Group Therapy Thursday, December 29th 2011

Tonight on Group Therapy Thursday we were helping Ryan. He's been invited to a party that may or may not contain stuff that he's uncomfortable with, what should he do?

Top 10 of 2011

I did this last year and since I like lists as well as opinionateing on music, I thought I'd do'er again!

10. Hawk Nelson - Crazy Love

The boys from Air Raid 20 kick things off. Crazy Love is a fun album with some great foot tapers. One of my favorite songs is L.A.X. It's about being stuck at an airport, great for a laugh.

9. Peter Furler - On Fire

While not what I was hoping for from the former Newsboys front man (I was hoping for a Newsboys album to be honest), this cd was great. If for no other reason just to hear Peter's voice in a song. My favorite songs were On Fire, Closer, All In Your Head and one you'll know from LIFE 100.3, Reach.

8. The Natatorium - The Natatorium EP

I only found out that this band existed a few weeks ago when we started to play the song Burning Out. The cd isn't "ground breaking" par say, but it is different. Banjo, synths, guitar all mixed into a strange sound that is really great. Look out for Burning Out and Too Believe.

7. Hawk Nelson - The Light Sides

This is available with the Deluxe edition of Crazy Love. It's a lot of the Hawk songs that you know and love, with an acoustic twist. Some songs (Friend Like That) just take the electric guitars and make them acoustics (which is cool) and others change the sound totally! (California is all acapella).

6. Needtobreath - The Reckoning

O.k, a disclamer... I don't own the album ... but, that will change soon! Drive All Night will get stuck in your head for at least a day... maybe two... or four... Not to mention the soaring opener Oohs and Aahs.

5. Owl City - All Things Bright And Beautiful

Sooooo it's a little mushy.... even sappy, but it's a fun cd all the same. Yacht Club is a fun synth trip, Honey And The Bee is an acoustic driven pop masterpiece and Galaxies, well Galaxies is awesome. Another gem is Plant Life. This track features Mat from Relient K.

The only draw back is Kamikaze... it's .... meh.

4. Abandon - Control

When I started listening to this, I forgot it was a Christian cd. The music sounded like something you'd hear in any mall across Canada, but the lyrics, left no doubt as to where the guys faith lies.

Under Fire, Control, New Years Eve, Help.... plus it was $10 @ the Treasure House!

3. Jason Gray - A Way To See In The Dark

This one is the Dark Horse on the list. While the music doesn't reinvent the wheel, the lyrics do. They are great! Thought provoking and yet, he wears his faith on his sleeve. Even the song Good To Be Alive (which borrows from one of the most over used themes in music [living for today]) is good. My favorite is No Thief Like Fear.

2. FM Static - My Brian Says Stop But My Heart Says Go

This song was suppose to be #1, but Swichfoot kinda killed that for the T.F.K side project. This album is probably the most fun I had all year listening to music. Hey, I Want It, You Don't Know Me and Firefly are all great tracks, not too mention F.M.S.T.A.T.I.C and the title track (which I'm not typing out again). It's catchy, simple, not too deep just great. That not too deep thing is a slight problem on one had (not very spiritual), but when I just want to rock, this album is my first choice.

1. Switchfoot - Vise Verses

The album is awesome. And that's all I can say... From soaring rock master pieces like Dark Horses and The Original to soft balads that pack a punch like Restless and one of my personal favs Thrive. One of best on the cd is Rise Above It, it's catchy, has great lyrics and has flawless instrumentation. I also liked Selling The News, it almost is Newsboysesq with a slightly sarcastic lyrical tone.

The album art even rocks.

The only downside is Souvenirs. I just don't care for that track...

0. David Crowder* Band - Give Us Rest (A Requiem Mass in C [The Happiest of All Keys])

I haven't heard the album yet... but it's a double disc compilation... and it's the last Crowder Band record. It will be good... when it comes out on the 10th...

That wraps up the portion featuring bands you've heard of... now for...

My 3 Favorite Unheard of Cds of 2011

3. Kye Kye - Young Love

Yes, they beat Mat Kearney to the cd name... Side note aside, this is ambient electronica at it's best, very little to no drums, synths coming out the ears and amazing lyrics. Any doubt these guys are Christian leaves when you listen to one of their songs on YouTube, their lyrics feature scripture references right next to the line!

2. The Hawk In Paris - His + Hers

Who? Well believe it or not, it's Jars of Clay front man Dan Hassletine's side project. It's sorta electric, sorta dancy... really good all the same.

1. Gungor - Ghosts Upon The Earth

These guys made my list last year, and thanks to recording a new cd this year, they've made it again.

The album is epic. That's really the only word for it. Soaring string sections, banjos, pianos, cellos, driving bass lines no song is what it seems at first. This is worship at it's finest!

And there you go! That's my list. What was your favorite cd this year?

Christmas Banquet

It was tricky coming up with something interesting to do at my churches' Christmas Banquet this year. The last few years have been great, but not about the nativity. They've focused on giving, the reason for the season or (last year) a variety night, but no babe in a manger. This year however, the goal was to do The Christmas Story. That's harder then it sounds. Everything has been done. Church Christmas plays can get into the "cliche rut" so easily - we didn't want that to happen.
So instead of a musical or a play... we mixed 'em! A guy was pretending to be Luke writing his Gospel, every time he'd hit an important part in the story (Angels appearing to the shepherds) we'd get someone to do their version of a relevant carol (for the angel example it would be While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night). It worked!
A Buddy of mine and I kicked things off with "O Come O Come Emmanuel." Great song. I've always liked it, though I'm not sure why...

The night continued with "We Three Kings," "Away In A Manger" and an instrumental version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentle Men."
Between the lights, music and food (and of course the over aching message) I'm officially read for Christmas!

Group Therapy Thursday - December 8, 2011

Tonight on Group Therapy Thursday we were helping Joey. He works at a department store that will let him say "Season's Greetings" but saying "Merry Christmas" is a no go. What should he do?

The Newsboys Reborn

O.k, not quite. But that was what crossed my mind at least 5 times on Monday night as I watched Peter Furler perform in Peterborough. Peter alone made it feel like Newsboys, then there was former bassist for the group Phil Joel. Add in Super Chic[k] guitarist Dave Ian (I know that's not his real name, but that's what he's going by these days) and you get a sound that sounded like Newsboys. It was great. They did classics like Breakfast, Shine and Entertaining Angles. A newer Newsboys tune also surfaced in the form of Something Beautiful. Peter did a few of his own solo career tunes too like Reach, All In Your Head and Psalm 23. It was a blast. The best part was meeting both Peter and Phil! These guys are heroes of mine, twas awesome to knock that item off the bucket list!

New House of Heroes

I love House of Heroes. David Crowder Band is my favorite band, but they are calling it quits in January which leaves my "favorite band" spot open for the Air Raid 20 headliners. I got super excited on Tuesday when I found out that they had a new Christmas song coming out. Fast forward a few days, it's on YouTube.

While it's not exactly your most conventional "Christmas Song." I like.

It's a bit of a smack in the face actually.

We can get so wrapped up in stuff that we forget that Jesus came to challenge the conventions of the day. To get rid of the hypocrisy and bring in a faith that was real and tangible. One that we should be living every day of the year.

That's what I took from this song anyway. Your thoughts?

Group Therapy Thursday December 1, 2011

Tonight on Group Therapy Thursday we were helping out a newlywed couple who are having some trouble decorating for Christmas because of traditions.

What should they do?

Group Therapy Thursday November 24th, 2011

Tonight on Group Therapy Thursday we were helping out Tanya. She's been with her boyfriend for a few years and wants to get married. He's not to crazy about the idea. What would Tanya do?

Group Therapy Thursday November 17th

Tonight on Group Therapy Thursday we were helping out Terry. His friend Julie is like a sister to him... however whenever another male (no matter the age) talks to her, he get's uptight and very protective.
Is this normal?

Group Therapy Thursday November 10th

Tonight on Group Therapy Thursday we were helping out Nick. He recently became a Christian, but the girl-friend that he's had for 2 years, isn't.
Should Nick break-up with her?

Mowing the Roof

One thing that I always have to get myself ready for every summer is mowing the lawn. With winter here, I don't have to worry about it anymore...

These guys on the other hand, have more then just their lawn to cut come summer...

I'd honestly love to be there when this guy's wife says "honey could you go mow the roof?"

Tonight on Group Therapy Thursday we were helping out Joe-Anne. She has a friend that is buying a $2,000 wedding dress, but she doesn't have a boyfriend! What should Joe-Anne do?

Here's what you had to say...

Alberta Odyssey

My original plan was to blog every night of my time in Alberta. That obviously didn't happen!

It was a really busy 3 days. On the Thursday there was a session with Steve Taylor, who is best know for being what made old Newsboys what they were (and his absence what new Newsboys are). He also did some solo stuff and helped Sixpence None the Richer get the mega hit they had with "Kiss Me." Plus he directed the Michael W. Smith movie "The Second Chance." Steve was talking about his new film "Blue Like Jazz." It's based on a book by Donald Miller. I've never read it, but have heard good things. We saw it later that evening... unfortunatly Steve's quirky, thought provoking lyrics don't translate to the screen...

Moving right along.

Friday was full of radio sessions and shmozzing with artists and radio people (did I just say shmozzing? Maybe I've been hanging with Scott Jackson a little TOO much!!!)

After the sessions ended we got ready for the Covenant Awards - This is the Christian music equivalent of the Juno Awards.

Had lots of fun hearing from Jon Bauer (Chasing After Me), Dan Bremnes (You Are) and The City Harmonic (Manifesto) as well as To Tell (Safe to Say). Junkyard Poets were also there. These guys are nuts live! There bassist has a t.v on his head through the WHOLE SHOW!

The best part of the awards for me was presenting Modern Rock/Alternative Song of the Year to Marcel Preston and the boys in Sky Terminal.

Saturday meant an early rise and fly.

Overall, Calgary was a blast!

Alberta Odyssey Day 1

I have never been on a plane. It's always been on my list of things to do, but I've never really had need to fly... until today. GMA Canada is having a radio and artist conference in Calgary that Scott Jackson and I are attending, which means flight!

I was surprised how large Pearson actually is... it's HUGE! You could drive a car down the halls.

The plane was also bigger then I thought. I had a personal t.v thing infront of me which help pass the time.

I wasn't bothered by the Gs at all... actually I've been on worse roller coasters.

Looking forward to a 3 days of conferences and music... and the Rockys.

Group Therapy Thursday October 20th

Tonight on Group Therapy Thursday we were helping out Jasmine. She want's a pet but isn't sure what type to get... here's what you suggested...

Last night I had the chance to talk to Manafest. Just in-case you missed it, here's the recap!

Group Therapy Thursday October 13, 2011

Tonight on Group Therapy Thursday we were helping out Ryan, who is having trouble concentrating in church.

Here's what you suggested Ryan do to help remember the sermon...

Toby in Toronto

This Thanksgiving weekend was a little more special then most... tobymac
made an appearance at Church on the Queensway.
I was a little bummed out when I found out it was on a Friday because that
would mean that I couldn't go... then they added the Saturday!
I'm going to say the highlight of the night was meeting Toby. One of the
first Christian bands that I got into was dc Talk and I've always enjoyed
his solo stuff.
The concert it self was terrific. Toby covered songs like Gone, City On

Our Knees and Get Back Up. Plus to my surprise/delight he went wayyyyy
back into the catalog to songs like Diverse City, Whoopsi Daisy and
J-Train... yes he did J-Train! And just to keep the dc Talk fans happy he
did In The Light and Jesus Freak! While doing Jesus Freak they throw some
crazy sound effect on and the entire band froze on stage.... and the
froze.... still frozen.... pushing a minute... there is now no sound
coming from the stage... still not moving... then after what felt like 5
minutes, but was likely only 2, wham! The chorus hit and the crowd freaked
(pun intended)!

I also had the chance to meet Mr. Talkbox who likes to do crazy stuff with
his voice and Jamie Grace.

Ohh and I finally got a Jesus Freak shirt!

Jamie Grace... actor???

With Jamie Grace coming to Toronto this weekend with Toby Mac, I thought it would be fitting to post this video.

A friend of me pointed this out to me a few months ago, while not the funniest of Julian Smith's videos, this one may have one of the coolest cameos...

1:04 is when Jamie Grace Spencer come in... singer, song writer and now actor, talk about a triple threat!

Group Therapy Thursday, September 15th

This week on Group Therapy Thursday we were helping out Louise. She likes to text during church, but her friends are giving her a hard time about it. Is texting in church okay?

Here's what you had to say...

How to waste half a week

In the epic waste of time category, this one wins. Over 3 days of video. I don't recommend you watch this, but if you have 3 days to burn... why not?

Tonight on Group Therapy Thursday we were helping Jake and Kathy who want to date, but are scared it will have a negative effect on their youth group if they break up. What should they do?

Here's what you said...

Kingdom Bound - The Recap

Last week Ben Davy and I went south of the boarder to check out Kingdom Bound 2011. This was my first time going to the U.S so I was excited all round.

After a stop in Niagara Falls (there's another first) which is full of flashy colors and larger then life signs (two things I love) we found ourselves in Darrien Lake N.Y.

I could bore you with all the details

- The roller coaster I still regret going on

- The hat I lost on said roller coaster

- How said hat actually helped me in my walk with God (I am not kidding... it's a whole other story).

- How I found said hat (see other story)

But, I'll cut to the chase and talk bands.

On the Sunday I got to check out Classic Petra. I'll admit it, I liked it. After hearing them I now realize how they have allowed other bands like House of Heroes and Anberlin to grow and thrive.

Newsboys headlined Sunday night. Crazy. Rotating drums, floating platforms a performance of

Jesus Freak.

My favorite show was Skillet, I will never forget how loud the screaming got when they did Monster or how excited I got when they started Savior.

My favorite band was House of Heroes. They didn't use any tracks as far a I could tell (backing instruments on cd), they also had 4 part harmonies and did In the Valley of the Dying Sun (one of my favorite House songs).

All in all... it was great!

Me with House of Heroes!!!!!

Group Therapy Thursday July 28th

Tonight on Group Therapy Thursday we were helping out Trevor. He has a friend in grade 10 that is saying he will not be returning to school this fall. How do you think Trevor should deal with his friend?

Here's what you said ...

Epic Waste of Time

O.K. Before you get into this post, I will admit, it is rather shallow. There is no moral at the end.

But, if you have

a. 8 minutes to burn or b. A lunch break coming up, this is the post for you.

As a kid I played a lot of Super Mario Bros. I was terrible at it, but that didn't matter! The challenge of finally getting to World 4 was enough for me.

Apparently that didn't quite do it for this guy. Not only did he beat the game (it was possible?) he did so with the lowest score of all time... ya. Someone had a little too much time on their hands!

The Pup

After a few months of waiting, a Talk Back Tuesday on a name and a bit of prayer, my family welcomed a new member on Saturday. Judging by the content of the other blogs you may be thinking baby.

You are right.

But, not a baby human... a baby dog (as

the title of this entry kinda indicates).

His name is Cody-Bear. He is a Bouvier.

The one with the sheep is my favorite. Thanks to my sister for the pictures.

I wonder if my cat does this???

Hmm... you have to wonder what our cats are really doing when we are away from home... do they all lead double lives?

Ahh YouTube, what bizarre and pointless videos line your pages...

Group Therapy Thursday, June 16th

The Storm of the Century

O.K so that was a slightly exaggerated title... but it got you to read this post didn't it?

Anyway, last Friday was a bad one in central Ontario. We had an brutal storm system rip though most of the listening area causing quite a bit of damage.

This damage was close to home for me as my family's farm was hit mega hard. A tree missed the house by feet. The car just barely

dodged one as well, not to mention my Mom and Sister who were going for a walk and got stuck in the middle of the storm. Praise God no one was hurt! Now

it's time to clean up the mess of branches on the lawn!

I have always wanted to check out Battle of the Bands. If you haven't gathered it yet, I love music! And that is all the Battle is... music!

This year was a good one for me, not only did I get to check out the Battle, I got to emcee it!

Things got start with Beyond City Walls. Watch out for these guys. They are a mix of rock and pop with a lot of synthesized keys... hope to see them there next year.

Breath Worship (from Victory Baptist in Newmarket) made an appearance as well bringing some Praise and Worship to the mix.

A rap artist named D.U.T.Y hit the stage next with a smoking performance... the crowed went nuts!

Other acts to note were Maxacka, who sound like Petra and a band called Without Surrender who came second last year and would come in second this year!

During intermission it was clear who would win. Every person I talked to loved one act... of rap.

After a terrific performance from To Tell it was time to give away some recording time at Broken Records and a performance spot at Kingdom Bound. The winner was D.U.T.Y.

Be listening for an interview with him on LIFE in the coming months!

Hat's off to Barrie Free Methodist for a great light show and amazing music show! Check it out next year. It's a lot of fun!

Sad

That is how I felt when I heard the new that David Crowder band was recording their last cd. This is their last year as a band. As you've probably caught by now... I love those guys! The music, the presentation the heart. It's what made me start to see worship music as something more then just a sing along on Sunday Mornings. To see it as an overflow of love to God. I am sad, yes. However, it occurred to me that it is a 6 member group, if only half of them keep doing music... wouldn't it be like having 3 David Crowder Bands? Anyway, I look forward to the new album and hope it will be a fitting send off to a great band.

Group Therapy Thursday, May 26

Tonight on Group Therapy Thursday we were giving a hand to Brandon. He met a girl at random on a bus, now this girl has tracked down his e-mail address and is trying to contact him. He wants nothing to do with her. What should he do?

On Talk Back Tuesday this week, things got a little personal for me. My family is getting a new puppy and we are in need on a name. Here were your suggestions.

Christ August has written some very popular songs --- Starry Night and 7 x 70 being two of them. And now, we can add this.... um.... creation(?) to the list. Christ August with "The Candy Wrap."

(and no I didn't misspell rap, that is how he spells it)

Sooooo... do you think his next CD should be rap? No... me neither.

Planking

It seems that we go from one crazed fad to another. In the past pet rocks (ya pet rocks) in more recent times virtual hamsters and stuff like that. We've also had some physical fads. One really cool one was Parkour which is basically doing ninja stuff without the ninja outfit.
Now for the year 2011 we have this....




I think the video sums it up best... planking is the new bored.

Group Therapy Thursday 12th

On Group Therapy Thursday last night we were trying to help out
A youth pastor who just got a tattoo and has one of his youth members is upset because he doesn't think a youth pastor should have a tattoo. What do you think the pastor should do?

You can see what our friends on facebook had to say here

A couple posts ago I mentioned getting a new cell phone. One thing that I have never regretted getting is unlimited text. You'd think you wouldn't do more then 50 texts a month, until you realize that everyone texts. In fact, it seems to be faster and more reliable than e-mail... which lays the foundation for this story.

I needed to contact a guy that I know about a youth event that he and I are apart of... the catch? I didn't have any of his contact info. I contacted a mutual friend to get his cell number (as he allegedly never checks his e-mail). I sent him a quick message. 5 hours later I get a response...

Who's Evan?

To which I reply - The guy from the youth thing.

What?

Is this Jordan?

No

That is the beauty of a wrong number when texting. It could take you a day before you realize you have the wrong person. Have you ever had something like this happen?

Group Therapy Thursday, April 21th

On Group Therapy Thursday this week we were helping out James.

He is wanting to go to his girl friend's church for Easter Sunday, but his parents have said no way...

What should he do?

The Contact - Audio Review

This week, I thought I'd take a crack at an audio review - enjoy!

***Special thanks to Time Van Dyk (LIFE's Producer) for giving me some pointers with this***

April Fools 2011

As you have likely found out today (perhaps the hard way) today is April Fools.

I have always been a fan of this non-official holiday. As long as it is kept fun and not harmful (be that emotionally or physically) I think this is a great day for a laugh.

That said I now present you with one of the most classic April Fools jokes around...

This was really broadcast on television... with no mention that it was a prank... at all!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27ugSKW4-QQ

*NOTE*

I'd post the video right here, but that is forbidden by the good folks at the internet (ak-hem, YouTube.)

Science Made Simple

I have always loved science. It's crazy to observe how God created everything to function in perfect unison. That's what science is... the observation of God's creation.

That said, some things are a little more complicated then others... like nuclear fusion. Mind blendingly (not a real word) complex, but so cool.

So if you are struggling to understand the ins and outs of nuclear fusion... hopefully this helps!

Even if you could care less about fusion , you have to admit that 1000 ping-pong balls let fly is pretty cool.

Rebecca Black good, bad or just plain terrible

Chances are good that you've seen this video. Some are calling it genius, others, the worst music video ever made... what do you think?



Whether good or just plain terrible, Rebecca Black (if that's her real name) will always be remembered as the girl that did Friday... at least until Monday.

Group Therapy Thursday -- March 17th

Last night on Group Therapy Thursday, we were tring to help out Gary, he was wondering were he should draw the line on the movies he's watching and the video games that he's playing.

Here's how it all went down...

What are your thoughts on the subject?

To Tell at Masters College

Yesterday I made the trek to 89.3 to emcee the To Tell concert. Let me start by saying it was GREAT.
I grabbed some supper at GotTa HavVa PizZa... I love pizza... I now also love GotTa HavVa PizZa.
Then it was off to Masters College, which is huge!
The show got rolling with a local rap artist named D.U.T.Y (seen with me at the both). And did things get rolling! Great performance -- High energy, great lyrics, and loads of audience participation!
D.U.T.Y finished with a song that featured another Christian rap artist by the name of
K-Drama (on the track, not live). Then, Tim Mann took the stage. Tim is a worship leader that spent some time at Hillsong College in Sydney Australia (ya that Hillsong). My favourite part of Tim's set was when he did a cover of John Mark McMillian's song "Death in His Grave". I love that song... thanks for doing it Tim!!!




After a quick intermission for FREE pizza (how I love that word) To Tell delivered a great show.
I haven't seen these guys since Air Raid 17 and let me say, they have gotten even better! High energy, people all over the stage and as an added bonus, the drummer stood on his drums!!! COOL!!! Air Raid 19 is going to be epic. Period.

Group Therapy Thursday #1

Last night was Group Therapy Thursday and we were helping out Kim and Jon in

Brechin, they are getting married and while they're saving for a place, they are thinking of moving in with their inlaws... is this a good idea? Here's what you had to say...

Matt

Randy

Troy

Amy

Kate

What are your thoughts?

Most Anticipated of 2011

O.K. I admit it may seem a little late for a "most anticipated" of 2011... March is almost over.

But in my defense most artists have only announced that they have new albums coming out recently so... here are my "5 Most Anticipated CDs of 2011".

5. Family Force 5 - Untitled - I loved Dance or Die. The mix of rock/punk/dance is just to good not to like. Will this new cd continue this sound or will it go back the the grunge rock that made the Family famous? Well we'll find out.

4. needtobreathe - Untitled - Every album that needtobreathe has released has gotten progressively better. More originality, more advanced lyrics, more of a sound that sets them apart. This will be their 4th album and my hopes are that this will be their best yet.

3. Peter Furler - On Fire - I miss the (old) Newsboys. There is a place in my heart that needs that pop rock that they did so well. When I heard that Peter was doing a solo thing I figured it would be "caned worship" then I saw the album cover ...

This looks promising!

2. Owl City - All Things Bright and Beautiful - I think Owl City is a really talented solo act. If one guy can create such ambiance music in his parents basement, he has to be good. Plus this cd going for a more broad style musicly... namely rock... with synths... oh ya!!!

1. Fm Static - My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go - I have very high hopes for this album (it is at number one after all), I have loved every song that I have heard from the CD so far. April 5th can't come soon enough!

0. David Crowder * Band - Unknown - No David and the boys haven't announced a new CD... but... I have a theory that we will have a new album from them come late summer, early fall. ***Please remember that this is my theory based on the fact that they are recording right now***

And there you have it my "Most Anticipated of 2011". What are your most anticipated?

Extreme Dominoes

I have always enjoyed dominoes. I have wasted hour after hour stacking just to push one domino over and watch the domino affect set in (lame pun intended).

I can't imagine doing this... it would just be too much work...

And then there's this one, which proves the domino pun...

And since you've watched 3... why not watch one more?

And the Grand Finally... this must have taken a week or two!

Imagine getting to domino number 29,999 then having the whole thing collapse? That would be disappointing... to say the least.

Come On (My Soul)

I picked up Rend Collective Experiment's debut album last year and was amazed by the passion that they put into their music.
This was one of my favorite songs from the CD...




As simple as the lyrics are... they have a very powerful message... to me at least.
There are days were I show up at church and really don't fell like worshiping God.
Not that I'm holding anything against him, there's just to much on my mind.
School, work, even ministry can just get on my mind to the point were... that's all I can think of.


That's what I love about this song, It conveys (to me) putting aside all of the stuff that's on my mind or in my life
and just worshiping. It usually feels like plowing through concrete... but in the end, it works.
Do you know what I mean?

M.A.S.H Bash 2011

Yesterday was M.A.S.H Bash at Snow Valley in Barrie. I have always wanted to check this event out. So when I found out I was not only going to M.A.S.H Bash, but was competing in the celebrity bad pan race...

I was STOKED!

The event was a blast, amid B.B.Qed sausage and chicken breast, a random tent where you could play Rock Band and of course the skiing/snowboarding... the apex of the event was the bed pan race!

The title of "Bed Pan Champ" is a very hotly contested title... and I wanted it.

The hill wasn't that high... but it was steep, so steep in fact that when I was ascending it on a snowmobile, I felt like I was climbing a wall!!!

At the top, my nerves kicked in, but once the whistle blew I recovered enough to start to slide down the hill with 11 (I think) other crazed DJs.

The bed pan only stayed under me for about 5 seconds... after which I was rolling down a hill, dodging other floundering media people! I managed to get my bed pan back (mid roll [that was sweet]) and slid halfway down the hill on my jeans.

I came third from last.

Oh well. Next year... I'm going to dominate that race!

The Light Sides

As you have no doubt heard, Hawk Nelson released a new cd by the name of Crazy Love. Scott Jackson posted a review of that album on Tuesday (you can catch that here), however this is "The Rest of the Story" (to quote Paul Harvey)... my review of "The Light Sides". To clarify "The Light Sides" is an acoustic cd that is bundled with Crazy Love in the "Deluxe Edition" of the album.

To the review...

The disc starts off with arguably Hawk's biggest song "California" and what the boys do to the song is... interesting? They replace all of the guitar parts... with human voice... creating an interesting sound.

One of my favorite Hawk Nelson Tunes is "Friend Like That", and I looooooooove the acoustic version. Replacing the electric guitars with acoustic creates a need sound without compromising the already amazing song. "Zero" is next up with as well as "Stagefright" which both sound great. "First Time" sounds more like a rock song without electric guitars than anything. Kinda disappointing.

What is done to You Have What I Need is to say the least, fresh, fun and rockin'. I like.

Everything You Ever Wanted comes in with a decent sound (the highlight is the drill sound playing at the end).

Skip ahead to "Take Me" and you are listening to one of the highlights on the album.

Not really acoustic par~say, but it's a tasteful remix of a already great song.

My only gripe about the album is "36 Days Later". It sounds whiny to me. That is my opinion at least, the song doesn't stink... I just think it's whiny.

That sums up my review. If you're planning to pickup Crazy Love, don't skimp, go all out and pick up the Deluxe Edition. The Light Sides is worth the 4 extra bucks.

My Score -

Winter Circa 1700

Chances are good you got snow today. Schools have closed, stores have closed, roads have closed. While going for a walk in the low visibility winter wonderland today, it occurred to me what sacrifices pioneers actually made. Think about it: we get 7 inches(?) of snow and everything shuts down. Sure we can still function, but chances are good you and I will be more likely to cancel our appointments and relax in our nice warm homes than venture out into the white unknown. The pioneers didn't have this luxury. They had to hunt for food, build their homes and raise their families rain or shine, snow or hail. I'm outside complaining that there is snow in my boots (if you've ever seen my boots you'd know that the snow must be deep) where as these guys had to put up with all the cold, snow and wet boots just to survive. Thank-fully they put up with it like they did so that we could have the country that we do today, furnaces and all.

Which is why Ground Hog Day was likely invented... to provide some hope for Spring!

My doctor's a quack!

... Actually my doctor's a cat.
Continuing my unintended series of blogs about talented animals... I don't think I'd trust this doctor.

Cash... really?

I got myself a cell phone for Christmas this year. Nothing fancy... in fact, it's one of those old school jobs. (Yes texting takes forever without a slide-out keyboard).

So as you can expect, I revived my first bill. I went in to pay said bill at the Kiosk where I originally bought the phone.

After buying a USB cable for the phone, I tell the clerk, I'd like to pay my bill. He then informs me that I can't use cash, I have to use a credit card. I'm underage (gasp!) and hence don't have a credit card... so I have to find a place in the mall that sells a Visa giftcard. I found one, bought it and went back to the Kiosk. I'm then informed that it takes these cards 30 minutes to activate, but I can go home and pay over the phone!

So in review I can pay my bill --

Over the phone by credit card - Over the Internet by credit card - By auto withdrawal - By manual withdrawal (I tell the bank to pay it) - in person at the Kiosk, but I CAN'T pay with cash... why?

They do take cash for accessories (remember that USB cable?), but when I want to pay my bill, I can't use cash? What's the point of having a currency if we aren't going to use it? I'm not too crazy about auto withdrawal and I likely wouldn't get a credit card for a little while... but I always carry cash! Maybe I'm over reacting, but it seems really illogical to me that I can't just hand the guy 30 bucks and be done with it... I don't mind using Visa giftcards, the only catch is the extra charge for activation.

Can you relate or am I just overreacting?