o_O

Well, my week of freedom made way for another hailstorm here as I attempt to put Midnight Madness off again, this time on about two weeks worth of planning. This is just more work than it's worth, I promise you. People truly have no idea what goes into planning something like this, and now the event planner we hired has removed himself from much of the process because his requirements were completed with the first event. Death.

Oh, and the day after this event goes I'm off to Vegas for my annual convention trip for about four or five days. MGM Grand this time, though, which means good food is less of a hike away. But the moral of this story is that I'm extremely busy until September 15th. :(

Castle Mark

Castle Mark, shot by overanything.

Hit Sauble Beach on Thursday night through Friday, it was as good as I remembered it. I kinda found myself wishing the beach had some kind of cover, but alas, it didn't. Built this cool castle - the cool part that can't be seen is that those holes were about three feet deep, and all connected underground. Unfortunately the sand beneath the castle began to crumble away - I'm sure it didn't last long after we left.

I Hate Lady Byng

I hate Lady, shot by overanything.

I'll show you what I think of a trophy named after some lady given to the most gentlemanly player...

Rick with the Cup

Rick with the, shot by overanything.

BRB

After months of planning and effort - and I don't think most people realize how much effort - Midnight Madness was cancelled an hour before it started last night due to the weather. Road closure was to occur at 4PM and the event would start at 6PM, but at 5PM after an hour delay the local police refused to block the road stating it wasn't safe. At the time we were in the midst of a rather large storm - I was soaked through regardless of having an umbrella, but of course, things cleared up by 5:45. By then most entertainers had been sent home, and the stage would have taken way too long to install (two hours), meaning the event really couldn't have gotten underway. The issue now is that entertainers had come and, thus, I'm told must be paid in full, unless they're willing to be nice about things. I'm not one to trust on the kindness of strangers, however.

So, now we're looking to do a quick one-off event in September with some local bands who might volunteer their services and other things that won't cost money. The good news out of it was that, with no way to tell people it was cancelled, the Town was packed with people who decided to shop and eat in the absence of the promised activities. The bad news is I still need a mental break, perhaps more than before. I'll be back on Tuesday.

Cheers.

Drunk and Tired

Well, tired anyways. Midnight Madness is this Friday, so you can imagine my time is slight considering I still have work requirements in between. I'm going to give myself a week off here so talk amongst yourselves and have a good time. I'll be back next Monday or Tuesday, or perhaps Sunday to recap my debut as an event planner. Man this crap is a lot of work, and the fact it's volunteer means no true reward aside from the inner kind. Boo.

On the bright side, my music creativity is flowing again. So rather than spend what little free time I have on my blog, I spend it downstairs drinking beer and playing guitar. Peace.

Even Kids Cannot Stand Life Unless They Have A Drink

Everyone needs to stop worry about the Leafs. Next year about half the league is going to be a free agent and we're going to be one of the only teams with any money to spend. Spending millions on long-term contracts in a league whose salary cap could very easily drop is a little insane, no? Don't worry - we just tank one year, and it gives us all a chance to cheer on one of them Alberta teams instead. This time next year the only players under contract will be Sundin, Tucker, O'Neill, and Domi.

In the meantime, if I was Cliff and a Pittsburgh fan, I might just be peeing myself with anticipation right now. We could very well see the standings reverse themselves from where they were when last hockey was played.

Today's Random Links
I love drunk baseball fans, they make the games entertaining
I can't believe this idea didn't start in Canada (Thanks, Kim)

Cohn Shot .. and Survives

Whoa.. let me break my "one entry/day" rule for a moment to refer everyone to this:

'Walking in Memphis' singer shot in head, survives

I'm a big fan of Marc Cohn, but regardless of that, what an insane story. It's easier to discuss knowing he not only survived but he's already home and talking. What a freaky thing.

Bullcrap and the Hind Teat

Hit the Jays game last night. Pretty uneventful with the exception of the game itself, and the constant barrage of fly balls coming at us. We sat about 12 rows back of the third base line, which I was unaware is a complete screaming liner zone.

Todd Bertuzzi is reinstated effective yesterday. So apparently the punishment for ramming a guy's face into the ice - premeditated - is nothing. Not that Steve Moore had much of a career to look forward to but this still has to be a kick in the head for him. I like Bertuzzi, and I enjoy watching him play, but he deserved to sit out for a year when his brethren WERE playing.

And finally, Wayne Gretzky is part-owner of the Coyotes and understands the game of hockey like few before him. If he wants to try his hand at coaching then f'n let him. All I heard on the radio yesterday was whining and moaning about destroying his legacy and having to turn his sad-sack Coyotes into Cup winners. This is bullcrap. He could suck the hind teat at coaching and it wouldn't make his accomplishments as a hockey player any less.

Cheers!

Evan Funnels

Evan funnels, shot by overanything.

I'm still trying to figure out Flickr/cell cameras - it doesn't seem to post the full comments I make, which requires me to go in like this after the fact. We had a little gathering last night with my sister's restaurant where everyone but me seemed to have a few pops. Including Evan. I'm sure the ECHL brass are enjoying this shot. See, there's a reason there hasn't been any trade requests since yesterday afternoon. ;)

Cheers!

Paul Sleeping

Paul hasn't slept in 25 hours ... until now, shot by overanything.

Wasaga seagull

Wasaga seagull, shot by overanything.

Bang Bang Bang

I'm just not good at this regular updating stuff nowadays, am I? The plan was originally to head out and see the Dukes of Hazzard movie tonight, but that plan has changed. I was under the impression I'd probably hate it, and Rob has all but guaranteed that now. He caught it this morning - perhaps he can share his thoughts with us later - but he called me long enough to tell me not to bother. I'm a massive Dukes fan from back in the day, and I suppose this is enough of a historical raping to make it a no-go.

Kaysar's comin' back, friends.

I should take this moment to note that CBS, who I love, have embraced the Entertainment section and kept the press releases coming. Further, they've provided the new fall TV shows to me for reviewing. I promise I will, but I'll give you the early heads-up that the best drama is 'Criminal Minds' ('Threshold' is disappointing), and the best new CBS show is a sitcom (never thought I'd say that) - 'How I Met Your Mother'. Neil Patrick Harris is t3h w1n.

Note to self: write an entry next week trashing that moron Toronto SUN "reporter" Simmons. If an intelligent thought ever ran through his head it'd die from loneliness. How does he find - and keep - employment?

So those of you not currently living in Belgium - am I expecting anyone at Midnight Madness two weeks tonight?

Today's Random Links
Those of you graphically inclined can try to win a Dell
Thanks to Jethro for this one - bang bang bang

OddandStupid.com BB6 Cool Links
BB6: Skanky Ashlea from Pangaea for Cliff
BB6: April before her plastic surgery
BB6: Janelle in 'Bruce Almighty'
BB6: Ivette - she's gay!

My olive

Ukulele Disco

For the first time in a long time this weekend I found myself with the chance to play music alongside someone else. My brief period of time in a band has been noted here before, and really, that's the last time I've played with others. Unfortunately, it's been since 1998 when I've regularly played guitar - a long break for sure. The last year or so I've been picking it back up again and slowly improving, and this weekend Paul's new guitar gave us a chance to noodle a bit and try to play a few things in unison.

That said, no thanks to co-worker Hani who sent me these two videos:

Jake Shimabukuro @ midnight UKULELE disco
Jake Shimabukuro @ m90.org

It's like that Counting Crows concert all over again. Whenever I witness someone of unbelievable talent I find myself unmotivated to continue, as I feel it's a level I could never reach. Stupid Jake Shimabukuro.

Today's Random Links
They drive like they're coming home from work on the freeway...
SI Swimsuit Collection (Thanks, Kim!)

Suit Up!

Midnight Madness is killing me, hence my now expected long absences from the site. This event has to go over well, and I'm working double time to make sure it does. Regular work commitments are meaning I've just got less personal time to play with. That didn't stop me from hitting Steve's Music Store downtown for the first time yesterday. That place is guitar heaven, although they didn't have the 12-string Fender Strat I've fallen in love with. I thought about picking up a Washburn acoustic with some great sound, but it wasn't a cutaway. Still, at $269 it was hard to pass up. I may end up getting it anyways. Paul grabbed the Takamine he's had his eye on and it sounded good.

Another full day of work ahead of me, as well as a pulled pork being cooked downstairs. I'll be back.. eventually..

Today's Random Links
Macgyver a plane with a matchstick and some flies (Thanks, Rob!)
The Coke Tux