Leo Broderick Finds Himself On Both Sides Of An Issue

Charlottetown

A somewhat embarrassed Leo Broderick held a press-conference yesterday at the Benevolent Irish Society on North River Road, to apologize for speaking out against a proposed set of traffic lights planned for the intersection of Kensington Road and Exhibition Drive in Parkdale.  On Tuesday, Broderick was the spokesperson for a group of Charlottetown citizens voicing their concerns against the traffic lights, saying that the lights were an unnecessary waste of tax-payer's money.
"Turns out I was at a rally in favour of this set of lights just the week before", admitted a red-faced Broderick, well-known on PEI for being against things.  "Sometimes

it's hard to remember all the things I'm against", yelled the activist

through his shiny new bull-horn, a Christmas gift from Sharon Labchuk.
When asked if he was now for or against the proposed lights, Broderick said "Yes".

Leo Broderick Finds Himself On Both Sides Of An Issue

Charlottetown

A somewhat embarrassed Leo Broderick held a press-conference yesterday at the Benevolent Irish Society on North River Road, to apologize for speaking out against a proposed set of traffic lights planned for the intersection of Kensington Road and Exhibition Drive in Parkdale.  On Tuesday, Broderick was the spokesperson for a group of Charlottetown citizens voicing their concerns against the traffic lights, saying that the lights were an unnecessary waste of tax-payer's money.
"Turns out I was at a rally in favour of this set of lights just the week before", admitted a red-faced Broderick, well-known on PEI for being against things.  "Sometimes

it's hard to remember all the things I'm against", yelled the activist

through his shiny new bull-horn, a Christmas gift from Sharon Labchuk.
When asked if he was now for or against the proposed lights, Broderick said "Yes".

It's Abridged Wonderful Life

Sketch22 has performed, in each of our Christmas productions, an abridged version of It's A Wonderful Life.
I decided to take the film and edit it to match the stage version we perform.  Here it is:


Merry Christmas, everyone!!

It's Abridged Wonderful Life

Sketch22 has performed, in each of our Christmas productions, an abridged version of It's A Wonderful Life.
I decided to take the film and edit it to match the stage version we perform.  Here it is:


Merry Christmas, everyone!!

Join The Annekenstein Monster Fantasy Moguls League

I just signed up to Fantasy Moguls.

It's like a sports fantasy league, only it's based on movie releases and box office, etc.  I created an Annekenstein Monster league, if anybody would like to play. 

Just go to Fantasy Moguls and sign up.  it's free.  Then, head on over to The Annekenstein Monster League, and join it.  psst, the password is annekenstein

You're given $100 and you pick up to 10 movies which you think will do well at the box office.  Then each week, your score is tabulated... etc etc.

My league has room for 10 people, and the deadline to join is Monday, Dec.24.

No pressure.

Join The Annekenstein Monster Fantasy Moguls League

I just signed up to Fantasy Moguls.

It's like a sports fantasy league, only it's based on movie releases and box office, etc.  I created an Annekenstein Monster league, if anybody would like to play. 

Just go to Fantasy Moguls and sign up.  it's free.  Then, head on over to The Annekenstein Monster League, and join it.  psst, the password is annekenstein

You're given $100 and you pick up to 10 movies which you think will do well at the box office.  Then each week, your score is tabulated... etc etc.

My league has room for 10 people, and the deadline to join is Monday, Dec.24.

No pressure.

Maritime Electric Christmas TV Ads

Okay, so I'm going to try and be delicate here, because it's entirely possible that a young local-star-in-training will Google herself (get your mind outta that gutter) someday and come across this post.  And far be it from me (is that the phrase?) to cause a future star in ACT's future-cast production of "12 Angry Men" (I know! Casting women in the roles!!) to get sad from any kind of negative reactions... But...

Are you familiar with those Maritime Electric Christmas TV ads?  The ones with the dolled-up young lady talking about the benefits of LED lights and all sorts of whatnot.  Okay, if you are familiar with them, then there's really no need in me talking about them, because, unless you are the child's parents, you will agree with me. Enough said.

On an entirely unrelated topic (delicacy, remember?): Do you remember that entertainment-news item years ago (and also a sub-plot in a singular episode of "Seinfeld") where this guy went into convulsions every time heard Mary Hart's voice?  Yeah, that was something.

Maritime Electric Christmas TV Ads

Okay, so I'm going to try and be delicate here, because it's entirely possible that a young local-star-in-training will Google herself (get your mind outta that gutter) someday and come across this post.  And far be it from me (is that the phrase?) to cause a future star in ACT's future-cast production of "12 Angry Men" (I know! Casting women in the roles!!) to get sad from any kind of negative reactions... But...

Are you familiar with those Maritime Electric Christmas TV ads?  The ones with the dolled-up young lady talking about the benefits of LED lights and all sorts of whatnot.  Okay, if you are familiar with them, then there's really no need in me talking about them, because, unless you are the child's parents, you will agree with me. Enough said.

On an entirely unrelated topic (delicacy, remember?): Do you remember that entertainment-news item years ago (and also a sub-plot in a singular episode of "Seinfeld") where this guy went into convulsions every time heard Mary Hart's voice?  Yeah, that was something.

Confederation Centre Of The Revues

Is it time to take the word "Arts" out of the Confederation Centre's title?

Yet Another Revue Show On The Mainstage. YUCK!!

Confederation Centre Of The Revues

Is it time to take the word "Arts" out of the Confederation Centre's title?

Yet Another Revue Show On The Mainstage. YUCK!!

Phone Call to the 14th Century

Came across a funny audio clip by a comedy group called Kasper Hauser.  They're based out of San Fransisco.

Premise of this sketch is a game show where contestants have 30 seconds to speak into a phone to some random someone from the 14th century.  Contestants are rewarded points based on the information they impart to their historical phone-mate.

Funny concept.  And the execution of it is pretty funny too.

To check it out, click on the pink "go" button (that's what she said):


Kasper Hauser: Phone Call to the 14th Century

Phone Call to the 14th Century

Came across a funny audio clip by a comedy group called Kasper Hauser.  They're based out of San Fransisco.

Premise of this sketch is a game show where contestants have 30 seconds to speak into a phone to some random someone from the 14th century.  Contestants are rewarded points based on the information they impart to their historical phone-mate.

Funny concept.  And the execution of it is pretty funny too.

To check it out, click on the pink "go" button (that's what she said):


Kasper Hauser: Phone Call to the 14th Century

Time's Top 25 Horror Movies

While there will never be a definitive list of anything, ever, this is a pretty good list of horror movies.  Most I've seen, the rest I'd like to see, many I now want to see again.

Here's the list.  It's from Time's Richard Corliss, who's a movie reviewer I quite like.

What are your favourite horror movies?  And by 'your', I am, of course, talking to the ghosts who are the only spirits who likely will read this.

My top 3:

The Exorcist
Halloween
The Changeling
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the original)

That's right, my top 3 has 4 films in it.

Time's Top 25 Horror Movies

While there will never be a definitive list of anything, ever, this is a pretty good list of horror movies.  Most I've seen, the rest I'd like to see, many I now want to see again.

Here's the list.  It's from Time's Richard Corliss, who's a movie reviewer I quite like.

What are your favourite horror movies?  And by 'your', I am, of course, talking to the ghosts who are the only spirits who likely will read this.

My top 3:

The Exorcist
Halloween
The Changeling
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the original)

That's right, my top 3 has 4 films in it.

Leave Rory Beck Alone

NSFW

Leave Rory Beck Alone

NSFW

Pierre Trudeau Video Contest

Sketch22 recently entered the Funny or Die "Pierre Trudeau said there'd be days like this" video contest.  This Canadian-focused contest asked participants to upload a 2-minute video with the criteria that "Pierre Trudeau said there'd be days like this" included somehow in the video.

The top five videos would be chosen and on Oct.2 would be shown at the Rivoli in Toronto before an audience, who would then vote for their favourite among the five.  The top vote-getting video gets $1000.00.



Sketch22's video has made it into the top five!!

I don't think we'll win (that would be the Days Like This video, I'm guessing), but I think ours is Top Two material.

UPDATE: So, the winning video was "Everyday Life (Reality Show)". It was my second least favourite of the five. Go figure.

Here are the Top Five:

Not sure if any of the Sketch crew will be able to make it to Toronto to represent, but let's all send good PEI vibes to the Rivoli on Tuesday night!

Pierre Trudeau Video Contest

Sketch22 recently entered the Funny or Die "Pierre Trudeau said there'd be days like this" video contest.  This Canadian-focused contest asked participants to upload a 2-minute video with the criteria that "Pierre Trudeau said there'd be days like this" included somehow in the video.

The top five videos would be chosen and on Oct.2 would be shown at the Rivoli in Toronto before an audience, who would then vote for their favourite among the five.  The top vote-getting video gets $1000.00.



Sketch22's video has made it into the top five!!

I don't think we'll win (that would be the Days Like This video, I'm guessing), but I think ours is Top Two material.

UPDATE: So, the winning video was "Everyday Life (Reality Show)". It was my second least favourite of the five. Go figure.

Here are the Top Five:

Not sure if any of the Sketch crew will be able to make it to Toronto to represent, but let's all send good PEI vibes to the Rivoli on Tuesday night!

Hooray for San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders!

Two years ago, San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders campaigned that, if elected, he would veto a same-sex marriage bill.  Now, after being elected, and with the bill before him, he finds he cannot bring himself to veto it.  This is his press conference where he announces his decision. Well worth the 5:30 length.

Jerry Sanders video

Good for him for doing what he thinks is the right thing.

Hooray for San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders!

Two years ago, San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders campaigned that, if elected, he would veto a same-sex marriage bill.  Now, after being elected, and with the bill before him, he finds he cannot bring himself to veto it.  This is his press conference where he announces his decision. Well worth the 5:30 length.

Jerry Sanders video

Good for him for doing what he thinks is the right thing.

Would You Do Your You?

If you happened to meet yourself, identical in pretty much every way to the you you now are, except that the you you meet is of the opposite sex, would you try to have sex with yourself?  I mean, with your opposite gender you?

What if you were drunk and met your other-gendered you, also drunk, at a house party?

For the gay people:  Would you fuck yourself?

Would You Do Your You?

If you happened to meet yourself, identical in pretty much every way to the you you now are, except that the you you meet is of the opposite sex, would you try to have sex with yourself?  I mean, with your opposite gender you?

What if you were drunk and met your other-gendered you, also drunk, at a house party?

For the gay people:  Would you fuck yourself?

Friendly Familiarity Pays Off

My morning work routine involves a 10am walk to Robins Donuts for an Extra Large Double Double.  That is my routine.  Robins in the morning.  Lately, though, my routine has been tempted to change due to the opening of a new coffee shop on the first floor of the building in which I work (the ATC).
It's not the coffee they serve that's tempting the change.  It's the friendliness of the people who work there.

The first day The HardDrive Cafe opened, I bought a coffee and the owner (Kevin?) introduced himself to me.  He said he knew of me from Sketch22 etc.  A friendly, outgoing sort of guy.  When he see me walking by, he makes the effort to wave at me.

I still kept getting my morning coffee at Robins (where the staff is also friendly to me), but in the afternoons, if I feel I need another coffee, I'll frequent either Robins, Timothys (now that they're once again open, now in their new location),and The HardDrive.

A couple days ago, I was walking back from Timothys with a coffee, and he waved as I walked past.  I didn't try to hide my coffee but felt a bit of guilt when I waved back.  This morning, I was on my way to Robins.  I walked past and he waved and say "Hi Rob!".  I waved and said "Hi" back.  I left the building and got half-way to Robins when I stopped and changed my routine.  Because he was friendly to me, I stopped and walked back and got my morning coffee at the HardDrive.

I don't know if that will be my new routine, but it might be.  Why it might not be:  HardDrive's largest coffee isn't big enough for me in the morning.  Although it is less expensive.

Today, though, his friendly familiarity paid off.

Friendly Familiarity Pays Off

My morning work routine involves a 10am walk to Robins Donuts for an Extra Large Double Double.  That is my routine.  Robins in the morning.  Lately, though, my routine has been tempted to change due to the opening of a new coffee shop on the first floor of the building in which I work (the ATC).
It's not the coffee they serve that's tempting the change.  It's the friendliness of the people who work there.

The first day The HardDrive Cafe opened, I bought a coffee and the owner (Kevin?) introduced himself to me.  He said he knew of me from Sketch22 etc.  A friendly, outgoing sort of guy.  When he see me walking by, he makes the effort to wave at me.

I still kept getting my morning coffee at Robins (where the staff is also friendly to me), but in the afternoons, if I feel I need another coffee, I'll frequent either Robins, Timothys (now that they're once again open, now in their new location),and The HardDrive.

A couple days ago, I was walking back from Timothys with a coffee, and he waved as I walked past.  I didn't try to hide my coffee but felt a bit of guilt when I waved back.  This morning, I was on my way to Robins.  I walked past and he waved and say "Hi Rob!".  I waved and said "Hi" back.  I left the building and got half-way to Robins when I stopped and changed my routine.  Because he was friendly to me, I stopped and walked back and got my morning coffee at the HardDrive.

I don't know if that will be my new routine, but it might be.  Why it might not be:  HardDrive's largest coffee isn't big enough for me in the morning.  Although it is less expensive.

Today, though, his friendly familiarity paid off.

Sketch22 - Funny Or Die - Gay Divorce Sketch

About two weeks ago, Sketch22's "producer with the Orange Juicer", Jay-Ro (or Ro-J) [hey, I'm trying to make this post topical with a weak OJ Simpson vibe to it] was contacted by THE guy who runs (or A guy who works for) the website Funny Or Die (that's the website that was co-founded by Will Farrell, or something, where people can upload videos and then viewers vote whether the videos are "Funny" or if they "Die") [and THE Guy who contacted us is, like Will's best friend or something] {so really, it's like Sketch22 is now a good friend of Will Farrell - tell your friends!} (this sentence, by the way, will be nominated to the "Most Parentheticals In A Single Sentence" category at the upcoming Grammarian Awards [held this year in Nunavut,NWT].

The guy said he saw some of our online video stuff and really liked it (aw shucks and blush!) and said we should enter a video into a new contest coming up.  Apparently, they're launching a Canadian .ca version of the site and to kick that off, they're having a contest.  Some of this info may be incorrect.

The challenge of the contest is this:  Videos are to be 2 minutes or shorter, and each video must contain, in some way, the phrase "Pierre Trudeau said there'd be days like this".  Anyway, we submitted a video, even though we only had about a week to

come up with an idea, shoot and edit it (there, that's our excuse if

you end up not liking the video).

You can see our submission here:  Sketch22's Funny Or Die "Gay Divorce Sketch"

We'd love it if you watched it and voted it "Funny".  If you happen to not care for our video, and if your morals allow you to do so, we'd love it if you still voted it "Funny".  The very future of Sketch22 depends on your voting that video "Funny".  Nay, the very future of humanity hinges on you - yes, you, sitting there at your office computer, or at home, or in some coffee shop, living your boring, dull life - voting this video as "Funny".

Sketch22 - Funny Or Die - Gay Divorce Sketch

About two weeks ago, Sketch22's "producer with the Orange Juicer", Jay-Ro (or Ro-J) [hey, I'm trying to make this post topical with a weak OJ Simpson vibe to it] was contacted by THE guy who runs (or A guy who works for) the website Funny Or Die (that's the website that was co-founded by Will Farrell, or something, where people can upload videos and then viewers vote whether the videos are "Funny" or if they "Die") [and THE Guy who contacted us is, like Will's best friend or something] {so really, it's like Sketch22 is now a good friend of Will Farrell - tell your friends!} (this sentence, by the way, will be nominated to the "Most Parentheticals In A Single Sentence" category at the upcoming Grammarian Awards [held this year in Nunavut,NWT].

The guy said he saw some of our online video stuff and really liked it (aw shucks and blush!) and said we should enter a video into a new contest coming up.  Apparently, they're launching a Canadian .ca version of the site and to kick that off, they're having a contest.  Some of this info may be incorrect.

The challenge of the contest is this:  Videos are to be 2 minutes or shorter, and each video must contain, in some way, the phrase "Pierre Trudeau said there'd be days like this".  Anyway, we submitted a video, even though we only had about a week to

come up with an idea, shoot and edit it (there, that's our excuse if

you end up not liking the video).

You can see our submission here:  Sketch22's Funny Or Die "Gay Divorce Sketch"

We'd love it if you watched it and voted it "Funny".  If you happen to not care for our video, and if your morals allow you to do so, we'd love it if you still voted it "Funny".  The very future of Sketch22 depends on your voting that video "Funny".  Nay, the very future of humanity hinges on you - yes, you, sitting there at your office computer, or at home, or in some coffee shop, living your boring, dull life - voting this video as "Funny".

The Day I Ran Away From Womb

It was 42 years ago today that I decided to pack my bag and leave the first home I'd ever known.  I'm sure my mother was glad for me to go. Yes, it was a pretty sweet life I was leaving.  After all, free womb and board isn't something to sneeze at. But, I was out-growing my environment and just felt it was time to see the rest of the world.

The Day I Ran Away From Womb

It was 42 years ago today that I decided to pack my bag and leave the first home I'd ever known.  I'm sure my mother was glad for me to go. Yes, it was a pretty sweet life I was leaving.  After all, free womb and board isn't something to sneeze at. But, I was out-growing my environment and just felt it was time to see the rest of the world.

Sketch22 on YouTube

Some new-ish videos from Sketch22 are up and at 'em way over there on the YouTube.  Go check 'em out.

And, yes, Anne, Peter Peter is among the riches.

Here's a link to make is super easy:  Sketch22 on YouTube

Sketch22 on YouTube

Some new-ish videos from Sketch22 are up and at 'em way over there on the YouTube.  Go check 'em out.

And, yes, Anne, Peter Peter is among the riches.

Here's a link to make is super easy:  Sketch22 on YouTube

3:10 To Yuma

Went to see this last night at the local cinemaison (did I just coin a new term?  I doubt it.  Probably as old as the hills.)

Out of five bullets, I'll give it:  Three to the chest, one in the stomach, and one that wings the non-shooting arm.

3:10 To Yuma

Went to see this last night at the local cinemaison (did I just coin a new term?  I doubt it.  Probably as old as the hills.)

Out of five bullets, I'll give it:  Three to the chest, one in the stomach, and one that wings the non-shooting arm.

I'm A Virgo. He's A Gemini (nominated writer)

A big "way to go!!" to my pal David for being nominated for a Gemini for the writing he did on an episode of Robson Arms.  That is pretty frickin' cool.  Because, like, we used to write stuff together.  So, really, it's me who's been nominated.

Seriously, though, that's a pretty cool thing to have happen to someone you occasionally go to movies with.  To someone who you used to write plays with.

David's been pretty involved with Robson Arms over the past couple of years, and I feel guilty for not watching the show.  However, it's just not caught on with me (admittedly, I haven't given it too many chances).  I blame CTV for part of this.  Because it seems they aren't properly promoting the show.  Anytime I see a promo for that week's episode, they try to sell it as a comedy, it seems.  And the few episodes I've watched, they weren't really comedy.  They were more dramatic, with elements of comedy.  I find this a bit confusing, and in this world of too-many-things-to-see-and-do, sometimes "a bit confusing" is all it takes to turn someone away from a program, even if your pal is a writer on it.

When I went looking through the list of categories of Gemini awards to see if Robson Arms was nominated for anything, I honestly didn't know whether to click on the Comedy or Drama links.  Turns out it's in the Drama category.

Anyway, guilt aside, I'm totally thrilled for David and hope he wins.

I'm A Virgo. He's A Gemini (nominated writer)

A big "way to go!!" to my pal David for being nominated for a Gemini for the writing he did on an episode of Robson Arms.  That is pretty frickin' cool.  Because, like, we used to write stuff together.  So, really, it's me who's been nominated.

Seriously, though, that's a pretty cool thing to have happen to someone you occasionally go to movies with.  To someone who you used to write plays with.

David's been pretty involved with Robson Arms over the past couple of years, and I feel guilty for not watching the show.  However, it's just not caught on with me (admittedly, I haven't given it too many chances).  I blame CTV for part of this.  Because it seems they aren't properly promoting the show.  Anytime I see a promo for that week's episode, they try to sell it as a comedy, it seems.  And the few episodes I've watched, they weren't really comedy.  They were more dramatic, with elements of comedy.  I find this a bit confusing, and in this world of too-many-things-to-see-and-do, sometimes "a bit confusing" is all it takes to turn someone away from a program, even if your pal is a writer on it.

When I went looking through the list of categories of Gemini awards to see if Robson Arms was nominated for anything, I honestly didn't know whether to click on the Comedy or Drama links.  Turns out it's in the Drama category.

Anyway, guilt aside, I'm totally thrilled for David and hope he wins.

Urban Eatery

I'm a pretty big fan of the Urban Eatery, the new "food court" at the Confederation Court Mall.

Since Phase One opened, I'd been going there at least once a week at lunch.  At first I'd mostly been choosing between the soups of the day (haven't had one I didn't like yet, and each day seems to have two new varieties, haven't noticed repeats yet) or a pizza slice.  Couple of weeks ago, I started experimenting with sandwiches, which I'm very much enjoying.  While the old Grandma's Kitchen sandwiches tasted okay, I was always miffed with the small amount of meat for the price ratio.  I think that's what made me wait so long to start getting sandwiches at Urban Eatery.  I gotta say, the 1/4 pound sandwiches are great.  Lotsa meat and fresh, delicious bread and fixin's.

Phase Two opened last week, and today I tried the burgers and meat place.  Pretty good burger, but a bit expensive ($6 for burger only - add $3 more for fries, for example) for my taste.  It was very tasty, though.

Overall, I'm really glad the Urban Eatery is up and running.  And hopefully it's doing well.  I'd like it to stick around for a while.

Urban Eatery

I'm a pretty big fan of the Urban Eatery, the new "food court" at the Confederation Court Mall.

Since Phase One opened, I'd been going there at least once a week at lunch.  At first I'd mostly been choosing between the soups of the day (haven't had one I didn't like yet, and each day seems to have two new varieties, haven't noticed repeats yet) or a pizza slice.  Couple of weeks ago, I started experimenting with sandwiches, which I'm very much enjoying.  While the old Grandma's Kitchen sandwiches tasted okay, I was always miffed with the small amount of meat for the price ratio.  I think that's what made me wait so long to start getting sandwiches at Urban Eatery.  I gotta say, the 1/4 pound sandwiches are great.  Lotsa meat and fresh, delicious bread and fixin's.

Phase Two opened last week, and today I tried the burgers and meat place.  Pretty good burger, but a bit expensive ($6 for burger only - add $3 more for fries, for example) for my taste.  It was very tasty, though.

Overall, I'm really glad the Urban Eatery is up and running.  And hopefully it's doing well.  I'd like it to stick around for a while.

If You Think You're Gay, It's Probably Uncle Pete's Fault

It may be too late for some of you grown up "gays" to get healed, but maybe the words and illustrations in the book at this link can save a couple of younger ones.

If You Think You're Gay, It's Probably Uncle Pete's Fault

It may be too late for some of you grown up "gays" to get healed, but maybe the words and illustrations in the book at this link can save a couple of younger ones.

Time For NFL Picks

If there's anyone who still reads this thing and wants to join in on another season of picking who will win NFL games each week, head to this link and sign up:

The Weekly NFL Picks Page

Once you sign up (they probably require an email address, but after a number of years being involved, I can attest to the fact that they don't do anything with your address), search for the group The Annekenstein Monster.  The password is sketch22

You don't have to be into football, or knowledgeable about the teams, really.  Since each game is based on the betting line, it's really pretty much a crap-shoot as to whether you're right or not each game.  That's what I tell myself, anyway, since I basically suck at it.  Those who win tend to think that their skill gets them their victories, but they are wrong.

So, sign up and see how you do.

Time For NFL Picks

If there's anyone who still reads this thing and wants to join in on another season of picking who will win NFL games each week, head to this link and sign up:

The Weekly NFL Picks Page

Once you sign up (they probably require an email address, but after a number of years being involved, I can attest to the fact that they don't do anything with your address), search for the group The Annekenstein Monster.  The password is sketch22

You don't have to be into football, or knowledgeable about the teams, really.  Since each game is based on the betting line, it's really pretty much a crap-shoot as to whether you're right or not each game.  That's what I tell myself, anyway, since I basically suck at it.  Those who win tend to think that their skill gets them their victories, but they are wrong.

So, sign up and see how you do.

I Will Double - No, Triple - Your Wages

So, I'm reading where WalMart in Mexico has been paying some employees $0/hr.  That is zero dollars per hour.  It is also zero dollars per week.  (is it bad that I don't bother to provide a link to the story?)


Well, I have some work that needs to be done around my home, and I hereby state that I will promise to pay those same workers three times their WalMart wage to come to my home and work for me.  Just imagine!  Your wage will instantly be multiplied by three.

You'll have to provide your own transportation to and from Mexico, though.  And you cannot pitch a tent on our lawn.  Still, though, three times your current wage!!

Apply by clicking on this link.

I Will Double - No, Triple - Your Wages

So, I'm reading where WalMart in Mexico has been paying some employees $0/hr.  That is zero dollars per hour.  It is also zero dollars per week.  (is it bad that I don't bother to provide a link to the story?)


Well, I have some work that needs to be done around my home, and I hereby state that I will promise to pay those same workers three times their WalMart wage to come to my home and work for me.  Just imagine!  Your wage will instantly be multiplied by three.

You'll have to provide your own transportation to and from Mexico, though.  And you cannot pitch a tent on our lawn.  Still, though, three times your current wage!!

Apply by clicking on this link.

Movie Plots as Limericks

I saw a site that rewrote famous poems as limericks.

I thought it'd be fun to do the same with films.

Here's two to start with:

Psycho

A woman steals money at lunch hour
Gets surprisingly killed in the shower.
Balsam investigates
And meets Mother Bates.
Poor Norman ends up in Nut Tower.


Saving Private Ryan

Starts and ends with guns and bombs flyin'
In between is the search for bro Ryan.
Tom Hanks wonders why
He needs to die for this guy.
Old Ryan remembers, starts cryin'.

It's A Wonderful Life

There once was a man named George Bailey
Who tried to leave town almost daily.
"End my life!" he insisted.
Saw his life not-existed.
His friends rallied round, all sang gaily.

Wanna play along?  Add your own movie limericks in the comments. 

Challenge:  Be the first to turn the entire LotR trilogy into a single limerick.

Movie Plots as Limericks

I saw a site that rewrote famous poems as limericks.

I thought it'd be fun to do the same with films.

Here's two to start with:

Psycho

A woman steals money at lunch hour
Gets surprisingly killed in the shower.
Balsam investigates
And meets Mother Bates.
Poor Norman ends up in Nut Tower.


Saving Private Ryan

Starts and ends with guns and bombs flyin'
In between is the search for bro Ryan.
Tom Hanks wonders why
He needs to die for this guy.
Old Ryan remembers, starts cryin'.

It's A Wonderful Life

There once was a man named George Bailey
Who tried to leave town almost daily.
"End my life!" he insisted.
Saw his life not-existed.
His friends rallied round, all sang gaily.

Wanna play along?  Add your own movie limericks in the comments. 

Challenge:  Be the first to turn the entire LotR trilogy into a single limerick.

Sketch22 - Now With More Penis

So, last night Jason Rogerson, the extraordinary producer/writer of Sketch22, subbed on stage for Harmony, who is away this weekend learning about positive energy and such.
A big crowd showed up to see Jason's return to the Sketch22 stage (he was also on stage for our Christmas show), and it was a great night.  Lots of fun, some honest screwups by pretty much everyone, and perhaps the biggest corpsing I've suffered on stage for a number of years (let's just say that in that super-tight "Journey" costume, there was little doubt at one point that Jason is indeed a man.  A circumsized man by the look of it).

Anyway, Jason returns to the stage tonight before things return to normal next weekend.  Check it out if you have the opportunity.

Sketch22 - Now With More Penis

So, last night Jason Rogerson, the extraordinary producer/writer of Sketch22, subbed on stage for Harmony, who is away this weekend learning about positive energy and such.
A big crowd showed up to see Jason's return to the Sketch22 stage (he was also on stage for our Christmas show), and it was a great night.  Lots of fun, some honest screwups by pretty much everyone, and perhaps the biggest corpsing I've suffered on stage for a number of years (let's just say that in that super-tight "Journey" costume, there was little doubt at one point that Jason is indeed a man.  A circumsized man by the look of it).

Anyway, Jason returns to the stage tonight before things return to normal next weekend.  Check it out if you have the opportunity.

Two Very Special Episodes of Sketch22

This Thursday and Friday, Sketch22 deals with the very serious topic.  Mrs. Douglas comes home early from PTA and catches the kids smoking marijuana in the basement.  Lessons are learned.

Really, Harmony is away this weekend, doing special Harmony things, and what's a sketch group to do?  Well, they get their producer, Jason Rogerson to wiggle into Harmony's costumes and play her roles himself.

SEE!  J-Ro in the super tight Miss Eyesore Journey Uniform!!
SEE! Jason in the virginal-white-but-slutty-in-all-other-respects short short nurse's outfit!
SEE!  Mr. Rogerson!!  On Stage!!  Without a Bass!!

It's going to be two unique shows, to be sure.  Thursday's show will be as if Jason and the Rest of the Cast are nervous teenage lovers, excitedly grabbing at each other's private parts in the backseat of Jason's parent's car.  Friday's performance will resemble the night after the wedding night of our blessed union: after the fumblings of the night before, each will be eager to tease and please the other.

Yeah, okay, enough with the teenage lover metaphor.

Come check it out.  It's going to be a fun couple of shows.

Thursday & Friday, 8pm, The Guild, Charlottetown.
Tickets $20 - but bring an extra fifty cents per ticket because The Guild is inexplicably demanding a $0.50 surcharge on each ticket.

Reserve your tickets by calling 620-3333

Two Very Special Episodes of Sketch22

This Thursday and Friday, Sketch22 deals with the very serious topic.  Mrs. Douglas comes home early from PTA and catches the kids smoking marijuana in the basement.  Lessons are learned.

Really, Harmony is away this weekend, doing special Harmony things, and what's a sketch group to do?  Well, they get their producer, Jason Rogerson to wiggle into Harmony's costumes and play her roles himself.

SEE!  J-Ro in the super tight Miss Eyesore Journey Uniform!!
SEE! Jason in the virginal-white-but-slutty-in-all-other-respects short short nurse's outfit!
SEE!  Mr. Rogerson!!  On Stage!!  Without a Bass!!

It's going to be two unique shows, to be sure.  Thursday's show will be as if Jason and the Rest of the Cast are nervous teenage lovers, excitedly grabbing at each other's private parts in the backseat of Jason's parent's car.  Friday's performance will resemble the night after the wedding night of our blessed union: after the fumblings of the night before, each will be eager to tease and please the other.

Yeah, okay, enough with the teenage lover metaphor.

Come check it out.  It's going to be a fun couple of shows.

Thursday & Friday, 8pm, The Guild, Charlottetown.
Tickets $20 - but bring an extra fifty cents per ticket because The Guild is inexplicably demanding a $0.50 surcharge on each ticket.

Reserve your tickets by calling 620-3333

The Ten

I know nothing about this, but it looks interesting.

The Ten - Trailer - Click Here

The Ten

I know nothing about this, but it looks interesting.

The Ten - Trailer - Click Here

I Made A Boy Cry Today

I was at the Superstore, trying to find corn chowder in the soup aisle.  In the middle of the aisle was a mother, a probably 11 year old boy, and two younger sisters.  The mother was exasperated.  When I came upon the scene, the boy was holding a cellphone out, baiting the mother.  She was obviously fed up, and asking the boy to give her the phone.
"What are you gonna do?  Gonna phone Dad?  No you're not!", the boy taunted, not giving up the phone.  He kept saying this whole bit over and over again, each time more and more petulant.  The mother tried her best to keep her patience, but was on the verge of a blowup.
This cellphone fish-and-bait went on for about a minute.  I remember thinking how this kid is just 10 years old or so and already pretty much in control of his mother.  That made me mad at him.  Also mad at her, as I really wanted her to declare her parental power over him.  Then I started daydreaming about how this woman likely has very little power in her household and suffers her lot in life.
I'm not sure how the cellphone incident was resolved because I turned my attention to corn chowder.  Before I could choose any, though, the boy started running around their cart, punching the back of one of the girls, knocking groceries in the cart all over the place.  The girl starts crying, the mother yells at him ineffectually, and he swears at her and calls her demeaning words.  The mother is thisclose to freaking out and crying, but focuses all those emotions into reorganizing the grocery cart and stating the usual "wait 'til your father gets here" and "this is the last time I take you grocery shopping" desperate lies.
There's the family:  Mom fuming into her groceries, older daughter crying, younger daughter helpless, and little tough-guy kid strutting around like the king of the world.
There's nobody else in the aisle but us.  They're still in the middle of the aisle and I'm near the end of the aisle, as he begins to expand his domain of power.  He walks up towards where I am.
"Hey, kid," I say, using my stern adult father voice. "Don't be an asshole.  Treat your mother with some respect.  She doesn't deserve to be treated that way."
At this moment this thought ran through my head:  "how do I know what kind of a mom she is, maybe she does deserve this heap of abuse" but I was pretty sure she was the victim here.
The kid looks at me and I can tell he's a bit shaken by being talked to by a stranger.  He retreats to the safety of his domain, around his family.  As he's walking back though, in reply to my "she doesn't deserve to be treated that way" he says "Yes she does.  She's an {expletive I couldn't quite make out}.
Back in his power-zone, he looks back at me.  The mother, I can tell, has heard our little exchange, but I can't tell if she's appreciative of my effort or not.  She's pretty tight-faced at this point.  He's looking at me, and I give him a ridiculous evil-eye stare.  A really long, intense evil-eye stare.  A threatening, really long, intense evil-eye stare.  I imagine I looked like I was ready to rumble with him.
It's affecting him, I can tell.  I can practically see the tough-guy fizzle out of his demeanor.
To reclaim his power over his family, he tries to sit in the cart, but his mother tells him not to.  He then tries to pull the cart past me, even though his mother is still trying to sort the groceries he knocked over earlier.  As he passes me, he lets go of the cart.
I quietly yell (yes, it's possible) "HEY! Smarten the fuck up, kid.  Asshole kids grow up to be asshole men.  And nobody likes asshole men."
By the time I finish my sentence, he's walked past me, out of the aisle.  After vacantly looking at the chowders, I walk my cart out a moment later and see him leaning against the end of the aisle.  He's silently crying.

I made a boy cry. I didn't know how to feel.  Even though he was a total hellian asshole kid, I didn't know how to feel.

And, I didn't get any corn chowder.

I Made A Boy Cry Today

I was at the Superstore, trying to find corn chowder in the soup aisle.  In the middle of the aisle was a mother, a probably 11 year old boy, and two younger sisters.  The mother was exasperated.  When I came upon the scene, the boy was holding a cellphone out, baiting the mother.  She was obviously fed up, and asking the boy to give her the phone.
"What are you gonna do?  Gonna phone Dad?  No you're not!", the boy taunted, not giving up the phone.  He kept saying this whole bit over and over again, each time more and more petulant.  The mother tried her best to keep her patience, but was on the verge of a blowup.
This cellphone fish-and-bait went on for about a minute.  I remember thinking how this kid is just 10 years old or so and already pretty much in control of his mother.  That made me mad at him.  Also mad at her, as I really wanted her to declare her parental power over him.  Then I started daydreaming about how this woman likely has very little power in her household and suffers her lot in life.
I'm not sure how the cellphone incident was resolved because I turned my attention to corn chowder.  Before I could choose any, though, the boy started running around their cart, punching the back of one of the girls, knocking groceries in the cart all over the place.  The girl starts crying, the mother yells at him ineffectually, and he swears at her and calls her demeaning words.  The mother is thisclose to freaking out and crying, but focuses all those emotions into reorganizing the grocery cart and stating the usual "wait 'til your father gets here" and "this is the last time I take you grocery shopping" desperate lies.
There's the family:  Mom fuming into her groceries, older daughter crying, younger daughter helpless, and little tough-guy kid strutting around like the king of the world.
There's nobody else in the aisle but us.  They're still in the middle of the aisle and I'm near the end of the aisle, as he begins to expand his domain of power.  He walks up towards where I am.
"Hey, kid," I say, using my stern adult father voice. "Don't be an asshole.  Treat your mother with some respect.  She doesn't deserve to be treated that way."
At this moment this thought ran through my head:  "how do I know what kind of a mom she is, maybe she does deserve this heap of abuse" but I was pretty sure she was the victim here.
The kid looks at me and I can tell he's a bit shaken by being talked to by a stranger.  He retreats to the safety of his domain, around his family.  As he's walking back though, in reply to my "she doesn't deserve to be treated that way" he says "Yes she does.  She's an {expletive I couldn't quite make out}.
Back in his power-zone, he looks back at me.  The mother, I can tell, has heard our little exchange, but I can't tell if she's appreciative of my effort or not.  She's pretty tight-faced at this point.  He's looking at me, and I give him a ridiculous evil-eye stare.  A really long, intense evil-eye stare.  A threatening, really long, intense evil-eye stare.  I imagine I looked like I was ready to rumble with him.
It's affecting him, I can tell.  I can practically see the tough-guy fizzle out of his demeanor.
To reclaim his power over his family, he tries to sit in the cart, but his mother tells him not to.  He then tries to pull the cart past me, even though his mother is still trying to sort the groceries he knocked over earlier.  As he passes me, he lets go of the cart.
I quietly yell (yes, it's possible) "HEY! Smarten the fuck up, kid.  Asshole kids grow up to be asshole men.  And nobody likes asshole men."
By the time I finish my sentence, he's walked past me, out of the aisle.  After vacantly looking at the chowders, I walk my cart out a moment later and see him leaning against the end of the aisle.  He's silently crying.

I made a boy cry. I didn't know how to feel.  Even though he was a total hellian asshole kid, I didn't know how to feel.

And, I didn't get any corn chowder.

A Personal Confession

Maybe it was two years ago, but it may also have happened last summer.  Ever since it happened, though, it's been weighing on my mind.  Now I need the truth to come out so that, hopefully, I can have some sore of forgiveness of sin.

It happened before or after a Sketch22 show, I don't remember.  Some of the cast and crew were sitting around the theatre, talking.  Lorrie J, our marvelous front of house volunteer, was wearing a T-Shirt that said "Cougar In Training".  At that time, I didn't know what a cougar was, at least in reference to the quote.  I assumed it meant a hottie or some other such-implied definition. 

So, in trying to be honest, and complimentary, I said, sincerely, to Lorrie "As far as I'm concerned, you already are a cougar" or something similar. 

She had an oh-so-ever-slight moment of pause, and then responded in some sort of non-committal way.  Then the conversation went elsewhere.  Only afterwards did I learn what a cougar is, and how, basically, I was telling her that I thought she was middle-aged.  I was telling her she was old.

I felt bad about that. 

So, if any harm.. any emotional distress was caused by this, I sincerely apologize.

A Personal Confession

Maybe it was two years ago, but it may also have happened last summer.  Ever since it happened, though, it's been weighing on my mind.  Now I need the truth to come out so that, hopefully, I can have some sore of forgiveness of sin.

It happened before or after a Sketch22 show, I don't remember.  Some of the cast and crew were sitting around the theatre, talking.  Lorrie J, our marvelous front of house volunteer, was wearing a T-Shirt that said "Cougar In Training".  At that time, I didn't know what a cougar was, at least in reference to the quote.  I assumed it meant a hottie or some other such-implied definition. 

So, in trying to be honest, and complimentary, I said, sincerely, to Lorrie "As far as I'm concerned, you already are a cougar" or something similar. 

She had an oh-so-ever-slight moment of pause, and then responded in some sort of non-committal way.  Then the conversation went elsewhere.  Only afterwards did I learn what a cougar is, and how, basically, I was telling her that I thought she was middle-aged.  I was telling her she was old.

I felt bad about that. 

So, if any harm.. any emotional distress was caused by this, I sincerely apologize.

Vote For Your Least Un-Favourite!!

22 Second Video Challenge Submissions Now Online!

7/8/2007

Entries to the 22 Second Video Challenge can now be viewed on the Sketch22 Media page. Just scroll to the bottom to see the submissions. They are: "Two Of Us" by Sherri Smith "NotE-Snuff" by Adam Perry "The Belly Button" by Eric Grimstead and Simon Wright "Nature Nut" by Sherri Smith They are all very different, wacky, and weird. In other words, any of them would be perfect to screen before a Sketch22 show. But only one video can have that glory! To cast your vote on which one you think should be screened before Sketch-22 this summer, go to the Contact Us page and use the form at the top of the page to send us your pick. Just enter the name of the video in the comments field. Voting is limited to one vote per person and will close at midnight on Thursday, July 12. The video that receives the most votes will be screened at Sketch22 on Friday, July 13. Get voting people!

Technorati Tags: Sketch22, video, contest

Vote For Your Least Un-Favourite!!

22 Second Video Challenge Submissions Now Online!

7/8/2007

Entries to the 22 Second Video Challenge can now be viewed on the Sketch22 Media page. Just scroll to the bottom to see the submissions. They are: "Two Of Us" by Sherri Smith "NotE-Snuff" by Adam Perry "The Belly Button" by Eric Grimstead and Simon Wright "Nature Nut" by Sherri Smith They are all very different, wacky, and weird. In other words, any of them would be perfect to screen before a Sketch22 show. But only one video can have that glory! To cast your vote on which one you think should be screened before Sketch-22 this summer, go to the Contact Us page and use the form at the top of the page to send us your pick. Just enter the name of the video in the comments field. Voting is limited to one vote per person and will close at midnight on Thursday, July 12. The video that receives the most votes will be screened at Sketch22 on Friday, July 13. Get voting people!

Technorati Tags: Sketch22, video, contest

Week One of Sketch22 In The Books!

We did it!  We opened another season of Sketch22, complete with all-new material.  Two shows into the run, and I'm pretty pumped about the show.
Thursday's premiere performance was very well attended by many super-friends, super-family, and super-fans of Sketch.  Not sure of an exact number, but I'd guess about 110 people?  It was a very supportive, friendly audience.  The kind of familiar audience that applauds our efforts even when the lights come down to begin the show.  Lots of big laughs, lots of big love from the audience all night long ensured that our very first public performance of the new show was totally positive and wonderful.
That first show was pretty darn smooth, especially compared to the dress rehearsal the night before.  A couple of the sketches were a bit raw, and our nerves sometimes got in our way, but overall, I'd have to call our opening show a resounding success.  I'm always suspicious of standing ovations, but appreciated the one we got opening night.
Friday night, we were all concerned about the Second Show Letdown.  It seems for every production, the second show is usually a less than remarkable show.  That's because the cast and crew, after a relatively successful opening night, now know the show "works" and it's natural to relax a bit.  Energy can drag a bit and the show can be a bit lazy.  Plus, our second night crowd was (expectedly) smaller than first night, coming in at about 60 people perhaps?  A different energy from this crowd, too.  Not nearly as familiar to us as the opening night crowd, and we had the feeling we'd really have to earn any laughs we got on this night.  We started the show pretty strong, and the audience was with us.  The latter half of the first act started to dip a bit, energy-wise, but the second act seemed pretty strong. 
Friday night had lots of huge laughs, lots of "oh my god, I can't believe what I'm seeing/hearing" laughter, plus a couple of sketches that bewildered a bit more than brought out laughter.

I think my favourite sketch to perform is going to be Tammies Come Home, which features Dennis Trainor and me playing "Tammies" coming home after a night on the town. Whether for good or bad, it was the sketch we had rehearsed the least, because of many reasons.  So, really, opening night was the first time we performed it with any sort of conviction.  It was also the first time we were able to perform it using a prop which is integral to how the sketch ends, and as such, caused a bit of "in the moment" improvising from us as we learned how to deal with this prop.  The result was pretty fun.

Anyway, hearing lots of great things about the show from people who've seen it. Haven't heard any criticisms from people, but there are undoubtedly lots of those out there too.  Like previous seasons, I think we have a number of sketches that will be both loved and hated by people in the audience.  And, like last year, we have enough variety in sketches that everyone who comes will have a number of sketches that they'll really enjoy.

Apparently on Friday night we had an elderly couple walk out on the show.  Whether they left because of content and had had enough, or because they just had to leave, I don't know.  But, with their exit, I guess Sketch22 Season 4 became official.

Wonder what next week will bring?

Week One of Sketch22 In The Books!

We did it!  We opened another season of Sketch22, complete with all-new material.  Two shows into the run, and I'm pretty pumped about the show.
Thursday's premiere performance was very well attended by many super-friends, super-family, and super-fans of Sketch.  Not sure of an exact number, but I'd guess about 110 people?  It was a very supportive, friendly audience.  The kind of familiar audience that applauds our efforts even when the lights come down to begin the show.  Lots of big laughs, lots of big love from the audience all night long ensured that our very first public performance of the new show was totally positive and wonderful.
That first show was pretty darn smooth, especially compared to the dress rehearsal the night before.  A couple of the sketches were a bit raw, and our nerves sometimes got in our way, but overall, I'd have to call our opening show a resounding success.  I'm always suspicious of standing ovations, but appreciated the one we got opening night.
Friday night, we were all concerned about the Second Show Letdown.  It seems for every production, the second show is usually a less than remarkable show.  That's because the cast and crew, after a relatively successful opening night, now know the show "works" and it's natural to relax a bit.  Energy can drag a bit and the show can be a bit lazy.  Plus, our second night crowd was (expectedly) smaller than first night, coming in at about 60 people perhaps?  A different energy from this crowd, too.  Not nearly as familiar to us as the opening night crowd, and we had the feeling we'd really have to earn any laughs we got on this night.  We started the show pretty strong, and the audience was with us.  The latter half of the first act started to dip a bit, energy-wise, but the second act seemed pretty strong. 
Friday night had lots of huge laughs, lots of "oh my god, I can't believe what I'm seeing/hearing" laughter, plus a couple of sketches that bewildered a bit more than brought out laughter.

I think my favourite sketch to perform is going to be Tammies Come Home, which features Dennis Trainor and me playing "Tammies" coming home after a night on the town. Whether for good or bad, it was the sketch we had rehearsed the least, because of many reasons.  So, really, opening night was the first time we performed it with any sort of conviction.  It was also the first time we were able to perform it using a prop which is integral to how the sketch ends, and as such, caused a bit of "in the moment" improvising from us as we learned how to deal with this prop.  The result was pretty fun.

Anyway, hearing lots of great things about the show from people who've seen it. Haven't heard any criticisms from people, but there are undoubtedly lots of those out there too.  Like previous seasons, I think we have a number of sketches that will be both loved and hated by people in the audience.  And, like last year, we have enough variety in sketches that everyone who comes will have a number of sketches that they'll really enjoy.

Apparently on Friday night we had an elderly couple walk out on the show.  Whether they left because of content and had had enough, or because they just had to leave, I don't know.  But, with their exit, I guess Sketch22 Season 4 became official.

Wonder what next week will bring?

0 Days

For the past 9 months or so, I've had a widget on my iGoogle homepage that counts down the days until Season 4 of Sketch22 begins.

Today, it reads:  0 Days until Sketch22 Season 4

Last night we had an okay dress and tech rehearsal.  What kept it from being better than just okay is that we had to wait quite some time before we began, due to mechanical difficulties beyond our control regarding our ability to play video easily.  We tried to rectify the issue, but ultimately couldn't and then we were left to improvise a less than ideal way to run the show anyway.

The run-through had the usual little hiccups that we're pretty confident will be cleared up for tonight's premiere performance.  But it was valuable, because it was really the first time we ran the show completely without stopping, and as such, was the first time we got a sense of how the show works.  I'm happy to report that I think the show is going to be great.  Lots of big laughs, lots of strangeness, lots of entertainment.

Like every show past, I can't wait for people to see what we've come up with.  Only a few hours left now.

Butterflies!

0 Days

For the past 9 months or so, I've had a widget on my iGoogle homepage that counts down the days until Season 4 of Sketch22 begins.

Today, it reads:  0 Days until Sketch22 Season 4

Last night we had an okay dress and tech rehearsal.  What kept it from being better than just okay is that we had to wait quite some time before we began, due to mechanical difficulties beyond our control regarding our ability to play video easily.  We tried to rectify the issue, but ultimately couldn't and then we were left to improvise a less than ideal way to run the show anyway.

The run-through had the usual little hiccups that we're pretty confident will be cleared up for tonight's premiere performance.  But it was valuable, because it was really the first time we ran the show completely without stopping, and as such, was the first time we got a sense of how the show works.  I'm happy to report that I think the show is going to be great.  Lots of big laughs, lots of strangeness, lots of entertainment.

Like every show past, I can't wait for people to see what we've come up with.  Only a few hours left now.

Butterflies!

Sketch22 Season 4 - Opens Tomorrow

Our new show opens Thursday.  That's tomorrow, for those not keeping track.
Tickets are $20, show starts at 8pm at The Guild in Charlottetown.  Come out tomorrow and be on hand for the World Premiere of a bunch of new sketches, new characters and new laughs.  Be among the first to see the new show!

If you can't make it Thursday, well, there's also Friday night's show.  And if you can't make it this week, well, there are 9 more weeks to catch it.

Sketch22 Season 4 - Opens Tomorrow

Our new show opens Thursday.  That's tomorrow, for those not keeping track.
Tickets are $20, show starts at 8pm at The Guild in Charlottetown.  Come out tomorrow and be on hand for the World Premiere of a bunch of new sketches, new characters and new laughs.  Be among the first to see the new show!

If you can't make it Thursday, well, there's also Friday night's show.  And if you can't make it this week, well, there are 9 more weeks to catch it.

Maybe The Greatest Thing Ever

Okay, probably not.  But the Young At Heart Choir do a kickass version of The Ramones' I Wanna Be Sedated:

Maybe The Greatest Thing Ever

Okay, probably not.  But the Young At Heart Choir do a kickass version of The Ramones' I Wanna Be Sedated:

Sketch22 Season 4 - Days Away!

Sketch22 Season 4 - Days Away!

Can't Find The Words

I was being interviewed last week about my theatrical career on PEI, and one of the questions was about my goals for the future.  I think I kind of stumbled through some sort of "I'm lazy" answer about how I don't really set goals for myself, because then you actually have to strive to achieve them.  I couldn't really think of anything interesting to say except for that and some vague notion that maybe someday I'd perform a one-man show featuring some of the characters and songs I've created over the years.  Even as I was saying that, though, and again as I type this, I found/find that notion to be awfully yawn-inducing.

What I should have said though, was that I had always joked that someday when I'm an older gentleman, I'd "retire" into the role of Matthew in Anne Of Green Gables and live out my golden years in Avonlea.  Of course, I don't really plan to do that (I'd be more Cecil the Farmer material perhaps), but today I was thinking about the concept when it struck me:

For many actors on PEI, getting a role in the Confederation Centre's Anne of Green Gables would be the "real world" equivalent of "gettin' a government job".  Pay is pretty good (I imagine), it's seasonal (don't think you can qualify for EI after, though??), and (again, I imagine) once you get into the routine of the job, there wouldn't really be a lot of reward to performing it.
Plus, once you land the gig and perform it at least at a satisfactory level, it's potentially yours for as long as the government in power (the artistic director) stays in power.  After they get ousted, you hope you make it past the inevitable  new-government cuts and subsequent patronage appointments.

Can't Find The Words

I was being interviewed last week about my theatrical career on PEI, and one of the questions was about my goals for the future.  I think I kind of stumbled through some sort of "I'm lazy" answer about how I don't really set goals for myself, because then you actually have to strive to achieve them.  I couldn't really think of anything interesting to say except for that and some vague notion that maybe someday I'd perform a one-man show featuring some of the characters and songs I've created over the years.  Even as I was saying that, though, and again as I type this, I found/find that notion to be awfully yawn-inducing.

What I should have said though, was that I had always joked that someday when I'm an older gentleman, I'd "retire" into the role of Matthew in Anne Of Green Gables and live out my golden years in Avonlea.  Of course, I don't really plan to do that (I'd be more Cecil the Farmer material perhaps), but today I was thinking about the concept when it struck me:

For many actors on PEI, getting a role in the Confederation Centre's Anne of Green Gables would be the "real world" equivalent of "gettin' a government job".  Pay is pretty good (I imagine), it's seasonal (don't think you can qualify for EI after, though??), and (again, I imagine) once you get into the routine of the job, there wouldn't really be a lot of reward to performing it.
Plus, once you land the gig and perform it at least at a satisfactory level, it's potentially yours for as long as the government in power (the artistic director) stays in power.  After they get ousted, you hope you make it past the inevitable  new-government cuts and subsequent patronage appointments.

The Sopranos finale

It's only 3 hours until the beginning of the final episode of The Sopranos.  4 hours until no more new scenes will be ever seen.  Such mixed emotions.  I'll not try and guess what will happen, other than to say I bet I'll get teary eyed when I hear "Woke up this morning, Got yourself a gun..."

Wish us all luck!

The Sopranos finale

It's only 3 hours until the beginning of the final episode of The Sopranos.  4 hours until no more new scenes will be ever seen.  Such mixed emotions.  I'll not try and guess what will happen, other than to say I bet I'll get teary eyed when I hear "Woke up this morning, Got yourself a gun..."

Wish us all luck!

Dressed In Naked

We were shooting some Sketch22 video this past weekend, and while I don't want to give away too much, I will say that the 2 or 3 year-old niece of one of my co-workers happened to see some of it going down.  She saw Graham in the city, running from point A to point B, sans clothes.  "Look Mommie, there's a man dressed in naked."  When my co-worker, a fan of Sketch22, heard about the comment, she immediately knew it had to be someone from Sketch.


Technorati Tags: Sketch22

Dressed In Naked

We were shooting some Sketch22 video this past weekend, and while I don't want to give away too much, I will say that the 2 or 3 year-old niece of one of my co-workers happened to see some of it going down.  She saw Graham in the city, running from point A to point B, sans clothes.  "Look Mommie, there's a man dressed in naked."  When my co-worker, a fan of Sketch22, heard about the comment, she immediately knew it had to be someone from Sketch.


Technorati Tags: Sketch22

Knocked Up

Just got back from seeing the new Judd Apatow movie "Knocked Up". I really enjoyed it. It made me jealous because it's exactly the kind of movie I'd like to make. Smart, funny, grown up. I would have made it 15 minutes shorter, though.

Technorati Tags: Knocked Up, Movies, Judd Apatow

Knocked Up

Just got back from seeing the new Judd Apatow movie "Knocked Up". I really enjoyed it. It made me jealous because it's exactly the kind of movie I'd like to make. Smart, funny, grown up. I would have made it 15 minutes shorter, though.

Technorati Tags: Knocked Up, Movies, Judd Apatow

Sketch22 Update

Today marks one month before Sketch22 Season 4 opens for the summer at The Guild.  Thursdays and Fridays, starting July 5. 
Tickets, I believe, will be more expensive this year.  It will now cost you 20 of your hard-earned dollars to see our show.  We really hated putting the price up, but other things around us (theatre rental, theatre services, equipment rental for instance) have been going up for the past three years and we really couldn't remain at the $15 tag anymore.  So, that will be the price for coming to see a show that gives you non-stop entertainment, a boat-load of big laughs and the satisfaction of knowing that you've seen the funniest show on Prince Edward Island this summer.  20 bucks.
Last night at rehearsal, we decided upon our running order.  That's always an interesting community event.  It went pretty smoothly and I dare say we have an ass-kicking lineup of sketches and videos for you to see and experience.  Once again, as in every year past, we have 22 sketches planned.  We're expecting this show to run just under 2 hours (a goal we've tried to achieve, but failed on, every season past).  Our mantra for all the sketches this year is "Crispy Crunch", which means keep them as short and snappy as possible.  Keep it all moving, baby!
We've been busy over the past few weekends shooting for our videos, and still have about three days of shooting still to go.  And then the editing.  Yikes.
All our stage sketches are pretty much written, and are now being tweaked as we go in rehearsal.

We're pretty confident that the show is going to be as funny and enjoyable and outrageous as in past years, and just like in past years, the sketches will be varied and totally different from each other and will keep you wondering what in the hell could possibly come next.

The countdown is on.  Hope to see you there!


Technorati Tags: Sketch22

Sketch22 Update

Today marks one month before Sketch22 Season 4 opens for the summer at The Guild.  Thursdays and Fridays, starting July 5. 
Tickets, I believe, will be more expensive this year.  It will now cost you 20 of your hard-earned dollars to see our show.  We really hated putting the price up, but other things around us (theatre rental, theatre services, equipment rental for instance) have been going up for the past three years and we really couldn't remain at the $15 tag anymore.  So, that will be the price for coming to see a show that gives you non-stop entertainment, a boat-load of big laughs and the satisfaction of knowing that you've seen the funniest show on Prince Edward Island this summer.  20 bucks.
Last night at rehearsal, we decided upon our running order.  That's always an interesting community event.  It went pretty smoothly and I dare say we have an ass-kicking lineup of sketches and videos for you to see and experience.  Once again, as in every year past, we have 22 sketches planned.  We're expecting this show to run just under 2 hours (a goal we've tried to achieve, but failed on, every season past).  Our mantra for all the sketches this year is "Crispy Crunch", which means keep them as short and snappy as possible.  Keep it all moving, baby!
We've been busy over the past few weekends shooting for our videos, and still have about three days of shooting still to go.  And then the editing.  Yikes.
All our stage sketches are pretty much written, and are now being tweaked as we go in rehearsal.

We're pretty confident that the show is going to be as funny and enjoyable and outrageous as in past years, and just like in past years, the sketches will be varied and totally different from each other and will keep you wondering what in the hell could possibly come next.

The countdown is on.  Hope to see you there!


Technorati Tags: Sketch22

Car For... Someone Get It The Hell Out Of Our Driveway

Okay, here's the deal:

We have a 1991 Chevy Lumina that we want to remove from our sight.

We stopped using the car last July when we got a new-to-us car (stopped paying insurance on a car we weren't going to drive). Until that point, the Chevy Lumina was our primary car. It was serviceable, although not without problems. Most of those problems had been fixed (new ignition, new alternator the most recent repairs). One problem not fixed is the passenger's side power-window does not work (motor needs to be replaced). The engine works did work well. Body is in pretty good shape.
Like I say, when we stopped using it in July 2006, the car was working well. The inspection became due in August 2006, but we never bothered to get it inspected. In October, the rearview mirror fell off the front windshield, and is now dangling from the electrical cord. It needs to be glued (??) to the windshield.
Over the course of the winter, I was starting the engine every couple of weeks, keeping it active.  It had always started easily. However, in February, I neglected to do so, and the next time I tried to start the car, in March, there was nothing. No power. The ignition doesn't even turn over. Absolutely dead.  Tried to boost it. Nothing happened.  Thinking it might be loose battery connections, I removed, cleaned the leads and reattached, to no avail. There is no power whatsover.
Another problem: the front passenger tire developed a slow leak over the winter and flattened over the last couple of months. I removed it, and the tire is in rough shape (it's in the trunk). Currently the utility spare is on that wheel.  The jack is in wonderful working order, by the way.

I am sick of seeing this car and want it removed from our property. Obviously, with a 16 year old car that is not inspected, does not start and is standing on three good tires, we're not in much of a bargaining position in terms of expecting much money for the vehicle.

If this is a vehicle you think you could use in some way, make us an offer. I'd be surprised if your offer was refused. Email me at the address to the left of this post.

Car For... Someone Get It The Hell Out Of Our Driveway

Okay, here's the deal:

We have a 1991 Chevy Lumina that we want to remove from our sight.

We stopped using the car last July when we got a new-to-us car (stopped paying insurance on a car we weren't going to drive). Until that point, the Chevy Lumina was our primary car. It was serviceable, although not without problems. Most of those problems had been fixed (new ignition, new alternator the most recent repairs). One problem not fixed is the passenger's side power-window does not work (motor needs to be replaced). The engine works did work well. Body is in pretty good shape.
Like I say, when we stopped using it in July 2006, the car was working well. The inspection became due in August 2006, but we never bothered to get it inspected. In October, the rearview mirror fell off the front windshield, and is now dangling from the electrical cord. It needs to be glued (??) to the windshield.
Over the course of the winter, I was starting the engine every couple of weeks, keeping it active.  It had always started easily. However, in February, I neglected to do so, and the next time I tried to start the car, in March, there was nothing. No power. The ignition doesn't even turn over. Absolutely dead.  Tried to boost it. Nothing happened.  Thinking it might be loose battery connections, I removed, cleaned the leads and reattached, to no avail. There is no power whatsover.
Another problem: the front passenger tire developed a slow leak over the winter and flattened over the last couple of months. I removed it, and the tire is in rough shape (it's in the trunk). Currently the utility spare is on that wheel.  The jack is in wonderful working order, by the way.

I am sick of seeing this car and want it removed from our property. Obviously, with a 16 year old car that is not inspected, does not start and is standing on three good tires, we're not in much of a bargaining position in terms of expecting much money for the vehicle.

If this is a vehicle you think you could use in some way, make us an offer. I'd be surprised if your offer was refused. Email me at the address to the left of this post.

First Annual Sketch 22 22 Second Video Challenge

Sketch-22 is hosting the first annual 22 Second Video Challenge. To enter, all you have to do is shoot a twenty-two second video. Twenty-two seconds! A monkey could do that! One of the types that smokes and rides bicycles anyway. So what should your video be about? Anything goes! The more outrageous the better. Email your video to 22secondvideo@sketch22.ca. Just make sure it is twenty-two seconds in length and no more than 9 MB in size (320 X 240 pixels, Quicktime file format preferable). Or mail your video to: Sketch-22, 294 Richmond St., Apt. 7 Charlottetown, PE C1A 1J9. Submission deadline is Friday, June 22. The top ten entries will be posted in the media section on this website, where visitors will vote for the winner. Enough, tell me about the fabulous prizes! The winner will have his or her video screened this summer during Sketch-22's theatre show, plus receive two complimentary tickets to a performance. Who needs an Oscar!

Technorati Tags: Sketch22

First Annual Sketch 22 22 Second Video Challenge

Sketch-22 is hosting the first annual 22 Second Video Challenge. To enter, all you have to do is shoot a twenty-two second video. Twenty-two seconds! A monkey could do that! One of the types that smokes and rides bicycles anyway. So what should your video be about? Anything goes! The more outrageous the better. Email your video to 22secondvideo@sketch22.ca. Just make sure it is twenty-two seconds in length and no more than 9 MB in size (320 X 240 pixels, Quicktime file format preferable). Or mail your video to: Sketch-22, 294 Richmond St., Apt. 7 Charlottetown, PE C1A 1J9. Submission deadline is Friday, June 22. The top ten entries will be posted in the media section on this website, where visitors will vote for the winner. Enough, tell me about the fabulous prizes! The winner will have his or her video screened this summer during Sketch-22's theatre show, plus receive two complimentary tickets to a performance. Who needs an Oscar!

Technorati Tags: Sketch22

The Great Trans-Am Scavenger Hunt

From the Sketch22 blog comes this request:

If
you or someone you know owns a late seventies Trans-Am then this blog
is for you!  Sketch is looking for a mid to late seventies Trans-Am to
use in a video we're shooting in early June.  It can be any colour,
even show signs rust, as long as it runs.  Safely.  If it has a phoenix
on the hood, bonus.  The lucky person whose car is chosen will get to
have it immortalized in a Sketch-22 video and play all summer long at
the show.  Plus, there'll be a couple comps.  Plus a DVD.  Okay, we'll
throw in a T-shirt.  Imagine your Trans-Am, or a Trans-Am someone who
you've never seen before hotwires and leaves in your driveway with the
keys in it, on the big screen at The Guild!

If interested, please contact us at mail@sketch22.ca.  And if anyone
has any leads, send them our way on this blog.  Sketch-22.  A
Trans-Am.  Magic.

The Great Trans-Am Scavenger Hunt

From the Sketch22 blog comes this request:

If
you or someone you know owns a late seventies Trans-Am then this blog
is for you!  Sketch is looking for a mid to late seventies Trans-Am to
use in a video we're shooting in early June.  It can be any colour,
even show signs rust, as long as it runs.  Safely.  If it has a phoenix
on the hood, bonus.  The lucky person whose car is chosen will get to
have it immortalized in a Sketch-22 video and play all summer long at
the show.  Plus, there'll be a couple comps.  Plus a DVD.  Okay, we'll
throw in a T-shirt.  Imagine your Trans-Am, or a Trans-Am someone who
you've never seen before hotwires and leaves in your driveway with the
keys in it, on the big screen at The Guild!

If interested, please contact us at mail@sketch22.ca.  And if anyone
has any leads, send them our way on this blog.  Sketch-22.  A
Trans-Am.  Magic.

Wanted: Blacks-Attired Henchmen

So, I made it through an entire day (24 episodes) of 24.  I usually can't get past the first few hours because I can't get past the leaps in time-logic that one is required to make in order to allow oneself to enjoy the show.

For instance, in this season's "day", Jack Bauer's dad was found to be the man responsible for a lot of the badness that took place on this day.  The whole day (as is every "24" day) was a jumble of hatched plans, failed plans, failed contingencies on those plans, and last-second thrown-together plans.  The characters, good and bad, are constantly in a state of "that didn't work, so now here's a back-up plan".  How in the world do they find time within that day to organize the newly hatched plans?

From where did the henchmen guys that Philip Bauer had on the oil rig in the last episode come?  I mean, it seems that the oil rig was a last-second sort of plan from Philip.  There can be no way, even three hours earlier, that he'd know the circumstances that were to come would lead him to taking his grandson and the computer chip (that the Chinese wanted so badly) to that oil rig, to perfectly coincide with the arrival of a Chinese submarine.  Half a day earlier, Philip Bauer was seemingly out of options, and out of the picture.  His intitial plan had blown up on him.  Obviously this new "oil rig" plan was a last-second scramble type thing.  So, how did he find the henchmen to come with him to the oil rig?  And when did he find them?  And what was their motivation?

So many questions that must remain unasked in order for one to enjoy the show.  It is really hard to ignore those questions.

But I'll likely try next season to ignore some more glaring time-logic leaps of faith.

Wanted: Blacks-Attired Henchmen

So, I made it through an entire day (24 episodes) of 24.  I usually can't get past the first few hours because I can't get past the leaps in time-logic that one is required to make in order to allow oneself to enjoy the show.

For instance, in this season's "day", Jack Bauer's dad was found to be the man responsible for a lot of the badness that took place on this day.  The whole day (as is every "24" day) was a jumble of hatched plans, failed plans, failed contingencies on those plans, and last-second thrown-together plans.  The characters, good and bad, are constantly in a state of "that didn't work, so now here's a back-up plan".  How in the world do they find time within that day to organize the newly hatched plans?

From where did the henchmen guys that Philip Bauer had on the oil rig in the last episode come?  I mean, it seems that the oil rig was a last-second sort of plan from Philip.  There can be no way, even three hours earlier, that he'd know the circumstances that were to come would lead him to taking his grandson and the computer chip (that the Chinese wanted so badly) to that oil rig, to perfectly coincide with the arrival of a Chinese submarine.  Half a day earlier, Philip Bauer was seemingly out of options, and out of the picture.  His intitial plan had blown up on him.  Obviously this new "oil rig" plan was a last-second scramble type thing.  So, how did he find the henchmen to come with him to the oil rig?  And when did he find them?  And what was their motivation?

So many questions that must remain unasked in order for one to enjoy the show.  It is really hard to ignore those questions.

But I'll likely try next season to ignore some more glaring time-logic leaps of faith.