.explodingdog.com
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Lego Bible
You have to check this out. I think it's very funny.
http://www.thebricktestament.com/genesis/
http://www.thebricktestament.com/genesis/
06/25/05 Later edition...
This past week has been pretty good. I’m enjoying the free time. It has given me the chance to take it a lot easier lately. It seems to be paying off, I’m not as tired, and I’m not feeling rushed about anything. Perhaps this will be a good summer. That would be nice.
There hasn’t been much stand up work as of late, and to be honest, I don’t mind that. The summer slows down considerably. (With it being tourist season… not too mention BBQ’s and all the fun summer activities that will be a foot…) It’s kind of nice. However, I’m hoping that the fall will bring more and more work, and ultimately bigger successes both on and off stage.
I’m trying to figure out another trip to Toronto. This time I hope to work more. It would be great to get as many eastern clubs under my belt as possible.
I had a good set on Wednesday. The lessons Dan taught me on the road have helped. I have become more natural on stage, and my personality is drawing itself out nicely. The crowd was good, and eager, just the way I like them. They let me take them where I wanted to go… I didn’t have to work hard for it… It was nice to be able to wander and still have their complete attention. Clubs are much nicer for that level of control, than bar shows… with some exceptions.
The frustrations I used to have on stage seem to have dissipated. I think they were based in clinging too tightly to material, and being afraid to leap away from it. I forgot for a while that I’m naturally funny, and when I remembered that, it just plain got better. I have also gotten away from the need to kill. That just creates pressure, and makes it that much harder to communicate the way I like too. Why create friction when there needs to be none? That’s what this blog is for. Making friction that is…
I have to admit, in terms of this blog; I’ve tripped myself up in a few facts recently. I hate that. I spend so much time chastising others for erroneous information that I feel very much like a hypocrite and a jackass. Well… live and learn I guess. I will endeavour to clarify and verify things better before I haul them out into the open. (Mind you… these have mostly been based on my opinions… and I feel they can be somewhat subjective. I still feel that the National Post is conservative… maybe not in the nature of what party they support, but more in the content that I still disagree with, but then I’m coming from further left of centre than most these days… However, I will still do my best to make sure I’m not just talking outta my ass… insert cheap shot here…)
On to other things…
I have been eating dinner at the Ship and Anchor more often lately. Erin has been super busy with her play, (Which has been going great for her… and its really good too. I’m very proud of her…) and I don’t feel like cooking for just me. So I had to find a decent alternative that wasn’t going to drive me into the poor house.
I have to say; the food there is really good. I have tried most things on the menu, and without a doubt, it’s the best pub food in the city… (If not the best I’ve ever had… Mind you… The Bear and Kilt is quite good too.) If you go there, you should try the Chicken Roll Ups… they’re great. Have the home cut fries too. Mmmm…
Anyway… I have much to do…
End of Transmission.
There hasn’t been much stand up work as of late, and to be honest, I don’t mind that. The summer slows down considerably. (With it being tourist season… not too mention BBQ’s and all the fun summer activities that will be a foot…) It’s kind of nice. However, I’m hoping that the fall will bring more and more work, and ultimately bigger successes both on and off stage.
I’m trying to figure out another trip to Toronto. This time I hope to work more. It would be great to get as many eastern clubs under my belt as possible.
I had a good set on Wednesday. The lessons Dan taught me on the road have helped. I have become more natural on stage, and my personality is drawing itself out nicely. The crowd was good, and eager, just the way I like them. They let me take them where I wanted to go… I didn’t have to work hard for it… It was nice to be able to wander and still have their complete attention. Clubs are much nicer for that level of control, than bar shows… with some exceptions.
The frustrations I used to have on stage seem to have dissipated. I think they were based in clinging too tightly to material, and being afraid to leap away from it. I forgot for a while that I’m naturally funny, and when I remembered that, it just plain got better. I have also gotten away from the need to kill. That just creates pressure, and makes it that much harder to communicate the way I like too. Why create friction when there needs to be none? That’s what this blog is for. Making friction that is…
I have to admit, in terms of this blog; I’ve tripped myself up in a few facts recently. I hate that. I spend so much time chastising others for erroneous information that I feel very much like a hypocrite and a jackass. Well… live and learn I guess. I will endeavour to clarify and verify things better before I haul them out into the open. (Mind you… these have mostly been based on my opinions… and I feel they can be somewhat subjective. I still feel that the National Post is conservative… maybe not in the nature of what party they support, but more in the content that I still disagree with, but then I’m coming from further left of centre than most these days… However, I will still do my best to make sure I’m not just talking outta my ass… insert cheap shot here…)
On to other things…
I have been eating dinner at the Ship and Anchor more often lately. Erin has been super busy with her play, (Which has been going great for her… and its really good too. I’m very proud of her…) and I don’t feel like cooking for just me. So I had to find a decent alternative that wasn’t going to drive me into the poor house.
I have to say; the food there is really good. I have tried most things on the menu, and without a doubt, it’s the best pub food in the city… (If not the best I’ve ever had… Mind you… The Bear and Kilt is quite good too.) If you go there, you should try the Chicken Roll Ups… they’re great. Have the home cut fries too. Mmmm…
Anyway… I have much to do…
End of Transmission.
06/25/05 Duck Season
The Conservatives got caught with their pants down again!!! Martin and his little generals managed to get the NDP budget amendments passed. Sure it was a sneaky move, but there’s no room in Ottawa for the faint of heart. Mr. Harper’s gang seems to be doing nothing but chewing their collective cud.
For an opposition that sees itself as the “Government in Waiting” they sure aren’t very good at sniffing out the best way to beat this government. It’s almost as if they can’t figure out the rules of the game. Or, and I think this is more to the point, they just don’t know how to play.
Now, before any of you dear readers go off the handle, (which I know you will…) you have to admit, the Government house leader managed to quarterback a very smart play. (I know you‘re all going to bitch about how dirty those liberal pigs are… blah blah blah… and I really don’t care. Every time Conservatives get beat… they babble at the mouth about someone running foul… Suck it up… Sour grapes and snarky sulking will get you nothing… Maybe instead, you could find someone who can get the job done. )
In terms of tactics, especially if you look at this like a war, the Liberals are very good. They wrote the playbook. I admire a good thrashing, and that’s exactly what they handed out.
Those poor (dare I say hapless schmo…) Conservatives didn’t even see what hit them. They just sat there, covered in soot, still smoking from the blast. (It kind of reminds me of Daffy Duck, mere moments after blurting the words “DUCK SEASON…”) I can almost hear Carl Stalling warming up the orchestra in the background. “Badee Bahduh Badee… That’s all folks!!!”
Mr. Harper just can’t run with the “big” boys. Imagine going to Ottawa with all that zesty idealism, gleaming with the notion of making some “big changes!!!” and then…wham… absolutely nothing!!! ZIP ZERO… NADA… no progress… Harper has proven time and time again to be impotent. His threats of clobbering Mr. Martin are somewhat reminiscent of a toy poodle named “Tink” trying to take on a pack of wolves.
The truth is this. Mr. Harper probably isn’t that bad a guy. I’m willing to bet he’s a good fellow at heart. I’m sure with friends and family he’s quite a decent sort. I bet he even carves the turkey at Christmas, but he is not a leader of men. In some ways he is very much like Preston Manning. He’s a wonk. He knows policy, and strategy, but he’s not charismatic enough to pull a government out of his hat.
“My boy's gonna play in the Big League
My boy's gonna turn some heads
My boy's gonna play in the Big League
My boy's gonna knock 'em dead
The Big League…”
Well maybe not…
For an opposition that sees itself as the “Government in Waiting” they sure aren’t very good at sniffing out the best way to beat this government. It’s almost as if they can’t figure out the rules of the game. Or, and I think this is more to the point, they just don’t know how to play.
Now, before any of you dear readers go off the handle, (which I know you will…) you have to admit, the Government house leader managed to quarterback a very smart play. (I know you‘re all going to bitch about how dirty those liberal pigs are… blah blah blah… and I really don’t care. Every time Conservatives get beat… they babble at the mouth about someone running foul… Suck it up… Sour grapes and snarky sulking will get you nothing… Maybe instead, you could find someone who can get the job done. )
In terms of tactics, especially if you look at this like a war, the Liberals are very good. They wrote the playbook. I admire a good thrashing, and that’s exactly what they handed out.
Those poor (dare I say hapless schmo…) Conservatives didn’t even see what hit them. They just sat there, covered in soot, still smoking from the blast. (It kind of reminds me of Daffy Duck, mere moments after blurting the words “DUCK SEASON…”) I can almost hear Carl Stalling warming up the orchestra in the background. “Badee Bahduh Badee… That’s all folks!!!”
Mr. Harper just can’t run with the “big” boys. Imagine going to Ottawa with all that zesty idealism, gleaming with the notion of making some “big changes!!!” and then…wham… absolutely nothing!!! ZIP ZERO… NADA… no progress… Harper has proven time and time again to be impotent. His threats of clobbering Mr. Martin are somewhat reminiscent of a toy poodle named “Tink” trying to take on a pack of wolves.
The truth is this. Mr. Harper probably isn’t that bad a guy. I’m willing to bet he’s a good fellow at heart. I’m sure with friends and family he’s quite a decent sort. I bet he even carves the turkey at Christmas, but he is not a leader of men. In some ways he is very much like Preston Manning. He’s a wonk. He knows policy, and strategy, but he’s not charismatic enough to pull a government out of his hat.
“My boy's gonna play in the Big League
My boy's gonna turn some heads
My boy's gonna play in the Big League
My boy's gonna knock 'em dead
The Big League…”
Well maybe not…
Thursday, June 23, 2005
06/23/05 New Tunes
So I thought I'd take a break from the political nonsense currently infesting my blog, to tell you folks about some new discs that I've added to the collection.
So… here it goes…
1) Steel Pulse - The Best of… 20th Century Masters Edition… (For those of you that have never heard of them… well they're great. It's the kind of reggae that would make Bob Marley proud.)
On a side note, the 20th Century masters discs are great.
2) Foo Fighters - In Your Honor (This is my album of the year… Dave Grohl never disappoints. These songs are the hallmark of not only a kick ass rock & roll savior, but a musical craftsman too.
3) Ben Harper - Welcome to the Cruel World. (I'm new on the Harper bandwagon. I've heard his stuff for years, but I never took the time to really give it a listen… I can't believe what I was missing. WOW…)
4) Coldplay - X&Y (Not their best effort, but there are some tracks that I think stand out. Square One, Talk, Speed of Sound and A Message are all really good… the rest of the record is a little heavy on the filler side… Too bad really…)
5) Oasis - Don't Believe the Truth. (Oasis is all grown up. Nuff said…)
So… here it goes…
1) Steel Pulse - The Best of… 20th Century Masters Edition… (For those of you that have never heard of them… well they're great. It's the kind of reggae that would make Bob Marley proud.)
On a side note, the 20th Century masters discs are great.
2) Foo Fighters - In Your Honor (This is my album of the year… Dave Grohl never disappoints. These songs are the hallmark of not only a kick ass rock & roll savior, but a musical craftsman too.
3) Ben Harper - Welcome to the Cruel World. (I'm new on the Harper bandwagon. I've heard his stuff for years, but I never took the time to really give it a listen… I can't believe what I was missing. WOW…)
4) Coldplay - X&Y (Not their best effort, but there are some tracks that I think stand out. Square One, Talk, Speed of Sound and A Message are all really good… the rest of the record is a little heavy on the filler side… Too bad really…)
5) Oasis - Don't Believe the Truth. (Oasis is all grown up. Nuff said…)
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
06/21/05
I’m not sure how it happened… but it appears that my blog has become a bulletin board.
I thought for fun… I’d shed a little light on who the key players are.
Daryl, who is a comic friend of mine, seems to have become my biggest social critic. (At least it would appear that way given the amount of comments he’s left on this blog over that last little while.) I think that’s funny. He and I come from very clearly different ends of the political spectrum, and yet we have a tendency to agree on many other things. We both understand what’s funny, and we both know that Mac trounces PC any day of the week, and I believe that we both like Alexander Keith’s in a tall cold pint glass.
I’ve known him for about 7 years. Daryl was the first emcee ever to bring me to the stage at Yuk Yuks, and he was the first guy I ever went on the road with. We went to a small town called Cremona, which is here in Alberta. (Not to offend the residents of the booming metropolis of Cremona, but it’s hardly a premium gig. At least that’s what I thought at the time.)
You can find out a lot more about Daryl from his blog. The address is www.darylmakk.blogspot.com
Peter is another comic, and one of my best friends. Like me, big Pete is a fellow east coaster. He and I (and our merry band of idiots…) have had many, many adventures. Most of them have left a trail of carnage across the Canadian landscape. Scientists are still trying to figure out how that much damage can be cause by so few people. (I’m sure the poor people of Lethbridge are still reeling… but that’s another story for and from another time.)
Pete’s another member of the cult of Mac. (Die pc die…)
I’ve heard recently that he is taking some big steps to improve his own happiness, and I applaud his strength. Good on you Pete.
Check out his solo adventures… www.peteranthony.blogspot.com
Denise is one of the best protectors a person can have. She welcomed me back to the land of stand up. (Even after I had my little melt down a couple of years ago.) Without her, I would still be bitterly grasping for time at open mikes, and sneering at the mostly miserable crowds.
She is one of my greatest allies, and a good soul too. She helped me find the strength to crawl out of the shit, and stake my claim on the circuit. She is one of my heroes. She went that extra mile when she didn’t have to, and for that I will always be grateful.
Despite the fact that we disagree on hockey teams and political parties, I will always stand and be counted next to her. Her blog is www.dennisrosss.blogspot.com
Daniel Rock, the lone American in the group. (Really he’s more of a Canadian in waiting… or perhaps a currently misplaced Canadian, regardless of what his passport says.) My friendship with him is different. He’s more like a brother to me. He’s a shit disturber too. I think he’s had more practice at it though. I don’t get to see him as often as I’d like to. His opinions are usually founded in a wisdom, which he has in spades. (more than a man of his years should have…) Dan can be found at www.danielrock.blogspot.com
Lisa is a member of my extended family. She’s fiesty. She makes me laugh. I don’t know her as well the others yet, but I’m sure over the years to come I’ll get to know her better. One thing that’s for sure, she has a good sense of humor.
She’s not as premeditated as the others in this little group. I’m not sure of where her convictions come from, but they seem honest at their root. (As does everyone else’s in this group.)
Her blog is new. I’m interested to see where it goes over the next little while. Check her out at
www.crossfieldcowgirl.blogspot.com
Angela is the newest person to this little clique. She is well spoken, and a good lefty. (Hang on to it… there seems to be fewer and fewer of us these days.) I met her in Saskatoon. Dan tormented her while he was on stage, and she still had the fortitude to approach us after the show. She is charming, shy, and has a warm smile. I get the impression she is still trying to find her path. I hope that she finds what she is looking for.
Angela’s home on the web is
www.shyangela.blogspot.com
I thought for fun… I’d shed a little light on who the key players are.
Daryl, who is a comic friend of mine, seems to have become my biggest social critic. (At least it would appear that way given the amount of comments he’s left on this blog over that last little while.) I think that’s funny. He and I come from very clearly different ends of the political spectrum, and yet we have a tendency to agree on many other things. We both understand what’s funny, and we both know that Mac trounces PC any day of the week, and I believe that we both like Alexander Keith’s in a tall cold pint glass.
I’ve known him for about 7 years. Daryl was the first emcee ever to bring me to the stage at Yuk Yuks, and he was the first guy I ever went on the road with. We went to a small town called Cremona, which is here in Alberta. (Not to offend the residents of the booming metropolis of Cremona, but it’s hardly a premium gig. At least that’s what I thought at the time.)
You can find out a lot more about Daryl from his blog. The address is www.darylmakk.blogspot.com
Peter is another comic, and one of my best friends. Like me, big Pete is a fellow east coaster. He and I (and our merry band of idiots…) have had many, many adventures. Most of them have left a trail of carnage across the Canadian landscape. Scientists are still trying to figure out how that much damage can be cause by so few people. (I’m sure the poor people of Lethbridge are still reeling… but that’s another story for and from another time.)
Pete’s another member of the cult of Mac. (Die pc die…)
I’ve heard recently that he is taking some big steps to improve his own happiness, and I applaud his strength. Good on you Pete.
Check out his solo adventures… www.peteranthony.blogspot.com
Denise is one of the best protectors a person can have. She welcomed me back to the land of stand up. (Even after I had my little melt down a couple of years ago.) Without her, I would still be bitterly grasping for time at open mikes, and sneering at the mostly miserable crowds.
She is one of my greatest allies, and a good soul too. She helped me find the strength to crawl out of the shit, and stake my claim on the circuit. She is one of my heroes. She went that extra mile when she didn’t have to, and for that I will always be grateful.
Despite the fact that we disagree on hockey teams and political parties, I will always stand and be counted next to her. Her blog is www.dennisrosss.blogspot.com
Daniel Rock, the lone American in the group. (Really he’s more of a Canadian in waiting… or perhaps a currently misplaced Canadian, regardless of what his passport says.) My friendship with him is different. He’s more like a brother to me. He’s a shit disturber too. I think he’s had more practice at it though. I don’t get to see him as often as I’d like to. His opinions are usually founded in a wisdom, which he has in spades. (more than a man of his years should have…) Dan can be found at www.danielrock.blogspot.com
Lisa is a member of my extended family. She’s fiesty. She makes me laugh. I don’t know her as well the others yet, but I’m sure over the years to come I’ll get to know her better. One thing that’s for sure, she has a good sense of humor.
She’s not as premeditated as the others in this little group. I’m not sure of where her convictions come from, but they seem honest at their root. (As does everyone else’s in this group.)
Her blog is new. I’m interested to see where it goes over the next little while. Check her out at
www.crossfieldcowgirl.blogspot.com
Angela is the newest person to this little clique. She is well spoken, and a good lefty. (Hang on to it… there seems to be fewer and fewer of us these days.) I met her in Saskatoon. Dan tormented her while he was on stage, and she still had the fortitude to approach us after the show. She is charming, shy, and has a warm smile. I get the impression she is still trying to find her path. I hope that she finds what she is looking for.
Angela’s home on the web is
www.shyangela.blogspot.com
Monday, June 20, 2005
06/20/05 Muahahahahahahahaha... Excellent!!!
I’m amazed at the pile of responses I got to the last few posts. Apparently people actually read this thing. You call conservatives hillbillies and they come out of the woodwork. In addition to the comments left on each post, I received numerous emails, both defending and attacking my position. My favourite so far, was an email that said, “Who’s Stephen Harper… is he English?” That one was from someone in North Carolina.
Truthfully, Canadian politics has gotten really interesting for the first time since the whole Meech Lake accord thing happened. Happily, while we all descend into squabbling about whom we should support, we can all take a little solace in knowing that the biggest WMD that we have to worry about is Rick Mercer's ego.
It was nice to see some debate (volatile in some cases…), even if it was artificially instigated. I’m a big fan of inflammatory remarks. They have a tendency to incite people into action. I like that. The biggest problems this country has can be delineated, and perhaps even solved, if we get up off our asses and get something done.
That being said, to all my detractors I have this to say. Personally I think you’re all a bunch of bastards. (I mean that in a loving, I disagree with your opinion, but I respect it… Because you’re my friends kinda way… but bastards none the less.)
And for those of you who agreed with me. Fools… Now that I have you wrapped around my little finger… Fly my pretties fly… Bring me the head of Stephen Harper…
Ahem… That’s it for now…
End of Transmission.
Truthfully, Canadian politics has gotten really interesting for the first time since the whole Meech Lake accord thing happened. Happily, while we all descend into squabbling about whom we should support, we can all take a little solace in knowing that the biggest WMD that we have to worry about is Rick Mercer's ego.
It was nice to see some debate (volatile in some cases…), even if it was artificially instigated. I’m a big fan of inflammatory remarks. They have a tendency to incite people into action. I like that. The biggest problems this country has can be delineated, and perhaps even solved, if we get up off our asses and get something done.
That being said, to all my detractors I have this to say. Personally I think you’re all a bunch of bastards. (I mean that in a loving, I disagree with your opinion, but I respect it… Because you’re my friends kinda way… but bastards none the less.)
And for those of you who agreed with me. Fools… Now that I have you wrapped around my little finger… Fly my pretties fly… Bring me the head of Stephen Harper…
Ahem… That’s it for now…
End of Transmission.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
06/15/05
For the record, I’m a Shithead. (Some of you may have noticed this… And those who know me well will surely confirm this affirmation.) I’m comfortable with that. I have a tendency to wear it like a badge of honour. (Some people get the red badge of courage… But damn it, where’s the fun in that?) I like stirring the pot, and I love pissing people off. It’s fun for me.
The last couple of entries have not disappointed me at all. In fact I’d have to say they have amused me for the last 36 hours (and counting…)
I’ll be honest here, I believe in the things I write (Vehemently in most respects…), but I also tend to tailor the content to derive the maximum entertainment value. The bigger the rise I can get out of someone the better. Sometimes I like to throw a little verbal “wink” in there. Subtext is a beautiful thing. It’s the best tool in the shed.
I love watching people heave their political “guts” up. Especially if the remains look like a recipe that was conceived on a three day bender. For those of you that have seen the movie “Wag the Dog” you know exactly what I mean.
Anyway, having read the comments on the last two posts, I have some things I want to say. I’ve decided to address each comment, so here goes.
1) Denise – A) Stephen Harper isn’t scary. They only way he would be scary is if he really was capable in some fashion. Since he isn’t, he just sort of winds up being impotent. B) There is a difference between disaffected rhetoric and Liberal rhetoric… I am the former and not the later…
2) Angela - I knew I liked you for a reason.
3) Peter - A) Harper’s not a motherfucker. That’s paying to much homage there. B) Positive change has come from liberal thinking. Sadly the liberal party is no longer capable of positive change. That think tank is bankrupt. C) Conservatives have always feared change. That is an axiom. Conservatives in every society on the planet have been responsible for some of the most backward gruesome and callous thinking imaginable. The Nazis were very conservative; the current Bush administration is beyond conservative. They’re zealots… Money-grubbing neo con zealots. Baathists are pretty conservative, and so are the Taliban… (Not too much free thinking here…) K… I’m getting off topic here… (Alright way off topic…) The Conservative party of Canada suffers from the same lack of vision that all Canadian political parties suffer from. It’s three biggest flaws stem from this. 1) They lack any concrete plan to increase productivity in this country. (Which is something that other G8 members have been critical of… and with good reason…) 2) Economic models that they construct do not address anything more than baseline economics. Nothing is designed to encourage homespun business and cottage industry. (Which have been projected to be dominate in this century’s economy.) Agriculture is largely ignored too… (Given the powerbase in the current version of the party that seems really odd to me…) the new economy relies on things that they do not understand. Big business is treasured, but the tools of the new century that will carry Canadians forward have yet to have been understood let alone adopted in any credible fashion. 3) Partisan politics choke the functionality of this country. Instead of voting for the wishes of their constituents, all parties (without exception…) in this country vote “their conscience”. Which has pretty much been code for towing party lines, and is a big load of horseshit. (A recipe for social chaos at the best of times…) The petty nonsense of partisan politics does nothing to help Canada become one of the key players on the world stage in this century. One need only look at the fucked up shit that is happening in the United States to realize this is true.
Truthfully I find it mystifying that anyone could be “only” liberal, or “only” conservative in this day and age. There are too many things at stake to be staunchly one or the other. Given that there are elements of both that are quite distasteful. Imagine what would happen if the abortion laws were repealed. Oops there goes a woman’s right to choose. (Stockwell Day would love that… and he’s a former leader of a party, and still retains a significant amount of power in his party.) Oh hey… looky looky, the death penalty is trendy again. Etc. etc. etc. etc.
4) Denise – A) “Comedians are the purest form of conservatism.” That’s a crock. Comedians are more like libertarians. It’s the quest for liberty that propels us. It’s a more socially pragmatic thing than conservatism. B) There is no such thing as “Liberal Media” it doesn’t exist. That’s a conservative lie. And a big one too. Surely you can’t be that suckered to believe that everything that comes out of the conservative party is gospel. That would be foolhardy. There are liars on all sides of the political spectrum. Liberal media… who would that be exactly? The National post? Not likely… it’s owned by Izzy Asper who is a huge conservative… CTV… owed by Bell… Really fucking conservative… The Globe and Mail? Once again owned by conservatives… The CBC… owned the government… and every previous government before it… liberal and conservative… so like 1 for 4 so far…
5) Daniel – I wanna play hockey… I’ll teach you a proper slap shot the next time you are here.
6) Daryl – You hit the nail on the head about liberty… But your assessment of the media is retarded.
Anyway… it looks like I’ve created a monster here… So I’ll finish my thoughts tomorrow…
The last couple of entries have not disappointed me at all. In fact I’d have to say they have amused me for the last 36 hours (and counting…)
I’ll be honest here, I believe in the things I write (Vehemently in most respects…), but I also tend to tailor the content to derive the maximum entertainment value. The bigger the rise I can get out of someone the better. Sometimes I like to throw a little verbal “wink” in there. Subtext is a beautiful thing. It’s the best tool in the shed.
I love watching people heave their political “guts” up. Especially if the remains look like a recipe that was conceived on a three day bender. For those of you that have seen the movie “Wag the Dog” you know exactly what I mean.
Anyway, having read the comments on the last two posts, I have some things I want to say. I’ve decided to address each comment, so here goes.
1) Denise – A) Stephen Harper isn’t scary. They only way he would be scary is if he really was capable in some fashion. Since he isn’t, he just sort of winds up being impotent. B) There is a difference between disaffected rhetoric and Liberal rhetoric… I am the former and not the later…
2) Angela - I knew I liked you for a reason.
3) Peter - A) Harper’s not a motherfucker. That’s paying to much homage there. B) Positive change has come from liberal thinking. Sadly the liberal party is no longer capable of positive change. That think tank is bankrupt. C) Conservatives have always feared change. That is an axiom. Conservatives in every society on the planet have been responsible for some of the most backward gruesome and callous thinking imaginable. The Nazis were very conservative; the current Bush administration is beyond conservative. They’re zealots… Money-grubbing neo con zealots. Baathists are pretty conservative, and so are the Taliban… (Not too much free thinking here…) K… I’m getting off topic here… (Alright way off topic…) The Conservative party of Canada suffers from the same lack of vision that all Canadian political parties suffer from. It’s three biggest flaws stem from this. 1) They lack any concrete plan to increase productivity in this country. (Which is something that other G8 members have been critical of… and with good reason…) 2) Economic models that they construct do not address anything more than baseline economics. Nothing is designed to encourage homespun business and cottage industry. (Which have been projected to be dominate in this century’s economy.) Agriculture is largely ignored too… (Given the powerbase in the current version of the party that seems really odd to me…) the new economy relies on things that they do not understand. Big business is treasured, but the tools of the new century that will carry Canadians forward have yet to have been understood let alone adopted in any credible fashion. 3) Partisan politics choke the functionality of this country. Instead of voting for the wishes of their constituents, all parties (without exception…) in this country vote “their conscience”. Which has pretty much been code for towing party lines, and is a big load of horseshit. (A recipe for social chaos at the best of times…) The petty nonsense of partisan politics does nothing to help Canada become one of the key players on the world stage in this century. One need only look at the fucked up shit that is happening in the United States to realize this is true.
Truthfully I find it mystifying that anyone could be “only” liberal, or “only” conservative in this day and age. There are too many things at stake to be staunchly one or the other. Given that there are elements of both that are quite distasteful. Imagine what would happen if the abortion laws were repealed. Oops there goes a woman’s right to choose. (Stockwell Day would love that… and he’s a former leader of a party, and still retains a significant amount of power in his party.) Oh hey… looky looky, the death penalty is trendy again. Etc. etc. etc. etc.
4) Denise – A) “Comedians are the purest form of conservatism.” That’s a crock. Comedians are more like libertarians. It’s the quest for liberty that propels us. It’s a more socially pragmatic thing than conservatism. B) There is no such thing as “Liberal Media” it doesn’t exist. That’s a conservative lie. And a big one too. Surely you can’t be that suckered to believe that everything that comes out of the conservative party is gospel. That would be foolhardy. There are liars on all sides of the political spectrum. Liberal media… who would that be exactly? The National post? Not likely… it’s owned by Izzy Asper who is a huge conservative… CTV… owed by Bell… Really fucking conservative… The Globe and Mail? Once again owned by conservatives… The CBC… owned the government… and every previous government before it… liberal and conservative… so like 1 for 4 so far…
5) Daniel – I wanna play hockey… I’ll teach you a proper slap shot the next time you are here.
6) Daryl – You hit the nail on the head about liberty… But your assessment of the media is retarded.
Anyway… it looks like I’ve created a monster here… So I’ll finish my thoughts tomorrow…
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
06/15/05
Well… I knew that last post would stir up some trouble… Let’s see what this does…
Q: What separates a Conservative politician from a hillbilly in this country?
A: A suit of “good clothes” and a seat in parliament… (And perhaps a tape recorder…)
Q: What separates a Conservative politician from a hillbilly in this country?
A: A suit of “good clothes” and a seat in parliament… (And perhaps a tape recorder…)
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
06/14/05 A Rose by Any Other Name...
The Conservatives are now 6 points behind the Liberals in the polls. Hmmm… That’s strange, weren’t they like 11 points ahead just about a month ago? How do you slide 17-points in 30 days? Well done indeed… As far as I can tell, that’s really bad news for all you conservative keeners out there. I’d be starting to worry about your “little” government in waiting right about now. Especially given that they just can’t seem to find that knock out punch. A Raggedy Ann doll should have been able to take down this government. The Liberals even made it easy for you, limping along, and coughing like Tiny freaking Tim (on fire no less…) and still nothing. With the sponsorship scandal attached to the liberals like a suit made out of chum, it looked as if this hungry little shark might finally get his shot. Perhaps a different strategy might be in order.
But I have to say; I think it’s kind of funny that Stephen Harper can’t close the deal. He’s slick and brash, but this horse just can’t seem to make the finish line. When there’s a storm brewing, you need a mudder, not a show horse. It’s hard to get excited every time he comes out of the gate, whinnying, and baying out the tough talk. Here’s why, it’s all rhetoric. Pure fluff. Harper lacks substance. Plain and simple.
Now before you all get angry and send me hate mail… consider this… There is only so much “The Liberals are bad… Because the Liberals are bad…” talk anyone can handle. How much policy have you heard the conservatives talk about? More to the point, policy that is proactive to Canada’s needs, and not reactive to what Canadians wants?
Make no mistake; the liberals are no better at this either. The problem as I see it is this… Canada is really a two party system trying to support five parties. There really isn’t too terribly much different between Conservatives and Liberals anymore. Both parties have had their own share of corruption over the years. (Regardless of how many times the Conservatives tell you they’re “new and improved”… its remarkable how many “old and equally corrupt” faces are still around.)
What will really change the minds of Canadians is charisma. Paul Martin may be a ditherer, but at least he doesn’t come off as a douche bag. Whichever party really wants the country needs to groom a leader. Both parties would do well to find someone with vision.
The brilliant desperation of the past couple of weeks has been pretty darn interesting too. Who tape records conversations anymore? It’s as likely that you’ll win big at three-card monte, as it is this not backfiring in your face. Here’s a handy tip. It helps if you don’t doctor the tapes.
But I have to say; I think it’s kind of funny that Stephen Harper can’t close the deal. He’s slick and brash, but this horse just can’t seem to make the finish line. When there’s a storm brewing, you need a mudder, not a show horse. It’s hard to get excited every time he comes out of the gate, whinnying, and baying out the tough talk. Here’s why, it’s all rhetoric. Pure fluff. Harper lacks substance. Plain and simple.
Now before you all get angry and send me hate mail… consider this… There is only so much “The Liberals are bad… Because the Liberals are bad…” talk anyone can handle. How much policy have you heard the conservatives talk about? More to the point, policy that is proactive to Canada’s needs, and not reactive to what Canadians wants?
Make no mistake; the liberals are no better at this either. The problem as I see it is this… Canada is really a two party system trying to support five parties. There really isn’t too terribly much different between Conservatives and Liberals anymore. Both parties have had their own share of corruption over the years. (Regardless of how many times the Conservatives tell you they’re “new and improved”… its remarkable how many “old and equally corrupt” faces are still around.)
What will really change the minds of Canadians is charisma. Paul Martin may be a ditherer, but at least he doesn’t come off as a douche bag. Whichever party really wants the country needs to groom a leader. Both parties would do well to find someone with vision.
The brilliant desperation of the past couple of weeks has been pretty darn interesting too. Who tape records conversations anymore? It’s as likely that you’ll win big at three-card monte, as it is this not backfiring in your face. Here’s a handy tip. It helps if you don’t doctor the tapes.
Monday, June 13, 2005
06/12/05 Kelowna
Well, I’m back from Kelowna. Overall I would have to say that it was a pretty successful trip. The Thursday show had sold out (They actually had to turn people away…) and by all accounts it went very well. The audience was very attentive, and clearly interested in the show. That was a really nice change from the last couple of times that I’ve played in BC.
The venue has gone through a pretty impressive makeover since the last time I was there. It’s a much nicer place now. (Kind of trendy even… well, almost…) The staff have all turned over since then too. The new people are all very nice. Jennifer, the woman who worked the door was really great. She was the poor victim who got to introduce me to the audience, and she was very nervous about it. (She even said my last name right… on all three shows even…) She did a great job.
My opinion about Kelowna has changed. I really enjoyed this trip.
After the show, I got a chance to see some of the local colour. Kelowna for all its resort beauty has a seedy underbelly. It has an interesting dichotomy comprised of family vacations and greasy bikers.
The Friday show went in a total opposite direction. There were a whopping 12 people at the show. I spent 30 minutes spritzing and chipping away sizable chunks of my self-esteem. (Bigger chunks than I perhaps would have liked.) It felt like an eternity on that stage. But I guess it still beats going on a house boating trip with 59 of my closest friends.
On Saturday things got back to normal. The venue had showed the Tyson fight, and a lot of people stuck around after to see our show. It was a much better attended show than Friday. Truthfully I thought it wound up being the best of all the shows.
The venue has gone through a pretty impressive makeover since the last time I was there. It’s a much nicer place now. (Kind of trendy even… well, almost…) The staff have all turned over since then too. The new people are all very nice. Jennifer, the woman who worked the door was really great. She was the poor victim who got to introduce me to the audience, and she was very nervous about it. (She even said my last name right… on all three shows even…) She did a great job.
My opinion about Kelowna has changed. I really enjoyed this trip.
After the show, I got a chance to see some of the local colour. Kelowna for all its resort beauty has a seedy underbelly. It has an interesting dichotomy comprised of family vacations and greasy bikers.
The Friday show went in a total opposite direction. There were a whopping 12 people at the show. I spent 30 minutes spritzing and chipping away sizable chunks of my self-esteem. (Bigger chunks than I perhaps would have liked.) It felt like an eternity on that stage. But I guess it still beats going on a house boating trip with 59 of my closest friends.
On Saturday things got back to normal. The venue had showed the Tyson fight, and a lot of people stuck around after to see our show. It was a much better attended show than Friday. Truthfully I thought it wound up being the best of all the shows.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
06/08/05 The Harsh Light of Day
Not even a wink of sleep last night. I just lay in bed, staring at the clock. Each minute seemed like an eternity. I began to feel as if there might be too many minutes in an hour. Tick… Tick… Tick… Blink… Tick… Tick…
This morning my eyelids feel heavy, like they have been fashioned out of cement. They also have that burning sensation that only comes from sleep deprivation. I’m groggy with a few parts clumsy and stupid added for good measure. The coffee doesn’t seem to be helping too much. They should make coffee with speed in it. That would help. Hmm… Speed spiked coffee; I sense a million dollar opportunity. (Sadly this would really only get me back to about half power…)
The walk to work was uneventful. Erin and I meandered to our respective work places in relative quiet. She is just as tired as I am. I’m amazed at how much my personality changes when I’m exhausted.
Tomorrow I go to Kelowna. I’m not sure what to expect. The last time I was there was a year ago. I went with Daryl. The show did not got well. I hope to redeem myself a little. Last time there was only one show. This time three shows. More chances to fix that blemish on the road record. (Or implode brilliantly…)
So far, my day looks like it’s going to be action packed. I have many interviews to get through. We need a lot of new people. I hope that we find some candidates that will fit in with our strange little group.
My worst computing fears have been realized. Apple has pitched IBM chipsets in favour of Intel. Apparently hell has actually frozen over. There is an enemy at the gates, and for some reason, the drawbridge has been left open. No good can come from this. Steve Jobs what have you done?
This morning my eyelids feel heavy, like they have been fashioned out of cement. They also have that burning sensation that only comes from sleep deprivation. I’m groggy with a few parts clumsy and stupid added for good measure. The coffee doesn’t seem to be helping too much. They should make coffee with speed in it. That would help. Hmm… Speed spiked coffee; I sense a million dollar opportunity. (Sadly this would really only get me back to about half power…)
The walk to work was uneventful. Erin and I meandered to our respective work places in relative quiet. She is just as tired as I am. I’m amazed at how much my personality changes when I’m exhausted.
Tomorrow I go to Kelowna. I’m not sure what to expect. The last time I was there was a year ago. I went with Daryl. The show did not got well. I hope to redeem myself a little. Last time there was only one show. This time three shows. More chances to fix that blemish on the road record. (Or implode brilliantly…)
So far, my day looks like it’s going to be action packed. I have many interviews to get through. We need a lot of new people. I hope that we find some candidates that will fit in with our strange little group.
My worst computing fears have been realized. Apple has pitched IBM chipsets in favour of Intel. Apparently hell has actually frozen over. There is an enemy at the gates, and for some reason, the drawbridge has been left open. No good can come from this. Steve Jobs what have you done?
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
06/07/05 Just a silly top ten list...
I got a chain email from a friend the other day. One of the questions was to list my top 10 favorite records. It was a bit of a head scratcher for me at first, but I managed to scrape together a list. So here they are.
1) The Clash – London Calling (my favorite of all time ever…)
2) Sugar – Copper Blue (the best record Bob Mould ever did.)
3) The Talking Heads – Stop Making Sense (The best live record I’ve ever heard…)
4) Radiohead – Ok Computer (This record is self indulgent and every second is delicious.)
5) Dead Kennedys – Plastic Surgery Disasters (“Moon over Marin” and “Terminal Preppie” kick ass)
6) James – Pleased to me you (The best lyrics ever written as far as I’m concerned…)
7) Elvis Costello – My Aim is True (Just as punchy a record today as the day it was recorded…)
8) U2 – Wide Awake in America (the best version of Bad is on this e.p.)
9) Ministry – The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Taste. (This tasty dish is best served at the loudest volume possible.)
10) Bob Marley – Exodus (The man was a prophet… nuff said…)
I felt there were some honorable mentions that needed to be recognized…
1) Doughboys – Whatever
2) Miles Davis – Kinda Blue
3) Public Enemy – Fear of a Black Planet
4) Fugazi – Repeater
5) Down By Law – Punkrockacademyfightsong
6) Pearl Jam – Riot Act
1) The Clash – London Calling (my favorite of all time ever…)
2) Sugar – Copper Blue (the best record Bob Mould ever did.)
3) The Talking Heads – Stop Making Sense (The best live record I’ve ever heard…)
4) Radiohead – Ok Computer (This record is self indulgent and every second is delicious.)
5) Dead Kennedys – Plastic Surgery Disasters (“Moon over Marin” and “Terminal Preppie” kick ass)
6) James – Pleased to me you (The best lyrics ever written as far as I’m concerned…)
7) Elvis Costello – My Aim is True (Just as punchy a record today as the day it was recorded…)
8) U2 – Wide Awake in America (the best version of Bad is on this e.p.)
9) Ministry – The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Taste. (This tasty dish is best served at the loudest volume possible.)
10) Bob Marley – Exodus (The man was a prophet… nuff said…)
I felt there were some honorable mentions that needed to be recognized…
1) Doughboys – Whatever
2) Miles Davis – Kinda Blue
3) Public Enemy – Fear of a Black Planet
4) Fugazi – Repeater
5) Down By Law – Punkrockacademyfightsong
6) Pearl Jam – Riot Act
06/07/05 Rainy days and Religious Super Heros...
Today has been a good day. Work was relaxed; there were no panicked situations waiting to explode, or any moments of unfettered mania. The day just moved along with it’s own lazy pace. Its flow has been more natural, dare I say peaceful even.
It has rained here for 7 days straight. It really reminds me of home. Apparently there has been a rush on for umbrellas and the city’s retailers have been caught flat-footed by it. It’s so rare for Calgary to get this much moisture at one time. It feels more like Atlantic Canada, and much less like Alberta these days. I found myself dancing a little on my way to work. Twirling my umbrella, and singing along to Madeline Peyroux’s “Don’t Wait too long.” It was like something out of a cheesy musical, yet it was mentally refreshing at the same time.
I actually enjoy walking in the rain. I love the smell in the air after it rains. For me it’s the scent of renewal. Every time I draw air into my lungs, it feels like everything around me is a little less grimy, and just a little livelier. Perhaps that’s a strange notion, but I really don’t care.
Only once that I can recall, have I found rain eerie. It was a few years ago. I was on my way to the Ship and Anchor with a good friend of mine, and we wound up parking on a side street that was a couple of blocks away. In most respects, it was a rather typical apartment building type of neighbourhood. There were six story buildings on both sides of the street, with mature trees lining the sidewalks.
It was about midnight, and it had been raining quite hard. The streets were shiny and had the look of a fun house mirror, brilliantly reflecting the streetlights upward. It almost looked as if there were lights in the asphalt.
At the end of the street there was a church. Now, I’m not too sure what flavour of Christian faith it was, but it had a blazing red cross in its steeple. The cross was reflecting its image onto the pavement too. It was distorted and sprawled up the street. It looked to be about twenty feet tall, and roughly ten feet wide. It appeared fuzzy, and had a bent look to it, like when you peer at a partially submerged object and it seems all-askew.
It was kind of creepy. It was a little oppressive seeing this giant blazing cross. It gave me a shudder at first, buy then it started to remind me of the Bat signal. I half expected to see a priest in his vestments and an altar boy run out of the church and jump into a hearse and speed away. (insert theme music here…)
Anyway… More in a bit.
It has rained here for 7 days straight. It really reminds me of home. Apparently there has been a rush on for umbrellas and the city’s retailers have been caught flat-footed by it. It’s so rare for Calgary to get this much moisture at one time. It feels more like Atlantic Canada, and much less like Alberta these days. I found myself dancing a little on my way to work. Twirling my umbrella, and singing along to Madeline Peyroux’s “Don’t Wait too long.” It was like something out of a cheesy musical, yet it was mentally refreshing at the same time.
I actually enjoy walking in the rain. I love the smell in the air after it rains. For me it’s the scent of renewal. Every time I draw air into my lungs, it feels like everything around me is a little less grimy, and just a little livelier. Perhaps that’s a strange notion, but I really don’t care.
Only once that I can recall, have I found rain eerie. It was a few years ago. I was on my way to the Ship and Anchor with a good friend of mine, and we wound up parking on a side street that was a couple of blocks away. In most respects, it was a rather typical apartment building type of neighbourhood. There were six story buildings on both sides of the street, with mature trees lining the sidewalks.
It was about midnight, and it had been raining quite hard. The streets were shiny and had the look of a fun house mirror, brilliantly reflecting the streetlights upward. It almost looked as if there were lights in the asphalt.
At the end of the street there was a church. Now, I’m not too sure what flavour of Christian faith it was, but it had a blazing red cross in its steeple. The cross was reflecting its image onto the pavement too. It was distorted and sprawled up the street. It looked to be about twenty feet tall, and roughly ten feet wide. It appeared fuzzy, and had a bent look to it, like when you peer at a partially submerged object and it seems all-askew.
It was kind of creepy. It was a little oppressive seeing this giant blazing cross. It gave me a shudder at first, buy then it started to remind me of the Bat signal. I half expected to see a priest in his vestments and an altar boy run out of the church and jump into a hearse and speed away. (insert theme music here…)
Anyway… More in a bit.
06/06/05 Blog Holiday
This post is just to catch up on a lot of shit that I’ve let slide lately.
As some of you more dedicated readers may have noticed, till now, I have taken a bit of a blog holiday. I needed to spend some time on me. The time I normally dedicate to this thing has been taken up lately by trying to spend time with Erin (esp. now that we both are up to our eyes…) evening strolls, video games, good music, and other such sundre things.
In addition, I haven’t really had too terribly much to say. It’s been a bit of a blessing to just exist for a spell. I feel no need to fly off the handle with a rant. (Mind you, there will likely be one in the near (ish) future… I can’t go too long before something picks my ass to the point of madness…) I don’t wish to scrap it out with the powers that be; I’m just enjoying living. The only things missing are a rocky beach, a cloudy day, and some stones to skip off the ocean. Now that would kick some serious ass.
I’m in a good headspace right now, which pleases me. Sadly though, it never lasts for too long, but I intend to enjoy it while it wraps around me like a warm blanket.
Next…
My constant battle to trim down is going reasonably well, (24 pounds and counting…) although, I duked it out with a Hawaiian Pizza the other night, and it won. Defeated by pizza, and not even one that I particularly like either. I am a foolish mortal indeed. I have a hard time understanding why someone came up with the concept of Hawaiian Pizza. Pizza should have pepperoni on it. It should be a law. There should be some sort of Pizza police to enforce it too…
“Freeze… Pizza police… Step away from the Pineapple… I SAID Drop that pineapple Mother fucker… Blam… Blam…”
Next…
I’m on the hunt for some new friends. Don’t get me wrong; I have a bunch already, but none of the really close ones live here. (At least not currently…) Daniel is back in America. Brett and Pete are in Toronto. Russ is in Northern BC and Emmo is on the rock.
Those distances suck. I miss my brothers. Each one of them is brilliant, and too far away for my liking.
So in what so far appears to be a vain attempt to fill the void left by their absence, I’ve decided to hold auditions for the rolls of “Knock Around Chum” and “Co –conspirator”, but thus far, very few have made the callback process… If you think you’ve got what it takes, send me an email…
Next…
I tried the new Tantric sex joke at Yuks the other night. It worked. I was pleased.
Anyway… I should sleep…
But for those of you dear readers who were wondering…
I’m Back…
And for those of you wishing to audition...
mbeaubier@msn.com
good luck!
As some of you more dedicated readers may have noticed, till now, I have taken a bit of a blog holiday. I needed to spend some time on me. The time I normally dedicate to this thing has been taken up lately by trying to spend time with Erin (esp. now that we both are up to our eyes…) evening strolls, video games, good music, and other such sundre things.
In addition, I haven’t really had too terribly much to say. It’s been a bit of a blessing to just exist for a spell. I feel no need to fly off the handle with a rant. (Mind you, there will likely be one in the near (ish) future… I can’t go too long before something picks my ass to the point of madness…) I don’t wish to scrap it out with the powers that be; I’m just enjoying living. The only things missing are a rocky beach, a cloudy day, and some stones to skip off the ocean. Now that would kick some serious ass.
I’m in a good headspace right now, which pleases me. Sadly though, it never lasts for too long, but I intend to enjoy it while it wraps around me like a warm blanket.
Next…
My constant battle to trim down is going reasonably well, (24 pounds and counting…) although, I duked it out with a Hawaiian Pizza the other night, and it won. Defeated by pizza, and not even one that I particularly like either. I am a foolish mortal indeed. I have a hard time understanding why someone came up with the concept of Hawaiian Pizza. Pizza should have pepperoni on it. It should be a law. There should be some sort of Pizza police to enforce it too…
“Freeze… Pizza police… Step away from the Pineapple… I SAID Drop that pineapple Mother fucker… Blam… Blam…”
Next…
I’m on the hunt for some new friends. Don’t get me wrong; I have a bunch already, but none of the really close ones live here. (At least not currently…) Daniel is back in America. Brett and Pete are in Toronto. Russ is in Northern BC and Emmo is on the rock.
Those distances suck. I miss my brothers. Each one of them is brilliant, and too far away for my liking.
So in what so far appears to be a vain attempt to fill the void left by their absence, I’ve decided to hold auditions for the rolls of “Knock Around Chum” and “Co –conspirator”, but thus far, very few have made the callback process… If you think you’ve got what it takes, send me an email…
Next…
I tried the new Tantric sex joke at Yuks the other night. It worked. I was pleased.
Anyway… I should sleep…
But for those of you dear readers who were wondering…
I’m Back…
And for those of you wishing to audition...
mbeaubier@msn.com
good luck!
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