Okay so the title of this posting is not entirely true, but it sure does have a nice ring to it. There is in fact various rewards to running around the world bringing holiday cheer and promoting a Christmas album. One of the main rewards is that Michael Buble's Christmas album is burning up the charts, selling like a prized Christmas gift, and showing no signs of slowing down before the season ends. In fact it is just gaining strength as the weeks close down to the big day. Another reward of sorts is racking up the amount of airmiles that one can obtain by criss crossing the world in a few short months. I sure do love me some elite star alliance benefits! The posh record company dinners can also be considered a reward as I sure do love to eat!
So we are now back in Europe and the final couple of weeks before it is Christmas time and the time for singing CHristmas music is over! ALthough each day has had its own share of challenges we have been winning the battles and winning the TV studio crews over in every city and country we goto. Below are a few examples of things we have done recently ....
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Update from Safety Island!
Once again I find myself over in jolly ol' England, where the rules are a plenty , and the pints never empty!
That was pretty good for an opening line if I do say so myself...
The christmas promo train keeps on a rolling after a brief three day trip back home to Vancouver. We are back out until almost Christmas time , doing everything from big charity shows, to TV studios across ENgland and Europe, with two trips to New York thrown in for good measure!
Tomorrow's gig is here in Manchester at the MEN arena and is a fundraiser for Gary Barlow's charity , Children in Need.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/news/news140911.shtml
Should be an interesting one for sure! Not to mention we are also all staying in the same hotel. I for one am on the look-out for GaGa's egg!
This morning I ventured across the street from my hotel in London to Gino's Mens Hairstyling. Two older gentlemen, doing proper hair cuts, and natericking (is that a word? I'm claiming it is) on worse than old women! It was actually quite the experience I must say. Like a total gossip salon, but old school , with two chairs, two funny individuals, and the customers that played their parts as well. Soo funny!
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&gs_upl=13694l15593l0l15784l15l12l0l0l0l0l300l2343l0.6.5.1l12l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1283&bih=702&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=ginos+hair+salon+soho+london+england&fb=1&hq=ginos+hair+salon&hnear=0x48761b2cd5f9ddf5:0x261185c6bcdbcf62,Soho,+Greater+London,+UK&cid=2396247970959625282
Anways, thats it for now. Just a quick update as I have been rather neglectful towards this site as of late.
I promise nothing , yet appreciate your readership!
Craigers
That was pretty good for an opening line if I do say so myself...
The christmas promo train keeps on a rolling after a brief three day trip back home to Vancouver. We are back out until almost Christmas time , doing everything from big charity shows, to TV studios across ENgland and Europe, with two trips to New York thrown in for good measure!
Tomorrow's gig is here in Manchester at the MEN arena and is a fundraiser for Gary Barlow's charity , Children in Need.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/news/news140911.shtml
Should be an interesting one for sure! Not to mention we are also all staying in the same hotel. I for one am on the look-out for GaGa's egg!
This morning I ventured across the street from my hotel in London to Gino's Mens Hairstyling. Two older gentlemen, doing proper hair cuts, and natericking (is that a word? I'm claiming it is) on worse than old women! It was actually quite the experience I must say. Like a total gossip salon, but old school , with two chairs, two funny individuals, and the customers that played their parts as well. Soo funny!
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&gs_upl=13694l15593l0l15784l15l12l0l0l0l0l300l2343l0.6.5.1l12l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1283&bih=702&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=ginos+hair+salon+soho+london+england&fb=1&hq=ginos+hair+salon&hnear=0x48761b2cd5f9ddf5:0x261185c6bcdbcf62,Soho,+Greater+London,+UK&cid=2396247970959625282
Anways, thats it for now. Just a quick update as I have been rather neglectful towards this site as of late.
I promise nothing , yet appreciate your readership!
Craigers
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Guilty Pleasure
Over the course of the last few years I have worked at the various X Factors around the world. The one in the UK is by far the biggest thing in England since Tea and Crumpets. Now i have never really been a fan of sitting down and watching the show. You know, picking a favorite and hopeing they make it to the final...and who knows maybe even win!
Well this is a different year on American Television ,and I am in fact tuning into the X Factor.
Before you get all judgmental and whatnot , please do not worry. I am not recording the show, or even making sure I am available during the times it is on. i am merely turning it on the nights that I am home.
Now all that being said, I missed a few weeks and was very disappointed last night to realize that my favorite girl did not make it past the "boot camp" phase , and is not part of the big show!
Damn this girl can sing!
I guess its all about Astro now.....
Well this is a different year on American Television ,and I am in fact tuning into the X Factor.
Before you get all judgmental and whatnot , please do not worry. I am not recording the show, or even making sure I am available during the times it is on. i am merely turning it on the nights that I am home.
Now all that being said, I missed a few weeks and was very disappointed last night to realize that my favorite girl did not make it past the "boot camp" phase , and is not part of the big show!
Damn this girl can sing!
I guess its all about Astro now.....
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Occupy the Occupation
Perhaps I do not fully understand this occupy movement. Or maybe it is that i need to dig a little deeper in my knowledge on the subject. Yes we have a major problem in this world today with the financial system, the people that run it, and all of the men behind the curtains who really are in charge.
My concern at the moment though is that this movement is going to get lost in its values and turn more into homeless camps. I mean nothing will ever change without an assemblence of people , and a collective voice. We all know the saying the squeeky wheel gets the oil. In that regard I say Kudos to the organizers for rallying the troops and letting those in the corporate world know that we have had enough!
Yet the stories of violence in the occupy camps, or drive by tourist photo sessions are starting to take over the news and media on the subject. In Vancouver the camp at the art gallery was almost deemed unsanitary after major rains caused flooding and major mud. Currently there is mass fighting in Oakland at the occupy camp, and the occupy wall street collection is becoming more and more of a photographer/tourist subject. In Calgary alberta, the occupy movement is nothing more than a tent city for the cities homeless squabbling over inter camp petty theft.
Lets hope this all does not get lost as it grows. We need to bring change about, and i say thank you to the organizers around the world for their parts in trying to create one voice.
I am left wondering though how long this will continue for.
My concern at the moment though is that this movement is going to get lost in its values and turn more into homeless camps. I mean nothing will ever change without an assemblence of people , and a collective voice. We all know the saying the squeeky wheel gets the oil. In that regard I say Kudos to the organizers for rallying the troops and letting those in the corporate world know that we have had enough!
Yet the stories of violence in the occupy camps, or drive by tourist photo sessions are starting to take over the news and media on the subject. In Vancouver the camp at the art gallery was almost deemed unsanitary after major rains caused flooding and major mud. Currently there is mass fighting in Oakland at the occupy camp, and the occupy wall street collection is becoming more and more of a photographer/tourist subject. In Calgary alberta, the occupy movement is nothing more than a tent city for the cities homeless squabbling over inter camp petty theft.
Lets hope this all does not get lost as it grows. We need to bring change about, and i say thank you to the organizers around the world for their parts in trying to create one voice.
I am left wondering though how long this will continue for.
Lines
Cmon Calgary, don't be afraid to paint the road lines every once in awhile. I mean when the lanes are accurately divided and represented with solid lines or cats eyes, we as drivers get along better.
Friday, October 21, 2011
One of my faves...
I remember when I was like 18 or 19 and I first saw Silverchair on Muchmusic. The album was Frogstomp and the single/video was for the song "tomorrow". These three kids were like 16 years old and I was jealous beyond belief! The Nirvana comparisons were all over the place ,and somewhat deservingly so.
However Daniel Johns had bigger and better plans for his future that did not fully include going out like Kurt Cobain did. Instead of sticking to the grunge formula and re-writing the same old songs over and over again, Daniel took it upon himself to challenge his writing abilities and continue to grow as both a musician and a songwriter.
The record "Young Modern" is by no means new anymore, but it is their latest offering. If you were familiar with the "frogstomp" Silverchair boys , you had no idea what men they would grow up to be.
The single "Straight Lines" is by far one of my favorite songs over the past few years. Inspiring , honest, melodic, and a rich full arraignment throughout.
Check it out...
However Daniel Johns had bigger and better plans for his future that did not fully include going out like Kurt Cobain did. Instead of sticking to the grunge formula and re-writing the same old songs over and over again, Daniel took it upon himself to challenge his writing abilities and continue to grow as both a musician and a songwriter.
The record "Young Modern" is by no means new anymore, but it is their latest offering. If you were familiar with the "frogstomp" Silverchair boys , you had no idea what men they would grow up to be.
The single "Straight Lines" is by far one of my favorite songs over the past few years. Inspiring , honest, melodic, and a rich full arraignment throughout.
Check it out...
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Cover Me Canada
Lately i find myself tuning into some of the sing off style shows on the television. X Factor America is currently something I watch, and I say this with relative shame, but I like it! What can I say...
On sunday nights the last few weeks Canadian TV has a show running "Cover Me Canada". The premise of the show is that 8 singers/groups/bands are selected from our vast country and must perform their version of an already famous Canadian song. I must say that with all Canadian produced shows of this nature, there is a larger element of cheese than say some of the more polished american shows have. Yet i have tuned in and watch the last couple of weeks , partly because i do know some of the performers and musicians, and partly for guilty pleasure.
Tonight Victoria's Georgia Murray was eliminated, and I apologize if i offend anyone, but it was deserved. Not a very well done cover of SPirit Of The Wests "home for a rest". Looked more like a competition between violin and singer!
Check Check Check it out....
Here is my current favorite....
On sunday nights the last few weeks Canadian TV has a show running "Cover Me Canada". The premise of the show is that 8 singers/groups/bands are selected from our vast country and must perform their version of an already famous Canadian song. I must say that with all Canadian produced shows of this nature, there is a larger element of cheese than say some of the more polished american shows have. Yet i have tuned in and watch the last couple of weeks , partly because i do know some of the performers and musicians, and partly for guilty pleasure.
Tonight Victoria's Georgia Murray was eliminated, and I apologize if i offend anyone, but it was deserved. Not a very well done cover of SPirit Of The Wests "home for a rest". Looked more like a competition between violin and singer!
Check Check Check it out....
Here is my current favorite....
Rifflandia 4
During the weekend of Sept 23 - 25th 2011, i was a big part of the Rifflandia Festival in Victoria BC Canada. This was the 4th installment of the little festival that could, brought to you by the amazing Casey, Nick and Dimitri. Over 110 acts through the course of four days, with a mainstage/side stage in the biggest venue the festival has ever been in. Royal Athletic Park was the center piece for this years festival with 15 acts per day rotating between the mainstage and the sidestage. I myself was in charge of the sidestage and hired my good friend RJ to come and help facilitate the smooth operations of the little stage in the corner. I think we all kicked ass and am so very proud to have been a part of Rifflandia. This video posting below is an amazing montage of one truly wonderful weekend at the end of September.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
You be the Judge
Growing up as much of a music fan as I did, and being quite the rocker back in my day, it is no surprise that Guns and Roses were HUGE to me. When Appetite For Destruction came out I wasn't quite sure if i should be scared of these guys or if i should rock harder and sleezier than i ever had before.
Now we all know the soap opera that is Axl Rose, and its continuing story-line. After like 10 years of production and recording it took a bet from Dr. Pepper to finally have The Chinese Democracy see the light of day. Talk about over thinking something!
Anyways lately i have revisited the Appetite album and find it to really have withstood the test of time. It is not dated in its production values, or in the songs themselves. There is an energy captured on tape that is of a time and a moment yet to be repeated. The saga of Axl and the band has grown quite tiring in the last 15 years but the memories in my mind of listening to that record in my bedroom as loud as my stereo would go will never be forgotten.
Recently Axl and his new band of merrymen performed at the Rock In Rio festival. Over a million people in attendance and quite the downpour from the heavens led to the performance below.
Now back in August I went and saw Steven Adler and his version of Guns and Roses perform in Vancouver at the Venue. I must admit i was mostly drawn to the show because of Adler's recent appearance on Celebrity Rehab. I wanted to see this guy who has never been able to let go of the time he was in the band, and has subsequently battled a life full of demons. Check out the below clip of Paradise City by Adler's Appetite!
Slash has had of course his version of Guns and Roses called Slash's Snakepit. I am partially biased to Slash's direction has my good friend Brent Fitz plays drums in the band. Another good ol Canadian kid Todd Kearns is also in the band playing bass. The clip below is taken from the Oxegen festival in Dublin Ireland and shows that Slash is truly a beast!
Now of course it would not be fair to compare these three Guns incarnations without having the original source material. Check out this clip from the Ritz in New York City back in 1988.
Now that was a force to be reckoned with!
Now we all know the soap opera that is Axl Rose, and its continuing story-line. After like 10 years of production and recording it took a bet from Dr. Pepper to finally have The Chinese Democracy see the light of day. Talk about over thinking something!
Anyways lately i have revisited the Appetite album and find it to really have withstood the test of time. It is not dated in its production values, or in the songs themselves. There is an energy captured on tape that is of a time and a moment yet to be repeated. The saga of Axl and the band has grown quite tiring in the last 15 years but the memories in my mind of listening to that record in my bedroom as loud as my stereo would go will never be forgotten.
Recently Axl and his new band of merrymen performed at the Rock In Rio festival. Over a million people in attendance and quite the downpour from the heavens led to the performance below.
Now back in August I went and saw Steven Adler and his version of Guns and Roses perform in Vancouver at the Venue. I must admit i was mostly drawn to the show because of Adler's recent appearance on Celebrity Rehab. I wanted to see this guy who has never been able to let go of the time he was in the band, and has subsequently battled a life full of demons. Check out the below clip of Paradise City by Adler's Appetite!
Slash has had of course his version of Guns and Roses called Slash's Snakepit. I am partially biased to Slash's direction has my good friend Brent Fitz plays drums in the band. Another good ol Canadian kid Todd Kearns is also in the band playing bass. The clip below is taken from the Oxegen festival in Dublin Ireland and shows that Slash is truly a beast!
Now of course it would not be fair to compare these three Guns incarnations without having the original source material. Check out this clip from the Ritz in New York City back in 1988.
Now that was a force to be reckoned with!
With A Little Help
A few years back I found myself in a very special situation. i was working with Michael Buble and we were setting up and getting ready to perform on the final episode of a very unique UK television personality. We were in a television studio in London England getting ready to be part of the final show of the Parkinson Television Show.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkinson_(TV_series)
During the day there was no studio audience inside and while we were getting ready to set up and such, Joe Cocker and his band ran through the song "With a little help from my friends". They did the number about 3 times , and I felt as if we were being treated to a special performance. It was then taped to be apart of the final episode of The Parkinson Show.
I am not able to find the clip online that was filmed that day, but as the song is so powerful i thought i would attach the iconic Woodstock performance. Sure the background singers are in a different key all together, and Joe looks like a poster boy for 1960s LSD use...but wow! what a performance!
enjoy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkinson_(TV_series)
During the day there was no studio audience inside and while we were getting ready to set up and such, Joe Cocker and his band ran through the song "With a little help from my friends". They did the number about 3 times , and I felt as if we were being treated to a special performance. It was then taped to be apart of the final episode of The Parkinson Show.
I am not able to find the clip online that was filmed that day, but as the song is so powerful i thought i would attach the iconic Woodstock performance. Sure the background singers are in a different key all together, and Joe looks like a poster boy for 1960s LSD use...but wow! what a performance!
enjoy
Friday, September 30, 2011
Almost Awkward
It has been so long since i have properly written an entry, or posted anything of new interest or relevance. In fact its almost getting to the point of being somewhat awkward for me to sit down and post without thinking.
I need to really push myself these days for motivation and could benefit from better time management thats for sure....
Here are a few things on my mind at the moment in no particular order.
The new roof on BC place looks good! Its not without its downside though, and I am curious what the giant stadium will look like when there is only 10,000 at a game instead of the 40,000 they had tonight!
Pretty stoked to have been a part of Rifflandia in Victoria this past weekend. Huge kudos to all those involved from the Volunteers to the head producers!
http://www.magmazingmusic.com/2011/09/26/10-reasons-why-rifflandia-2011-was-one-of-the-best-festivals-ever/#.ToO2Qs3Pd4U.facebook
I finally remembered to google something of interest that i never ever remember to look up or research. I know that the Iron Workers Memorial bridge in Vancouver has its name because of a tragic collapse in the late 50s / early 60s, but i have never really known the full story. Finally I thought to search it tonight!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironworkers_Memorial_Second_Narrows_Crossing
I wonder if there is a home renovator hidden amongst my many other personas?
Seriously this is funny shit!
Look for future postings to actually contain some substance!
Craigers
I need to really push myself these days for motivation and could benefit from better time management thats for sure....
Here are a few things on my mind at the moment in no particular order.
The new roof on BC place looks good! Its not without its downside though, and I am curious what the giant stadium will look like when there is only 10,000 at a game instead of the 40,000 they had tonight!
Pretty stoked to have been a part of Rifflandia in Victoria this past weekend. Huge kudos to all those involved from the Volunteers to the head producers!
http://www.magmazingmusic.com/2011/09/26/10-reasons-why-rifflandia-2011-was-one-of-the-best-festivals-ever/#.ToO2Qs3Pd4U.facebook
I finally remembered to google something of interest that i never ever remember to look up or research. I know that the Iron Workers Memorial bridge in Vancouver has its name because of a tragic collapse in the late 50s / early 60s, but i have never really known the full story. Finally I thought to search it tonight!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironworkers_Memorial_Second_Narrows_Crossing
I wonder if there is a home renovator hidden amongst my many other personas?
Seriously this is funny shit!
Look for future postings to actually contain some substance!
Craigers
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
it goes to 11
One of my favorite highlights of the last few months of touring was when my bus, number 2 , hosted a helluva rocking party in the parking lot of the hotel in Uncasville Connecticut. Now we had the day off the next day so naturally i was DJing and we were rocking.
I believe we put the system in the front lounge of our bus through the paces climaxing in a serious rendition of the following...
Hey sometimes you just gotta rock!
I believe we put the system in the front lounge of our bus through the paces climaxing in a serious rendition of the following...
Hey sometimes you just gotta rock!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The Final Leg
Tomorrow I fly to Kelowna to begin the last leg of the Crazy Love World Tour. This is a tour that has seen us hit over 25 countries, been named in the top 10 of international tours, and one that I have made some really amazing friends.
I know i have been shit with updating and I am not sure if it will get better. I know this site is here as a vehicle when i feel the impulse, but for now it will probably stay rather sterile...ha
I am looking forward to the final shows but am of course a little sad as well. Its been quite a ride since we first started in Jacksonville back in March of 2010. Thanks for the memories everyone, without you all it would not have been what it has been!
thats it thats all for now....perhaps more sooner than later..
your dear friend
Craigers
I know i have been shit with updating and I am not sure if it will get better. I know this site is here as a vehicle when i feel the impulse, but for now it will probably stay rather sterile...ha
I am looking forward to the final shows but am of course a little sad as well. Its been quite a ride since we first started in Jacksonville back in March of 2010. Thanks for the memories everyone, without you all it would not have been what it has been!
thats it thats all for now....perhaps more sooner than later..
your dear friend
Craigers
Question
Allow me to ask this will you.....
If my personal debt spirals out of control and I am unable to pay my bills, is there a way to increase my "debt ceiling?"
If my personal debt spirals out of control and I am unable to pay my bills, is there a way to increase my "debt ceiling?"
Friday, July 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Stanley Cup Embarrasment
As a resident of the city of Vancouver, a proud Canadian, and a hockey fan, i was appalled, ashamed, and embarrassed at how we rioted following the loss to the Boston Bruins in game 7 of the Stanley Cup final. However I must admit I was not surprised at how people reacted. In fact, i have a feeling that even if we had of won the game a similar reaction would have ensued. If you look back to the 94 riots in Vancouver some say this situation could have been avoided. But how so really? You have a large mass of people in one location that have been drinking for several hours. Despite whether the team wins or loses the emotions have been building up for awhile before the damage starts. It only takes a handful of people to start something and the wave continues to grow and build momentum. In Vancouver a 17 year old Maple Ridge boy has come forward after being identified and is genuinely sorry. This boy is the son of a doctor and from a well off family. He is a model student and a championship water polo player..yet he was caught on camera trying to ignite a police car on fire using a cloth doused in gasoline. He has admitted that the was completely swept up in the moment and the emotions of the situation and lost control. Does this really happen? You bet it does! Now our city seems to have a reputation for rioting , like the 94 cup loss and the cancelled Guns and Roses concert a number of years back. But there are several other cities that have lost their minds temporarily while being swept up in the moment. Montreal is notorious for its passion and behavior. The Los Angeles Lakers fans seem to riot every time they win the championship. Over in the Uk they seem to go crazy every weekend following a footy match of some sorts. IN fact even the fans in Boston started to riot when their beloved Red Sox finally won the World Series.
I personally think that here in Vancouver we have a bit of a problem with certain anarchist groups and professional demonstrators who know how to ignite a crowd. It almost all happened the first day of the 2010 Olympics but was quickly stomped out before it escalated.
What should be noted is the way the city rallied in the wake of the damage caused that night. Groups were organized on facebook and through other social media sites to help cleanup. By 8am the next morning apart from some boarded up windows it was as if nothing had happened. Now if only that was true....because now we will suffer from large scale events happening in the city. The events of June 16th 2011 will go down in history as one of the worst sporting riots to date.
Take a look at the following video to see just how the mob mentality works. How it escalates to levels beyond control The video is long but worth watching.
I personally think that here in Vancouver we have a bit of a problem with certain anarchist groups and professional demonstrators who know how to ignite a crowd. It almost all happened the first day of the 2010 Olympics but was quickly stomped out before it escalated.
What should be noted is the way the city rallied in the wake of the damage caused that night. Groups were organized on facebook and through other social media sites to help cleanup. By 8am the next morning apart from some boarded up windows it was as if nothing had happened. Now if only that was true....because now we will suffer from large scale events happening in the city. The events of June 16th 2011 will go down in history as one of the worst sporting riots to date.
Take a look at the following video to see just how the mob mentality works. How it escalates to levels beyond control The video is long but worth watching.
Home is where I be...
We have just completed another US leg of the Crazy Love world tour and are nearing the end of this record cycle. Man it seems like just yesterday the Olympics had ended and I was flying to Jacksonville Florida to begin the first run of the new Buble world tour. Time sure does seem to fly, especially if you are having a good time, surrounded with good people, and part of an amazing organization.
I was fortunate to make some really wonderful new friends that will hold value in my heart and life for the rest of my time on this earth. People like David Boisvert, Marc Depratto, MarcO Magnon, Russ Keith,Todd Green, Bianca and Sari, and a few others have become really good friends of mine and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to spend time on busses, venues, pubs, restaraunts, parks, tourist sites, hotel lobbys, and of course late night truck stops. Its tough to explain to those who do not live this life, but your road family becomes everything to you. When your having a shit day they can pick you up, as you can do the same to them.
During the Crazy Love touring my mom had a brain anuerysm and I without hesitation left my post at stage left and went home to Calgary to be with my mom and family during our time of need. Everyone that i mentioned above, as well as the rest of our entire crew stepped up to the plate and covered me, supported me, listened to me, and made sure I was okay. This just does not happen when you work a 9 - 5 job or any other job for that matter. i am lucky, fortunate, and grateful for those in my life and the career that i chose to pursue.
We have one more leg of this tour left which will begin in Kelowna BC and finish in Mexico City. After that it will be back to the universal crew that i am a part of and our world promotions of Michael's new full length brand new Christmas album.
I apologize for not always updating, for not following through with more crew introductions, and for being downright lazy sometimes. However I am who I am and make no excuses for just being plain lazy sometimes.
Thanks to those who read and follow, who are patient, and who message me telling me they need an update. I will continue to use this blog site as an outlet when i need to vent, share, or just update.
Cheers to Michael and my road family! They say you are only as strong as your weakest link, and man oh man are we one helluva a strong crew!
I was fortunate to make some really wonderful new friends that will hold value in my heart and life for the rest of my time on this earth. People like David Boisvert, Marc Depratto, MarcO Magnon, Russ Keith,Todd Green, Bianca and Sari, and a few others have become really good friends of mine and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to spend time on busses, venues, pubs, restaraunts, parks, tourist sites, hotel lobbys, and of course late night truck stops. Its tough to explain to those who do not live this life, but your road family becomes everything to you. When your having a shit day they can pick you up, as you can do the same to them.
During the Crazy Love touring my mom had a brain anuerysm and I without hesitation left my post at stage left and went home to Calgary to be with my mom and family during our time of need. Everyone that i mentioned above, as well as the rest of our entire crew stepped up to the plate and covered me, supported me, listened to me, and made sure I was okay. This just does not happen when you work a 9 - 5 job or any other job for that matter. i am lucky, fortunate, and grateful for those in my life and the career that i chose to pursue.
We have one more leg of this tour left which will begin in Kelowna BC and finish in Mexico City. After that it will be back to the universal crew that i am a part of and our world promotions of Michael's new full length brand new Christmas album.
I apologize for not always updating, for not following through with more crew introductions, and for being downright lazy sometimes. However I am who I am and make no excuses for just being plain lazy sometimes.
Thanks to those who read and follow, who are patient, and who message me telling me they need an update. I will continue to use this blog site as an outlet when i need to vent, share, or just update.
Cheers to Michael and my road family! They say you are only as strong as your weakest link, and man oh man are we one helluva a strong crew!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Boston Fanatics take it too far
A good friend of mine whom I have not spent much time with lately recently made the trip down to Boston for games 3 and 4 of the Stanley Cup Final between our Canucks and the Boston Bruins.
The following is a letter that my friend felt compelled to write following his trip to beantown....
Dear Mr. Mayor,
I am writing to you today to express my disappointment of the treatment we received in your city.
As a Canadian, and a life long hockey fan, I know what it means to be a passionate fan for my home team.
I work in the film industry, which grants me the opportunity to travel for work, and to attend conferences and trade shows through my labor union, I.A.T.S.E. Between this travel, and my personal vacations, I am able to see hockey in many markets, even occasionally seeing my home team Canucks in another city.
The opportunity to watch the Canucks in a Stanley Cup playoff series in another city seemed like a wonderful opportunity, too good to pass up. So on Sunday, my brother and I drove from Vancouver to Seattle, boarded a plane a made our way to Boston. We were both very excited about the whole trip. We arrived in Boston Monday morning, fully expecting the cold shoulder. We're big boys, we can take it.
After all, we we're now in your town, and Boston does have a reputation as being a tough city. So we were fully prepared for some banter and ribbing.
After checking in to our hotel, and a nap, we made ticket arrangements for that night's Game 3.
We then made our way down to the TD Garden.
From the moment I got out of that cab on Causeway St., I knew there was going to be trouble. The profanity that was instantly showered upon us was shocking. We ignored it and I suggested since we were in Boston, and being of Irish/Scottish decent ourselves, it was only fitting that we hit up an old Irish pub. Which we did. The server was fairly reluctant to serve us at first, but she did, and we enjoyed a good meal before heading into the Garden.
Once in our seats, things just went from bad to worse.
The verbal and physical abuse we were subjected to was disgraceful.
I'm 41 years old, my brother is 39, and never have I witnessed or been the target of such disrespectful behavior.
It's my understanding from the ticket brokers I spoke with that approximately 12-15% of the tickets went to Canucks fans who made the trip to Boston. Somewhere in the range of 2000 fans, for a cross continental trip, I would say that's fairly significant.
After the game we met up with a few of my brother's friends who also came to Boston. One of them told us that he was repeatedly hit with marbles. Security later told us that this has happened before, and that marbles don't show up on the metal detectors.
When two of his other friends refused to respond or engage with the taunts from a group of Bruins fans, they then instead took to verbally attacking their wives. Calling them whores, and using degrading racial slurs.
We were told of Canucks fans who were using the washrooms, standing at the urinals, and had Bruins fans turn and urinate on them. Fans who were spit on, both inside and outside he arena. Multiple people, including a group of girls in Canucks jerseys were pepper sprayed. Fans who were punched and head-butted in the stands. The fact the the now famous Canucks fans known as The Green Men had to be escorted out of the Garden under police protection. And of course by now we have all heard about the father and his 9 year old child who were dragged out of a downtown cab and assaulted by group of thugs.
The most ironic thing I heard was being told by number of fans after the unfortunate Rome/Horton incident was that "All Canadians should just F*****g Die" I tried to remind these people that 17 of the 22 Bruins on the roster are in fact Canadian. Milan Lucic is even from Vancouver. Head coach Claude Julien, Canadian. Bruins GM, Cam Neely is Canadian. And your two greatest hockey icons, Ray Bourque and Bobby Orr, Canadian. It didn't matter, the abuse continued.
Tuesday we wanted to see some sights. Do the tourist thing. But the verbal abuse that ensued throughout the day just ruined things for both of us. We met up with a couple Vancouver film industry friends of mine at Fenway Park. His experience and stories were much the same.
Game 4 was much the same. Taunts, yelling profanities, personal threats and insults. With the added touch of having beer poured on us. To which I will say that one brave and decent Bruins fan stood up to the hooligans with us, and had the offender ejected from the game. Verbal and physical abuse that continued outside until we were able to get a cab back to our hotel.
Now, to me, the most disturbing part to all of this, is that it all happened with Bruins victories.
I shudder to think what would have happened had the Canucks won one or even both of those games. How would these "fans" have reacted had a Stanley Cup been presented to the Canucks in game 4. We will never know, I think it's safe to say that it would have been the shortest on-ice Cup presentation in modern NHL history.
I don't mean to be down on all of your citizens. We did meet some wonderful, interesting people on our trip. People who tried to make us feel welcome. People who wanted us to feel perfectly comfortable in your city supporting our team. People who genuinely wanted us to be there, and to enjoy what your city has to offer.
Unfortunately for me, in the 4 days I spent in Boston, the negatives far out weighed the positives.
Of all the cities I have traveled to, I am sad to say, that Boston is the one and only that I have ever said that I have no desire to ever return to.
Regretfully,
Vancouver, B.C.
The following is a letter that my friend felt compelled to write following his trip to beantown....
Dear Mr. Mayor,
I am writing to you today to express my disappointment of the treatment we received in your city.
As a Canadian, and a life long hockey fan, I know what it means to be a passionate fan for my home team.
I work in the film industry, which grants me the opportunity to travel for work, and to attend conferences and trade shows through my labor union, I.A.T.S.E. Between this travel, and my personal vacations, I am able to see hockey in many markets, even occasionally seeing my home team Canucks in another city.
The opportunity to watch the Canucks in a Stanley Cup playoff series in another city seemed like a wonderful opportunity, too good to pass up. So on Sunday, my brother and I drove from Vancouver to Seattle, boarded a plane a made our way to Boston. We were both very excited about the whole trip. We arrived in Boston Monday morning, fully expecting the cold shoulder. We're big boys, we can take it.
After all, we we're now in your town, and Boston does have a reputation as being a tough city. So we were fully prepared for some banter and ribbing.
After checking in to our hotel, and a nap, we made ticket arrangements for that night's Game 3.
We then made our way down to the TD Garden.
From the moment I got out of that cab on Causeway St., I knew there was going to be trouble. The profanity that was instantly showered upon us was shocking. We ignored it and I suggested since we were in Boston, and being of Irish/Scottish decent ourselves, it was only fitting that we hit up an old Irish pub. Which we did. The server was fairly reluctant to serve us at first, but she did, and we enjoyed a good meal before heading into the Garden.
Once in our seats, things just went from bad to worse.
The verbal and physical abuse we were subjected to was disgraceful.
I'm 41 years old, my brother is 39, and never have I witnessed or been the target of such disrespectful behavior.
It's my understanding from the ticket brokers I spoke with that approximately 12-15% of the tickets went to Canucks fans who made the trip to Boston. Somewhere in the range of 2000 fans, for a cross continental trip, I would say that's fairly significant.
After the game we met up with a few of my brother's friends who also came to Boston. One of them told us that he was repeatedly hit with marbles. Security later told us that this has happened before, and that marbles don't show up on the metal detectors.
When two of his other friends refused to respond or engage with the taunts from a group of Bruins fans, they then instead took to verbally attacking their wives. Calling them whores, and using degrading racial slurs.
We were told of Canucks fans who were using the washrooms, standing at the urinals, and had Bruins fans turn and urinate on them. Fans who were spit on, both inside and outside he arena. Multiple people, including a group of girls in Canucks jerseys were pepper sprayed. Fans who were punched and head-butted in the stands. The fact the the now famous Canucks fans known as The Green Men had to be escorted out of the Garden under police protection. And of course by now we have all heard about the father and his 9 year old child who were dragged out of a downtown cab and assaulted by group of thugs.
The most ironic thing I heard was being told by number of fans after the unfortunate Rome/Horton incident was that "All Canadians should just F*****g Die" I tried to remind these people that 17 of the 22 Bruins on the roster are in fact Canadian. Milan Lucic is even from Vancouver. Head coach Claude Julien, Canadian. Bruins GM, Cam Neely is Canadian. And your two greatest hockey icons, Ray Bourque and Bobby Orr, Canadian. It didn't matter, the abuse continued.
Tuesday we wanted to see some sights. Do the tourist thing. But the verbal abuse that ensued throughout the day just ruined things for both of us. We met up with a couple Vancouver film industry friends of mine at Fenway Park. His experience and stories were much the same.
Game 4 was much the same. Taunts, yelling profanities, personal threats and insults. With the added touch of having beer poured on us. To which I will say that one brave and decent Bruins fan stood up to the hooligans with us, and had the offender ejected from the game. Verbal and physical abuse that continued outside until we were able to get a cab back to our hotel.
Now, to me, the most disturbing part to all of this, is that it all happened with Bruins victories.
I shudder to think what would have happened had the Canucks won one or even both of those games. How would these "fans" have reacted had a Stanley Cup been presented to the Canucks in game 4. We will never know, I think it's safe to say that it would have been the shortest on-ice Cup presentation in modern NHL history.
I don't mean to be down on all of your citizens. We did meet some wonderful, interesting people on our trip. People who tried to make us feel welcome. People who wanted us to feel perfectly comfortable in your city supporting our team. People who genuinely wanted us to be there, and to enjoy what your city has to offer.
Unfortunately for me, in the 4 days I spent in Boston, the negatives far out weighed the positives.
Of all the cities I have traveled to, I am sad to say, that Boston is the one and only that I have ever said that I have no desire to ever return to.
Regretfully,
Vancouver, B.C.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Keep Austin Weird
Okay, it is high time I write a little bit and try to be more productive with my down time. This includes getting back to taking more photographs, and trying to keep this little venting outlet of mine alive and current. So here I am once again with the intention of staying on point, and updating more often. However i do get easily distracted and often times a wee bit lazy.....
Most of you know I am in fact back on the road , and have been since about the 28th of May. We were very fortunate this time around in that we got to have 3 production/rehearsal days in Austin Texas as well as one show in the same venue to kick off this round of Crazy Love touring. Now if you have ever been to Austin then you would understand just why I say we were lucky to have four days in that amazing city to start a tour off. Austin is the Live Music Capital of the world, and this goes without saying. There are more bars, pubs, clubs, parking lots, and general spaces for bands to play than anywhere else in the world. During SXSW, an annual festival that runs in March of every year, thousands of bands, okay maybe hundreds, converge on the city and it is nothing to hear styles ranging from funk to death metal, all within a block or two of each other. Austin is the home of the famous Austin City Limits, both a TV show as well as an annual festival, and it is full of people who march to the beat of their own drum. Often times you will hear people say that Austin has no business being in Texas as it simply does not belong. They have a saying around town, often printed on tshirts that simply states,"keep Austin weird".
Austin is also the home of some pretty serious bbq joints like Stubbs and Ironworks. A few years back I had the pleasure of working for the Magic Numbers who played the SXSW festival and one of our gigs was at Stubbs. Its a cool outdoor venue that packs in about 1500 people and serves alot of BBQ meat!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Musique Francais
Several of my friends that i spend a fair bit of time with on the road are from La Belle Province! Montreal to be precise. Similar to myself they are avid music lovers and take their interests and collections very seriously.
I have never been not into french music, but i have also never really been into french music..make sense? I mean we all know Mitsou and her amazing assets...I am talking about her voice you know! We are also well aware of the many Montreal bands who have recorded in english and become quite popular through the years in Canada and internationally. However for myself , I had never purchased a french language record and was unaware of just how deep the talent really is.
I started to become aware of the movement in Quebec during the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. If you follow or read my blog you will know i worked every single day of the games at the mainstage downtown, and despite my grumbles and bitches, quite enjoyed and savour the experience. Now through the powers of the Quebec government and arts associations, several French artists graced my stage and all of them blew my mind! Now after leaving the Olympics and starting the Crazy Love Tour I became friends with some tour mates from Montreal working in both Audio and Video on our tour.
One of these cats is my good friend David who is as passionate about music as I am, and we started to talk about what amazing bands played the Olympics, like Malajube, Les Breast Feeders, Coure De Pirate (please disregard some of my spelling) and many others. David helped me in my quest for quality French music and my personal mission to seek credibility in La Belle Province!
The following are artists in rotation with me and i think you should check out for yourself. Now i am also trying , very lazily i might add, to learn to speak the language. However music knows no language, so despite not having a friggen clue what they are singing about half the time, I am moved by the music, melodies, voices, harmonies, and all things associated with these artists.
Here are a few ...
Karkwa
The winner of this years Polaris prize in Canada for the record "Les Chemins de verre"
Together since 1998 and releasing 4 full length records, this may just be the Francophone answer to Radiohead
Malajube
Again with 4 full length records under their collective belts, this Montreal band is absolutely awe inspiring.
The latest album "La Caverne" has not left my Itunes list in weeks!
Galaxie
Coeur De Pirate
-sorry bout the commercial-
La Patere Rose
I have never been not into french music, but i have also never really been into french music..make sense? I mean we all know Mitsou and her amazing assets...I am talking about her voice you know! We are also well aware of the many Montreal bands who have recorded in english and become quite popular through the years in Canada and internationally. However for myself , I had never purchased a french language record and was unaware of just how deep the talent really is.
I started to become aware of the movement in Quebec during the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. If you follow or read my blog you will know i worked every single day of the games at the mainstage downtown, and despite my grumbles and bitches, quite enjoyed and savour the experience. Now through the powers of the Quebec government and arts associations, several French artists graced my stage and all of them blew my mind! Now after leaving the Olympics and starting the Crazy Love Tour I became friends with some tour mates from Montreal working in both Audio and Video on our tour.
One of these cats is my good friend David who is as passionate about music as I am, and we started to talk about what amazing bands played the Olympics, like Malajube, Les Breast Feeders, Coure De Pirate (please disregard some of my spelling) and many others. David helped me in my quest for quality French music and my personal mission to seek credibility in La Belle Province!
The following are artists in rotation with me and i think you should check out for yourself. Now i am also trying , very lazily i might add, to learn to speak the language. However music knows no language, so despite not having a friggen clue what they are singing about half the time, I am moved by the music, melodies, voices, harmonies, and all things associated with these artists.
Here are a few ...
Karkwa
The winner of this years Polaris prize in Canada for the record "Les Chemins de verre"
Together since 1998 and releasing 4 full length records, this may just be the Francophone answer to Radiohead
Malajube
Again with 4 full length records under their collective belts, this Montreal band is absolutely awe inspiring.
The latest album "La Caverne" has not left my Itunes list in weeks!
Galaxie
Coeur De Pirate
-sorry bout the commercial-
La Patere Rose
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Dont Mistake....
Don't mistake coincidence for fate.
This is a reoccurring theme in the television series "Lost" that i am currently addicted to. It is quite interesting if you sit back and think about it, and what the saying truly encompasses. All of these little sayings that we hear as our life moves through its journey, like , you make your own luck, everything happens for a reason, and so on and so forth, really do have some bearing to them , if you allow your mind to think openly and be aware.
Today on a flight from Calgary to Vancouver i sat beside a lady who instantly had a connection with. Just through the shear timing of the situation , i helped her with her luggage into the overhead compartment, and then we sat down beside each other and began talking. It was an easy conversation wrought with insight and knowledge. Not only has she experienced similar life situations as I am currently dealing with, but she is working on a book about it all. I will withhold the working title for now, but must say it is brilliant.
This lady is on her way to Australia to be with her partner of ten years or so. Both parties are artists, writers, creators , and open minded individuals. Having been able to make a cross continent long distance relationship work through all these years and thriving on each others attributes and talents. Our conversation crossed paths such as being able to make life and career work out while maintaining priorities and following natural instinct and intuition.
This may seem rather jumbled , but i truly feel i was meant to be on that flight, in the seat beside her, and she was put there for the purpose of meeting me and becoming my friend.
Life has always, and will always work in ways that we will never understand. Those who are negative and shut out the potential will never be the recievers of some of the little gifts life has to offer. However if you are open minded and aware you never know what you may find, learn, discover, unravel , or just simply marvel at.
This ladies partner is an Australian artist famous for painting the worlds larges work of art. A truly stunning masterpiece that one becomes all encompassed within.
Check out the link to his website and works of art. Oh , and remember to pay attention to who is beside you on your next flight, bus trip, or what not, as you just never know.
http://www.andoart.com/
This is a reoccurring theme in the television series "Lost" that i am currently addicted to. It is quite interesting if you sit back and think about it, and what the saying truly encompasses. All of these little sayings that we hear as our life moves through its journey, like , you make your own luck, everything happens for a reason, and so on and so forth, really do have some bearing to them , if you allow your mind to think openly and be aware.
Today on a flight from Calgary to Vancouver i sat beside a lady who instantly had a connection with. Just through the shear timing of the situation , i helped her with her luggage into the overhead compartment, and then we sat down beside each other and began talking. It was an easy conversation wrought with insight and knowledge. Not only has she experienced similar life situations as I am currently dealing with, but she is working on a book about it all. I will withhold the working title for now, but must say it is brilliant.
This lady is on her way to Australia to be with her partner of ten years or so. Both parties are artists, writers, creators , and open minded individuals. Having been able to make a cross continent long distance relationship work through all these years and thriving on each others attributes and talents. Our conversation crossed paths such as being able to make life and career work out while maintaining priorities and following natural instinct and intuition.
This may seem rather jumbled , but i truly feel i was meant to be on that flight, in the seat beside her, and she was put there for the purpose of meeting me and becoming my friend.
Life has always, and will always work in ways that we will never understand. Those who are negative and shut out the potential will never be the recievers of some of the little gifts life has to offer. However if you are open minded and aware you never know what you may find, learn, discover, unravel , or just simply marvel at.
This ladies partner is an Australian artist famous for painting the worlds larges work of art. A truly stunning masterpiece that one becomes all encompassed within.
Check out the link to his website and works of art. Oh , and remember to pay attention to who is beside you on your next flight, bus trip, or what not, as you just never know.
http://www.andoart.com/
My Local
Not that i spend much time in Vancouver these days....but....steps from cozy little apartment is my local pub. Recently having undergone renovations and an ownership change, tonight will be my first time visiting...I hope they like me!
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Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Abrupt Closure
This is the school that i moved to Vancouver 13 years ago to attend...
Degrees cut short as film school shuts
Degrees cut short as film school shuts
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sometimes you just want to hide under the console
Erykah Badu took to the stage at the Coachella festival this weekend and seemingly despite the best efforts of the monitor mixer and crew, the vocal feedback just never went away. Now I know how it feels to be in the stage left hot seat when things are not going so well. In fact a couple years back I had one of those nights in Guelph Ontario with Loreena McKennit. Festivals are really what seperate the men from the boys when it comes to on the fly mixing and showing your chops...but hey, even the best of us have bad days.
By all accounts, Erykah is not the easiest person to work for. Notoriously late, and full of demands...a high number of musicians and back up vocalists on stage , with mostly everyone on convential floor wedges. Still though, at somepoint if the money microphone is continuing to feedback in the wedges, you sure as hell better fix it, or be prepared to suffer the wrath. In reading accounts of her set it appears as if the vocal feedback was prevalant the whole set and she let it be known that she was very unhappy. Calling out the staff on the microphone and eventually ending her set 20 minutes early.....tough one for the mixer I must say.
We have a bit of a saying in this business that you are only as good as your last show. However in the stage left hotseat we have thick skin, and often if we are let go from one artist, or if we have a shit show...we bounce back with someone else, or if we are lucky, we revitalise our standing with a loyal and somewhat understanding artist through another chance, and another show...
I remember seeing Audioslave at the Joint in Las Vegas a number of years back and they were having serious feedback issues on stage. Chris Cornell says loud and clear over the microphone, "we aint stoppin till the feedback stops and i dont think its ever f****n stoppin!" Of course the crowd roars , and the mixer stage left is more flustered than ever!
Now listen carefully to the following clip and you will hear what i am talking about. Never mind the video angle as it is shit, but the audio quality is good.
Also include is the Los Angeles times article in which I heard about this "glitch filled set."
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/04/coachella-2011-erykah-badu-keeps-her-cool-during-glitch-filled-set.html
By all accounts, Erykah is not the easiest person to work for. Notoriously late, and full of demands...a high number of musicians and back up vocalists on stage , with mostly everyone on convential floor wedges. Still though, at somepoint if the money microphone is continuing to feedback in the wedges, you sure as hell better fix it, or be prepared to suffer the wrath. In reading accounts of her set it appears as if the vocal feedback was prevalant the whole set and she let it be known that she was very unhappy. Calling out the staff on the microphone and eventually ending her set 20 minutes early.....tough one for the mixer I must say.
We have a bit of a saying in this business that you are only as good as your last show. However in the stage left hotseat we have thick skin, and often if we are let go from one artist, or if we have a shit show...we bounce back with someone else, or if we are lucky, we revitalise our standing with a loyal and somewhat understanding artist through another chance, and another show...
I remember seeing Audioslave at the Joint in Las Vegas a number of years back and they were having serious feedback issues on stage. Chris Cornell says loud and clear over the microphone, "we aint stoppin till the feedback stops and i dont think its ever f****n stoppin!" Of course the crowd roars , and the mixer stage left is more flustered than ever!
Now listen carefully to the following clip and you will hear what i am talking about. Never mind the video angle as it is shit, but the audio quality is good.
Also include is the Los Angeles times article in which I heard about this "glitch filled set."
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/04/coachella-2011-erykah-badu-keeps-her-cool-during-glitch-filled-set.html
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Holy Balls Batman!
Continuing to make us Canadians proud whether you like them or not.....
Check out this final song of the night for The Arcade Fire as they headlined COachella this past saturday night...
oh, and wait for the balls!
...and probably my favorite song from their discography
me>
Check out this final song of the night for The Arcade Fire as they headlined COachella this past saturday night...
oh, and wait for the balls!
...and probably my favorite song from their discography
me>
More Great Causes
My best friend in the whole wide world is Jen , and her mom is one of those people that you just thank God we have. I mean Jen is equally as amazing, but her mom Donna has done some seriously inspiring things through an organization that she helped to found back in the light of Hurricane Katrina.
Recently honored as the "animal health technologist" of the year award, Donna continues to break down barriers when it comes to the state of animals in both impoverished countries and places in need of disaster relief.
Again i urge you to click the following link and educate yourself...we all know that knowledge is power!
http://www.caat-canada.org/
Recently honored as the "animal health technologist" of the year award, Donna continues to break down barriers when it comes to the state of animals in both impoverished countries and places in need of disaster relief.
Again i urge you to click the following link and educate yourself...we all know that knowledge is power!
http://www.caat-canada.org/
A Great Cause
A friend of mine in Vancouver is one of those friends that you are proud to have. You know the type, helping with relief efforts in times of crisis, donating time and energy to non profit organizations, and just generally being proactive as a human being in our global connected world.
She is off to Africa soon on her second mission to help under privileged children in a third world country.
I myself have donated as its currently my only means of support. I urge you my followers to check out the following link and to at least be aware.
It's good to have friends like these as they help to open your eyes to the current realities of our world.
It is not all pretty
http://streets2schools.weebly.com/
She is off to Africa soon on her second mission to help under privileged children in a third world country.
I myself have donated as its currently my only means of support. I urge you my followers to check out the following link and to at least be aware.
It's good to have friends like these as they help to open your eyes to the current realities of our world.
It is not all pretty
http://streets2schools.weebly.com/
Friday, April 15, 2011
Must Watch TV
Over the course of the past couple of years I have really gotten into watching quality television shows. I am not biased towards network and find that great shows can be found on the regular networks like CBS, NBC, ABC and such as well as on the cable programmers like Showcase, HBO, AMC and FX. I guess it is mostly due to my travel and lifestyle, but i have really been able to dive into full series' with reckless abandonment.
I am going to list a few of the shows that i have watched in their entirety and the qualities that make it appealing and addictive to me.
First up...oh, and these are not in any particular order other than how they are flowing from my brain...which by the way works in mysterious ways..and not like the U2 song, but more like the 80s teen comedy "Weird Science."
Breaking Bad
Probably the best written television show i have ever come across in the drama category. Well LOST may just be in the running for this title but i am only on episode 10 of the first season.
With Breaking Bad , which is on the AMC network , the character development , storyline, cinematography and cast is bar none.
I found myself rooting for Walt at the beginning and later on wishing he would get what he deserves. Its the type of show that really grabs you and places you firmly in the center of the action with your head on a swivel to take it all in.
Aaron Paul is one of the best actors I have come across on the small screen and his character of Jessie Pinkman is a true testament to character writing.
I pretty much plowed through 3 seasons of this show in record time on my laptop during countless bus rides across Europe and the United Kingdom. The biggest letdown of this show so far to me is that upon the cliff hanger ending of the final episode of season 3 , i was informed through the web that i would need to wait almost a year for season 4 to debut!! Now i do not like to watch a show as it runs in real time because waiting was never my forte.....so come July of 2011 i need to make a choice...either watch it weekly as it airs...or try to tune it all out and watch the full season upon conclusion...we shall see....
Weeds
Now again, remember these shows are not listed in any particular order, and order is not what Weeds is all about! A comedy/drama that airs on the Showtime Network, Weeds has enjoyed 7 seasons of fairly high ratings and some serious plot twists and turns. In fact, some of the shenanigans that go on in later seasons is almost too much to handle. My saving grace with this show is that the brother in law, Andy, played by Justin Kirk, is one of the funniest guys around! In later seasons he actually hooks up with Alanis Morrissette....one of my favs even to this day! As you watch this show develop pay attention to the opening music...
The premise of the show is newly single mother of two, Nancy Botwin, played by Mary Louise Parker, turns to dealing weed as a means of income to pay her mortgage,bills, and to raise her two boys. The cast of this show is brilliant I must say, with Kevin Nealon being a personal highlight!
30 Rock
This was the show that i started watching during the Olympics in Vancouver last Feb 2010. I only have two words to describe 30 Rock ...Liz Lemon, LIz Lemon, Liz Lemon!
Californication
All i can say is that I truly love this show and this past season, which was number 4, i actually watched real time. Secretly Hank Moody is my idol! Go Hank Go!
Dexter
My sister tried to get me to watch this show for quite some time, however i could not get into it. This all changed once i was able to get past the blood and the first two episodes. Wow did i become a Dexter addict! In fact i transferred some of the skills I learned while watching the show into solving a bit of a crime we had while on the road in the UK. There was a kidnapping of a stuffed animal who lived in catering and i became the lead forensic investigator!
Here are some more shows that captured my attention and kept me sane throughout countless hours spent on airplanes, busses, trains, boats, and time at home in the late night hours...
Skins (UK)
Summer Heights High (australia)
Modern Family
Treme
Now of course it is currently all about LOST for me......
I am going to list a few of the shows that i have watched in their entirety and the qualities that make it appealing and addictive to me.
First up...oh, and these are not in any particular order other than how they are flowing from my brain...which by the way works in mysterious ways..and not like the U2 song, but more like the 80s teen comedy "Weird Science."
Breaking Bad
Probably the best written television show i have ever come across in the drama category. Well LOST may just be in the running for this title but i am only on episode 10 of the first season.
With Breaking Bad , which is on the AMC network , the character development , storyline, cinematography and cast is bar none.
I found myself rooting for Walt at the beginning and later on wishing he would get what he deserves. Its the type of show that really grabs you and places you firmly in the center of the action with your head on a swivel to take it all in.
Aaron Paul is one of the best actors I have come across on the small screen and his character of Jessie Pinkman is a true testament to character writing.
I pretty much plowed through 3 seasons of this show in record time on my laptop during countless bus rides across Europe and the United Kingdom. The biggest letdown of this show so far to me is that upon the cliff hanger ending of the final episode of season 3 , i was informed through the web that i would need to wait almost a year for season 4 to debut!! Now i do not like to watch a show as it runs in real time because waiting was never my forte.....so come July of 2011 i need to make a choice...either watch it weekly as it airs...or try to tune it all out and watch the full season upon conclusion...we shall see....
Weeds
Now again, remember these shows are not listed in any particular order, and order is not what Weeds is all about! A comedy/drama that airs on the Showtime Network, Weeds has enjoyed 7 seasons of fairly high ratings and some serious plot twists and turns. In fact, some of the shenanigans that go on in later seasons is almost too much to handle. My saving grace with this show is that the brother in law, Andy, played by Justin Kirk, is one of the funniest guys around! In later seasons he actually hooks up with Alanis Morrissette....one of my favs even to this day! As you watch this show develop pay attention to the opening music...
The premise of the show is newly single mother of two, Nancy Botwin, played by Mary Louise Parker, turns to dealing weed as a means of income to pay her mortgage,bills, and to raise her two boys. The cast of this show is brilliant I must say, with Kevin Nealon being a personal highlight!
30 Rock
This was the show that i started watching during the Olympics in Vancouver last Feb 2010. I only have two words to describe 30 Rock ...Liz Lemon, LIz Lemon, Liz Lemon!
Californication
All i can say is that I truly love this show and this past season, which was number 4, i actually watched real time. Secretly Hank Moody is my idol! Go Hank Go!
Dexter
My sister tried to get me to watch this show for quite some time, however i could not get into it. This all changed once i was able to get past the blood and the first two episodes. Wow did i become a Dexter addict! In fact i transferred some of the skills I learned while watching the show into solving a bit of a crime we had while on the road in the UK. There was a kidnapping of a stuffed animal who lived in catering and i became the lead forensic investigator!
Here are some more shows that captured my attention and kept me sane throughout countless hours spent on airplanes, busses, trains, boats, and time at home in the late night hours...
Skins (UK)
Summer Heights High (australia)
Modern Family
Treme
Now of course it is currently all about LOST for me......
Amazing film recs from my secret source across the pond
I am lucky in my travels and in my life to have found myself with some truly amazing, inspiring, creative, and all around beautiful human beings as friends.
The following film recommendations were recently sent to me by someone very special to me who lives in England. The source shall remain a secret as i am not always the best at sharing....
I plan on watching each one of these films as I have dubbed this the year of the cinema for Craigers...now if only i could stop watching the ABC television series LOST.....
enjoy
A british film about a young boy desperate to lose his virginity
Beautiful Losers celebrates the creative spirit behind one of the most influential cultural movements of a generation.
In the words of my secret source...."he finest display of cinematography in the history of ever. Fact"
I will start watching once i figure out what the hell is going on with Charlie and Claire who are now missing on the island.....I hate you LOST!!!
The following film recommendations were recently sent to me by someone very special to me who lives in England. The source shall remain a secret as i am not always the best at sharing....
I plan on watching each one of these films as I have dubbed this the year of the cinema for Craigers...now if only i could stop watching the ABC television series LOST.....
enjoy
A british film about a young boy desperate to lose his virginity
Beautiful Losers celebrates the creative spirit behind one of the most influential cultural movements of a generation.
In the words of my secret source...."he finest display of cinematography in the history of ever. Fact"
I will start watching once i figure out what the hell is going on with Charlie and Claire who are now missing on the island.....I hate you LOST!!!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
No Distance Left To Run
Back in the early 90s I remember seeing the videos on MuchMusic. I remember one particular interview on the nations music station with these four young kids from Britain who were completely messed up! Not just tired or drunk, but on some sort of drug unfamiliar to me. The band was Blur, lead by Damon Albarn and his boyhood bestfriend Graham Coxon. To me this was a band whose identity seemed to change with each video or single. In the beginning it was all about "boys and girls" and "Parklife", two songs that introduced me to Britpop. I know there were plenty of other artists at the time under the moniker of Britpop, but this was new to me. I wasn't complety sure if i liked it or not, but that interview where they were all fucked up had me completly intrigued. I have tried to find this interview on Youtube, but so far to no avail. Now I never purchased the albums at the time, and downloading was not in the picture as of yet, so in my mind Blur kind of went away. That was until a few years later when "Song 2" hit the airwaves and the tele. Wow! Now who was not singing and bopping along to Woo Hoo!! In all of its 2 minute glory the song was a powerhouse. What the hell happened to the somewhat androginistic quirky british pop songs. This was a rock and roll track in all its power!! Again though, i did not purchase the record. In 1999 I was living in Vancouver BC and my first roomate at the time purchased the record "13" from Blur and it was in constant rotation at our house. The track "Battle" was headphone candy that i was not experienced with but could not get enough of. Of course the single and chart topper "Tender" was a beautiful song to which the story was lost on me till now.
Fast forward a few years and the band breaks up and Damon Albarn leads the charge in a mysterious hip hop group the Gorrilaz. Graham Coxen releases a solo record, and once again Blur is off the map for me.
Approximately three months ago it was recommended to me that i should watch the Blur documentary movie "No Distance left To Run." This movie came about during a reunion tour of the band that I was familiar with involving festival dates in England and smaller intimate club shows. Upon watching this movie I came to realize why they were fucked up in that interview I had seen so many years ago. Why the stylistic changes came about from album to album. And just what an amazing friendship was really between Damon and Graham. I think whether you are a fan or not this movie if you are a music lover is something to be seen. Beautifully shot, candid, and without reservation, it is a must see in my eyes. I will also admit to having a wee bit of a man crush on Damon Albarn.
check it out....
http://youtu.be/VJsGq5Znxag
Fast forward a few years and the band breaks up and Damon Albarn leads the charge in a mysterious hip hop group the Gorrilaz. Graham Coxen releases a solo record, and once again Blur is off the map for me.
Approximately three months ago it was recommended to me that i should watch the Blur documentary movie "No Distance left To Run." This movie came about during a reunion tour of the band that I was familiar with involving festival dates in England and smaller intimate club shows. Upon watching this movie I came to realize why they were fucked up in that interview I had seen so many years ago. Why the stylistic changes came about from album to album. And just what an amazing friendship was really between Damon and Graham. I think whether you are a fan or not this movie if you are a music lover is something to be seen. Beautifully shot, candid, and without reservation, it is a must see in my eyes. I will also admit to having a wee bit of a man crush on Damon Albarn.
check it out....
http://youtu.be/VJsGq5Znxag
Friday, April 8, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
I am neglectful
I apologize for being lazy, for being busy, for being on vacation, and for neglecting all of you...
This is all i have to offer for the time being...
I have been home for six days and am off to Argentina in the morning...
I promise i have lots to say...lots to post...lots to offer my opinion on, and lots for you to laugh at..
In the meantime...i have two photos...ha
enjoy
This is all i have to offer for the time being...
I have been home for six days and am off to Argentina in the morning...
I promise i have lots to say...lots to post...lots to offer my opinion on, and lots for you to laugh at..
In the meantime...i have two photos...ha
enjoy
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Hotels
When staying in hotels for the better part of the year , it is exceptional when you stay in a real good one. Such is the case for ol Craigers right now as i sit on the 18th floor of the Mandarin Oriental in Singapore. They have a great soundsystem complete with cables so i can rock out just like i was at home. IN fact, this room, like most, is actually bigger than my apartment back home!
For now, i am off to the pool!!!!!
Geronimo!!
For now, i am off to the pool!!!!!
Geronimo!!
Family
it is important and we only have one true family. Some of us are lucky and adopt a second family of sorts, such as I have with my road family, but for the most part we only have one family. More so than ever i find it so very important to be in touch with those you share bloodlines with no matter what the history may be or how much water is under the bridge. The truth is that having people who share your blood, who understand the problems, who do not judge, and who love unconditionally is something we all take for granted but should not! Never has family been more important to me than the last 18 months or so. After coming into contact with a first cousin of mine i decided to seek out some other first cousins that i have not spoken with or seen in almost 30 years! Travelling the world for a living affords me the opportunity to reconnect with people wherever they may have moved to in this vast world of ours! This all came true during the past month when i was able to get together with my cousin Michael in Adelaide Australia, and my cousin Shauna in Perth Western Australia. Both are first cousins for me on my moms side and all of us have been out of touch for the better part of 30 years after they moved overseas when I was around 8 years old!
I must admit as nervous as i was to meet up with them for the first time it was like the distance and the years between us never existed. Something truly amazing about family and knowing your born on the same page.
I know that i will never lose contact with Michael , Shauna, Terry or Ray and will continue to seek out as many family members as i can. This all became even more important when my mom was sick last summer and i vow to do my best to reconnect!
I must admit as nervous as i was to meet up with them for the first time it was like the distance and the years between us never existed. Something truly amazing about family and knowing your born on the same page.
I know that i will never lose contact with Michael , Shauna, Terry or Ray and will continue to seek out as many family members as i can. This all became even more important when my mom was sick last summer and i vow to do my best to reconnect!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Melbourne you sure have great hair!
Firstly I must apologize for the lack of updates as of late, although I am sure you are all used to me disapearing when i should be updating. Now I must fire my excuse at you all so you understand. It all begin while i was in Melbourne, and need I say more as it is honestly one of my favorite cities in the world that i have been to. Melbourne has a vibe unlike any other where people march to the beat of their own drums and do not care what people think or say about them. To judge someone in Melbourne is almost illegal and will banish you to the suburbs for an eternity of strappings and whippings. Both of which can be purchased by your own free will at some of the more avant garde establishments in town.
The first time I visited Melbourne was the very first weekend the city was trying out the new "2am lockout rule". Basically this meant that if you were in the bar before 2am you could stay until closing time, which could be 5am or maybe even 8am. This particular experiment did not go over so well and thankfully was removed and all is normal in the Victorian city. During the weekend you can party in the various clubs, pubs, nightclubs, discos, etc till the wee hours of the morning, or in some cases the hours after the sun has now lifted from its slumber. A side-note to my first Melbourne experience is that my group and i were not subjected to the silly lockout rule as we were under the guidance and direction of a Miss Cal Reynolds. Queen of the Melbourne scene and an extremely wonderful girl to have as a first night tour guide.
Fast forward to a few years later and I recently found myself back in Melbourne. Not only was I back in Melbourne, but we had two days off, followed by two shows at the same venue. If this was not quite enough, we then had a midweek day off, followed by two more shows at the same venue..the Rod Laver Arena. Not only was this a great week to be in the city, but it was a helluva expensive week and thus began my lack of website updates! I hope you all understand. Now for the benefit of you , the reader, and for myself and my memory, I am going to link to a few of the more cooler and colorful places i like to visit while in one of my favorite cities.
First off St Kilda is a great neighborhood that borders the city. Accesible by tram and surrounded by water, it is the home of one of the coolest live music clubs i have had the fortune to visit. I am talking about The Espy of course! This building was almost torn down until a petition stopped the impending demolition and instead they renovated The Espy and all is good in the land of St. Kilda.
http://www.melbourne.com.au/stkilda.htm
http://www.espy.com.au/Espy_Content/INFO/default.aspx
Another extremely cool and multi leveled bar/pub/club/rooftop bar that my tour mates and I visit everytime we are in the city is the Carlton Club. Now Carlton is a local beer that is quite popular and i will add that i sure have drank my share while being over here. The Carlton Club, like a few of the other cooler spots in the city is all subject to whether or not the door staff want to let you in. They may say sorry folks its guestlist and members only tonight, or use their discretion to keep the clientelle on the cutting edgy side as opposed to a more mainstream tourist/aussie crowd. I of course have no trouble getting in most places i go , and in fact seem to make good friends! A personal thank you to Cammy at the door, Peter behind the bar of the main room, and of course my favorite espresso vodka drinker Georgia up on the rooftop. I may just miss you all a bit....
http://www.thecarlton.com.au/
One of my favorite places to go in Melbourne is a club unlike any you have been to before. In fact the first time i went there with our amazing tour guide Cal , my mates and I were greeted at the front entrance by a 6ft tall transvestite. Quite the sight i must say, but such a beautiful open vibe and full of uber cool people having a good time. LIke all the other city places to be The Toff in the Town has multi rooms you can get lost in, lots of stairs to climb, a dance floor to get your groove on , and several booth style seats that you can fit about six people in , and the promptly shut the door. Service to the table will only come if the door is shut when you push a button located on the inside wall. Now what sort of things could one get up to while in a closed booth in a night club....card playing of course!
If you are ever in Melbourne, make sure you are dressed fairly well and head over to The Toff in the Town on Swanston Street. You will not be dissapointed and may never want to leave!
http://www.worldsbestbars.com/public/venue_listing.jsp?categoryId=33¤tVenueId=16569043
http://www.thetoffintown.com/
Getting away from the club style places a really great Australian designer is based out of Melbourne and the Tshirts, although pricey , are amazing! Check it out and order online....
http://www.tomorrowneverknows.com.au/
I could probably go on for hours about Melbourne and just how truly unique and void of blah mainstream characters it is, but i should run and let you discover it for your own. Just remember that nobody judges and if you want to wear a towel and a fur hat when you go out, then by all means go right ahead. Melbourne you truly do march to the beat of your own drum and should be proud of it! I love your hair, your style, your music, your openness, and your disinterest in conforming. IF only more could be like you , but then I am sure you would still strive to be different. Thank you
Craigers
The first time I visited Melbourne was the very first weekend the city was trying out the new "2am lockout rule". Basically this meant that if you were in the bar before 2am you could stay until closing time, which could be 5am or maybe even 8am. This particular experiment did not go over so well and thankfully was removed and all is normal in the Victorian city. During the weekend you can party in the various clubs, pubs, nightclubs, discos, etc till the wee hours of the morning, or in some cases the hours after the sun has now lifted from its slumber. A side-note to my first Melbourne experience is that my group and i were not subjected to the silly lockout rule as we were under the guidance and direction of a Miss Cal Reynolds. Queen of the Melbourne scene and an extremely wonderful girl to have as a first night tour guide.
Fast forward to a few years later and I recently found myself back in Melbourne. Not only was I back in Melbourne, but we had two days off, followed by two shows at the same venue. If this was not quite enough, we then had a midweek day off, followed by two more shows at the same venue..the Rod Laver Arena. Not only was this a great week to be in the city, but it was a helluva expensive week and thus began my lack of website updates! I hope you all understand. Now for the benefit of you , the reader, and for myself and my memory, I am going to link to a few of the more cooler and colorful places i like to visit while in one of my favorite cities.
First off St Kilda is a great neighborhood that borders the city. Accesible by tram and surrounded by water, it is the home of one of the coolest live music clubs i have had the fortune to visit. I am talking about The Espy of course! This building was almost torn down until a petition stopped the impending demolition and instead they renovated The Espy and all is good in the land of St. Kilda.
http://www.melbourne.com.au/stkilda.htm
http://www.espy.com.au/Espy_Content/INFO/default.aspx
Another extremely cool and multi leveled bar/pub/club/rooftop bar that my tour mates and I visit everytime we are in the city is the Carlton Club. Now Carlton is a local beer that is quite popular and i will add that i sure have drank my share while being over here. The Carlton Club, like a few of the other cooler spots in the city is all subject to whether or not the door staff want to let you in. They may say sorry folks its guestlist and members only tonight, or use their discretion to keep the clientelle on the cutting edgy side as opposed to a more mainstream tourist/aussie crowd. I of course have no trouble getting in most places i go , and in fact seem to make good friends! A personal thank you to Cammy at the door, Peter behind the bar of the main room, and of course my favorite espresso vodka drinker Georgia up on the rooftop. I may just miss you all a bit....
http://www.thecarlton.com.au/
One of my favorite places to go in Melbourne is a club unlike any you have been to before. In fact the first time i went there with our amazing tour guide Cal , my mates and I were greeted at the front entrance by a 6ft tall transvestite. Quite the sight i must say, but such a beautiful open vibe and full of uber cool people having a good time. LIke all the other city places to be The Toff in the Town has multi rooms you can get lost in, lots of stairs to climb, a dance floor to get your groove on , and several booth style seats that you can fit about six people in , and the promptly shut the door. Service to the table will only come if the door is shut when you push a button located on the inside wall. Now what sort of things could one get up to while in a closed booth in a night club....card playing of course!
If you are ever in Melbourne, make sure you are dressed fairly well and head over to The Toff in the Town on Swanston Street. You will not be dissapointed and may never want to leave!
http://www.worldsbestbars.com/public/venue_listing.jsp?categoryId=33¤tVenueId=16569043
http://www.thetoffintown.com/
Getting away from the club style places a really great Australian designer is based out of Melbourne and the Tshirts, although pricey , are amazing! Check it out and order online....
http://www.tomorrowneverknows.com.au/
I could probably go on for hours about Melbourne and just how truly unique and void of blah mainstream characters it is, but i should run and let you discover it for your own. Just remember that nobody judges and if you want to wear a towel and a fur hat when you go out, then by all means go right ahead. Melbourne you truly do march to the beat of your own drum and should be proud of it! I love your hair, your style, your music, your openness, and your disinterest in conforming. IF only more could be like you , but then I am sure you would still strive to be different. Thank you
Craigers
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Eminem, INstensity, and the Grammy's
I have always been a fan and am happy to see the one and only Marshall Mathers come back out swinging with his latest release Recovery. He was in quite a funk after losing his best friend, the usual struggles with Kim, and the introduction of pills into his daily routine. I believe i read somewhere that he ballooned up to almost 300lbs and refused to leave his house for almost a year.
Well look whos back, back again. This time with more intensity and drive than ever.
Despite the audio mix being rather subpar and the lighting leaving us all to wonder why we cannot see anything, this performance is freakin intense and i think you should watch it!
Well look whos back, back again. This time with more intensity and drive than ever.
Despite the audio mix being rather subpar and the lighting leaving us all to wonder why we cannot see anything, this performance is freakin intense and i think you should watch it!
Aussie Sports
Most of you I am sure are familiar with popular Australian sports such as Cricket or AUssie Rules Football. Perhaps even lesser known but well played games such as lawn bowling. HOwever how many of you are familiar or hip to the extreme sport of "Ghosting". Yes that is right kids, Ghosting. Made famous by the Aussie due Amish and Andy. For those of you who are not familiar check out a few clips posted below and be-careful of your technique when out on the playing field.
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Grammys
Congratulations to Canada's own Arcade fire. Although not to be cynical or such, but I am pretty sure that there was a split vote between Katy Perry and Gaga resulting in Canada's Indie Darlings receiving the top prize. In any event good for them! Now can someone please tell me why the show producers felt the need to strap cameras on helmets and have some hotshot BMX trixters ride around the stage during the Arcade Fires performance. Is this somesort of abstract tie in to the name of the album , The Suburbs...honestly....THey are one of the most amazing live acts out there and I am pretty sure we dont need to see some BMX dudes criss crossing around the stage.
Cee Lo Green! Thanks for making up for your performance on SNL. I thought you and the muppet backing band totally killed it! Just curious what the f**k was that you were wearing and where can i get a similar outfit!
The John Mayer, Keith Urban, Norah Jones bluegrass style version of Dolly's "Jolene" was absolutely stunning as far as I am concerned!
I feel the need to post another version of this song. Jack White sings with more emotion than most share in a lifetime. I know he has 100 other bands, but it was a sad day recently when they officially announced the ending of the White Stripes...:(
Gaga of course made quite the entrance, this time being carried in as an egg. Quite interesting i must say and all part of why i continue to be more and more of a fan. I know there is some backlash online in regards to her new single sounding exactly like Madonna's "Express Yourself". Hey peeps are you familiar with Australia's "Jet" and their rip off of "Lust for Life" by the one and only Iggy Pop! Anyways , Go Gaga Go!
Katy Perry is my current guilty pleasure and i thought her performance of Teenage Dream was great! Poor Biebs did not fair too well, but Buble won one!!
The folks at CBS are certainly happy as ratings seem to be for another year. You know, it was a well packaged show from what i say for the most part. I could bitch about missed audio cues, and rather dark lighting...but i am in way too good of a mood to bitch today!
T-minus about eight hours until Craigers hits the various dancefloors in the infamous Kings Cross.....
Cee Lo Green! Thanks for making up for your performance on SNL. I thought you and the muppet backing band totally killed it! Just curious what the f**k was that you were wearing and where can i get a similar outfit!
The John Mayer, Keith Urban, Norah Jones bluegrass style version of Dolly's "Jolene" was absolutely stunning as far as I am concerned!
I feel the need to post another version of this song. Jack White sings with more emotion than most share in a lifetime. I know he has 100 other bands, but it was a sad day recently when they officially announced the ending of the White Stripes...:(
Gaga of course made quite the entrance, this time being carried in as an egg. Quite interesting i must say and all part of why i continue to be more and more of a fan. I know there is some backlash online in regards to her new single sounding exactly like Madonna's "Express Yourself". Hey peeps are you familiar with Australia's "Jet" and their rip off of "Lust for Life" by the one and only Iggy Pop! Anyways , Go Gaga Go!
Katy Perry is my current guilty pleasure and i thought her performance of Teenage Dream was great! Poor Biebs did not fair too well, but Buble won one!!
The folks at CBS are certainly happy as ratings seem to be for another year. You know, it was a well packaged show from what i say for the most part. I could bitch about missed audio cues, and rather dark lighting...but i am in way too good of a mood to bitch today!
T-minus about eight hours until Craigers hits the various dancefloors in the infamous Kings Cross.....
Sydney Citizen
I figure that since we are spending a whole week here, doing four sold out shows, that I can consider myself a resident. Last night was our first show here at the ACER Arena, and by all accounts it went very well. Great looking crowd, in their seats nice and early and a great vibe transferred throughout the evening!
I had the chance to catch up with a good Aussie mate last night who was a guest at our show along with his wife. Of course beers were consumed after and another good night was had by all!
With night number two happening tonight and a day off here tomorrow the potential for some epic dance floor maneuvers is quite possible! In fact i would say it is a sure bet!
I really like this city and have been lucky to have spent a fair bit of time here over the years. There are some seriously great restaurants, amazing nightlife, beautiful scenery and stunning girls! On sunday night , the day we got in here, a few of us hit my favorite Thai restaurant followed by another night at the bowling lanes! I will admit without embarrassment that i am rather addicted to ten pin bowling! I plan on bowling in every city while over here...sorta of like the aussie open for touring crew personel but with bowling replacing tennis.
Thats it for now folks!
I had the chance to catch up with a good Aussie mate last night who was a guest at our show along with his wife. Of course beers were consumed after and another good night was had by all!
With night number two happening tonight and a day off here tomorrow the potential for some epic dance floor maneuvers is quite possible! In fact i would say it is a sure bet!
I really like this city and have been lucky to have spent a fair bit of time here over the years. There are some seriously great restaurants, amazing nightlife, beautiful scenery and stunning girls! On sunday night , the day we got in here, a few of us hit my favorite Thai restaurant followed by another night at the bowling lanes! I will admit without embarrassment that i am rather addicted to ten pin bowling! I plan on bowling in every city while over here...sorta of like the aussie open for touring crew personel but with bowling replacing tennis.
Thats it for now folks!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Crew Down Under
Australia is rather unique in that it is a country as well as a continent. it is also rather unique in the touring world in that the crew is never on busses over here, you fly to each city and stay in nice hotels. Now this may sound quite appealing on paper , however what happens is the rare sighting of the roadie in the wild without a sheltered habitat to call home at the venues. On a typical touring show day after soundcheck many roadies would partake in the sacred event known as the "pre show nap." I myself am a firm believer and subscriber in this technique and look forward to it throughout the day. So , take away the busses, and you take away the instinctual nesting place of the touring roadie. Therefore you start to notice the effect known as "roadies in the venue". Basically a spinoff of Gorillas in the midst. You may see a lighting girl lying in a hallway on her laptop. You could spot the ever elusive rigger sitting on some steps staring at his watch waiting for the show and subsequent load out to start. Perhaps the audio crew can be found in the corner of the venue taking up every square inch of bandwidth that is available.
It is quite the sight to see I must say, all these roadies sprawled out in odd places throughout the venue. Some of the smarter roadies who are able to adapt ever so quickly will be reverting to their marsupial instincts and will string a hammock up in a quiet resting place. Others will be lost and will wander the halls aimlessly, thinking one more cup of coffee should do the trick. However that will no doubt make it worse.
If you get a chance to see the roadie without his natural habitat of a touring bus parked close by, please always approach with caution. They can be quite dangerous should they be tired or grumpy. Its always a good idea to have a cigarette near by to use as bait of sorts. I wish you luck should you cross paths with one of these creatures, but remember for the most part they are very friendly and warm hearted. It is just the adjustment phase that can be rough!
Show number two tonight in Brisbane followed by a flight to Sydney tomorrow for a weeks worth of shows.
stay tuned!
It is quite the sight to see I must say, all these roadies sprawled out in odd places throughout the venue. Some of the smarter roadies who are able to adapt ever so quickly will be reverting to their marsupial instincts and will string a hammock up in a quiet resting place. Others will be lost and will wander the halls aimlessly, thinking one more cup of coffee should do the trick. However that will no doubt make it worse.
If you get a chance to see the roadie without his natural habitat of a touring bus parked close by, please always approach with caution. They can be quite dangerous should they be tired or grumpy. Its always a good idea to have a cigarette near by to use as bait of sorts. I wish you luck should you cross paths with one of these creatures, but remember for the most part they are very friendly and warm hearted. It is just the adjustment phase that can be rough!
Show number two tonight in Brisbane followed by a flight to Sydney tomorrow for a weeks worth of shows.
stay tuned!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Showtime!
After two days of preproduction and a rehearsal today is the first show day of the Crazy Love Australian Extravaganza! We are all ready and the vibe is very upbeat! Yesterday Michael arrived after a press conference in Sydney and was in great spirits! THe rehearsal went very well and our new guitar player is finding his feet.
Like i have mentioned before we are performing mulitple dates in every city so the potential for trouble is always near by. I however have been in bed the last three nights before 11pm and am feeling better than ever!
Tonight is sold out, as are the rest of the dates.....
Like i have mentioned before we are performing mulitple dates in every city so the potential for trouble is always near by. I however have been in bed the last three nights before 11pm and am feeling better than ever!
Tonight is sold out, as are the rest of the dates.....
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Please just smile and enjoy a Vegemite Sandwich!
I am pretty sure I have gained a few new readers in the last week or so and reckon it is about time to hit you all with an update. Oh, and that's right...I sure did say "reckon". In fact that may just be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to my upcoming usage of native Australian lingo! Now that i am down under on the newest and coolest installment of the "Crazy Love" world domination tour I figure I am more than entitled to!
So back to the newest followers in the every growing, and expanding ramblings or postings that are indeed mine. Well I have been thinking lately about what it must have been that brought you into this expanded listing of followers, and without a shadow of a doubt I have come to the conclusion that it must have been the January month long special presentation "Cooking with Craigers". It seems to have been a hit of sorts thus leading me to conclude you new fans and followers are here with hopes of new and exciting recipes. Please don't you spend a minute worrying, as there will be plenty of future episodes of the smash it....just not right now. Craigers is in Australia and looking forward to meals out and yummy catering! Future episodes may contain guests or guest recipes, a possible collaboration, and potentially even a bloopers and highlight entry. However for now the show is in fact on hiatus while I, Craigers, resumes regular broadcast duties.
So back on my chair under the stage left staircase I call home again. A massive sold out tour of Australia with some dates in SE Asia at the end. The real kicker to the whole tour however though is that of my mini Thai getaway at the end. Eight glorious days will be spent on the island of Koh Phi Phi. Which i hear from previous visitors is pretty damn stunning! Australia is mad for Michael and this tour has been sold out since May of last year. I do not quite know the math on the tour but i can say that is all multiple nights in all major cities and all well sold out! So here we go again! The timing is right and I am ready to go , but that is not without saying i thoroughly enjoyed my last extended break.
No work for me since December 15th of last year when we flew home from performing on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno which concluded a month long US tour, the third full US leg of the Crazy Love Tour. In fact the show here on Friday night will be that of 110 out of who the hell knows. Many Many more to come i am sure. Getting back to my break I have to admit it was well needed, well deserved, and well appreciated. I was able to make my new little apartment into a nice cozy home. I was able to prepare some of my own meals and document their great success in my tummy! I was able to connect with some old friends and make some new ones. Actually to be honest i may have even lost one or two. Sometimes Craigers can show the true gemini in his personality and it's not always nice. Back to good things though...ha. I really honestly felt a connection and bond with my home, my friends, and the city I call home , Vancouver.
With most of my time spent home reconnecting with my home , i was able to spend the holidays in Calgary as well as one other quick visit near the end of January. For those of you who ask about my mom or wonder about her recovery I must say that she is doing astonishing! Without going into great detail she really has a second lease on life and I believe we are all well on our way to making the most of it!
Okay so I know that in the past i have promised lots of photos, or interviews with the crew. This tour I promise nothing, as with our last Australian tour the slogan "Irresponsible in Australia" is not without saying. It takes a whole crew to make things happen though, not just yours truly. This time i promise nothing to you all except for randomness, honesty, some quirky things, and hopefully regularity. I plan on just writing lots as i feel the need to write. Sometimes these can be the ramblings of a madman, other times they can be insight into a pure genius, (maybe too far). In any event I am back on the road and life is good....stay tuned...
So back to the newest followers in the every growing, and expanding ramblings or postings that are indeed mine. Well I have been thinking lately about what it must have been that brought you into this expanded listing of followers, and without a shadow of a doubt I have come to the conclusion that it must have been the January month long special presentation "Cooking with Craigers". It seems to have been a hit of sorts thus leading me to conclude you new fans and followers are here with hopes of new and exciting recipes. Please don't you spend a minute worrying, as there will be plenty of future episodes of the smash it....just not right now. Craigers is in Australia and looking forward to meals out and yummy catering! Future episodes may contain guests or guest recipes, a possible collaboration, and potentially even a bloopers and highlight entry. However for now the show is in fact on hiatus while I, Craigers, resumes regular broadcast duties.
So back on my chair under the stage left staircase I call home again. A massive sold out tour of Australia with some dates in SE Asia at the end. The real kicker to the whole tour however though is that of my mini Thai getaway at the end. Eight glorious days will be spent on the island of Koh Phi Phi. Which i hear from previous visitors is pretty damn stunning! Australia is mad for Michael and this tour has been sold out since May of last year. I do not quite know the math on the tour but i can say that is all multiple nights in all major cities and all well sold out! So here we go again! The timing is right and I am ready to go , but that is not without saying i thoroughly enjoyed my last extended break.
No work for me since December 15th of last year when we flew home from performing on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno which concluded a month long US tour, the third full US leg of the Crazy Love Tour. In fact the show here on Friday night will be that of 110 out of who the hell knows. Many Many more to come i am sure. Getting back to my break I have to admit it was well needed, well deserved, and well appreciated. I was able to make my new little apartment into a nice cozy home. I was able to prepare some of my own meals and document their great success in my tummy! I was able to connect with some old friends and make some new ones. Actually to be honest i may have even lost one or two. Sometimes Craigers can show the true gemini in his personality and it's not always nice. Back to good things though...ha. I really honestly felt a connection and bond with my home, my friends, and the city I call home , Vancouver.
With most of my time spent home reconnecting with my home , i was able to spend the holidays in Calgary as well as one other quick visit near the end of January. For those of you who ask about my mom or wonder about her recovery I must say that she is doing astonishing! Without going into great detail she really has a second lease on life and I believe we are all well on our way to making the most of it!
Okay so I know that in the past i have promised lots of photos, or interviews with the crew. This tour I promise nothing, as with our last Australian tour the slogan "Irresponsible in Australia" is not without saying. It takes a whole crew to make things happen though, not just yours truly. This time i promise nothing to you all except for randomness, honesty, some quirky things, and hopefully regularity. I plan on just writing lots as i feel the need to write. Sometimes these can be the ramblings of a madman, other times they can be insight into a pure genius, (maybe too far). In any event I am back on the road and life is good....stay tuned...
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Computers and Blues
Dear Mr. Skinner,
I am writing to say thank you for all of your stories, your insight, your opinion and for your willingness to share with all of us over the last ten years. I remember first being introduced to you and the sleepless nights I spent with "Has it come to this" stuck in my head. I was shocked at the realism behind "Turn the Page", and was elated the first time I heard "Weak become heros" on the dancefloor of my favorite Vancouver club.
I felt bad for you when you lost that thousand quid early on in your second record, but not nearly as upset or emotional as when I related to "Dry Your Eyes". Now tell me this Mike, how come even in quirky, garage, drum and bass with precursors to dubstep, does it take a heartbreak to really connect to the masses? Ahh the birds hey....where would we be without them!
Now I will admit I sort of left you to your own devices during your "Hardest time to make an easy Living". I know you were going through alot during that time in your life. We all remember the dutch festival fiasco. However you managed to really get to me again later on in that record when you professed that "You never went to Church." Once again you placed your heart firmingly on your sleeve and invited us all in to share with you. You know what though....I am pretty damn sure that he is just as proud of you whilst staring down as mine is proud of me. The reminders , the memories, and the little things like interruptions are what lead me to believe they are always watching out for us. Have you heard the one about the Priest, The Protestant, and the Clergyman?
During your time off away from all of us, there were minor threats that the next release would be the final as "The Streets". I must admit I wasn't buying it. I felt some of your strongest work was still to come. With Everything is Borrowed we started hanging out again Mike! "I think I love you more than you like me" was in high rotation, because damn damn damn was it appropriate in my current time. I still have my own little dance step i created while going the "Way of the Dodo". I mean seriously...it begs for innovation! "Never give in" made me think you were getting back to the dude I had come to know. Slightly cocky but not over confident. A stride in the step but not a bounce. And I can only imagine how hard it must have been for you to put "The Strongest Person I Know" on record. Mr. Skinner you really gave us all you had on that one. Although I feel the need to tell you i think you were a little flat on that last note.....haha...i have developed a cheeky side to my humor through your stories.
...and so my good friend, the one and only Juice was the one responsible for our introduction oh so many years ago. Its quite fitting as last night he presented me with "Computers and Blues". I know I know, i got a leaked copy , but I am sure you support that sort of stuff to some degree this day and age. You have assured us now though that as your friends, your fans, your family and your confidents that this will indeed be the final offerring as "The Streets". You and i hung out all day today as i spun through the new album , taking it in, absorbing ,swallowing and digesting. You helped me to clean my house today with a smile on my face. I also revisted all of our previous steps in our relationship that has now spanned 5 albums. I did put down the cleaning cloth during "Inside Outside" and "The Truth" cause honestly, sometimes you just gotta groove!
Befittingly I am still the guy who smokes one too many cigarettes, and i have had my fair share of gambles with this life i lead. "Lock the Locks", so damn good Mike, so damn good!
Anyways my english friend, I have rambled far too much already and shall sign off. Plus those that read my writings and follow my travels are probably wondering if i really do actually know you. Well truth be known we have never met, nor have I even seen you in concert before...but yes, I do know you, at least I sure feel as if i do. You are one of the most honest and sincere lyricists and artists i have had the pleasure of getting to know through the course of your five albums!
Thank you!
Craigers
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Go and See
People if you live in Vancouver i urge you to go and see jill Barber at the Vogue Theatre on May 18th.
I have said it before, and discussed it in a previous entry, but Jill Barber was one of my personal highlights from the mainstage last year at the Winter Olympics.
I understand there is a new record awaiting release and still have CHances in high rotation!
As well if you find yourself in Vancouver on March 12th with nothing else going on I would say head down to the Media Club and check out Civil Twilight. They are a South African band based in Los Angeles these days and just seeing their version of Massive Attack's Teardrop live is worth the price of Admission.
Oh and if you are Canadian and you know it ...Clap your Hands!
The Cancons at the Fairview Friday January 28th....you can even find me at this one!
I have said it before, and discussed it in a previous entry, but Jill Barber was one of my personal highlights from the mainstage last year at the Winter Olympics.
I understand there is a new record awaiting release and still have CHances in high rotation!
As well if you find yourself in Vancouver on March 12th with nothing else going on I would say head down to the Media Club and check out Civil Twilight. They are a South African band based in Los Angeles these days and just seeing their version of Massive Attack's Teardrop live is worth the price of Admission.
Oh and if you are Canadian and you know it ...Clap your Hands!
The Cancons at the Fairview Friday January 28th....you can even find me at this one!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Coachella 2011
Okay lets be honest...Arcade Fire at Coachella....Again? The suburbs is not that great of a record, but i will admit they put on a helluva live show. Kings of Leon? Well i am still a fan, but after the amount of touring and festival dates for their last record do they need to close the first night of the supposed greatest festival in America? Death from Above 1979 reunited and playing in the desert....i think i support this as they are Canadian and for a duo they can destroy! Maybe just for this one performance they can drop the 1979 and really return to the roots! The amount Goldenvoice is probably paying them they could afford to cover the copyright lawsuit. Or maybe not.
Lets talk more artists on this , what i consider less than sub par lineup. Cee Lo Green. Okay, i love the story, and how Danger Mouse saved him from obscurity after The Goodie Mob. But honestly people did you see his performance on SNL last week. Lets work on the remix...."I hear you trying to hit a note while your singing on TV.....Forget YOU!!!!
Perhaps that was a little harsh as I am a fan...but seriously both of his performances on SNL last week were bad bad bad!
COntinuing on with the list and my ever important opinion.....Interpol on Friday night as one of the sub headliners...Really? I love the record Antics, in fact it made my list of albums of the past decade....however have you heard the new record....Not good...in fact i am quite sure the one full spin i gave it back when it was released left me with a feeling of wanting to gouge my ears out with a spork!
Chromeo , Duck Sauce, and A Trak!!....did Golden Voice get a discount of sorts with this trifecta...Buy 2 and get the 3rd one for free...how come Armend Van Helden does not have his own set scheduled? I am sure he will fill in when someone cancels last minute so dont worry.
Alright Alright, its not all cynical....Brandon Flowers is playing and you know how much i love Flamingo! Duran Duran should be closing the final night although Kanye does put on a great show. In all fairness i do actually quite like Chromeo, A Trak!! and Duck Sauce, i just used the opportunity earlier to use my trifecta comment.
Nas and Damian Marley will absolutley kill thier time slot on sunday, as will Gogol. Also It is cool to see Drums on the bill and Mumford & Sons will be more than you expect.
Now in all honesty this is just my opinion, and to be truthful, really they are all amazing acts. I just feel like its a case of been there done that, however maybe that is the state of our industry at the moment. Or perhaps Golden Voice is weary to take any chances given todays market....
You know one thing is for sure though...it will be HOT HOT HOT and anyone who thinks they are anyone in celebrity status will be there to be seen....
I quite like this particular take on the lineup poster....have a laugh...
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Craig Can Cook!
On this installment of "Cooking With Craigers", we cover the basic quick stirfry. Perfect for when in a hurry and still requiring a healthy meal...
1 Carrot
1 Red Pepper
1 Green Pepper
1/2 Red Onion
and a few snap peas for good measure!
With the above mentioned ingredients you can stick to the "veggy" in you , or add meat if you desire. For this recipe I of course being an Albertan at heart, added slices of beef.
Now with my usual technique I grab my favorite skillet, drop a little bit of oil in it, some finely chopped garlic, and a little bit of any other spice i have in my cupboard. Once the meat is browned on both sides I remove it from the skillet and place it in a bowl for later inclusion to the veggy medley!
Now of course during the time you are working on prepping the veggys and browning the meat , you are going to want to prepare some sort of rice dish on the side. Uncle Bens, Minute Rice, Basmati, or any other rice your little heart desires will do just fine!
Now using the same skillet, you know, your favorite one...add a little more oil, some thyme, oregano, salt , pepper, more garlic, and whatever else you want... Perhaps a dash of soy and worcester sauce. On a nice medium heat begin to add the veggies in and start stirring it up! Hold off a little while on the snap peas as I like to add them in near the end!
Dont be afraid to wing it and have fun kids! But remember dont get burned!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Hearty Winter Stew (non Vegetarian)
Due to popular demand and an abundance of requests, i have decided to share another ancient Craigers recipe. The following is for Craiger's Winter Hearty Stew, non Vegetarian, because everything tastes better with MEAT! This is also not a recipe to be prepared during the months of March through to September. I apologize, but this is fact the Winter Hearty Stew and therefore can only be properly pulled of during the winter months.
Okay so here goes..and bear in mind that my recipes require no order to preperation..they are all trial by error and experimentation..
brown as much red meat as you see fit in a frying pan....dont be afraid to kick it up a few notches with various spices or whatever you have in the cupboards.
small dusting of flower on the beef once it browns will help to thicken the stew later on....
Now in a good size pot, like the one you made the soup in, start sautéing some onions(i love onions)
put some oil in there for fun! and again just toss in some spices...i subscribe to the more the merrier!
now chop up some carrots, some celery, and a few potatoes....
throw all of those lovely vegetables in the same pot with the onions and then fill with water!
I recommend more spices at this point...and some of those leaf things again!
crack an oxo cube or two in the water and mix in some sort of amazing stew mix...i use CLUBHOUSE!
at this point add the browned and floured meat into the equation
a squeeze or two from both your ketchup bottle and your HP bottle - If your Canadian you will have both!
a couple splashes from the Worcester sauce bottle
dont be afraid to use that Tobasco sauce you got either!
little bit of Salt...little more of the pepper
stir that beauty, simmer...and PRESTO!
Stay tuned for more amazing creations, tantalizing tastes, and simmering masterpieces! only on ...
COoking With Craigers!
Okay so here goes..and bear in mind that my recipes require no order to preperation..they are all trial by error and experimentation..
brown as much red meat as you see fit in a frying pan....dont be afraid to kick it up a few notches with various spices or whatever you have in the cupboards.
small dusting of flower on the beef once it browns will help to thicken the stew later on....
Now in a good size pot, like the one you made the soup in, start sautéing some onions(i love onions)
put some oil in there for fun! and again just toss in some spices...i subscribe to the more the merrier!
now chop up some carrots, some celery, and a few potatoes....
throw all of those lovely vegetables in the same pot with the onions and then fill with water!
I recommend more spices at this point...and some of those leaf things again!
crack an oxo cube or two in the water and mix in some sort of amazing stew mix...i use CLUBHOUSE!
at this point add the browned and floured meat into the equation
a squeeze or two from both your ketchup bottle and your HP bottle - If your Canadian you will have both!
a couple splashes from the Worcester sauce bottle
dont be afraid to use that Tobasco sauce you got either!
little bit of Salt...little more of the pepper
stir that beauty, simmer...and PRESTO!
Stay tuned for more amazing creations, tantalizing tastes, and simmering masterpieces! only on ...
COoking With Craigers!
Craiger's Chicken Soup for the Soul
Since i have been home this month from touring and from spending time in Calgary, i have had a chance to revert back to my old domesticated self. I have had the opportunity to finally turn my little apartment into a comfortable home, and i have actually put groceries in my fridge! The latter leading to your truly brushing up on his former culinary chops.
I now plan on sharing my recipe for my newly branded "famous Chicken Soup".
- In the oven cook two boneless chicken breasts ...a touch of oil and some thyme coating the chicken
- In a pot, not a small one, and not a huge one, but a normal , good sized soup pot, pour one and a half containers of chicken soup broth
- Follow this by cutting up some vegetables and adding some spices...i recommend the following
3 Carrots
3 Pieces of Celery
1 cup uncooked rice
throw in ....
a dash of salt
a smidge of thyme
a bit of oregano
a few of those bay leaf things
perhaps some pepper
shake the parsley container for a minute
you can even squeeze a half a lemon if you want
remove chicken from oven (hopefully its cooked)
chop up that good looking chicken breast and drop in soup!
and Voila!
Let that masterpiece simmer for a bit and then have a little taste.
dont be afraid to just start shakin those spice containers until it tastes just right!!
This concludes cooking with Craigers....Friday nights at 7pm
I now plan on sharing my recipe for my newly branded "famous Chicken Soup".
- In the oven cook two boneless chicken breasts ...a touch of oil and some thyme coating the chicken
- In a pot, not a small one, and not a huge one, but a normal , good sized soup pot, pour one and a half containers of chicken soup broth
- Follow this by cutting up some vegetables and adding some spices...i recommend the following
3 Carrots
3 Pieces of Celery
1 cup uncooked rice
throw in ....
a dash of salt
a smidge of thyme
a bit of oregano
a few of those bay leaf things
perhaps some pepper
shake the parsley container for a minute
you can even squeeze a half a lemon if you want
remove chicken from oven (hopefully its cooked)
chop up that good looking chicken breast and drop in soup!
and Voila!
Let that masterpiece simmer for a bit and then have a little taste.
dont be afraid to just start shakin those spice containers until it tastes just right!!
This concludes cooking with Craigers....Friday nights at 7pm
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