It's a Bird; It's a Plane...

So over the weekend the Man on the Moon fled his home planet of Krypton, as it was about to be destroyed, and crash landed on a farm in Kansas….

Wait…I’m confused.

TAKE 2:
So, over the weekend the moon got really big and bright. The end.

It’s kind of a less impressive story, I guess; unless the Moon can leap over tall buildings…



Anyway, the weekend was a beauty, which meant clear skies on Saturday night gave a full view of the biggest and brightest Full Moon in 18 years. I’d only ever witnessed a Super-Moon once before: but it involved the entire right side of a school bus and a passing lane…

Actually, I hadn’t heard anything about it until it was brought to my attention on twitter. The #supermoon hashtag (a twitter term that has nothing to do with drugs…that I know of) led me to google in order to understand what everyone was talking about.

Intrigued, I stepped outside, looked up at the big bright orb in the sky - which made even the darkest of night seem like dusk - and thought to myself: I should probably shave. Then I walked back inside and fell asleep to the TV. I woke up in the woods shirtless, with my pants all ripped to shreds.

So, I’m either The Incredible Hulk… or I tried to mow the lawn while sleepwalking.*

I will say, though, it was quite a sight to see, especially in the early part of the evening, or morning, when it appeared to be the biggest. And it sure beat the hell out of any meteor shower...they never live up to their name.

By the way, I’ll be super-impressed if, in 18 years, the moon looks like this:


It's a bird; it's a plane; it's...the moon, stupid.

-Crash-

*the werewolf thing was just too obvious

Green With Madness

Yesterday was St Patrick’s Day…today is Liver Recovery Day.

I had a blast broadcasting from Dolan’s. Thanks to Barry & The staff over there for letting us be a part of the madness…


Before the Doors Opened; Maintaining Professionalism


Me and Uncle Rob looking at different cameras



That 2nd "red-eye-removal" flash gets me everytime...I swear I'm not drunk...


These people walked in as the doors opened, and I can only assume walked out as the doors closed...

Speaking of madness... March Madness got started yesterday too!

I’m not much of a basketball guy. In fact: I kind of despise it. I was never coordinated enough to make any type of shot or pass, unless standing perfectly still without opponents, which is why, I assume, I don’t like watching it either…plus, I’m only 5’10” and I don’t need to have my shoes custom made…I’m just not built for it.

That said, though, this time of year is a time of year when Basketball is actually intriguing…maybe it’s because I have money on it, but I enjoy the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championships. I don’t watch every game – in fact, I hardly watch any of them – but when I do have it on, I find it to be some of the most exciting basketball played. These kids – he says, despite being a kid, himself – play with so much heart and soul that it’s fun to watch.

If the NBA was this passionate, I might care.

It’s win, or lose; these teams are fighting for the chance to be champions and their shot at glory. For some, it’s their final shot. Not everyone gets to be in the NBA, so there’s this sense of urgency with the games. As a viewer, I can relate…I am a Leafs fan after all. Every Game is important this time of year.

However, I know nothing about the teams involved in this tournament, except that I think Morehead is a funny name for a university.

So, I employ a very scientific method when it comes to filling out my bracket for the inter-office pool….


This 2008 Canadian Quarter has made tough decisions for the last three years.

The NCAA bracket is basically a crap-shoot. When all that separates 2^nd from 15^th is a single win, it really is anyone’s tournament. That’s why these office pools are fun. So below is my bracket, final picks based on coin-tossery.

Go....Villanova?

Wish me luck

-Crash-

WATCH: Loose Cannons (Originally posted Mar. 3)

The 48 Hour Film Competition is done and gone for another year.



Our flick, Loose Cannons, picked up a few awards last night at the Garrison District Ale House, where the Top 3 films were screened. We snagged the awards for Best Sound* (Jordan Roherty), Best Editor (Travis Grant), Best Director (Travis Grant) Best Actor** (me) and were overall named Best Film as well as the Fan Choice award. Loose Cannons also got nominated for Best Supporting Actor, Cinematography and Best Use of Inspiration Package

As for the rest of the top 3: In 3^rd place was Fort Wars – a mockumentary about a group of friends who live in a blanket and cushion fort like the ones we all made as kids – which I thought was really funny. 2^nd place went to Inception spoof Urinception – a man can’t wake up from his dreams and wets the bed.

*Best Sound wasn’t an actual category, but the judges gave honourable mention to 3 categories that they felt should’ve been awarded and Best Sound was one they would’ve given to us*

Obviously we’re thrilled to have been recognized in that way. We were very pleased with the way the film turned out, considering it was written, shot and edited in only 48 hours. Congrats to all the film-makers that submitted their work. There were 11 teams and 11 very different films. A few of my favourites: Fort Wars, Urinception, Rex & Deactivated (which, was a rare drama among a lot of comedy.)

Anyway, without any further adieu, Since the Competition is all said and done, our film is now online for your viewing pleasure. Loose Cannons is about two rogue detectives, Coop Rosco (Me) and Layton Biggs (Brandon Barton – my bro) who seek to take down the city’s biggest drug lord.

*Contains some adult language and mature themes. Viewer Discretion is advised*





I hope you enjoyed! Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. I can’t wait til the next one.

-Crash-

** For my acceptance speech I thanked Charlie Sheen: 'It's nice to be winning; I feel the tiger-blood flowing through my veins; thank you..."

PS: Uncle Rob’s recent blog post really dug into me for my losing streak with regard to Roll Up The Rim, which as of typing this stands at 0-17. Good for you Uncle...you won on your first try...today’s Roll Up Loss picture is for you... haha

All in good Fun!

Pet peeve Alert! Plus: WATCH Matt Mays' New Song

When it comes to going out on the weekend, my tendency is to drop into a pub, grab a drink and chill with friends; if there’s a band playing, even better. I could care less about going to a club and dancing with some drunk chick who’s attempting to really make her daddy proud in the knee highs and low-cut t-shirt barely passing for a dress.

Granted, I’m married, which kind of discourages that type of behaviour anyway, but truth be told: that was never my scene.

Generally, if I’m out late at a bar, it’s usually because there is a band or performer I want to see. Some of my “regulars” include Andy Brown, Ross Neilsen, The Stanfields, Alert The Medic (a recent addition to the list) and a band from Ontario called Elliott Brood. Chances are if they’re playing in town, I’m gonna be there to see it. Usually, it’s for a low cover price of like $5, so it doesn’t break the bank either. Score!

Now, at a show like this, there is still plenty of riff-raff (I think I just aged 20 years typing that), there to drink and whoop it up. How I Met Your Mother refers to these people as “Woo girls” (though there are plenty of “Woo Dudes” too). For a $5 cover, I can’t complain when they get loud an obnoxious while I’m trying to watch a performer on stage. I mean, it is a bar, after all. Plus, if it’s a full on rock show, it just adds to the atmosphere, anyway. No big deal.

An Acoustic gig, however, is different.

If there’s a musician on stage with nothing but an acoustic guitar, it’s a fight between hearing that person and the crowd’s growing obnoxiousness. But, again, for $5, I can’t really complain. Now, if I’ve paid $25, well, I’m about to rant about you.

Friday night, one of my favourite musicians was in town:


Matt Mays is a gifted song writer whose songs are drenched in heart and soul. He emotes like the best of them, with that raspy Springsteen-like vocal delivery. If he gained more notoriety, he could be my generation's Neil Young or Tom Petty; and I’ve said that many times. The fact that he’s from the East Coast is just icing on the cake. I’m super proud to be from an area with that kind of talent.

When Mays performs with a band – I wish El Torpedo was still together – it’s a sweaty, high-energy rock show with equal parts punk, blues and folk. When he’s solo, his storytelling is on full display. I had never seen a full set by him alone on stage. I was pumped for my fist opportunity. I showed up, grabbed a drink and ran into some friends and chatted while we waited for the show to begin.

Matt’s friend from the English Mules took the stage as the opener. As is the case with most openers, the crowd is only partially interested…it’s unfortunate, but it happens. I really liked this guy – his last name escapes me and info online is scarce…All I remember is his name is Tom** – he had a similar folk style to Matt, only with more of Bob Dylan-meets-Scott Weiland vibe. I caught some video below:





He played a relatively short set, and then made room for the main attraction.

When Matt Mays hit the stage, the sold-out crowd erupted in cheers as Matt introduced himself as he usually does: with that charming down-home Maritime “Hey Folks”. His first song was his most recent, Queen of Portland St:





After playing that song, he went through material from each of his albums, spending a lot of time on album cuts rather than the more familiar radio songs. I, for one, enjoyed every note. The front portion of the crowd seemed to as well. But, about halfway back, the interest seemed to be purely for the songs they know. When Matt played songs like City of Lakes, or Travellin’, the whole crowd sang along at the top of their lungs. Those songs were easy to appreciate. Then he’d play something a little deeper from one of his albums – Spoonful of Sugar, for instance – and my dissatisfaction with the crowd began to grow and irritate me.

Here’s a guy, on stage to play music in which he’s put so much emotion,  performing them with that same intensity,  and a good portion of the crowd - each having paid 5x a normal cover price to be there – seemed as though they could’ve cared less. If this show had been at a theatre, you would’ve been able to hear a pin drop as he played. Instead, all I heard were the drunken ramblings of woo girls and guys.

A huge Pet Peeve of mine reared its ugly head Friday night:

If you’re going to pay $25 to go see a show, watch the damn show. I’m there to see live music; you can drink and slur your words at home. Yeah, it was at a bar, so what did I expect right? Well, nuts to that, I say. It was at a bar, but it was also a ticketed event – meaning you can’t get in without one – which sold out rather quickly with nearly no advertising aside from Facebook mentions and word of mouth. There were a lot of Matt Mays fans unable to attend; a lot of fans that would’ve enjoyed watching the man play and tell his stories through his music. Instead, I was subjected to what seemed like the normal bar crowds, out to have a good time. I’m sorry, but I’m never going to pay $25 (or $50 if I’m taking a date) just to go to a bar and drink. There are plenty of bars without cover that offer that scenario.

My rant can be further explained and backed up with the following video. I had my camera on hand, so when Matt said “I’m gonna play a couple new ones” I decided to turn it on and snag some video to share with those who couldn’t make it, and so I could relive it later. Seeing as it’s been since 2008, I was excited for any new material he’d be willing to offer. I don’t know the name of the song, but I know I like it... the crowd chatter just kills me though.





See what I mean? It’s a constant fight for my ears between hearing the crowd and hearing the song - and it’s not just the camera mic being too sensitive either, it was like that the whole time from where I was able to stand. It’s annoying.

If you’re gonna pay good money to watch a guy perform, then watch the guy perform. If you only want the hits, listen to the CD.

-Crash-

*Maybe I’m alone on this… I can get opinionated when it comes to music. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

**Thomas Matheson is his name...Thanks Ed.

The Haunting of A Radio Host

My trials and tribulations regarding Tim Horton’s Roll Up The Rim To Win contest have been well documented. I’ve blogged the photos for a couple weeks now. In fact, when I finally won a coffee, I assumed my photo series had come to an end. It was sad, actually, as I’d kind of enjoyed the creativity of the whole thing.


This cup had such a hopeful smile...

As they say, though: “never assume; it makes an ass of (yo)u and me”. Apparently, the losing cups themselves were intent on furthering the madness.


This was in the hallway just outside of my office

I gave a chuckle, thinking someone was going to be having some fun with me. I wondered what else I might find…but I never expected what came next.


Holy S*** was my response, I believe.

I’m clearly being haunted by the cups of my past…I know that sounds crazy, but they said so themselves.


See…I’m NOT crazy…

Clearly, there's something sinister at work. I now fear going to sleep at night...


The blood red cups will haunt my dreams..

Overall, I have to say I was crazy impressed with the dedication it took to set this up. There are some creative minds in this building. Bravo.


Yes, that's a Roy Orbison poster...

There were 82 cups in total…all providing an opportunity to “play again”. There was one, however that was unrolled (yes, I checked them all…I’m sick).


This is the one...I can feel it...

So, the jokes on you, Mastermind -behind-all-of-this …I just won the car!*

-Crash-

*I didn’t really win the car.

By the way, whether you’re sick of him or not..this is just funny:

Charlie Sheen's Winning Recipes from Charlie Sheen

Just Give This Guy The Title

My interest in American Idol is normally just to watch the audition weeks and laugh at the squirm inducing “talent” that comes through the doors. On top of that, I’m usually impressed by several auditions and I say: “I hope he/she wins.”

Then I forget about it until news of the winner comes out.

This year, however, I’ve been a lot more interested in each week’s episode…despite the fact they somehow manage to string it along for two hours. And I swear my interest has nothing to do with the sheer hotness that is Jennifer Lopez…


OK, maybe a little...

I also think Steven Tyler is funny and a great addition to the judge’s panel. That aside, though, I’ve been interested because one of the auditions that really grabbed my attention – my “I hope he wins” moment – came from Casey Abrams. When he ripped into “I Don’t need no Doctor” I was wowed.





As the show progressed and he continually knocked his song choices out of the park while making them his own, I got more interested. I tune in just to see what he’ll perform next. And each week he gets better and better. He’s eccentric, funny and filled with soul. It’s guys like him that lend so much more credit to something that could easily just be a glorified karaoke contest.

In fact, this whole group of finalists is pretty strong…it’ll be a tough top 5.

Anyway, despite the show being a full two hours, it was over for me after the 2^nd performer. Casey did Joe Cocker’s With a Little Help From my Friends and I proclaimed him the winner. Shows over, as far as I’m concerned:





I did sit through the rest of the show…he was still my favourite….him and J-Lo…but that’s a different story all together.

-Crash-

By the way, my Roll Up win streak ended at two wins. My 2^nd free coffee did not produce another. *Le sigh* 2-25 (overall record).

"You're Talkin' Bout Playoffs?"

It’s Ash Wednesday; which has nothing to do with hockey...or smoking…

Unless you’re going to give up smokes and hockey for Lent.

Anyway, I decided to give up googling myself. It’ll be tough, but I think my ego will let me. Besides, last time I did it, I thought I was a Rugby player.



I don’t play rugby, but I am a hockey player, and yesterday I vowed to give up losing for Lent, which was sparked by my winning Roll Up the Rim experience – something that had evaded me for 22 cups. Thankfully, Lent didn’t start last night.

My hockey team, The Ice Dogs played the 2^nd game of our first round in the playoffs. On Sunday night, we fell 6-3 to the Shockers (yes, that’s what their logo looks like). In a Best of 3 series, last night was do or die.


Our logo looks like an angry Santa’s Little helper

We had a full bench -  our only missing player was our regular goalie, who clearly was basking in the glory of his shut-out on Fan Appreciation Night – and we were all there to win. No one wanted this to be our last game.

The Shockers are a team that we’ve played well against, but somehow always managed to let the games slip away…and slip hard. Last night was easily the closest game we’d ever had against them, keeping it tied or within one nearly the whole game. In fact, our fate came down to the final seconds.

It was 5-4 for the Shockers; we pulled our goalie – who played a fantastic game for us – and had an extra skater for the final minute. Our most solid scoring opportunity came in the final 30 seconds as the goalie fumbled the puck and we all watched as it slowly (so very, very slowly) trickled along their goal line. It was so close a couple of our guys threw their arms in the air. The ref had waived it off. The Shockers managed to clear it and secured the win with an empty net.

6-4. We were crushed. It was so close.

After the game, we had our standard chat and drink session before wrapping it up for the year and handing in our jerseys.


First line, Left Wing

We said our good-byes and such; complimenting each other on a great game. Despite the loss, it was a good game; It felt like playoff hockey. I can’t wait for next season.

It’s been a pleasure, boys!


-Crash-

Winning, Duh...

I’m giving up losing for Lent.

This is not some backwards Charlie Sheen rant…though I have begun referring to my home as the “Goddess Mansion”…no, this is me stating that my epic losing streak has ended. Crash’s Roll Up The Rim Saga has concluded.

It began as any Roll-Up season begins: quiet, unassuming…with a loss. Then it got angry.


"KHAAAAN!"

With each passing cup, I grew more and more envious of those who had won a free “anything”…especially those who managed to win on their first coffee. It got ridiculous. People started buying me pity coffee.


This note came in an unmarked envelop in my mailbox.

I began documenting my descent into madness, which resulted in my daily loss photo that I’ve tagged my blog with for the last couple of weeks. They usually involved the various ways in which I disposed of the losing cup.

Below is my own personal CSI episode:

Horatio: It seems our suspect's heart is like his coffee...*puts on sunglasses*...black & bitter...

"YEEAAAAAH"

At 0-20, I had begun to lose any hope of ever finding a winning cup



However, that glimmer of hope still lingered in my thoughts; my next one would be a winner. And it was…sort of. With three cups of tea on a tray,  I passed my first choice to my wife at the last second. She won. I was now 0-21.


I shredded that cup.

A day later, whether it’s because I’d committed a good deed by giving my wife a winner, or it was just a continuation of the pity party, Karma softened up on me. I finally rolled up a Free Coffee from the cup Erin gave me.

Huzzah!

In the comedy world, a man in boxers and a robe represents a descent into obsession and despair.

My saga has concluded; surely now, a win streak is in order…only time will tell. But with that, on Shrove Tuesday, I’ve decided to give up Losing for Lent. I’ll celebrate with Chocolate Chip Pancakes, a café mocha - XL so as to get the full value of my winning rim - and by putting on my pants.

-Crash-