~
Grace.
Elegance.
Class.
How one conducts themselves during angry times
is what determines
true character.
~
February 23, 2010
January 31, 2010
January 6, 2010
January 1, 2010
Hindsight for the Blind
Things I learned in 2009 by watching the world:
If your tea tastes like the jungle - it’s probably good for you.
If social time with your partner often involves wine - maybe you just don’t have that much in common.
Many moms secretly wear PJ’s when driving kids to school. In fact, most Hit & Runs are just women fearful of being outed.
Eating a Lemon Bavarian Cream Cake in one sitting is not a good idea.
Real Love is:
The stuff that happens on a daily basis at work and play. Supporting dreams. Knowing another’s true soul. No facades. The physical, hands-on ‘being there’. Helping us work through our darkest lows. Laughing at our oddities. Never admonishing us for being silly, or saying something inappropriate. Making the effort to be there for our milestones.
Real Love is not:
Based on Money, Dependency, Appearances, Security.
The streets at 4:00 a.m. are not as pretty as they are at 4:00 p.m.
The work you choose tells a lot about who you are.
Rocker, Ron Wood, is out of control. (Hint: When Keith Richards tells you you’re partying too much.
You’re partying too much).
The world is filled with people who had dreams…then settled.
Never settle.
Film footage of kids playing hockey to a footstompin’ Acadian fiddle tune have the power to induce watery eyes.
The beauty of solitary nature and opens spaces - respite - silence - trees for miles - are things I’m forever thankful for.
Just because you can spell - doesn’t mean you’re a writer.
That Polar Bear Swim is frickin’ cold.
And, stupid.
I am stupid.
If my friend’s dog had a New Year’s Resolution, it might be: “I will NOT chase the stick unless I actually SEE it leave his hand.”
(Arf).
Happy New Year.
~
Comments Off
December 29, 2009
Music to my ears
Intelligent commentary. Music that surfs the soul - nestling in faraway places.
Canwest music critics from across the country have each selected their favourite album of the decade. Better yet, they explain why.
From the healing elixir of Patty Griffin’s melancholic vibes to the film noir romanticism of Tom Waits - the chosen discs are lush, dark and brooding.
Surprisingly, many are Canadian: Metric, Broken Social Scene, Arcade Fire. All this alongside such epic American songsters as Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash.
Check out the entertainment section at www.theprovince.com
Reconfigure your inner revolution.
December 27, 2009
December 25, 2009
Rush
Today - Christmas. The sun shines. The sky is a deep blue. Warmth radiates in bones and on window panes - illuminating the soot from days gone by. Dust of sugar on the mountain peaks. And, the ocean beckons. A bike ride along the waterline. Miles and miles of open space. Not a hint of neon. This place - this glorious place. The quiet, elegance of a Christmas day celebrated amongst the beauty of nature.
Solitude.
Peace of mind.
~
Merry Christmas to all.
December 17, 2009
Two-for-one
“Well, Jesus WAS Jewish,
and WE believe in Jesus,
so….that DOES kind of make us Jews too.”
(12-year old son’s attempt to cash in on Hannukah)
October 23, 2009
Fine Tuning
Three. That’s how many careers I hope to explore in this life. The unfamiliar is scary. But, I just can’t imagine trekking along the same path to the same bloody summit my whole life. For the past decade, I’ve been a writer. Scripts. Political speeches. Business articles, and more. Challenging. Diverse. But, I craved change.
Way back, a Bachelor’s Degree and a further two-year specialization in Broadcast Journalism landed me at CKNW Radio, Western Canada’s top newsroom in the 90’s. I thrived and learned from the pros. Hell, it was almost two years, before I took my first lunch break.
Sure, we covered regional and national news. But, we also focused on world events. Some of my most memorable journalistic moments: Covering F.W. de Klerk’s release of Nelson Mandela; the subsequent rise of the ANC; the tearing down of the Berlin Wall; the execution of Romania’s Socialist Dictator, Ceausescu; the American invasion of Panama - along with a secret interview with an escaped hostage hiding in Panama City after Panamanian Troops seized a busload of American tourists. This ‘get’ was the highlight of my journalistic career. (After the interview, CNN was still reporting it was unsure of the escaped hostage’s whereabouts).
From there - I hosted a variety of television interview shows on business, health, and the arts. A far cry from my hard news roots.
And, then, five years ago: Stand-up Comedy. A chance to scribble about human quirks and oddities as opposed to shootings and politics. Stand-up pushed the boundaries of my creative mind. FINALLY, I could harness those immature brain meanderings and craft them into something productive. But, this time, I was the topic. Nobody laughs, claps, or groans when you read the news. But, stand on a stage - your soul stripped bare. The reaction is immediate. The taste, not unlike gun metal. Stand-up changed my life in so many wonderful ways.
HELL - why not combine all of the above?
Result: My newest career - Co-Host and News Anchor for the Morning Show at SHORE 104 Radio in Vancouver. Find it on the dial at 104.1 FM or listen online at www.shore104.com. I’m honored to sit alongside the warm, yet oh so cool, Steve Dunbar (not to mention THE most dedicated and talented team of co-workers I’ve ever encountered). SHORE 104 is a bright, new station for educated listeners. No classic rock, golden oldies or rehashing of the familiar. Its mission: The art of music - specifically Roots, Rock, & Rhythm. A celebration of the iconic singer/songwriter. The new. The undiscovered. I promise you, the tunes will lay down fresh pathways in your cerebral cortex.
It’s the unfamiliar that makes life challenging.
In music.
And, life.
Thanks to all who listen regularly.
Especially those from outside Vancouver.
I love that you’re tuning in.
October 8, 2009
It’s a good thing
Comedy is heating up again. After a tiny sabbatical, I’m back at it.
I’m delighted to work as the on-set Comedian for the taping of a new television sitcom filming until December. Filmed in front of a live studio audience - show execs need a comedian to keep the crowd happy and entertained in between set changes.
Other gigs:
Thursday, October 8th - Performing at the Kingston Comedy Club, 755 Richards. Show time at 9:00.
Corporate Comedy Show - November 28th for a Vancouver fundraising/Christmas event.
Corporate Comedy Show - December 4th for CGI Limited. I’ll entertain employees after their Christmas dinner. Note to self: Make fun of HR Department Head.
I am smiling.