Saturday, October 10, 2009
The Light Division
The Light Division - new band from Hamilton. Last night they played held a CD release party for "Oh, So Close" in Stayner at the Missionary Church. It was great. And loud! I think they were louder than any KISS concert I've been to! I didn't think church PAs could blow that loud!
There were four bands prior to Light Division. Levi den Bok, who is a LIFE Karaoke semi- finalist, was on the bill with his band. This guy is obviously a worshipper. He loves the Lord. It's clear through his songs, his lyrics, and what he says on stage. It's refreshing to hear a young person who passionately loves Jesus and feel so comfortable about it. If Levi doesn't make it in music, my guess is he'll get into modeling. He's a good-looking guy. (Well, he is!)
Fire And Sound were next up. Three guys with a really full "wall of sound" sound, a bit like a Blink 182 or All American Rejects. When Tyler, Colin and Mickey they hit the stage, it just blew up! Tyler Chapman processed his vocals through an on-stage auto-tuner or vocoder - I'm not sure which - but his voice was compressed and phased making it, obviously pitch-perfect, but also really thick. It's a cool trick that isn't really new, since Cher started using it 1998 on "Believe". It's an effect saved for the studio but with Tyler using it live, it certainly made his vocals the hottest of the night.
Arriving late from Ottawa, after a 9-hour drive, through the rain, on a holiday weekend - gasp! - with no sound check, was Benefit Of A Doubt. These guys have done some good shows and are getting their name around thru a bit of radio play and some showcases. It was surprising, that a band of this caliber, would come so far as a support act. Nice work.
Lastly, The Light Division. My friend Shaun Gowman invited me to the show. So it was a personal mission as well as a Street Team event for LIFE 100.3. LD has a mini-cd with seven songs, two of which we play on LIFE - "Clockwork Magic" and "A Map To The End of the World". Both songs are spinning in my iPod while I'm at the gym. Unfortunately they lost a guitarist and they played their CD release party as a foursome. But still, this was exciting music. They reminded me of Anberlin both in music style and stage presence. Shaun is a monster on drums! And Brad van der Woerd is a class act behind the mic and on guitar and keyboard. He quickly mentioned his faith, enough for us to know he's a strong Christian performer and then let the music take over. I told Brad and Shaun that I found the music "exciting". Awesome night.
There were four bands prior to Light Division. Levi den Bok, who is a LIFE Karaoke semi- finalist, was on the bill with his band. This guy is obviously a worshipper. He loves the Lord. It's clear through his songs, his lyrics, and what he says on stage. It's refreshing to hear a young person who passionately loves Jesus and feel so comfortable about it. If Levi doesn't make it in music, my guess is he'll get into modeling. He's a good-looking guy. (Well, he is!)
Fire And Sound were next up. Three guys with a really full "wall of sound" sound, a bit like a Blink 182 or All American Rejects. When Tyler, Colin and Mickey they hit the stage, it just blew up! Tyler Chapman processed his vocals through an on-stage auto-tuner or vocoder - I'm not sure which - but his voice was compressed and phased making it, obviously pitch-perfect, but also really thick. It's a cool trick that isn't really new, since Cher started using it 1998 on "Believe". It's an effect saved for the studio but with Tyler using it live, it certainly made his vocals the hottest of the night.
Arriving late from Ottawa, after a 9-hour drive, through the rain, on a holiday weekend - gasp! - with no sound check, was Benefit Of A Doubt. These guys have done some good shows and are getting their name around thru a bit of radio play and some showcases. It was surprising, that a band of this caliber, would come so far as a support act. Nice work.
Lastly, The Light Division. My friend Shaun Gowman invited me to the show. So it was a personal mission as well as a Street Team event for LIFE 100.3. LD has a mini-cd with seven songs, two of which we play on LIFE - "Clockwork Magic" and "A Map To The End of the World". Both songs are spinning in my iPod while I'm at the gym. Unfortunately they lost a guitarist and they played their CD release party as a foursome. But still, this was exciting music. They reminded me of Anberlin both in music style and stage presence. Shaun is a monster on drums! And Brad van der Woerd is a class act behind the mic and on guitar and keyboard. He quickly mentioned his faith, enough for us to know he's a strong Christian performer and then let the music take over. I told Brad and Shaun that I found the music "exciting". Awesome night.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Surviving Training Camp
Hey to everyone at Trillium Resort and Spa in Port Sydney. Me, Steve Jones, Ben Davy, AJ, everyone on the LIFE staff - we had a training camp over the weekend. All the DJs, all the sales people, behind the scenes people, our wives (and husbands) - we all went up to Trillium. Had a guest speaker come - a radio guy. Chris Bray led us in worship yesterday.
Kaj Ballantyne from Harvest Bible Chapel in Huntsville shared a message during Sunday morning chapel. He talked about Jesus and the disciples in the boat when the storm came. Kaj gave us such a detailed verbal presentation that it was better than any video there might be! He was that good!
Good opportunity for our staff to hang out, away from the radio station, get to know each other on a different level. Learned that Ben Davy's wife is really good at charades. We played Family Feud - just like the TV show. We surveyed our LIFE staff and put the top 5 answers on the board. And after the games we got a little vision casting done - set goals for the new year. Got some good stuff planned, new contests and stuff.
Thanks to Trillium Resort - they looked after us real well. In fact, the staff were practically invisible all weekend - I mean that in a good way. They brought out the snacks and moved around tables without any distractions to us. So two thumbs up for Trillium resort.
Kaj Ballantyne from Harvest Bible Chapel in Huntsville shared a message during Sunday morning chapel. He talked about Jesus and the disciples in the boat when the storm came. Kaj gave us such a detailed verbal presentation that it was better than any video there might be! He was that good!
Good opportunity for our staff to hang out, away from the radio station, get to know each other on a different level. Learned that Ben Davy's wife is really good at charades. We played Family Feud - just like the TV show. We surveyed our LIFE staff and put the top 5 answers on the board. And after the games we got a little vision casting done - set goals for the new year. Got some good stuff planned, new contests and stuff.
Thanks to Trillium Resort - they looked after us real well. In fact, the staff were practically invisible all weekend - I mean that in a good way. They brought out the snacks and moved around tables without any distractions to us. So two thumbs up for Trillium resort.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Training Camp
Big weekend ahead. It's our training camp for LIFE staff.
It's not a retreat. Arrrrg! When you go on retreat you're "getting away". In this case, we're not getting away from anything. We're "going" away to a resort, but not to rest. Training Camp is just that - training, motivational, restoration, focus, setting goals. All that stuff that owners and managers love, but the staff hates.
I've tried to put together an agenda that, in the end, will have the entire staff in a rave! Guest speaker from WAY-FM, music with Chris Bray, chapel with Kaj Ballantyne of Harvest Bible Chapel. And lots of free time to walk, wander, kayak and hang. Lots of food. Cool chalet accommodations.
The book "Inside The Postal Bus" by Toronto cyclist Michael Barry (from Toronto) was my inspiration. Hopefully the LIFE staff feels the love.
It's not a retreat. Arrrrg! When you go on retreat you're "getting away". In this case, we're not getting away from anything. We're "going" away to a resort, but not to rest. Training Camp is just that - training, motivational, restoration, focus, setting goals. All that stuff that owners and managers love, but the staff hates.
I've tried to put together an agenda that, in the end, will have the entire staff in a rave! Guest speaker from WAY-FM, music with Chris Bray, chapel with Kaj Ballantyne of Harvest Bible Chapel. And lots of free time to walk, wander, kayak and hang. Lots of food. Cool chalet accommodations.
The book "Inside The Postal Bus" by Toronto cyclist Michael Barry (from Toronto) was my inspiration. Hopefully the LIFE staff feels the love.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Miracles
My friend tells me that God doesn't do miracles in these "last days". No miracles?
Most of my Christian friends constantly ask for God's intervention. We ask for healing of cancer, or money to meet our needs, or the restoration of a relationship or that a celebrity would discover God and make Jesus their Lord. Man, I ask for that stuff all the time.
But my friend says the major miracles aren't part of our culture. He says, God can do extraordinary things - He did before and the event was recorded in the Bible so that future generations would believe. And, he says, that's why big miracles don't happen today.
Am I wasting my prayers?
I don't ask God to do miracles to make me believe more. (Well, maybe once in a while!) But generally, I'm just asking God to intervene in my life because I've done all I can do - the rest needs to be supernatural or the situation won't change.
A few major events in my life have happened because of prayer. I'm convinced God was there. He acted and my prayer was answered.
I guess I'd love to see a major intervention in an aircraft that doesn't crash or a tsunami that abruptly ends - all by the hand of God. It would increase my faith. It'd hit CNN and the whole world would know. And for my friend, it would show him that God is active, today.
Most of my Christian friends constantly ask for God's intervention. We ask for healing of cancer, or money to meet our needs, or the restoration of a relationship or that a celebrity would discover God and make Jesus their Lord. Man, I ask for that stuff all the time.
But my friend says the major miracles aren't part of our culture. He says, God can do extraordinary things - He did before and the event was recorded in the Bible so that future generations would believe. And, he says, that's why big miracles don't happen today.
Am I wasting my prayers?
I don't ask God to do miracles to make me believe more. (Well, maybe once in a while!) But generally, I'm just asking God to intervene in my life because I've done all I can do - the rest needs to be supernatural or the situation won't change.
A few major events in my life have happened because of prayer. I'm convinced God was there. He acted and my prayer was answered.
I guess I'd love to see a major intervention in an aircraft that doesn't crash or a tsunami that abruptly ends - all by the hand of God. It would increase my faith. It'd hit CNN and the whole world would know. And for my friend, it would show him that God is active, today.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Karaoke - Audition Week
(photo of Ben Davy with Newmarket qualifiers Katherine Cooke and Robin Cowen)
The marathon week for Karaoke Superstar going city to city is underway!
Monday night we visited Heritage Place Mall in Owen Sound. We arrived at 5:30. Man was it quiet. Hardly any shoppers. Junky and Tony were nearly finished setting up the backdrop, the P.A and lights. We broke for a quick bite at Subway and our auditioners arrived.
In Owen Sound, one competitor didn't show up - guess he chickened out?! At the judges' table was me, along with Phil Johnston from After The Anthems and producer and former TFK guitarist Jamie Aplin. They all had great insight and advice for each performer. Jamie was checking his blackberry all night expecting to hear from his "any-minute-I'm-going-to -have-a- baby" wife. Fortunately, he didn't have to skip out early.
Newmarket was packed out. Two levels of fans watching the performers. Andy Taylor from Season 3 was judging with me, along with the owner of the Treasure House bookstore Bob Fitzgibbon. A neat advisory board - a radio guy, a retailer and an artist.
Last night we were in Huntsville. Again, packed out in the food court. Probably 100 people and standing room only. One contestant was a no-show; another was a walk-up. Only one guy performed! Hey guys - come on! Let's lay it down for the boys!
I've seen some stand-out performances already - an edgy Barlow Girl style and a Relient K style. I'm glad we have variety. It's going to be a great semifinal October 17.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A Good Time
Last night, Trooper made their annual visit to Barrie. Always great to see my favourite band perform. You might know their songs "We're Here For A Good Time" or "Boys In The Bright White Sports Car". Canadian classic rock at its best.
Singer Ra McGuire (from White Rock - the fish and chips capital of the world) and guitarist Brian W. Smith (also from the Van area) are the founders and have been in the band for 42 years - I really admire a partnership that can last that long. Through all the touring, record company junk, airports, wow. Marriages are probably not as strong as these two guys.
The set list hasn't really changed over the last ten years. In fact, I can recite it to you. I can also recite Ra's song introductions. But here's the attraction - the showmanship and accuracy are dead on. Ra's voice continues to deliver. Brian - "the czar of the guitar" discharges power chords with that stat sound. Scott Brown on bass seems to be hanging in and lovin' it. Gogo, on keyboards - I'm not sure what's up with him but Ra's intro for Gogo gets longer with every show. And stomping out a seriously heavy beat is Clayton Hill. Wow! As a drummer, I was fixated on Clayton for most of the set, watching his aggressive fills and splashes that were certainly more complex that the original radio hit, mixing up the beats, all for the better, and gosh he is amazing!
Next month, Ra gets to play his favourite venue - the Vancouver Commodore Ballroom - and for the first time he'll perform with his son Connor. According to Ra's online blog, he and his son have a strong music bond and I know he's pretty excited about the dad/son performance. I understand. I can't wait to see my son Brett perform with his new band "Handsome and Gretyl" - hopefully soon. Maybe he'll need a drummer?!
Trooper. Ra. You still rock, man! Mmmm. "The boys are really rollin'...."
(Photo - me and Ra from my archives)
Monday, September 21, 2009
They Get Us
Yesterday I was the guest speaker at Lighthouse Community Church in Wasaga Beach. Thanks to Pastor Paul Bailey for the stage-time. Lighthouse is one of the churches that really "gets us". They understand the mission of Christian radio and how we support the work of the church. I wish all churches understood the vision rather than isolating themselves. Thankfully, our base of church support continues to grow.
Janice and I drove in early and I biked home to Barrie. Summer returned for the day. Sun, 25 degrees, little wind. A great day in the saddle, logging another 55km to my summer odometer.
This is a crazy busy week. "Karaoke Superstar" is LIFE's new talent discovery showcase. Every night we're in a different city, looking for the next great singer. Several showcases are staged in malls, where LIFE and Christian music have a chance to be heard by non-church people. A crowd of people always stop their shopping and watch the action.
Then Sunday, the speaking tour continues - but for a change I get to attend my home church. I have not spoken at APC for at least two years, choosing to let Tim Maassarany and Ben Davy be the guests while I sit in the pew. APC is a great church for LIFE. The people genuinely care about LIFE 100.3. They cheer me on; they're great listeners and big givers. For ten years Pastor Wayne has invited LIFE to share about our radio ministry and after five of those years I made APC my home church.
Looking forward to Sunday!
Janice and I drove in early and I biked home to Barrie. Summer returned for the day. Sun, 25 degrees, little wind. A great day in the saddle, logging another 55km to my summer odometer.
This is a crazy busy week. "Karaoke Superstar" is LIFE's new talent discovery showcase. Every night we're in a different city, looking for the next great singer. Several showcases are staged in malls, where LIFE and Christian music have a chance to be heard by non-church people. A crowd of people always stop their shopping and watch the action.
Then Sunday, the speaking tour continues - but for a change I get to attend my home church. I have not spoken at APC for at least two years, choosing to let Tim Maassarany and Ben Davy be the guests while I sit in the pew. APC is a great church for LIFE. The people genuinely care about LIFE 100.3. They cheer me on; they're great listeners and big givers. For ten years Pastor Wayne has invited LIFE to share about our radio ministry and after five of those years I made APC my home church.
Looking forward to Sunday!
Friday, September 18, 2009
A Really Big Show
From yesterday's post, you know I was excited about the Toronto U2 concert. U2 is not my favourite band but what I like is "a big show" and U2 are masters of "going big". Big sets. Lots of scaffolding. Live videos. Moving stages. Ramps and runways bringing the singer into the crowd. Any band that does that, wins me over.
Last night at Skydome the lid was open and looming over us was the CN Tower which displayed its own light show! Red and yellow illumination spun up the tower and swirled around the pods. It was a light show bonus!
On the south side through the Dome roof were the waterfront condominiums. From the stage, Bono looked to the condos and said "hey if you're listening to the show, flash your lights" - and a bunch of them did!
Musically, the songs, especially the really Christian songs, brought about an a auspicious idea. Sometimes I felt like I was part of a 50,000 voice choir, as we sang:
You broke the bonds
And you loosed the chains
Carried the cross
Of my shame
Oh my shame
You know I believe it
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
It was like voices of unity ascended thru the Dome roof into the Heavens with God looking down on this tiny earthly spectacle. I wonder what that would be like.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
U2
I'm going to see U2 tomorrow night. I'm excited! None of my friends wanted to go with me so I bought one ticket on the floor. My seat will be great but I won't have anyone to share the experience with.
From what I've read, the U2 stage is double the size of the stage used by the Rolling Stones on their last tour. Crazy big! And it's the "360" show so there's a clear view of the band from any side with the speakers flown in the roof.
I already googled the set-list so I know the order of the songs. I guess that spoils the fun for some people, but I like to know in advance so I can look forward to it. Some of the new songs I'm not familiar with so I'll listen to them on line and be able to recognize them at the show.
Another thing I like to do is google "the meaning" of songs. Fans get on a forum to post their thoughts of what the song means to them and the varying opinions give you a perspective that, perhaps, you hadn't considered. All of that helps me be familiar with the new songs.
I confess I used to be very anti-U2. I didn't really get them. Bono has said and done things that led me to believe he wasn't real about his faith. But that's just external stuff - I've got lots of that going on, too.
Then, I went to the Vertigo show a few years ago. It felt like the most Christian show I had ever seen. I left feeling spiritually uplifted. Optimistic. More tolerant. More understanding.
You don't have to go far to hear about Bono's compassion for people in horrific, inhumane circumstances. In an interview I heard him say, "our politicians aren't doing their job at feeding the homeless so rock stars have to get involved and get the job done."
Recently, I heard that U2 auctioned off 600 tickets for each show on the tour and are giving the proceeds to the Aids Foundation. That's about 8 million dollars.
I see Bono making a big difference in the world. As a spokesperson. As a political activist. As a fundraiser. Demonstrating love and compassion. Who knows how many organizations he's financially helped or spoken on behalf of.
So, Thursday night in Toronto ! Ya!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Biking In Barrie Sucks
I love Barrie. But as a cyclist, this is certainly an un-friendly city.
I can't think of one road in Barrie that has a lane devoted to bikes. Not one.
Ottawa - what an awesome city! Lanes strictly for bikes, help the biker to feel safe and the traffic to anticipate other traffic.
Peterborough - not as bike-friendly as Ottawa, but not far behind. A number of roads have bike- only lanes.
But Barrie - yikes! Even the bike path that shadows the Bay is strangled by the high volume of unleashed pets or pets on extremely long leashes. And there's the people who wander aimlessly on the bike side of the path, instead of the walking side. (There is a separate path for walkers) Not to mention the outrageous curbs that would easily flatten your tire if you took them head-on. Of course the lakeshore in Barrie has been under construction for three summers - 3! Why? Because they want to move Lakeshore Drive ten feet away to the old rail-line. Ten feet! Millions of dollars to move a road ten feet!
Meanwhile, up in the east end, Nelson Street is cut up with choppy, replaced pavement heaped over previous replaced pavement, that's cracked from harsh winters and obviously neglected by the City Of Barrie.
Biking in Barrie is lousy. Sometimes I wished I lived in Ottawa. (What do I mean "sometimes"?!!)
I can't think of one road in Barrie that has a lane devoted to bikes. Not one.
Ottawa - what an awesome city! Lanes strictly for bikes, help the biker to feel safe and the traffic to anticipate other traffic.
Peterborough - not as bike-friendly as Ottawa, but not far behind. A number of roads have bike- only lanes.
But Barrie - yikes! Even the bike path that shadows the Bay is strangled by the high volume of unleashed pets or pets on extremely long leashes. And there's the people who wander aimlessly on the bike side of the path, instead of the walking side. (There is a separate path for walkers) Not to mention the outrageous curbs that would easily flatten your tire if you took them head-on. Of course the lakeshore in Barrie has been under construction for three summers - 3! Why? Because they want to move Lakeshore Drive ten feet away to the old rail-line. Ten feet! Millions of dollars to move a road ten feet!
Meanwhile, up in the east end, Nelson Street is cut up with choppy, replaced pavement heaped over previous replaced pavement, that's cracked from harsh winters and obviously neglected by the City Of Barrie.
Biking in Barrie is lousy. Sometimes I wished I lived in Ottawa. (What do I mean "sometimes"?!!)
Friday, September 11, 2009
I Heart LIFE!
Is it ok that we market our radio station? Are you offended?
I've met people who think that our world manufacturers too much stuff about Jesus. Goofy stuff. A fish for the back of your car. A dangley angel for your rear view mirror. Bumper sticker with your station because it's all about Jesus.
Is that using Jesus name to get publicity?
Or is it using our name to give Jesus recognition in "the world".
Our mission is to talk about things Christians talk about. Movies we went to, restaurants we ate in, ball games we went to, and the pastor's message last Sunday. Christian radio is only Jesus - it's our lives. "Our" stories, filtered through the eyes of a Christian.
We buy gas from non-Christians, full well knowing that some of the profits to go support terrorists camps. But we still buy gas.
So why would a button or bumper sticker with a company logo on it be bad? We think of LIFE as the connection to all churches in our community.
So we put up billboards, in high traffic areas all over Barrie, Peterborough and Owen Sound to remind people to listen to "Christian radio". Look around. You'll seem.
No, we're not shy about Jesus. And we hope he likes the billboard!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Psalms
"A Psalm in the morning and a Psalm at night". That's what my friend told me to read.
I haven't had a good structured devotional time for years. Years ago I bought study guides from the bookstore and followed them in a group. You know how it works? Read the study guide, read the Bible passage and answer the questions. That was ok. But it seemed like "homework".
Looking for ideas, I asked a bunch of guy friends what they do for devotions. Of the six I asked, only one has a devotional life. And his devo is hardcore, putting me to shame. But he inspired me, knowing that at least one guy is connecting with the Lord every day.
My devotions are part-journal. I note something good happening to me, or some place I went, or my emotion for the day. Then I have three categories:
Reading: I write here the Bible chapter, or another non-Biblical book I'm reading.
Listening To: I write here a specific song I'm hooked on.
Thinking About: I write a few things that are on my mind.
Praying: I write a list of requests and I always try to include something to be thankful for.
This format can last half an hour if I'm soaked in it, or if I'm rushed, it can be embarrassingly short. I journal a few times a week but I tend to skip it on those days when I'm cranky.
When I refer back to the journal I see my times of pain and my moments of thrill. Kind of like the Psalms, right? Days filled with praise. Days feeling attacked.
So - "a Psalm in the morning and a Psalm at night". No matter how tired, no matter how rushed.
I haven't had a good structured devotional time for years. Years ago I bought study guides from the bookstore and followed them in a group. You know how it works? Read the study guide, read the Bible passage and answer the questions. That was ok. But it seemed like "homework".
Looking for ideas, I asked a bunch of guy friends what they do for devotions. Of the six I asked, only one has a devotional life. And his devo is hardcore, putting me to shame. But he inspired me, knowing that at least one guy is connecting with the Lord every day.
My devotions are part-journal. I note something good happening to me, or some place I went, or my emotion for the day. Then I have three categories:
Reading: I write here the Bible chapter, or another non-Biblical book I'm reading.
Listening To: I write here a specific song I'm hooked on.
Thinking About: I write a few things that are on my mind.
Praying: I write a list of requests and I always try to include something to be thankful for.
This format can last half an hour if I'm soaked in it, or if I'm rushed, it can be embarrassingly short. I journal a few times a week but I tend to skip it on those days when I'm cranky.
When I refer back to the journal I see my times of pain and my moments of thrill. Kind of like the Psalms, right? Days filled with praise. Days feeling attacked.
So - "a Psalm in the morning and a Psalm at night". No matter how tired, no matter how rushed.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Back To School
First day of school. My family had just moved to Nashville. We were familiarizing ourselves with Brett's school and Crystal's school.
I remember a scarey moment on the first day of school. Crystal was taking the bus to school. We're telling her, "ok Crystal, you don't get off the bus until you get to YOUR stop. Mommy will meet you at the bus stop."
So I'm at work. It's after 4:30. School's been out for an hour. My wife calls me at work - panicking - "Crystal didn't get off the bus!" So, was she ON the bus at all? Did she get off at the wrong stop? Or, did something worse happen?
I remember feeling frozen and helpless. Maybe ... someone KIDNAPPED OUR KID WHEN SHE GOT OFF THE BUS!!!!
So my wife is freaking out on the phone. She had already called the school and we were told that Crystal did in fact get on the bus.
And, in walks Crystal. Late.
"Crystal! Where were you?"
"I forgot to get off the bus and had to wait until the end of the route and he drove me home."
Ahhhh. A memorable day. First school day in another country and we thought we lost our kid.
So, if it's your kids first day on the bus - don't panic. It's gonna be a good day.
I remember a scarey moment on the first day of school. Crystal was taking the bus to school. We're telling her, "ok Crystal, you don't get off the bus until you get to YOUR stop. Mommy will meet you at the bus stop."
So I'm at work. It's after 4:30. School's been out for an hour. My wife calls me at work - panicking - "Crystal didn't get off the bus!" So, was she ON the bus at all? Did she get off at the wrong stop? Or, did something worse happen?
I remember feeling frozen and helpless. Maybe ... someone KIDNAPPED OUR KID WHEN SHE GOT OFF THE BUS!!!!
So my wife is freaking out on the phone. She had already called the school and we were told that Crystal did in fact get on the bus.
And, in walks Crystal. Late.
"Crystal! Where were you?"
"I forgot to get off the bus and had to wait until the end of the route and he drove me home."
Ahhhh. A memorable day. First school day in another country and we thought we lost our kid.
So, if it's your kids first day on the bus - don't panic. It's gonna be a good day.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Molitor Wins!
Friday night was fight night!
A fight? Whaaaat? Is it a Christian fight? Hahaha. Not exactly.
They call it "Rumble At Rama". Steve Molitor is the hero in the featherweight class (122 pounds) and laid a whoopin' on Dario Azuaga from Argentina. Having seen Steve a few times already, I don't think Azuaga was much of a competitor. Maybe because Steve lost his world title in November they are matching him with less worthy fighters. If that's the case, that's lousy. I hate fixed stuff.
Steve is amazing to watch. He bounces around the ring like a rabbit. And his punches are real fast. It's evident that he's a trained professional because of the speed and concentration.
It's gotta take a lot of fortitude to climb in a boxing ring and take blows to your head and torso, over and over, until you, or the other guy, can't take it anymore. From my boxing club last year, I felt totally spent at the two minute mark and ready to pack it in. I can't imagine how these guys have the stamina to go 8 or 10 or 12 rounds of three minutes, hammering away at the other guy as your power decreases and all the while trying not to get the snot knocked out of you.
But it was fun. And Steve won. So we all left happy.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Ottawa
The Top 10 Things I Love About Ottawa
10. Elgin street - busy! Professionals hurry to work by day; a club scene of
partiers by night
9. The Byward market - a congestion of pedestrians
8. The Rideau Canal - barely a ripple as it coils through the city, pouring into the Ottawa River. The bridges connecting Ottawa U to downtown. The late afternoon joggers and walkers enjoying the uniqueness of the canal through mid-town.
7. The red maple leaf on the OC Transpo buses. So patriotic in the capital!
6. The view of Parliament Hill and downtown skyscrapers from Gatineau
5. The hot air blips hanging in the blue sky over the city
4. The guys have man-bags!
3. Smoked meat at Dunn's.
2. Rendezvous with friends at Zakk's.
1. Really fast cyclists screaming with speed through the city streets and stick-handing the stalled traffic on Bank Street!
Mmmmmm....I love this town!
10. Elgin street - busy! Professionals hurry to work by day; a club scene of
partiers by night
9. The Byward market - a congestion of pedestrians
8. The Rideau Canal - barely a ripple as it coils through the city, pouring into the Ottawa River. The bridges connecting Ottawa U to downtown. The late afternoon joggers and walkers enjoying the uniqueness of the canal through mid-town.
7. The red maple leaf on the OC Transpo buses. So patriotic in the capital!
6. The view of Parliament Hill and downtown skyscrapers from Gatineau
5. The hot air blips hanging in the blue sky over the city
4. The guys have man-bags!
3. Smoked meat at Dunn's.
2. Rendezvous with friends at Zakk's.
1. Really fast cyclists screaming with speed through the city streets and stick-handing the stalled traffic on Bank Street!
Mmmmmm....I love this town!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Elvis
Elvis Costello - "My Aim Is True" - 1977. It was the beginning of the new wave era, which was a softer branch of punk. Not today's pop/punk, but real punk. Punk like the Ramones and the Sex Pistols.
Back then his act was a bit angry, a bit Buddy Holly, and a bit mysterious but over the years, he's mellowed and almost, debonair. His stage character is a little less enraged as he's branched out to become a connoisseur of music appreciation. While I have not followed Elvis since the early 80's, I have known him to dabble in country, big band swing, jazz and indie rock. He's played with Burt Bacharach and Alison Krause.
Friday night, Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes played Massey Hall in Toronto - the same venue where I, as a 20-year old, watched him play "Alison" and "The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes."
This show was without a fancy set, no video, no pyro. Just solid craftsmanship.
Elvis walked out at 8pm - no opening act. In the middle of the stage waited their instruments - a fiddle, an accordion, a mandolin, a flute, a couple guitars, double bass - no drums. It was all about the music, played by masterful musicians who backed-up Elvis, yet still let him have the spotlight.
So the set opened with "My Resistance Is Low" made famous in 1948 in a film by Jane Russell followed by a similar sounding but new Elvis song "My All Time Doll". The old hits "Blame It On Cain" and "Red Shoes" were re-vented by the impeccably tight 6-piece Sugarcanes that left me with the feeling that this was a band of polished musicians.
Always one to know the set list before going to a show, I was not expecting to hear "Happy", written by the Rolling Stones. And I was half-hoping that Elton John would appear during an encore, since Elvis and Elton are close friends, and Elton spends a lot of time in Toronto with his partner David Furnish. But that didn't happen.
In the encore, Elvis gave me what I wanted - "Alison" - but it was the new track -"Sulphur To Sugarcane" - that I'll remember most.
Elvis is 55. He's musically inventive. He knows a lot more than a 4/4 new wave beat. And that inspires me.
Friday, August 28, 2009
It's All About The Bike (sorry lance)
Considering this summer has been cloudy, rainy and, for the most part, kinda cool, I've gotten some good miles on my bike. I make a note each day of my mileage and I seem to be averaging about 200km a week, often more. I'm pretty happy with that.
Sadly, I haven't been part of any organized rides this year. I'm not much for early mornings and most group rides start at 8am, and most are out of town. Maybe I'll do the Lindsay "A Place Called Home Ride".
As someone who likes doing things differently all the time, it's odd that my biking route is predictable. Same route, almost every day. I wonder if the residents in Shanty Bay and Hawkestone set their watches with my routine.
In the saddle - which by the way IS comfortable - I can put the rest of the ride on auto-pilot. The ride is therapeutic for me - I get a lot of stuff sorted out mentally. New ideas for LIFE. Sorting out problems. While I ride, I make audio notes in my cell dictaphone. Then, when I get home, I have a major "to do" list that I gave myself! Haha! Well, I'm a detail-type of person so that's how I keep it all straight.
Here's a quick video of my on the bike.
Sadly, I haven't been part of any organized rides this year. I'm not much for early mornings and most group rides start at 8am, and most are out of town. Maybe I'll do the Lindsay "A Place Called Home Ride".
As someone who likes doing things differently all the time, it's odd that my biking route is predictable. Same route, almost every day. I wonder if the residents in Shanty Bay and Hawkestone set their watches with my routine.
In the saddle - which by the way IS comfortable - I can put the rest of the ride on auto-pilot. The ride is therapeutic for me - I get a lot of stuff sorted out mentally. New ideas for LIFE. Sorting out problems. While I ride, I make audio notes in my cell dictaphone. Then, when I get home, I have a major "to do" list that I gave myself! Haha! Well, I'm a detail-type of person so that's how I keep it all straight.
Here's a quick video of my on the bike.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
PRAISE AND WORSHIP AT THE GYM
I've had a couple of crappy days. Down, lonely, unhappy and a bit disconnected with God. A friend told me to re-charge by reading one Psalm in the morning and another at night. Sounds like a good plan so I'm doing that.
After my 40 km on the bike, I went to workout at the gym. (Stop bragging!) I usually listen to a mix of Christian songs or some classic rock but last night I selected my "praise and worship" playlist. I know - not exactly gym material! Guitars and rockin' band - that's real gym music.
My playlist went something like this:
"Everyday" Hillsong
"God Of This City" Kris Allen
"Banner Over Me" Vineyard
"Arise" Don Moen
"Hallelujah To My King" Paul Baloche
I bet the 20 year old gym-rats would be surprised! Haha! Anyway, the songs picked me up. Oh ya - doubling the meds is helping too!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
NICE TOUCH
In the halls of LIFE, we're still pretty stoke about the 10th Anniversary concert. Tons of email "congrats" are coming in from listeners and advertisers. It's neat to know that this celebration isn't confined to employees, but shared by - well, everyone.
After intermission, the show paused while the staff ran a tribute to me. I wasn't expecting it. Somewhere about halfway through this 9 minute video, I realized, "uh oh... this is a tribute to me!" However did they pull this off without my knowing about it?
Thanks to the LIFE DJs for their kind words. Nice to have a greeting from my friends who make the music. And to those people who are part of my radio history. And especially the greeting from Ra McGuire - whom I pray for everyday.
If you missed the vid, here you go.
After intermission, the show paused while the staff ran a tribute to me. I wasn't expecting it. Somewhere about halfway through this 9 minute video, I realized, "uh oh... this is a tribute to me!" However did they pull this off without my knowing about it?
Thanks to the LIFE DJs for their kind words. Nice to have a greeting from my friends who make the music. And to those people who are part of my radio history. And especially the greeting from Ra McGuire - whom I pray for everyday.
If you missed the vid, here you go.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
I DON'T GET IT. IS IT JUST ME?
As a radio guy, I've lived in a bunch of different cities and, although I've been a member, I've never stuck with one denomination.
I think it's funny that Christian regard their denomination more than simply being a Christian. Baptists ONLY go to a Baptist church, even if they move to another city and Pentecostals ONLY go to a Pentecostal church.
Alot of stuff confuses me about God, partly because of denominations. They each believe something slightly different - and neither are willing to budge on their beliefs.
So who's right? They tell me they are both right and the other church has "it all wrong". (I've actually been told that by pastors.)
One Christian friend attends a church that claims their church is not a denomination, and they told me they don't approve of "denominations" because denominations aren't doing what the Bible says. But THEY are.
I've been part of a few churches. A Pentecostal church, vineyard church, missionary church and alliance churches. I feel like I have a good perspective of Jesus and I like the fact that different pastors and friends have poured into me. I'm not a one-denomination type of guy. But, I still have a lot of questions about how God moves. Is it just me? By asking these questions, I feel like a heathen.
Like, how come we keep praying for the same thing every day? A salavation. A healing. A relationship. Didn't God hear us the first time? I know he did - so why be a pest? Ya I know - we pray for our benefit, not His. Ya ya.
We pray for healing of cancer but people die anyway. I know they're eventually going to die, but if we prayed for healing and God didn't heal, why do we make excuses for God, like, "oh He answered the prayer in His way. We don't understand His ways". Uh huh. What does that mean?
Why do churches disagree about the role of women in the church? I'm told "it's very clear. Just read the Bible". Ya right - then why do you guys disagree?
I won't even mention tongues. Who's right on that issue? Well, one church is right and one is wrong. It can't be both.
Why did Jesus speak in parables? Why didn't he just explain it? Now we all argue about what He really was really saying.
Like the final words of Jesus ....in the three gospels "the final words" are all recorded differently. If they were FINAL words, how can they be different? Wouldn't the saviour of the world want his final words remembered accurately? Or did the writers of the Bible mess it up? Listen, if I was on my deathbed and my kids were by my side, I'm sure they would both want to remember MY finals words and not a misquote from someone else. Instead, we have a variation of his final words.
We each read God's stories with a different interpretation. Even the church denominations (including the church that doesn't think its a denomination) disagree on these subjects.
Is it ok to have questions, after being saved for 20 years? I think I have more questions every year and I don't really get any answers. Am I being irreverent?
I think it's funny that Christian regard their denomination more than simply being a Christian. Baptists ONLY go to a Baptist church, even if they move to another city and Pentecostals ONLY go to a Pentecostal church.
Alot of stuff confuses me about God, partly because of denominations. They each believe something slightly different - and neither are willing to budge on their beliefs.
So who's right? They tell me they are both right and the other church has "it all wrong". (I've actually been told that by pastors.)
One Christian friend attends a church that claims their church is not a denomination, and they told me they don't approve of "denominations" because denominations aren't doing what the Bible says. But THEY are.
I've been part of a few churches. A Pentecostal church, vineyard church, missionary church and alliance churches. I feel like I have a good perspective of Jesus and I like the fact that different pastors and friends have poured into me. I'm not a one-denomination type of guy. But, I still have a lot of questions about how God moves. Is it just me? By asking these questions, I feel like a heathen.
Like, how come we keep praying for the same thing every day? A salavation. A healing. A relationship. Didn't God hear us the first time? I know he did - so why be a pest? Ya I know - we pray for our benefit, not His. Ya ya.
We pray for healing of cancer but people die anyway. I know they're eventually going to die, but if we prayed for healing and God didn't heal, why do we make excuses for God, like, "oh He answered the prayer in His way. We don't understand His ways". Uh huh. What does that mean?
Why do churches disagree about the role of women in the church? I'm told "it's very clear. Just read the Bible". Ya right - then why do you guys disagree?
I won't even mention tongues. Who's right on that issue? Well, one church is right and one is wrong. It can't be both.
Why did Jesus speak in parables? Why didn't he just explain it? Now we all argue about what He really was really saying.
Like the final words of Jesus ....in the three gospels "the final words" are all recorded differently. If they were FINAL words, how can they be different? Wouldn't the saviour of the world want his final words remembered accurately? Or did the writers of the Bible mess it up? Listen, if I was on my deathbed and my kids were by my side, I'm sure they would both want to remember MY finals words and not a misquote from someone else. Instead, we have a variation of his final words.
We each read God's stories with a different interpretation. Even the church denominations (including the church that doesn't think its a denomination) disagree on these subjects.
Is it ok to have questions, after being saved for 20 years? I think I have more questions every year and I don't really get any answers. Am I being irreverent?
Monday, August 24, 2009
RAMBLING THOUGHTS ABOUT LIFE'S 10TH
Friday night was the LIFE 10th anniversary/Lincoln Brewster concert. I could write a series of blogs about my favourite moments - the audience, the songs, the video surprise, our very good looking staff (haha!). And from what I heard backstage, I could probably write another blog all about our visiting rock star's requests. But I won’t pop any illusions you may have.
Two big surprises. The appearance by my son Brett - on stage. Brett and his wife live in Nashville and to my knowledge his immigration green card was not approved. Little did I know, it was!
My daughter Crystal was on stage at intermission talking about our family days in Nashville where there are many Christian stations to choose from and our relocation to Barrie where there was a Christian radio void. From the stage Crystal said, "too bad Brett can’t be here..." and then - he walked out on stage! W-H-A-T??!!
My first response was "the U.S. border control isn’t going to let you return!"
Then I thought.... "how did they hide you from me?" Apparently, he had been in hiding all day, avoiding my usual routes. During the concert my wife had Brett sitting in the car, at the side of the road for the entire first half of the show, waiting for a cell call. I didn’t suspect a thing.
After Brett took his seat and Lincoln hit the stage, I noticed about three songs later that Gretyl (Brett’s wife) was also in our row!
God has done so many amazing things through LIFE 100.3. It’s not an overstatement to say that listeners have grown in character and faith because of LIFE’s ministry. That’s why we do it. Thank you, everyone, who affirms me and my staff of our ministry’s impact.
I was so very proud of four particular people. Luke Langman, Paul Turner, Jody Cross and Andy Horrocks.
Luke, Paul and Jody were the three artists who opened our show and warmed up the crowd before Lincoln’s performance. We asked each guy - Luke, Paul and Jody - to sing two songs that were familiar through radio airplay. Each guy was more than amazing! Each song came "alive" on stage.
Luke - He’s probably the newest radio artist of the three, yet he looked so comfortable. I was so proud to see him perform "Change The World" for such a receptive crowd.
Paul - "Earthquake". I have loved this song since it was released and everytime I play it, I crank the studio speakers.
Jody - Maybe the most seasoned of the three - but he’s the oldest! Haha! Hearing "Bigger" made me think, again, about how big God is, how much I don’t know or will ever understand.
Luke, Paul and Jody - I am so proud of you guys! Thank you for sharing your songs with us on this special night.
Andy - I chose Andy Horrocks to be the band leader. He’s the guy who arranged the songs, picked the back-up musicians and kept the first three artists running a tight set. Andy is not only the producer of all three Karaoke Superstar artists - he has also become a great friend of LIFE 100.3. He gets us. He knows what we want and he always delivers! I value our relationship very much.
Lincoln was the "star" performer. He rocked the house for 90 minutes with "Everlasting God" and "Love The Lord" and sharing stories about his family.
I will take this moment to thank Pastor Rick Buck, the senior pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church, for allowing us to take over the auditorium for the day. A great, comfortable, well-equipped venue. Thanks Rick!
Tomorrow, the video replay of "the surprise greeting" from my staff, to me. Haha!
Friday, August 21, 2009
TONIGHT - OUR 10TH
Tonight is the LIFE 100.3 10th Anniversary Party with Lincoln Brewster, Luke Langman, Jody Cross and Paul Turner. A great line-up of music.
Last night there were four tornados reported in our listening area. Lots of rain. Crazy winds. I was thinking today, had last night’s weather come today, it could have affected travel plans of people coming to town for our anniversary concert. As it was, the plane carrying Lincoln and his band sat on the tarmac in Toronto for three hours, waiting to get to the gate. Apparently they didn’t get to Barrie until 2am.
I don’t think I slept last night. This morning I rode 20km to get some energy in my body.
It’s hard to believe the result of an idea. The idea of starting a Christian radio station. The result being thousands and thousands of people’s souls being touched. I see LIFE bumper stickers on cars owned by people I have probably never met, and may never meet. Yet, they have a bumper sticker on their car that, at one time, was just an idea in my head. I’m touched by those bumper stickers every time I see one.
I hear stories of how Christian music has inspired people. Songs that provided reassurance during the storms of life. While the storm is raging and our troubles are many, the songs remind us that God is with us through our troubles and we’re not alone. All that, from a song on the radio.
Tonight, Lincoln will be singing many of those songs. "Every day it’s you I live for...." I can’t wait!*!*!
Last night there were four tornados reported in our listening area. Lots of rain. Crazy winds. I was thinking today, had last night’s weather come today, it could have affected travel plans of people coming to town for our anniversary concert. As it was, the plane carrying Lincoln and his band sat on the tarmac in Toronto for three hours, waiting to get to the gate. Apparently they didn’t get to Barrie until 2am.
I don’t think I slept last night. This morning I rode 20km to get some energy in my body.
It’s hard to believe the result of an idea. The idea of starting a Christian radio station. The result being thousands and thousands of people’s souls being touched. I see LIFE bumper stickers on cars owned by people I have probably never met, and may never meet. Yet, they have a bumper sticker on their car that, at one time, was just an idea in my head. I’m touched by those bumper stickers every time I see one.
I hear stories of how Christian music has inspired people. Songs that provided reassurance during the storms of life. While the storm is raging and our troubles are many, the songs remind us that God is with us through our troubles and we’re not alone. All that, from a song on the radio.
Tonight, Lincoln will be singing many of those songs. "Every day it’s you I live for...." I can’t wait!*!*!
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