Breakfast, Philosophy & Milk on a Monitor

I’ve made a discovery: Life, and its meaning, is something which has perplexed humanity for centuries - and I’ve figured it out: Life...is simply questions and answers. I’ve come to this conclusion after laughing uproariously at a video on youtube while eating breakfast*; proof that philosophical conversation can be born of both the ridiculous and the mundane. I’ve posted the video below, but please bear with me as I elaborate on my thought.

My wife and I got married about a year and half ago. Like most couples, we went through the intense scrutiny of our family and friends during the entire dating/engagement/marriage process. In fact, we continue to be under said scrutiny – and as a man in a relationship, I feel I’ve been, and continue to be, under the most.

When you’re dating, everyone asks when you’ll get married, which is more a question of when you’ll smarten up and buy a ring for the poor girl. My simple, on me-word answer was always: “someday”. That’s funny to your girlfriend once or twice before it becomes a nagging form of resentment, so use it sparingly if you’re serious. Once engaged, the question is when you’ll actually be getting married. That question, at least, is easily answered with the date – which you’ve set after a quick conversation with your fiancé where you try to prolong it a little more for “preparations”, and she decides for you. Then, you’re married and it’s automatically: “When are you gonna have kids?” Eventually your wife will join in on this question and your life will never be the same.

I have reached this line of questioning. I continually revert to my engagement answer of “someday” which is proving more and more difficult to sell. It’s not that I don’t want to be a dad; because I do. Why try so hard to have people like me when I can just make my own people, who will love me unconditionally? – that’s my thought process.

However, I also realize that child-rearing will pose its obstacles and this forces me to ask myself even further questions: Will I be a disciplinarian; will I be a softie; will I actually have to change diapers; what if I screw up; what if my kid hates me; why are they still teaching Math in school; why wasn’t I better at math; why is my kid asking ME for help with math. These questions plague me, and yet I also see no end in sight for the questions of others.

In fact, I can already see the next line of queries: When are you going to have a baby? becomes when are you going to have another, followed by the inevitable: what about a third? This is followed, eventually, by questions from the children: Dad, can so-and-so come over; Dad, can I have some money; Dad, can I have the car; Dad, why are you wearing that in public?

Life, is about questions. We may not have all of the answers, but we’ll figure it out as we go along. Am I ready to be a dad? Who knows...but after watching this video, I’m thinking I need to be a dad soon, because I totally want to do this to them:




Yeah, I’m gonna be an awesome dad...

-Crash-



 *Froot Loops....what, where you expecting me to be eating Life? Pfft...not childish enough for me.

The Great Tree Hunt of 2011

Every Christmas, tree selection is integral to the overall merry vibe of your holiday...and your wife. Sure, we could pick any tree, fellas; just point to one, cut it down and stand it up. But then for the next couple of weeks you have to hear about how short, tall, skinny or dead the tree appears...even when decorated; especially when decorated. So, Christmas tree hunting is no easy task. What should take mere minutes, will take you longer, because you must find the “perfect tree” upon your wife’s approval...otherwise your Christmas will be anything but holly-jolly. What the hell does that phrase even mean?

Sure, it’s a chance for you and the Mrs. To “spend time together, having fun and getting into the Christmas spirit”, but let’s face it: tree selection & set-up is nothing more than a lesson in patience...and cursing, as you utter new combinations under your breathe (or not depending on your amount of patience) as you tie the tree to your car, remove it, drag it into the house – leaving little green needles in places you weren’t even aware existed in your home -  and attempt to get it to stand straight in your living room. Just a little to the left...no, that’s too much....

It can be trying, but I’ve found if you make a game of the tree selection, it’s a much more enjoyable experience.

Erin and I picked out our tree over the weekend. Her family has been going to see Gordon & Carol Young at Keywood Christmas Tree Farms for about 18 years now, so since we’ve been married, we’ve carried on the tradition...her parents have since invested in an artificial tree, which was a real coup for my father-in-law. This year, I brought a camera along to film our exploits:





By the way...the tree isn’t crooked, our living room must be.

-Crash-

That's NOT What She Said

We’ve all done it: Singing along in the car – at the top of our lungs – is a great tribute to your favourite songs. Sometimes it’s just a great way to vent the frustrations of a long day. No matter the reason, when we do it, we are awesome. Although we may not have a clue what the lyrics are.

I actually play a game with my wife - or anyone else within ear-shot - where I hear what she’s saying, but automatically “mis-interpret” it as something ridiculous. I do this because it makes me laugh. She thinks I’m an idiot.

For example:

Erin: “So, I was looking at this sectional couch...”

Me: “Sexual couch!?”

This is then followed by a blank stare...possible a shaking of the head. It depends on how many patience I’ve used up with her at the time.

The same kind of thing can be done with song lyrics. Hendrix wasn’t saying “excuse me, while I kiss this guy” in Purple Haze. Nor was John Lennon saying “hold you in his arm hair” in Come Together. Though, it certainly is fun to sing it that way.

Uncle Rob and I were talking about misheard song lyrics today, and it reminded me of this video I saw on youtube the other day:





Who knew that’s what Yellow Ledbetter* was about?

-Crash-



*For the record...these are the ACTUAL lyrics to Yellow Ledbetter...(I think):

Unsealed, on a porch a letter sat
Then you said I wanna leave it again
Once I saw her on a beach of weathered sand
And on the sand I wanna leave it again yeah
On a weekend I wanna wish it all away yeah
And they called and I said that I want what I said
Then I call out again
And the reason oughta leave her calm I know
I said I know what I wear not the boxer or the bag

Ah yeah can you see them
Out on the porch yeah but they don't wave
I see them round the front way yeah
And I know and I know I don't want to stay

Make me cry

I see ooh I don't know why there's something else
I wanna go my own a-way
I said I don't I don't know whether I was the boxer or the bag

Ah yeah can you see them
Out on the porch yeah but they don't wave
I see them round the front way yeah
And I know and I know I don't wanna stay at all

I don't wanna stay yeah
I don't wanna stay-ee
I don't wanna stay
I don't, don't wanna oh
Yeah
Ooh oh oh oh oh
Ooh oh oh oh oh oh

If Irene Had a Few Drinks, She'd Be a...

...Slurricane.*

Now THAT was a wind-storm! We did well at Chez Crash: held onto power til about 11:30 last night...2 minutes more and we'd have finished that episode of The Shield...

...sigh...

I love that show (The Shield) by the way, and I have more on Hurricane Irene (and my "coverage" of her) below**...but since I brought up TV:

Last weekend (Aug.20^th), I made my Television debut in the one-hour TV movie Delivrance. I had a supporting role as a Private in the King’s Army, tasked with following a conspirator after a group of Acadians break out of Fort Beausejour. It was set in 1756.

If you caught it, I thank you for tuning in. Does TV really add 10lbs? It was a lot of fun to be a part of, and I hope to do more work like it in the future.

Speaking of the future, here’s a photo taken on set of Delivrance which depicts my character as though he were a 1970’s police officer who went back in time to join the red Coats:


Taken by Matt Carter

It was kind of a trip to see myself on TV, so I know exactly how Andy Brown might be feeling...even though he, himself won’t be appearing on TV.

This Thursday night, Andy’s song “Ashes” will be featured in the show Rookie Blue. Pretty cool stuff!





-Crash-




*This posts's title is a game I play with my brother in law: Take a word (ie: Hurricane)and use clever setups to change one of the syllables. Vowel sounds must remain intact.

**As I watched some coverage of Hurricane Irene and her joyride along the East coast this past weekend, I eventually lost count of the reporters who stood near (or in) the ocean to report on the storm. I figured I’d get in on the action, too:

Desk Wars

Working in an office offers many things: steady income, friendships, juicy gossip...

And pranks.

I love a good prank. I can’t really call myself a prankster, although I’ve been known to execute a few on my co-workers over the years. My personal favourite was inching a sales associates’ desk in a bit each night after he’d left for the day, until eventually he barely had room to sit down.

He didn’t notice until that moment.

I’ve also been subject to the pranks of my co-workers. Most memorably during this past Roll Up The Rim Season. You may recall our receptionist’s decorative makeover inspired by my epic losing streak:


Those cups still haunt me.

A couple of weeks ago, I took a road trip to see the Foo Fighters in Montreal. Awesome show. While I was out of town, a couple of schemers put a lot of time and effort into giving my office a new image;  one clearly based on my very manly, rock ‘n roll loving lifestyle:


I assume little blue-birds helped hang the streamers

Here’s some video the culprits captured when I finally did return to work:





I’m now trying to decide how to execute payback...I’m willing to entertain suggestions...

-Crash-

Ultimately Winning

A win for Huckleberry Win; and it was all over but the beer-drinking.

Last night, the Fredericton Ultimate season came to a close. Huckelberry Win (the team I play for) was in a playoff. If we won, we’d be done and finish 3^rd in our tier. If we lost, we played a consolation game for even lower than that. We wanted a win.

Being a hockey-player first and foremost in the sports world, I took the term “playoffs” seriously. I even made sure I had my beard. I must say, Huckleberry Win played with the heart of a playoff team. We were up against Pain Train, who we’d played a few times this season; once or twice coming very close to a win. They’re a tough competitor. This was a tough game.

Everyone was in the zone, if you will, as we ran faster, jumped higher and focused tighter than we ever have. We were diving to catch discs, and making some smart plays. We got up to a 3-0 lead, which is something unheard of for our team. Pain Train wasn’t long catching up, however.

It was close the whole game. We’d score, then they’d score. It was intense. Fouls started to rack up, and at one point I even got run over in a quasi-body-check style play. It was after I attempted to grab the disc, no foul on the play. It was party my fault for stopping in front of the guy. But like I said: I’m a hockey player; I can take a check.

We were ahead when last point was called, but we really wanted to end the year on a high note, not only with a win, but the final point as well. As we did, our team rejoiced, gave the standard “three cheers for Pain Train” and then we high-fived each other on a job well done. Then we posed for a Team photo (although 3 players are missing):


It was our team cheer at the start of the game which put us over the top, I think: “1-2-3 EARTHQUAKE!”

My first season as a Frisbee player was a good one; we didn’t win a lot, but we sure had fun. I’m already looking forward to next year...and our team party, of course.

-Crash-



**Congrats to Trevor Mason: MVP of our team**

A Moustache Above

The internet was a pretty heavy place today...

Jack Layton’s eternal optimism and dedication kept him fighting to the very end, which unfortunately came this morning at the age of 61. I had great admiration for the man; a man I didn’t even know. His actions spoke far greater than any words he (or any other politician) could ever give in speeches.

I’m not overtly political, but while Layton’s party may not share the same political views as you or I, it was obvious Layton loved this country and believed in making it a better place for everyone. His determination to do so saw him go from the underdog to the official opposition. He was dedicated to the cause despite his health, and his commitment to bettering this country is a true inspiration.

Reading the tributes and condolences from across the country on news and social media outlets, it’s obvious he had an effect. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind and stand up for himself, his party or his country. He was the kind of politician you felt like you could have a beer with.

And he wore that moustache like a champ.

RIP




My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world  - Jack Layton



-Crash-

Rock 'n Roll Road Trip

The best road trips are done with friends...because they help pay for gas.

Last Wednesday, My brother (Brandon) and two friends (Granter & Jeremy) loaded into my ’04 Civic and we set forth on our journey to see the Foo Fighters. All four of us are pretty big fans, and had yet to see them live, so this trip was destined for epic proportions.

We left Fredericton bright and early (7:30am) and it wasn’t long before granter was snoozing in the back. And let this be a lesson to you when traveling with 3 other guys: when you fall asleep, a picture being taken is the least of your worries....Granter got off easy this time (we couldn't find a marker):


2 hours in, he had already waived his bladder’s say in pit-stop frequency.

We were making record time, as I refused to stop until I needed gas. We were already into rural Quebec before we made our first stop, and the dude pumped my gas for me. Good thing, too...it cost me about $1.30/L.

Once in Montreal, we checked into our dorm - masquerading as a hotel – and made our way to some eats and then back to our room to relax before the show.

Jeremy made the mistake of buying a case of beer in the city, where Quebec’s cheaper booze price is non-existent, apparently ($30 for a 12-pack of Bud is not my idea of a deal) although, to be fair, it was still cheaper than buying at the Bell Centre...

We decided to measure our small living quarters with the two tallest members of our posse on opposite ends of the floor:


My Bro ( 6’2”)+ Jeremy (6’1”) = Very few secrets kept during our stay.

We arrived to the show early to catch the openers and get a sweet spot on the GA floor. FYI: this is a concert going rule: you want close-proximity to the stage; go early. Otherwise people punch you in the neck for trying to step in front of them.

After a $10 Molson Export, it was time to enjoy the first act:

Fucked Up were great, but their screaming, underground style wears on you after while, at least it did for me. There were small sections of the crowd who ate it up, and the bands front man made sure to jump in the crowd and show his appreciation for it.


Great musicians and great performers; just not my cup o’ tea.

The crowd was starting to build a little as the newly reformed Montreal pop-punk band Doughboys hit the stage.

Doughboys had their time in the late 80’s.early 90’s and enjoyed a bit of success in Canada. (Their song Shine was the theme for Much Music’s The Wedge) before breaking up in 1997. They’ve reformed and plan to release a new album at some point. But first, they are opening up the Foo Figthers’ Canadian shows. And boy were they impressive.



I loved this band. They had their hometown excited and the band themselves seemed rejuvenated. A lot of times, the openers get over looked because of anticipation for the Headliner, but I can honestly say Doughboys had me hooked form their first song; the energy in the building alone was worth it.

I will say, though, as they closed their set and announced “Foo Fighters are up next”, It was hard to contain the excitement.

After a break to set up the stage, the lights went down and the video screens lowered to the stage to conceal the band as the opening lines of Bridge Burning echoed through the Bell Centre and the sold-out crowd erupted. Dave Grohl & Company came out swinging; and kicking; and screaming.



From Bridge Burning they went into Rope, The Pretender and My Hero before Dave finally addressed the crowd. He informed us that it had been a long time since they’d played Montreal and that they had “a lot of making up to do”. That’s when I caught this video:




“We have a lot of F---in’ song, you know that right?” – Dave Grohl

The band played for a solid two hours before leaving the stage to thunderous applause; and they played just about everything you could hope they’d play, both old (This is a Call) and new:




After all of this, an encore was inevitable.

After getting us to focus attention on a backstage camera featuring the band members egging us on, Dave appeared at the back of the room, atop a riser connected to the catwalk.



He did two songs solo before the band joined him in the middle of Times Like These. I got video of Wheels:





The band capped the night with Everlong, and everyone left satisfied. 2.5 hours and 24 songs later, I’d seen my favourite band perform, and you couldn’t wipe the smile off of my face. Hell yes, I’ll see ‘em again someday.





Click HERE for more Foo Fotos

-Crash-




**By the way, we took our time leaving Quebec the next day. We walked around Montreal for a bit, but the highlight of the way back was definitely stopping at Le Madrid.



Apparently the place is closing down at the end of the month, so we took full advantage of our time at the place of Dinosaurs & Monster-Trucks:



Click HERE for more pics of our Pit-stop

Garage Rock

What if one of the biggest rock bands in the world performed a small, private concert for you and your friends in your garage; how would you feel?

I’d be amazed it happened...I don’t have a garage...

One week from today, I’ll be on my way back home from Montreal after having finally seen my favourite band perform live. I’ll have pictures; probably a video or two; and more than likely a big ol’ smile between my ringing ears.

Music is a link to your emotions. It’s why film-makers use it to enhance a scene’s emotional weight. Whether it brings about fear, suspense, love or happiness, the right song will undoubtedly make you feel something. Music can be an escape, or a release; a bad day can be forgotten by putting on a set of headphones and cranking your favourite album, or song. In that moment, it’s you and the music; it’s a connection.

When a band is able to make a connection like that with you, it would have to be entirely surreal for them to suddenly show up at your door. It’s one thing to go see them perform at an arena, but to see them walk across your yard and into YOUR garage is another thing entirely.

My favourite band is the Foo Fighters; I’ve made that very well known. Your favourite is probably someone else entirely, but imagine that feeling. You might react with awe. Maybe you’d simply see these so-called rock stars as they really are: just regular guys who happen to play music for a living. Either way, rock stars in your garage provides more bragging rights than you could ever hope to have.

When the Foo Figthers recorded Wasting Light in Dave Grohl’s garage, they had an idea to do a small garage tour to celebrate. The band held a contest for fans to win the chance to host the band and invite all of their friends. They filmed the tour, and the 40 minute doc has made its way online.

The film is filled with the kind of reactions I’ve just described: fans in awe that their favourite band is playing music where they park their car; host a weekly poker game; where they practice with their own bands. It’s a pretty cool sight to see: not only do the fans geek out, but the band appears truly humbled by these super fans.  Maybe Foo Fighters aren’t your thing; that’s fine, it’s still a cool doc to watch:

**WARNING: Some cussing is involved**





I can’t wait to see them at the Bell Centre, next week.

-Crash-

A Rain Soaked Rock Show

**This post is over-due...stupid interwebs.**

What follows is video & pictures I took while at the U2 show in Moncton.


Saturday, July 30^th, 8am: Rain…lots of rain.

I awoke to the down-pour and set out to find my concert attire. Memories of the inaugural Fred Rock raced through my mind. (May my sneakers rest in peace.) I would be prepared for a soggy day at Magnetic Hill.

After donning our rain-gear, which made us look like bargain basement Ghostbusters, My father, brother & I boarded the shuttle at the Moncton Coliseum to set forth toward what had been predicted to be "The Entertainment Event of a Lifetime”. U2’s 360° tour was hours away from wrapping up in the Hub city and we were ready to make the best of it.


Ready for rain & U2 (As we walked through the gates, the rain stopped…naturally; but this attire would prove beneficial…especially later.)

As much as I love flip-flops in the summer, a rock show on a rain soaked grassy hillside is no place for loose - or white - footwear. So, boots on, we trudged through the mud and got our first glimpse of the huge space-ship stage set-up (The Claw) which U2 has been trucking around for just over 2 years.



World record for The largest concert stage structure.



We had seats in the rear grandstands, but as the opening band, Carney, took the stage, the video screen had yet to show anything and the band was facing away from us. So, we moved down to the GA area to get some pics.

We never left.

Carney was an impressive opener. The vocal abilities alone were outstanding, and their musicianship was equally impressive. I’d encourage you to check them out. They did a short cover of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, which is no easy song to sing.




He may not be Freddy Mercury, but, damn.


Next Up: Arcade Fire

They opened with the aptly titled Ready to Start and went directly into Keep The Car Running. It was fitting, as from the opening chord, they were a band that kept the engines rolling, and the energy never ceased. I’ve been vocal about my lack of interest in this band, despite the widespread acclaim they receive; their albums have just never really done anything for me.

Seeing Arcade Fire live is a totally different experience:




A superb live act, worthy of the praise they receive.

As Arcade Fire wrapped up, the crowd had swollen considerably. There was nary an empty seat in the grandstands (except our vacant three) and anyone on the ground near the stage was getting to know the person next to them very well.

A lot has been said about certain celebrities who may or not have been in attendance for the final show of the tour, but I didn’t see any. Apparently Pierce Brosnan was there…and so was Dion Phaneuf. Angie & Brad were not. Even still, there was one appearance I thought was especially cool: the F-18s.




This is the 2^nd of 3 fly over just before U2 hit the stage; quite possibly louder than the actual concert.

As the sun went down, David Bowie’s Space Oddity began to emit from the massive sound system and the lights went down. The crowd erupted. On the screen, making their way from the dressing-room, was U2. Bono flashed a peace sign into the camera and it went dark. The “Entertainment Event of a Lifetime” had just begun.





They opened a 26 song set* with Even Better Than The Real Thing from 1991’s Achtung Baby, and ripped into hit after hit, with various nuggets from throughout their 35 year career. Bono even sang a verse of The Ballad of Springhill, a song he hasn’t performed live in nearly 20 years.

The crowd was enthusiastically vocal all night. 80,000 people singing along is an unbelievable sound; The band themselves were an unbelievable sound; not so loud your ears would ring for days, but loud enough to carry to the entire crowd; and then some.

After 2 years of touring, U2 was a well-oiled machine, sounding even better than their recordings, and putting forth a seemingly effortless show. Bono’s voice held up pretty well for the nearly three hours on stage. Although, watching my video of With Or Without You, you can tell the night had taken its toll on his vocal chords, opting to let the crowd sing the final chorus.





The whole night was a spectacle: with an unbelievable light show. The huge video screen moved up and down, and expanded; and a video message of Commander Mark Kelly from aboard the International Space Station was a cool way to introduce a Beautiful Day.



The band seemed retrospective on their final night of the tour: “we’re a band from Dublin, this our first single” was how Bono introduced Out of Control, and as the band thanked the crowd for giving them a wonderful life and Bono popped open a bottle of champagne, I couldn’t help wonder if this might be the last time they tour.

The show ended with 40, from the band’s 1983 album War. It was a poignant way to leave the stage: one band member at a time, with Larry Mullen Jr. the last to go after stepping up to the mic and saying “We’ll miss you; Goodnight”;  the other members waiting off-stage for their band-mate and friend to join them.



As we walked past the abandoned beach towels and flip-flops on our way off the concert site, we reflected on the night and the show we had seen. It really had been something; a once in a lifetime kind of experience...

And we got to keep our shoes.

-Crash-





*The Full U2 Setlist:

Even Better Than The Real Thing
 The Fly,
Mysterious Ways,
Until the End of the World,
I Will Follow, Get On Your Boots,
 I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - Ballad of Springhill,
Stay,
Beautiful Day - Space Oddity,
Elevation,
Pride,
Miss Sarajevo,
Zooropa,
City of Blinding Lights,
 Vertigo,
 I'll Go Crazy (remix) - Discotheque,
Sunday Bloody Sunday,
Scarlet,
Walk On

ENCORE:
One,
Hallelujah - Where the Streets Have No Name

ENCORE 2:

Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me,
With or Without You,
Moment of Surrender,
Out of Control,
40

A Little Rattle and Hum...A Letter, Inspired by U2

Gloria,

Tomorrow, I Will Follow you Into The Heart of The City of Blinding Light, where the Streets Have No Name, but All I Want is U2.

However, if you feel Bad about being Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of, then Get On Your Boots and just Walk On while I Stay (Faraway, So Close!) and enjoy the Beautiful Day, because  this is One show I’m bound to remember Until The End of The World; With or Without You. 

Then, Sunday, Bloody Sunday, we can hit the Discotheque, if you so Desire, But please Don’t Take Your Guns to Town, ‘cause if you Bullet The Blue Sky, you won’t get out til after Christmas. Then, When Love Comes to Town on New Year’s Day, I’ll have to swallow my Pride (in The Name of Love) and tell the Angel of Harlem to come again Another Day. Before you know it we’ll be 40, with No Line On The Horizon; All Because of You...and your Mysterious Ways.

By then, if I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, maybe God Will Send His Angels and next October we’ll experience Vertigo from the highest Elevation and you can Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me by The Unforgettable Fire.

Wouldn’t that be The Sweetest Thing?

-Crash-



Have fun at Magnetic Hill!

Forever 27

The 27 Club is the one place you don’t want to be a V.I.P.

A lot of attention has been paid to this mysterious club recently as Amy Winehouse became the latest celebrity to join the ranks which include Joplin, Hendrix, Morrison, Cobain, and more; all artists who prematurely left the world at the age of 27.

It’s an eerie phenomenon, to say the least.

There’s a lot of talent in the so-called club, and a common link is drugs (whether directly or indirectly responsible for the deaths). The rock n’ roll lifestyle can only last so long before you either get help, or it completely consumes you.

When Amy Winehouse was found dead, no one questioned whether or not it was another in a long line of internet hoaxes which have “claimed the lives” of everyone from Gordon Lightfoot to Adam Sandler.  Her battles with addiction were certainly well publicized, and in most cases, she was known more for her troubles than her vocal talents. Jokes were easy to come by: “Well, she did say no to rehab...”, and it was easy to dismiss her death as just another celebrity junkie who overdosed - final results of her autopsy won’t be revealed til he fall – but that doesn’t make it any less tragic. She was only 27.

I’m 25.

A friend of mine said “She had all the money and help at hand and didn't get clean. Whose fault was it? hers!”

Well, yeah, sure…that’s easy for someone who’s not a slave to addiction to say. She had a problem, but because she’s famous and has money it’s supposed to be easier for her, psychologically and physically, to get clean? I doubt it. The only thing that really separates celebrities from you and me is that they constantly live in a glass house. We put these people on a pedestal, so, when they do something that falls short of our ideals, they get ripped apart for it.

Famous or not; we’re all just human beings.

-Crash-



**I can appreciate the irony behind Amy Winehouse’s situation, and I think the best comedy is without boundary, but sometimes I tire of the cynicism of the world and need a more refreshing point of view; Russell Brand (yes, him) provided me with one, and Todd Park Mohr provided me with another:




My thanks to Ross Neilsen for posting this yesterday and bringing it to my attention....it’s a haunting, emotional song; personal opinions of Winehouse aside.

The Easter Monday Office-Chair Race

Well, the long weekend is over...for me.

Wifey (Erin) & I ended up going to my parents place for Easter dinner on Saturday. My grandfather attempted to deep-fry a turkey. He got the fryer for Christmas and had yet to successfully fry a bird. Apparently partly frozen turkeys won’t work...and neither do chickens, as we found out...


I said it looked like he was running some sort of moon-shine operation in his car-port – he assured me there hadn’t been any moon-shine in the carport since at least last Thursday.

Anyway, that was a bust, because due to some kind of voodoo science, chickens cannot be deep fried as a Turkey can; the outside was a nice golden brown, while the inside had more of a salmonella tone...thankfully my mom had also prepared a ham. We didn’t go without food.

Here’s hoping 3^rd time’s a charm when it comes to deep-fried turkey...I’m still waiting to taste it.

Anyway, as mentioned, it’s back to work for us here at the Fox...or at least me...the hallways seemed strangely devoid of people; it’s like today was a holiday, but no one told me. Everyone’s still in a sugar coma from intense chocolate consumption, no doubt...or just completely shocked by the Vancouver Canucks...

Anyway, when it comes to days like this, productivity tends to take a hit and general tomfoolery abounds - Meaning:

OFFICE CHAIR RACES!


Me and Granter square off


I gain the upper hand... through no dirty tactic of my own *wink*



"Ever since I been the Champ!"

Anyway, hope you continue to enjoy your day off if you have...and if not, try office chair races; they really break up the day.

Cheers,
-Crash-

*By the way, one bonus to hangin' at my parents place is the wildlife that drops by...this fox came right up onto the deck:

My Easter Gift To You

Well, it‘s Easter weekend, that means chocolate for breakfast is socially acceptable, and the Easter Bunny's gonna make a mess all over my living room. (He always leaves some eggs near a heater that I fail to find until it's too late.)

I’m not sure what your traditions include, but at my house there was always an extra gift waiting for me to go along with whatever the Easter bunny dropped off. It was usually something like a new T-shirt or a maybe a movie or a CD I’d had my eye on.

Today, I’m going to pass that tradition on to you...with a musical gift!



Andrew Sisk is a New Brunswicker (his dad taught me in High School) who has been making music with various different names over the years. There’s his folk-rock project Share and minimalist pop duo Coco et Co. As well as his contributions to east coast indie acts Sleepless Nights and Jenn Grant. He’s now shedding the band names and other monikers to deliver the Broadcaster EP as a solo artist.

Andrew has recorded four songs and he’s made them available for download (with the option to “name your price”...so whatever you wanna pay – no minimum....though I’d encourage you to give something to help out an artist.)

My gift is to tell you about it and offer you the stream of the album as a preview:



Andrew is going to be stopping by Wilser’s Room on May 21^st, if you want to check out the music live. Have a great weekend!



-Crash-


BONUS:

Because it’s Easter, I want to share one of my favourite holiday themed comedy bits from the great Jim Gaffigan (this is just the part about Easter, but he does a bunch of 'em in the longer segment):

Let's Make Cancer History

Last Night one of the many events associated with the Fredericton Relay For Life took place at City hall; Luminary Lane.



Luminaries are sold each year to honour someone close to you who lost the fight to cancer, or to honour a survivor. All of the proceeds go toward putting an end to the disease. At dusk on the night of the Relay (June 10^th, by the way) the luminaries are placed along the walking track (Fredericton Raceway on the Exhibition grounds) and lit. It’s really a sight to see, and it’s generally an emotional moment.

Luminary Lane sees the luminaries which have been purchased so far lined along Queen St., starting in front of City Hall.


There were about 400 or so last night; there will be plenty more added as the main event gets closer.

I had the honour of being an MC for last night’s event, which gives a bit of insight into the Relay For Life and why we relay. Plus it’s a chance to introduce the Chair &Co-Chairs of The Relay, as well as others involved in eh event to those who may not be familiar; kind of a pre-relay gathering.


It was nice to see a good crowd.



Me & Mayor Woodside


There was a short flag raising ceremony and then a brief ceremony to give information on the luminaries and what they represent.

As the sun went down, the luminaries were lit and there was a moment of silence to respect what the luminaries mean for each person in attendance.



This year will mark 10 years for Fredericton’s Relay For Life. It’s fun event, despite the negative connotations associated with cancer. Throughout the night, teams get together to walk the track, all night, to represent the ongoing fight to come through the darkness of cancer and emerge on the bright side of hopefully one day finding a cure. It brings about the hope and determination that so many face, and it’s a touching, but fun & light-hearted event filled with games and entertainment. If you’ve never been, I’d encourage to you be a part of it this year. You’ll meet new people, interact with teams doing different challenges and do your part in finding a cure.

There’s still time to get a team in place and do some fundraising. Get in touch with The Canadian Cancer Society to find out how you can be a part of it.

346 Queen Street
Suite 102
Fredericton NB
E3B 1B2

Phone: (506) 453-1551
Fax: (506) 450-1569
email: info@frederictonrelayforlife.org

I hope to see you there.

-Crash-