Shadow Art

This is pretty cool.  Kind of like a hip Mumenschantz. But not really, at all.
Watch to the end and be amazed at the size of these people.

Shadow Art

This is pretty cool.  Kind of like a hip Mumenschantz. But not really, at all.
Watch to the end and be amazed at the size of these people.

A Slow News Day Compass?

Tonight on CBC-TV's Compass, the provincial supper-time news hour program:

Top story:
- a house explosion in Summerside, drug cops are part of the investigation.

Other stories:
- a small igloo a man (or two men) built in his (their) yard melted due to warm temperatures.
- a recap of the up-and-down temperatures we've been having the past couple of weeks.  It was reported, however, that January is usually a colder month.
- a school class (or was it a kindergarten class) had a tour of a heritage home.
- the not-from-here weatherman kept pronouncing Souris as Soor-iss.  My question is: how many phone calls or complaints will the CBC get because of that?

compass, pei, news, Summerside, CBC

A Slow News Day Compass?

Tonight on CBC-TV's Compass, the provincial supper-time news hour program:

Top story:
- a house explosion in Summerside, drug cops are part of the investigation.

Other stories:
- a small igloo a man (or two men) built in his (their) yard melted due to warm temperatures.
- a recap of the up-and-down temperatures we've been having the past couple of weeks.  It was reported, however, that January is usually a colder month.
- a school class (or was it a kindergarten class) had a tour of a heritage home.
- the not-from-here weatherman kept pronouncing Souris as Soor-iss.  My question is: how many phone calls or complaints will the CBC get because of that?

compass, pei, news, Summerside, CBC

It's An Abridged Wonderful Life

For those of you who don't have time to watch the whole thing, here's an abridged version of the holiday classic.  This edit is based on the Sketch22 stage version of the movie that we did in our first two Sketch22 Christmas shows.

Happy holidays!

It's An Abridged Wonderful Life

For those of you who don't have time to watch the whole thing, here's an abridged version of the holiday classic.  This edit is based on the Sketch22 stage version of the movie that we did in our first two Sketch22 Christmas shows.

Happy holidays!

In The End

In The End

Summer Heights High

Because I promised Dave I would.

I've been enjoying watching Summer Heights High on HBO Canada.  It's a fake documentary series following three people through a term at an Australian public school, Summer Heights High.

The three people we follow are all played by the same actor.  He's quite fantastic.

I assume, based on the often-overlapping dialogue that it is somewhat improvised. It's really quite well done, and I implore you all to check it out. Implore.

Here's a clip of Mr. G, the gay power-tripping, self-involved drama teacher:

Here's a clip of Ja'mie, a private-school girl who was chosen as a one-term exchange student to Summer Heights:

And here's my favourite character, Jonah, who is all kinds of trouble:

Summer Heights High

Because I promised Dave I would.

I've been enjoying watching Summer Heights High on HBO Canada.  It's a fake documentary series following three people through a term at an Australian public school, Summer Heights High.

The three people we follow are all played by the same actor.  He's quite fantastic.

I assume, based on the often-overlapping dialogue that it is somewhat improvised. It's really quite well done, and I implore you all to check it out. Implore.

Here's a clip of Mr. G, the gay power-tripping, self-involved drama teacher:

Here's a clip of Ja'mie, a private-school girl who was chosen as a one-term exchange student to Summer Heights:

And here's my favourite character, Jonah, who is all kinds of trouble:

And The Name of His Father... Darth Vader Montoya

And The Name of His Father... Darth Vader Montoya

Despite Best Intentions, I Did Laugh

Dan James at CEO Blues posted this and claimed "if this doesn't make you laugh you need a new brain."

Usually, on such "this will make you laugh" challenges, I do refrain from laughter.  I guess I have a "so you think YOU know what's funny?  I'll see about that" attitude going into these things and passively try not to laugh.

But with this video, I did laugh.  I held out for maybe five seconds before the happy feelings took me over.  Not big guffaws, granted, but a definite smile with an audible pleasant utterage.

Despite Best Intentions, I Did Laugh

Dan James at CEO Blues posted this and claimed "if this doesn't make you laugh you need a new brain."

Usually, on such "this will make you laugh" challenges, I do refrain from laughter.  I guess I have a "so you think YOU know what's funny?  I'll see about that" attitude going into these things and passively try not to laugh.

But with this video, I did laugh.  I held out for maybe five seconds before the happy feelings took me over.  Not big guffaws, granted, but a definite smile with an audible pleasant utterage.

Buffalo Times Eight

Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo.

This sentence above is a gramtically correct sentence.  I find that fascinating.

If you can't figure it out without help (like I couldn't), this will help you:

Bison from Buffalo, New York, who are intimidated by other bison in
their community also happen to intimidate other bison in their
community.

Buffalo Times Eight

Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo.

This sentence above is a gramtically correct sentence.  I find that fascinating.

If you can't figure it out without help (like I couldn't), this will help you:

Bison from Buffalo, New York, who are intimidated by other bison in
their community also happen to intimidate other bison in their
community.

A Question That's Never Been Asked

Yeah, the universe is infinite and all that, and multiple realities where everyone one can think, say or do has already been thought, said or done, an infinite number of times.

Still, can you come up with a question that's likely never been asked before, using words that actually exist, and that more or less makes sense, gramatically?

I've been sitting here thinking, and I'm drawing a blank.

How about:

Where were you in the year 2078, at 17 seconds past the time that the lynx ate the Hoover Dam employee?

Prove me wrong.  Or come up with your own.

A Question That's Never Been Asked

Yeah, the universe is infinite and all that, and multiple realities where everyone one can think, say or do has already been thought, said or done, an infinite number of times.

Still, can you come up with a question that's likely never been asked before, using words that actually exist, and that more or less makes sense, gramatically?

I've been sitting here thinking, and I'm drawing a blank.

How about:

Where were you in the year 2078, at 17 seconds past the time that the lynx ate the Hoover Dam employee?

Prove me wrong.  Or come up with your own.

Ode To Joy: Beaker-Style

Because it's one of my wife's favourite songs.  That is, one of the songs my wife enjoys the most, not the favourite song of one of my wives.  'Cause, I only have one wife, and if I had more than one, I would have written 'one of my wives' favourite songs'.

Ode To Joy: Beaker-Style

Because it's one of my wife's favourite songs.  That is, one of the songs my wife enjoys the most, not the favourite song of one of my wives.  'Cause, I only have one wife, and if I had more than one, I would have written 'one of my wives' favourite songs'.

Chimp: Thundercrack! is For Sale!

Check out the link to the right.  You can buy our Chimp album at CDBaby!  Just $12.00 to have it shipped right to your home.  Or you can buy it in mp3 format for just $9.99.

Make Santa's job easy.  Pick up Chimp: Thundercrack!

Chimp: Thundercrack! is For Sale!

Check out the link to the right.  You can buy our Chimp album at CDBaby!  Just $12.00 to have it shipped right to your home.  Or you can buy it in mp3 format for just $9.99.

Make Santa's job easy.  Pick up Chimp: Thundercrack!

Testing Testing Is This Thing On?

I came across this Odiogo thing that allows you to turn your blog posts into podcasts, or into audio which you can download, listen to, or whatever.  I thought I'd try it out.

I'm posting the opening monologue from last summer's Castrato sketch from Sketch 22.  I want to see if it does justice to the text.  Heck, this could revolutionize the way we perform our sketches!!

Have a listen to this.

IL Castrato, Scene 1.

Lights up.

A dressing room, such as in any theater anywhere.

Il Castrato sits at the dressing table. He addresses the audience.

Castrato:
Alas, my friends, attend this tale of woe.
For I, gelded on fame's throne lately sat
For tunes warbl'd, am falsetto castrat.
Cel'brated by all, like angel's rejoice
Melodies sung on high in pure of voice.
A pre-pubescent stunt, doctor performed:
My testicles chopp'd when not yet tenor
Left me permanently baritone deaf!
Now, my talents unequall'd, fame unmatch'd
Where 'ere I arrive, E! News is dispatch'd.
Fame, wealth, power. Invites to parties all.
Would give't all up just once to rub my balls.

Testing Testing Is This Thing On?

I came across this Odiogo thing that allows you to turn your blog posts into podcasts, or into audio which you can download, listen to, or whatever.  I thought I'd try it out.

I'm posting the opening monologue from last summer's Castrato sketch from Sketch 22.  I want to see if it does justice to the text.  Heck, this could revolutionize the way we perform our sketches!!

Have a listen to this.

IL Castrato, Scene 1.

Lights up.

A dressing room, such as in any theater anywhere.

Il Castrato sits at the dressing table. He addresses the audience.

Castrato:
Alas, my friends, attend this tale of woe.
For I, gelded on fame's throne lately sat
For tunes warbl'd, am falsetto castrat.
Cel'brated by all, like angel's rejoice
Melodies sung on high in pure of voice.
A pre-pubescent stunt, doctor performed:
My testicles chopp'd when not yet tenor
Left me permanently baritone deaf!
Now, my talents unequall'd, fame unmatch'd
Where 'ere I arrive, E! News is dispatch'd.
Fame, wealth, power. Invites to parties all.
Would give't all up just once to rub my balls.

How Many Carrots?

Here's a new game on The Annekenstein Monster:  How Many Carrots?

For our inaugural gameplay, the question is:

How many carrots can Julia Roberts stuff in her mouth at the same time?



Answers to choose from:

1) 1

2) 2 or less

3) 3 or more

4) when you say "carrots" do you really mean something else?

Tune in tomorrow for the correct answer!

How Many Carrots?

Here's a new game on The Annekenstein Monster:  How Many Carrots?

For our inaugural gameplay, the question is:

How many carrots can Julia Roberts stuff in her mouth at the same time?



Answers to choose from:

1) 1

2) 2 or less

3) 3 or more

4) when you say "carrots" do you really mean something else?

Tune in tomorrow for the correct answer!

Sad Jon

This may be the saddest garfield minus garfield strip ever:

Sad Jon

This may be the saddest garfield minus garfield strip ever:

Lady Bird MacDonald

Google Images is now hosting thousands 10 million! Time-Life photos.

I thought I'd take a browse through images from 1965, the year I was born.  When I came across this one of Lady Bird Johnson...


... I was reminded of this one from my family collection...

Lady Bird MacDonald

Google Images is now hosting thousands 10 million! Time-Life photos.

I thought I'd take a browse through images from 1965, the year I was born.  When I came across this one of Lady Bird Johnson...


... I was reminded of this one from my family collection...

Transgender Remembrance Day

Did you know that today is Transgender Remembrance Day?

Me neither.



Lest We Forget.

Transgender Remembrance Day

Did you know that today is Transgender Remembrance Day?

Me neither.



Lest We Forget.

I hate movie scenes like this...

I was watching a not very good movie last night.  The second Nicolas Cage Treasure Hunter movie, whatever it's called.

The following would be considered a spoiler, if you haven't seen the movie yet.

At one point Nic kidnaps the POTUS. Nobody really knows it was Nic who's kidnapped him.
Another character, a high-ranking FBI guy (played by Harvey Keitel) who is kind of keeping tabs on Nic's actions, gets a phone call to inform him of this information.  This is how the scene is played:

Harvey, getting out of an FBI vehicle, gets a phone call.

Harvey (answers):  Hello?

There is silence as the other end talks.  We assume he is being told "The President has been kidnapped!"

Harvey:  He was what?

Shorter silence as we assume the other end says "He was kidnapped!"

Without saying another word, Harvey hangs up the phone. He thinks about it for a second, then realizes who is behind it, and says:

Harvey: Nic's character's name!!

I really hate scenes like this.  If you were a high-ranking FBI agent and you just got a phone call that said "The President of the United States has just been kidnapped!", would you hang up before you asked a few "who, when, where" type questions?  You probably would.

But this guy gets the phone call, makes no comment to the guy who phoned him, and hangs up.

I hate movie scenes like this.

I hate movie scenes like this...

I was watching a not very good movie last night.  The second Nicolas Cage Treasure Hunter movie, whatever it's called.

The following would be considered a spoiler, if you haven't seen the movie yet.

At one point Nic kidnaps the POTUS. Nobody really knows it was Nic who's kidnapped him.
Another character, a high-ranking FBI guy (played by Harvey Keitel) who is kind of keeping tabs on Nic's actions, gets a phone call to inform him of this information.  This is how the scene is played:

Harvey, getting out of an FBI vehicle, gets a phone call.

Harvey (answers):  Hello?

There is silence as the other end talks.  We assume he is being told "The President has been kidnapped!"

Harvey:  He was what?

Shorter silence as we assume the other end says "He was kidnapped!"

Without saying another word, Harvey hangs up the phone. He thinks about it for a second, then realizes who is behind it, and says:

Harvey: Nic's character's name!!

I really hate scenes like this.  If you were a high-ranking FBI agent and you just got a phone call that said "The President of the United States has just been kidnapped!", would you hang up before you asked a few "who, when, where" type questions?  You probably would.

But this guy gets the phone call, makes no comment to the guy who phoned him, and hangs up.

I hate movie scenes like this.

Chimp - The Living End - Music Video

So, Dave Stewart and I formed a band a decade or so ago. The band is called Chimp. Way back then, we recorded a baker's dozen of original songs. We recorded them in my living room, using a 4-track cassette recorder we rented from Toomb's Music for a week. We also rented a microphone and stand and, I think, a guitar pedal. Dave played bass (mostly) and I played guitar (mostly). We didn't have a drummer. We used pre-recorded drumbeats from my cheap Casio keyboard.
After the week was up, we still had a bit of work to do, so we borrowed a 4-track cassette recorder from Wayne Dunsford.
So, in two weeks or so, we recorded these songs, as best we could, and mixed them down to cassette. We dubbed the cassette a few times and handed them out to friends.
And that was that.
Then, last spring, we decided we'd try and find the original 4-track cassette, digitize them and try and clean them up as best we could with an audio program on my computer. The cassette was found in a shoebox in a closet in my house, and over the next couple of months we cleaned them up, removing hiss, remixing, restructuring (in a limited way) the songs as we saw fit. We got Jason Rogerson to come on board as a fresh set of ears and together, the three of us remixed 12 of the songs. We also recorded a few new vocal bits at Moses Media and inserted them in a couple of songs.
So, after all that, we had 12 songs we thought were pretty rocking, in a lo-fi way. We decided we'd put them on a CD, get a small number made and throw them out to the world. We called the CD Thundercrack! as an homage to this movie.
At that point, the idea of a CD release party came up, and it was decided that Baba's would be a great place to have it. Not having played the songs in about a decade, and not having any rocking equipment to play on, we came up with the idea that it would be cool if other local bands played cover versions of our songs at the CD release. So, we got a few bands/people to play some of our songs at the CD release.
It's this Saturday night at 9 at Babas. Musicians performing include John Connolly, Jason and the Forget-Me-Nots (the aforementioned Jason Rogerson and a compilation of his musical associates), The Love Junkies, Pat Deighan & the Orb Weavers, Lennie MacPherson, Riley's Lane (a ladies celtic group) and String Theory.
A couple of months ago on the PEI Locals music webforum I solicited any/all bands the invitation to join the evening and play a song or two. From that solicitation, the band String Theory bravely stepped forward and offered to play a song, song-unheard. I can't wait to hear their cover of Killer Bees. String Theory will also be playing at Babas later Saturday night, after the CD release wraps up.
Wade Lynch was also going to perform a song, but had to cancel due to a conflicting schedule. I'll miss hearing his interpretation of Boy Likes Girl.

So, that's the story of Chimp.
A couple of weeks ago, we thought "wouldn't it be cool to have a video for a couple of the songs?" Not really wanting to invest time and energy into shooting new footage, we thought it would be fun to create a video using pre-existing film we had. That is how the video for "The Living End" (below) came about.
Dave and I have known each other for over 20 years. I met my wife through my friendship with Dave, or I met Dave through my friendship with my wife. I can't quite remember.
Anyway, just before Dave and I became friends, Dave shot an 8mm film called "Goodbye, Columbia" starring his friends. Shortly after we became friends he shot another 8mm film called "Attack of the Angry Moon Cats", starring his friends, which now included me.
A few years later, Dave and I wrote and made a short-film called "Florid", starring our friends.
We took a key scene from Florid, and some of the "actiony" parts from Goodbye Columbia and Attack, and threw them all together to create this video. It's supposed to be the end-credits of a movie called The Living End, but I don't know how well that concept plays out.
Anyway, lots of interesting images, a couple of shots of a younger Dave and younger Rob, and some brief clips of Charlottetown landmarks that no longer exist.

Here, then, is the world premiere of the music video for The Living End by Chimp.

Chimp - The Living End - Music Video

So, Dave Stewart and I formed a band a decade or so ago. The band is called Chimp. Way back then, we recorded a baker's dozen of original songs. We recorded them in my living room, using a 4-track cassette recorder we rented from Toomb's Music for a week. We also rented a microphone and stand and, I think, a guitar pedal. Dave played bass (mostly) and I played guitar (mostly). We didn't have a drummer. We used pre-recorded drumbeats from my cheap Casio keyboard.
After the week was up, we still had a bit of work to do, so we borrowed a 4-track cassette recorder from Wayne Dunsford.
So, in two weeks or so, we recorded these songs, as best we could, and mixed them down to cassette. We dubbed the cassette a few times and handed them out to friends.
And that was that.
Then, last spring, we decided we'd try and find the original 4-track cassette, digitize them and try and clean them up as best we could with an audio program on my computer. The cassette was found in a shoebox in a closet in my house, and over the next couple of months we cleaned them up, removing hiss, remixing, restructuring (in a limited way) the songs as we saw fit. We got Jason Rogerson to come on board as a fresh set of ears and together, the three of us remixed 12 of the songs. We also recorded a few new vocal bits at Moses Media and inserted them in a couple of songs.
So, after all that, we had 12 songs we thought were pretty rocking, in a lo-fi way. We decided we'd put them on a CD, get a small number made and throw them out to the world. We called the CD Thundercrack! as an homage to this movie.
At that point, the idea of a CD release party came up, and it was decided that Baba's would be a great place to have it. Not having played the songs in about a decade, and not having any rocking equipment to play on, we came up with the idea that it would be cool if other local bands played cover versions of our songs at the CD release. So, we got a few bands/people to play some of our songs at the CD release.
It's this Saturday night at 9 at Babas. Musicians performing include John Connolly, Jason and the Forget-Me-Nots (the aforementioned Jason Rogerson and a compilation of his musical associates), The Love Junkies, Pat Deighan & the Orb Weavers, Lennie MacPherson, Riley's Lane (a ladies celtic group) and String Theory.
A couple of months ago on the PEI Locals music webforum I solicited any/all bands the invitation to join the evening and play a song or two. From that solicitation, the band String Theory bravely stepped forward and offered to play a song, song-unheard. I can't wait to hear their cover of Killer Bees. String Theory will also be playing at Babas later Saturday night, after the CD release wraps up.
Wade Lynch was also going to perform a song, but had to cancel due to a conflicting schedule. I'll miss hearing his interpretation of Boy Likes Girl.

So, that's the story of Chimp.
A couple of weeks ago, we thought "wouldn't it be cool to have a video for a couple of the songs?" Not really wanting to invest time and energy into shooting new footage, we thought it would be fun to create a video using pre-existing film we had. That is how the video for "The Living End" (below) came about.
Dave and I have known each other for over 20 years. I met my wife through my friendship with Dave, or I met Dave through my friendship with my wife. I can't quite remember.
Anyway, just before Dave and I became friends, Dave shot an 8mm film called "Goodbye, Columbia" starring his friends. Shortly after we became friends he shot another 8mm film called "Attack of the Angry Moon Cats", starring his friends, which now included me.
A few years later, Dave and I wrote and made a short-film called "Florid", starring our friends.
We took a key scene from Florid, and some of the "actiony" parts from Goodbye Columbia and Attack, and threw them all together to create this video. It's supposed to be the end-credits of a movie called The Living End, but I don't know how well that concept plays out.
Anyway, lots of interesting images, a couple of shots of a younger Dave and younger Rob, and some brief clips of Charlottetown landmarks that no longer exist.

Here, then, is the world premiere of the music video for The Living End by Chimp.

Now, Where Did I Put That Dance Belt?

According to yesterday's CBC News article about the upcoming summer season of the Charlottetown Festival:

Sketch-22 heads for the Big Dance

Local comedy troupe Sketch-22 has been picked up by the festival. The group will perform at the Mack Theatre.

"This is awesome we're so excited, we put so much work into this
show for five years, I think this is sort of a sign to us our hard work
is paying off," said founding member Andrew Sprague.

"This validates Sketch-22, and because of this we promise to make much less fun of the Confederation Centre of the Arts."

Sketch-22 is well known for its sometimes crude spoofs of Island life.

The Big Dance?  Anyway, I was just impressed in the size of the font we received compared to any of the other performances mentioned.

And, while we (Sketch22) have been assaulted in the past by critical reviews from Guardian and CBC commenters, I have a feeling we've just entered into a whole new realm and level of attack.  To wit:

In the comments to the above-linked article, WILMOTDAVE had this to say about the news:

Sketch 22?
Wow how new and innovative to justify poor comedy at the expense of the rest of us.
One day Obama which was for change and now going backward to a cesspool of asinine and weak comedy.

With that Obama mention, is he insinuating that our comedy is akin to the Presidency of George Bush?  If so: Ouch!

Still, I am inclined to have "cesspool of asinine and weak comedy" added to any future PR for our group.

Let the backlash continue!!

Now, Where Did I Put That Dance Belt?

According to yesterday's CBC News article about the upcoming summer season of the Charlottetown Festival:

Sketch-22 heads for the Big Dance

Local comedy troupe Sketch-22 has been picked up by the festival. The group will perform at the Mack Theatre.

"This is awesome we're so excited, we put so much work into this
show for five years, I think this is sort of a sign to us our hard work
is paying off," said founding member Andrew Sprague.

"This validates Sketch-22, and because of this we promise to make much less fun of the Confederation Centre of the Arts."

Sketch-22 is well known for its sometimes crude spoofs of Island life.

The Big Dance?  Anyway, I was just impressed in the size of the font we received compared to any of the other performances mentioned.

And, while we (Sketch22) have been assaulted in the past by critical reviews from Guardian and CBC commenters, I have a feeling we've just entered into a whole new realm and level of attack.  To wit:

In the comments to the above-linked article, WILMOTDAVE had this to say about the news:

Sketch 22?
Wow how new and innovative to justify poor comedy at the expense of the rest of us.
One day Obama which was for change and now going backward to a cesspool of asinine and weak comedy.

With that Obama mention, is he insinuating that our comedy is akin to the Presidency of George Bush?  If so: Ouch!

Still, I am inclined to have "cesspool of asinine and weak comedy" added to any future PR for our group.

Let the backlash continue!!

Chimp - Thundercrack! - November 15

Wait for it!!

Chimp - Thundercrack! - November 15

Wait for it!!

Rob's All-Voice Cover Song Idea

So, for a long, long, time, I've had this idea where I get a big group of people together, a choir, and we dissect a song and each of us in the choir take one dissection of that song and interpret it using only our mouths. So, one person (or more, depending on difficulty) would make the bass guitar sounds, some more would "sing" the percussion sounds, others would sing the guitar sounds, etc.
I've had a desire to do this for a long time, as I've said.  I thought it would be challenging and original. As recently as last week, I was thinking about what song would be a good one to do.

But now, this morning, my desire to do it has disappeared because, this morning, I saw this video.  And now that it's done, I don't have to do think about it any more.

Rob's All-Voice Cover Song Idea

So, for a long, long, time, I've had this idea where I get a big group of people together, a choir, and we dissect a song and each of us in the choir take one dissection of that song and interpret it using only our mouths. So, one person (or more, depending on difficulty) would make the bass guitar sounds, some more would "sing" the percussion sounds, others would sing the guitar sounds, etc.
I've had a desire to do this for a long time, as I've said.  I thought it would be challenging and original. As recently as last week, I was thinking about what song would be a good one to do.

But now, this morning, my desire to do it has disappeared because, this morning, I saw this video.  And now that it's done, I don't have to do think about it any more.

Pipe Wrench Fight!

This might be the best thing ever:

Pipe Wrench Fight!

This might be the best thing ever:

Here Comes Chimp!!

Grahpic Design by the amazing Laura O'Brien
Chimp Logo by Russell Stewart (also amazing)


"THUNDERCRACK!" IS ON ITS WAY - NOV 18

Track Listing:

1. The Living End
2. Boy Likes Girl
3. Nectar
4. Killer Bees
5. So Exquisite Harbour
6. Love Song for David Arquette
7. Tonight (Alright)
8. Pillow Talk
9. Poot
10. Red Asphalt
11. Retarde d’Amour
12. We Be Chimp



Don't miss the fantastic Thundercrack! CD Release Party, November 15th at Babas.  A list of performers to blow your mind, all covering these 12 Chimp songs.

Here Comes Chimp!!

Grahpic Design by the amazing Laura O'Brien
Chimp Logo by Russell Stewart (also amazing)


"THUNDERCRACK!" IS ON ITS WAY - NOV 18

Track Listing:

1. The Living End
2. Boy Likes Girl
3. Nectar
4. Killer Bees
5. So Exquisite Harbour
6. Love Song for David Arquette
7. Tonight (Alright)
8. Pillow Talk
9. Poot
10. Red Asphalt
11. Retarde d’Amour
12. We Be Chimp



Don't miss the fantastic Thundercrack! CD Release Party, November 15th at Babas.  A list of performers to blow your mind, all covering these 12 Chimp songs.

Hole In The Wall - It's Not Gay Porn

FOX has a new show this season, called "Hole In The Wall".  If you haven't seen it, check it out immediately.  And by "immediately" I mean "never".

What a terrible, boring show.  Here's the concept:  There are two teams of three.  All are dressed in silver jumpsuits (it's not gay porn).  In turn, the two teams' members stand on the playing area, and a giant foam wall moves towards them.  There's a shape cut out of the foam wall, and as the wall passes by, the contestants have to emulate the shape so that the wall passes by free and clear.  If they fail, the wall pushes them in the water.

That's the show.

I've seen clips of the Japanese version on YouTube and they are mildly amusing in a "highlights of clips" format.  But watching the sections between the "action" is interminably dull.  The host stands, inexplicably, high above the action, and does little but yell.  There's also an on-the-floor co-host, a woman who yells everything in an irritating high-pitched tremble.

The contestants are equally annoying and ugly.



Action from this sucky show.


If you want to see a much more entertaining American rip-off of a Japanese game show, watch Wipeout (ABC, I think).  It's a pretty entertaining show.

Hole In The Wall - It's Not Gay Porn

FOX has a new show this season, called "Hole In The Wall".  If you haven't seen it, check it out immediately.  And by "immediately" I mean "never".

What a terrible, boring show.  Here's the concept:  There are two teams of three.  All are dressed in silver jumpsuits (it's not gay porn).  In turn, the two teams' members stand on the playing area, and a giant foam wall moves towards them.  There's a shape cut out of the foam wall, and as the wall passes by, the contestants have to emulate the shape so that the wall passes by free and clear.  If they fail, the wall pushes them in the water.

That's the show.

I've seen clips of the Japanese version on YouTube and they are mildly amusing in a "highlights of clips" format.  But watching the sections between the "action" is interminably dull.  The host stands, inexplicably, high above the action, and does little but yell.  There's also an on-the-floor co-host, a woman who yells everything in an irritating high-pitched tremble.

The contestants are equally annoying and ugly.



Action from this sucky show.


If you want to see a much more entertaining American rip-off of a Japanese game show, watch Wipeout (ABC, I think).  It's a pretty entertaining show.

Final 2 Sketch22

Tonight and Saturday night are the final two Sketch22 performances for this season.  Maybe forever?

Come see the fun, at The Guild.

Final 2 Sketch22

Tonight and Saturday night are the final two Sketch22 performances for this season.  Maybe forever?

Come see the fun, at The Guild.

So, I watched "King of Kong - Fistful of Quarters"...

I hadn't heard much about this documentary, other than it being a doc about a couple of guys who are good at playing Donkey Kong.  Hearing that little bit about it, I went "meh" even though it was getting good reviews.

Well, last night I decided to give it a try.  I watched it and absolutely loved it.  It has everything you want from a good movie - drama, comedy (even if it's inadvertent to those involved), suspense, heroes, villains, minions, gaming nerds, espionage, and, as they say, so much more.

Basically, it's about two guys.  One is the reigning Donkey Kong champion, and the other is a guy who attempts to challenge the world record score.  The events that unfold are too good to be true, but I have no doubt it's all true.  I don't want to give anything away in case you watch it, but believe me, you couldn't write a better story.

Even if you think it's not your cup of tea, go and watch this film.  You'll love it. 

Here's the trailer.  To me it misses the mark of what this movie is about. What it doesn't show you is the awesomeness of the how drawn in you will become to the events that unfold.

King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters - Movie Trailer

So, I watched "King of Kong - Fistful of Quarters"...

I hadn't heard much about this documentary, other than it being a doc about a couple of guys who are good at playing Donkey Kong.  Hearing that little bit about it, I went "meh" even though it was getting good reviews.

Well, last night I decided to give it a try.  I watched it and absolutely loved it.  It has everything you want from a good movie - drama, comedy (even if it's inadvertent to those involved), suspense, heroes, villains, minions, gaming nerds, espionage, and, as they say, so much more.

Basically, it's about two guys.  One is the reigning Donkey Kong champion, and the other is a guy who attempts to challenge the world record score.  The events that unfold are too good to be true, but I have no doubt it's all true.  I don't want to give anything away in case you watch it, but believe me, you couldn't write a better story.

Even if you think it's not your cup of tea, go and watch this film.  You'll love it. 

Here's the trailer.  To me it misses the mark of what this movie is about. What it doesn't show you is the awesomeness of the how drawn in you will become to the events that unfold.

King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters - Movie Trailer

Is Crying Just Laughing Slowed Down?

I may have already spoiled it.  Below is a video of a baby laughing, but the sound is slowed down.  I watched the first half of it, and couldn't help but laugh myself.  Laughter is infectious, it seems, even at half speed.
Go have a look and listen now.  Because if you keep reading and then go and watch it, you won't be able to enjoy it as laughter.  And it should be enjoyed as laughter.
Seriously, go and watch it, then come back.
Okay, you watched it. Now go and watch it again (actually, don't watch, just listen), but this time, don't listen to it as if it's laughter.  Listen to it as if it's someone crying.
Like, really wailing.  Imagine they've just broken up with their girlfriend, and is home alone, late at night, crying.  (Once you do, you won't be able to hear it as laughter anymore).

I think I've just discovered that crying is just laughter slowed down.  What are the implications of that?  Is crying just enjoying yourself, but at a really slow pace?


Check out this video: Slow Motion Baby Laugh

 

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Is Crying Just Laughing Slowed Down?

I may have already spoiled it.  Below is a video of a baby laughing, but the sound is slowed down.  I watched the first half of it, and couldn't help but laugh myself.  Laughter is infectious, it seems, even at half speed.
Go have a look and listen now.  Because if you keep reading and then go and watch it, you won't be able to enjoy it as laughter.  And it should be enjoyed as laughter.
Seriously, go and watch it, then come back.
Okay, you watched it. Now go and watch it again (actually, don't watch, just listen), but this time, don't listen to it as if it's laughter.  Listen to it as if it's someone crying.
Like, really wailing.  Imagine they've just broken up with their girlfriend, and is home alone, late at night, crying.  (Once you do, you won't be able to hear it as laughter anymore).

I think I've just discovered that crying is just laughter slowed down.  What are the implications of that?  Is crying just enjoying yourself, but at a really slow pace?


Check out this video: Slow Motion Baby Laugh

 

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Sketch Needs A Girl For A Day

 

Here's a notice that went out to the people signed up to receive the Sketch22 Newletter or any info about Sketch22:

Sketch-22 is seeking a female in her twenties or early thirties to play a major role in a short video they are shooting on the weekend of June 21 & 22. Previous acting experience is not necessary. Sketch-22's irreverent humour takes aim at the car chase movies of the seventies, so the candidate should be comfortable with tearing around the Island in a classic muscle car. Interested? Send your contact info, including a picture of yourself to mail@sketch22.ca. The video will be screened during Sketch-22's summer production, opening July 3rd at The Guild and playing Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. until September 5.

 

If you received this URL in an email and you're not a subscriber it's FREE  to join to receive enlightment in your mailbox via comedy. [THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN APPROVED BY PUNCHY, THE PUNCHLINE PERAMBULATOR 2000, AS COMEDY.] Here's the car we'll be using: So, we need a female to play a part in a video that kind of spoofs 70's car chase movies.  Someone, ideally, who wouldn't mind tarting up, in a 70's kind of way, and get a bit sexified.  Short shorts, maybe and halter top kind of thing... ??  You'd be acting with me, mostly.  I'll be playing Rita MacNeil playing an Anne of Green Gables type character. It'd probably be a one-day shoot, at various locations in Queens county.  We'll provide transportation. If you're interested, or know someone who might be interested, email mail@sketch22.ca

Sketch Needs A Girl For A Day

 

Here's a notice that went out to the people signed up to receive the Sketch22 Newletter or any info about Sketch22:

Sketch-22 is seeking a female in her twenties or early thirties to play a major role in a short video they are shooting on the weekend of June 21 & 22. Previous acting experience is not necessary. Sketch-22's irreverent humour takes aim at the car chase movies of the seventies, so the candidate should be comfortable with tearing around the Island in a classic muscle car. Interested? Send your contact info, including a picture of yourself to mail@sketch22.ca. The video will be screened during Sketch-22's summer production, opening July 3rd at The Guild and playing Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. until September 5.

 

If you received this URL in an email and you're not a subscriber it's FREE  to join to receive enlightment in your mailbox via comedy. [THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN APPROVED BY PUNCHY, THE PUNCHLINE PERAMBULATOR 2000, AS COMEDY.] Here's the car we'll be using: So, we need a female to play a part in a video that kind of spoofs 70's car chase movies.  Someone, ideally, who wouldn't mind tarting up, in a 70's kind of way, and get a bit sexified.  Short shorts, maybe and halter top kind of thing... ??  You'd be acting with me, mostly.  I'll be playing Rita MacNeil playing an Anne of Green Gables type character. It'd probably be a one-day shoot, at various locations in Queens county.  We'll provide transportation. If you're interested, or know someone who might be interested, email mail@sketch22.ca

No Future For England's Dreaming

Christoph Buchel: No Future Biennale08 MCA


Check this out.  A bunch of 80+ year old Aussie women rehearsing the Sex Pistol's "God Save The Queen".

Rawk Awn!!!!

Now, More Than Ever...

So, movie trailer voice-guy master Don LaFontaine passed away this week.

His voice and style was so ubiquitous in the movie trailer world, I wonder if his passing will in any way change the way movie trailers are made.

I hope so. I find most movie trailers these days sound and feel and look the same. It's time for trailers to break that mold and go in new and interesting and exciting directions. I doubt anything will change, though.

Still,

In a world where one man's voice changed an artform... perhaps his silence will change even more...

Now, More Than Ever...

So, movie trailer voice-guy master Don LaFontaine passed away this week.

His voice and style was so ubiquitous in the movie trailer world, I wonder if his passing will in any way change the way movie trailers are made.

I hope so. I find most movie trailers these days sound and feel and look the same. It's time for trailers to break that mold and go in new and interesting and exciting directions. I doubt anything will change, though.

Still,

In a world where one man's voice changed an artform... perhaps his silence will change even more...

Winning For Something

Last night after Sketch22's terrific performance at the Charlotteown Heston Fringe Festival, Jason & Dennis and I stumbled across a couple of phrases that we thought would make great titles for sketches and/or game shows and/or something else.

Winning For Something

and

Leave It Forward

In the game show Winning For Something, you never know what you could win. Sometimes it'll be a bad or cheap prize, sometimes a fantastic one. Games contestants try should be difficult enough for them to be frustrated to win something not great.

Leave It Forward is based on the concept of pay-it-forward, only the idea is pay forward the crappy things in life too. This is probably a sitcom?

What are your ideas for TV shows for these two titles? Leave 'em in the comments.

Winning For Something

Last night after Sketch22's terrific performance at the Charlotteown Heston Fringe Festival, Jason & Dennis and I stumbled across a couple of phrases that we thought would make great titles for sketches and/or game shows and/or something else.

Winning For Something

and

Leave It Forward

In the game show Winning For Something, you never know what you could win. Sometimes it'll be a bad or cheap prize, sometimes a fantastic one. Games contestants try should be difficult enough for them to be frustrated to win something not great.

Leave It Forward is based on the concept of pay-it-forward, only the idea is pay forward the crappy things in life too. This is probably a sitcom?

What are your ideas for TV shows for these two titles? Leave 'em in the comments.

Canada Rocks The Birth Of Christ!!!

So, it looks like the Confederation Centre has given up on trying to produce/create original artistic work. This Xmas they'll be presenting Canada Rocks, But For The Christmas Dollar.

Here's the article from The Guardian

As I've said elsewhere, previously: It's time to take the "of the Arts" out of the name of Confederation Centre. They seem to have completely given up on trying to be inventive with their theatrical production.

In an effort to help the Confed Centre come up with ideas for future productions, I put on my thinking cap and thought of a few ideas that seem to fit the Let's Present A Playlist of Songs formula that has gripped their artistic money-grubbing minds:

Canada RocksBand! - Two and a half hours of performers playing RockBand in expert mode. Canadian tunes only, of course. Gotta keep that CanCon in there for funding purposes. If they want to get really deep about it, they could have actors players from each province perform and the evening could be kind of a contest.

That Dance Dance Revolution Show - An hour and a half of dancers playing DDR.

The Confederation Centre of the Arts Presents Karaoke Night at The Kensington Club - pile everyone into a motorcoach and drive them to Kensington for a night of karaoke. The Japanese tourists would eat this up.

iPod Shuffle - a giant iPod shuffle is on a stool on stage. Actors come out and press the play button to reveal what the next song to be performed will be.

Dog Shits On The Stage - this is one for The Mack - a late night show where a dog comes out on stage and shits. Could also be called Shit Ubu Shit.

What tantalizing productions can you come up with? Leave your ideas in the comments. And by asking for comments, I realize that implies a presumption that anyone will even read this never-updating blog's latest post.

And since it's a weak tangential reference, here's Sketch22's "Canada Rocks Garbage".

Canada Rocks Garbage

Canada Rocks The Birth Of Christ!!!

So, it looks like the Confederation Centre has given up on trying to produce/create original artistic work. This Xmas they'll be presenting Canada Rocks, But For The Christmas Dollar.

Here's the article from The Guardian

As I've said elsewhere, previously: It's time to take the "of the Arts" out of the name of Confederation Centre. They seem to have completely given up on trying to be inventive with their theatrical production.

In an effort to help the Confed Centre come up with ideas for future productions, I put on my thinking cap and thought of a few ideas that seem to fit the Let's Present A Playlist of Songs formula that has gripped their artistic money-grubbing minds:

Canada RocksBand! - Two and a half hours of performers playing RockBand in expert mode. Canadian tunes only, of course. Gotta keep that CanCon in there for funding purposes. If they want to get really deep about it, they could have actors players from each province perform and the evening could be kind of a contest.

That Dance Dance Revolution Show - An hour and a half of dancers playing DDR.

The Confederation Centre of the Arts Presents Karaoke Night at The Kensington Club - pile everyone into a motorcoach and drive them to Kensington for a night of karaoke. The Japanese tourists would eat this up.

iPod Shuffle - a giant iPod shuffle is on a stool on stage. Actors come out and press the play button to reveal what the next song to be performed will be.

Dog Shits On The Stage - this is one for The Mack - a late night show where a dog comes out on stage and shits. Could also be called Shit Ubu Shit.

What tantalizing productions can you come up with? Leave your ideas in the comments. And by asking for comments, I realize that implies a presumption that anyone will even read this never-updating blog's latest post.

And since it's a weak tangential reference, here's Sketch22's "Canada Rocks Garbage".

Canada Rocks Garbage

Rob Interviews Himself About Sketch22

I noticed Rob hasn't been posting here very much lately, and so I thought I'd touch base with him and see what the scoop is. Here's that interview:

RM: So, you haven't been posting much here lately. What's the scoop?

Rob: You noticed, huh? Well, here's the thing: For one, I was getting a bit tired with what I was posting, and for two, I was really busy with getting Season Five of Sketch22 up and running.

RM: Ah, yes, that little sketch comedy thing you and a few colleagues do each summer. How go the preparations for this year?

Rob: Actually, we opened this past week.

RM: Oh. Guess I'm not very prepared for this interview. So, how was opening?

Rob: Thursday was really great, despite a few technical glitches with the video. It kept freezing. But we muddled through that, and the audience was very supportive. The live material went over very well. Friday night, the video worked much better, and the live stuff was very well received again.

RM: The response has been pretty good, then?

Rob: So far, yes. Overwhelmingly positive, it seems. And the best thing about it is that practically everyone I speak to about the show has a different sketch that's their favourite. I have heard probably 7 or 8 sketches or videos being called "my favourite" from different people. I think that speaks well for the overall appeal of the show.

RM: Can you give me some examples of sketches or characters I'll see if I go to the show?

Rob: Sorry, don't like to give anything away. Just come see the show and I can practically guarantee you'll leave satisfied and happy.

RM: Anything in the show this year that might cause people to walk out in disgust or anger? Previous seasons had people walking out, right?

Rob: A couple of people have left our show early in the past, yes. But the vast majority of people who come to the show really seem to like it. I think the "disgust" thing is somewhat overblown. And while there will always be someone who is upset about something, no matter what you do, I don't think there's anything particular that will cause people to feel they need to leave the theatre. That's not to say there aren't some sketches that ask the audience to come along on a ride along some tenuous lines.

RM: Fantastic! So, what are the details about the show. The when and where type things.

Rob: Right. Sketch22 plays every Thursday and Friday night at The Guild in Charlottetown. Show starts at 8pm, doors to the theatre open at 7:30. We charge $20 for tickets, but The Guild feels the need to charge a 50 cents charge per ticket, so tickets are actually $20.50. You can buy them in advance at The Guild Box Office.

RM: Why not just have your tickets be $19.50 so that each ticket totals $20 even?

Rob: We talked about that. I'd rather not get into that. Suffice it to say, we've been less than happy with the way The Guild is being run and staying at $20 is a small boycott of some of their foolishness. Even though a $20.50 charge is a pain in the ass to the audience.

RM: Super! Thanks for the interview, and here's to hoping we get to read more posts from you in the future.

Rob: You can count on it. You're welcome.

Rob Interviews Himself About Sketch22

I noticed Rob hasn't been posting here very much lately, and so I thought I'd touch base with him and see what the scoop is. Here's that interview:

RM: So, you haven't been posting much here lately. What's the scoop?

Rob: You noticed, huh? Well, here's the thing: For one, I was getting a bit tired with what I was posting, and for two, I was really busy with getting Season Five of Sketch22 up and running.

RM: Ah, yes, that little sketch comedy thing you and a few colleagues do each summer. How go the preparations for this year?

Rob: Actually, we opened this past week.

RM: Oh. Guess I'm not very prepared for this interview. So, how was opening?

Rob: Thursday was really great, despite a few technical glitches with the video. It kept freezing. But we muddled through that, and the audience was very supportive. The live material went over very well. Friday night, the video worked much better, and the live stuff was very well received again.

RM: The response has been pretty good, then?

Rob: So far, yes. Overwhelmingly positive, it seems. And the best thing about it is that practically everyone I speak to about the show has a different sketch that's their favourite. I have heard probably 7 or 8 sketches or videos being called "my favourite" from different people. I think that speaks well for the overall appeal of the show.

RM: Can you give me some examples of sketches or characters I'll see if I go to the show?

Rob: Sorry, don't like to give anything away. Just come see the show and I can practically guarantee you'll leave satisfied and happy.

RM: Anything in the show this year that might cause people to walk out in disgust or anger? Previous seasons had people walking out, right?

Rob: A couple of people have left our show early in the past, yes. But the vast majority of people who come to the show really seem to like it. I think the "disgust" thing is somewhat overblown. And while there will always be someone who is upset about something, no matter what you do, I don't think there's anything particular that will cause people to feel they need to leave the theatre. That's not to say there aren't some sketches that ask the audience to come along on a ride along some tenuous lines.

RM: Fantastic! So, what are the details about the show. The when and where type things.

Rob: Right. Sketch22 plays every Thursday and Friday night at The Guild in Charlottetown. Show starts at 8pm, doors to the theatre open at 7:30. We charge $20 for tickets, but The Guild feels the need to charge a 50 cents charge per ticket, so tickets are actually $20.50. You can buy them in advance at The Guild Box Office.

RM: Why not just have your tickets be $19.50 so that each ticket totals $20 even?

Rob: We talked about that. I'd rather not get into that. Suffice it to say, we've been less than happy with the way The Guild is being run and staying at $20 is a small boycott of some of their foolishness. Even though a $20.50 charge is a pain in the ass to the audience.

RM: Super! Thanks for the interview, and here's to hoping we get to read more posts from you in the future.

Rob: You can count on it. You're welcome.

My Soul Escapes Through My Pee-Hole

Where I work, the fixtures in the bathrooms have automated sensors so that they flush by themselves when you move away from the toilets or urinals, and the faucets come on when you put your hands underneath the spout, etc.

However, when I am standing at the one urinal on our floor, it automatically flushes about three times as I, um, evacuate my bladder, rather than the one time after I am finished. I have come to the conclusion that the sensors do not respond to one's physical body, but to your very soul. That is the only reason I can come up with why the urinal would would flush even though my physical body does not move away, or even move in the slightest, as I pee.

Therefore, my soul escapes my body through my pee-hole.

My Soul Escapes Through My Pee-Hole

Where I work, the fixtures in the bathrooms have automated sensors so that they flush by themselves when you move away from the toilets or urinals, and the faucets come on when you put your hands underneath the spout, etc.

However, when I am standing at the one urinal on our floor, it automatically flushes about three times as I, um, evacuate my bladder, rather than the one time after I am finished. I have come to the conclusion that the sensors do not respond to one's physical body, but to your very soul. That is the only reason I can come up with why the urinal would would flush even though my physical body does not move away, or even move in the slightest, as I pee.

Therefore, my soul escapes my body through my pee-hole.

I'll Cry Every Time

This weekend, Bob Anderson, the actor who played the young George Bailey in It's A Wonderful Life, passed away at the age of 75.

I always liked the way he played George. I loved his kinda raspy voice.

And this scene always has, and likely always will, make me get all teary eyed:

George: Mr. Gower, you don’t know what you’re doing. You put something wrong in those
capsules. I know you’re unhappy. You got that telegrams and you’re upset. You put something bad in those capsules. It wasn’t your fault, Mr. Gower. Just look and see what you did. Look at the bottle you took the powder
from. It’s poison! I tell you it’s poison. I know you feel bad.

Gower: I didn’t know…
Oh…

George: Don’t hurt my
sore ear again.

Gower: Oh no, no, no… Oh, George. George

George: Oh, Mr. Gower, I won’t ever tell anyone. I know what you’re feeling. I won’t tell a soul. Hope to die, I won’t.

Gower: Oh, George,
George.

He played that scene so well. So brave and so vulnerable. And, from this excerpt from People.com, is perhaps the reason it was played so well:

In one scene, the story called for him to spot a potentially fatal error made by a drunken druggist, played by H.B. Warner.



Warner took the role seriously and on the day of shooting had been

drinking and was "pretty ripe," Victoria Anderson said. The scene

called for Warner's character to slap the boy.

Anderson told the Los Angeles Times in 1996 that the scene and its rehearsals were painful.

"He actually bloodied my ear," Anderson told the paper. "My ear was beat up and my face was red, and I was in tears."



"At the end when it was all over, he (Warner) was very lovable. He

grabbed me and hugged me, and he meant it," Anderson said.

I'll Cry Every Time

This weekend, Bob Anderson, the actor who played the young George Bailey in It's A Wonderful Life, passed away at the age of 75.

I always liked the way he played George. I loved his kinda raspy voice.

And this scene always has, and likely always will, make me get all teary eyed:

George: Mr. Gower, you don’t know what you’re doing. You put something wrong in those
capsules. I know you’re unhappy. You got that telegrams and you’re upset. You put something bad in those capsules. It wasn’t your fault, Mr. Gower. Just look and see what you did. Look at the bottle you took the powder
from. It’s poison! I tell you it’s poison. I know you feel bad.

Gower: I didn’t know…
Oh…

George: Don’t hurt my
sore ear again.

Gower: Oh no, no, no… Oh, George. George

George: Oh, Mr. Gower, I won’t ever tell anyone. I know what you’re feeling. I won’t tell a soul. Hope to die, I won’t.

Gower: Oh, George,
George.

He played that scene so well. So brave and so vulnerable. And, from this excerpt from People.com, is perhaps the reason it was played so well:

In one scene, the story called for him to spot a potentially fatal error made by a drunken druggist, played by H.B. Warner.



Warner took the role seriously and on the day of shooting had been

drinking and was "pretty ripe," Victoria Anderson said. The scene

called for Warner's character to slap the boy.

Anderson told the Los Angeles Times in 1996 that the scene and its rehearsals were painful.

"He actually bloodied my ear," Anderson told the paper. "My ear was beat up and my face was red, and I was in tears."



"At the end when it was all over, he (Warner) was very lovable. He

grabbed me and hugged me, and he meant it," Anderson said.

Toddler Wanders From Daycare To Mall

In this CBCNews story, a two-year old kid, Dakota Harding, wandered away from the Charlottetown daycare she goes went to and ended up at a nearby mall. The daycare staff didn't notice. The parents are outraged.

What wasn't reported was the reason the kid went to the mall: she was shopping for a better name than "Dakota".

Is that the best joke I could come up with? Guess so.

Toddler Wanders From Daycare To Mall

In this CBCNews story, a two-year old kid, Dakota Harding, wandered away from the Charlottetown daycare she goes went to and ended up at a nearby mall. The daycare staff didn't notice. The parents are outraged.

What wasn't reported was the reason the kid went to the mall: she was shopping for a better name than "Dakota".

Is that the best joke I could come up with? Guess so.

Three Automobile Racing Thoughts:

1) in motorsports, there is nothing better than a Formula 1 race in which rain interferes with a portion of the race. Yesterday was the Monaco Grand Prix, usually very much a processional race where there is no passing. Usually whomever makes it to the first corner of the first lap is the winner of the race, and the rest of the field follows suit, all in order.
But start the race in rain which continues for a good third of the race, and then continue through the rest of the race with a drying track but still with the threat of rain, and you've got a humdinger of a race. One of the better F1 races in recent years (at least in terms of keeping my attention).

2) I try to enjoy NASCAR. I really do. But 4 hours of driving around in a circle is just too boring. Yeah, it's close car to car action, and there's a lot of overtaking, but it's all rather unnecessary until the final 100 miles.

3) It's a shame that the Indianapolis 500 has become irrelevant. What will it take to get a good open-wheel series happening in North America? One that isn't comprised solely of oval-course racing? I long for the days of CHAMP car back in the early 90's. It was like the perfect amalgamation of the speed and excitement of F1 and the frequent-passing of NASCAR. Too bad they went and ruined it.

Three Automobile Racing Thoughts:

1) in motorsports, there is nothing better than a Formula 1 race in which rain interferes with a portion of the race. Yesterday was the Monaco Grand Prix, usually very much a processional race where there is no passing. Usually whomever makes it to the first corner of the first lap is the winner of the race, and the rest of the field follows suit, all in order.
But start the race in rain which continues for a good third of the race, and then continue through the rest of the race with a drying track but still with the threat of rain, and you've got a humdinger of a race. One of the better F1 races in recent years (at least in terms of keeping my attention).

2) I try to enjoy NASCAR. I really do. But 4 hours of driving around in a circle is just too boring. Yeah, it's close car to car action, and there's a lot of overtaking, but it's all rather unnecessary until the final 100 miles.

3) It's a shame that the Indianapolis 500 has become irrelevant. What will it take to get a good open-wheel series happening in North America? One that isn't comprised solely of oval-course racing? I long for the days of CHAMP car back in the early 90's. It was like the perfect amalgamation of the speed and excitement of F1 and the frequent-passing of NASCAR. Too bad they went and ruined it.

Don't Eat Your Desk

More funny stuff from the Onion News Network. If you're not watching the video segments from ONN, you're missing a lot of really funny things.


Diet Book Author Advocates New 'No Food Diet'

Don't Eat Your Desk

More funny stuff from the Onion News Network. If you're not watching the video segments from ONN, you're missing a lot of really funny things.


Diet Book Author Advocates New 'No Food Diet'

Send In le Bouffon

Today on my Facebook page, I saw a notice that Trilby Jeeves (one of the best names ever!) is holding a 2 day Buffoonery workshop, June 21-22 at The Kier Gallery.
This notice immediately brought back a wash of great memories for me because 20 years ago (that sounds like an impossibly long time ago to be talking about and not referencing my childhood) I and a bunch of theatre friends took a 2 day buffoonery workshop from Trilby. We did the workshop at the old Off Stage theatre (now City Cinema).

It was a fantastic workshop. I was never a fan of clowns (those blue-wigged, face-painted, big-shoed circus clowns) but was told that le bouffon was a different kind of clowning from that stereotype. Basically, buffoons love to entertain their audience by any means necessary. Buffoons are the ultimate approval-seekers. However, they usually fail in gaining the approval they seek through their own character flaws. That is where the entertainment comes from. I fell in love with this style of clowning, and am so glad I was shown it.

Anyway, the workshop was fantastic, and even now, 20 years later, I find myself utilizing techniques and ideas I was taught and discovered that weekend. it was one of the most valuable "acting" workshops I ever took.

It was also one of the most fun.

After the workshop was done, a group of us produced a few clown shows for kids (and grownups too) and had a blast doing them. Some of the most enjoyable performing I've ever done.

If you're an actor and you'd like to learn to be more comfortable on stage; to be better able to get to the "truth" of the characters you play; to have tons of fun and learn a new (old) performance style, you should take this workshop.

Reading the words above probably won't make anybody say "yeah, I gotta do this" (if anybody even still reads this blog), but know this: I don't endorse many things, and generally keep my opinions to myself, but the buffoon workshop was one of my favourite 'theatre' experiences and I heartily encourage anyone and everyone (actor or not) to take it.

You'll love it.