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Sunday, March 16, 2008

And under the title of DAMN - I wish I'd written that....

I was in the States this past weekend with the family, and I had a few coupons for Borders. Anyone who knows me knows that I love books, but hate paying the high prices here in Canada for them. With the exchange rate being amazing, I bought a few of them. Two were erotica (of course - one was B is for Bondage, an anthology edited by the always brilliant Alison Tyler, and another, Dances with Werewolves,written by Niki Flynn - you can catch a great interview with her here). But the one "normal" book I bought is called Cathy's Book. I don't know - maybe some of you have seen it around. This is the cover.


Normally, I don't buy what would be considered "young adult" material, but there was just something about this book that jumped out at me. It had peaked my curiosity the last few times I'd seen it so I decided what the hell, let's buy it and see if it's really as good as my instincts tell me.

Well, it's all that and more.

The author, Sean Stewart, has created an interactive adventure, complete with phone numbers for the characters that actually work, and websites that the reader can go to. ( Cathy herself even has a myspace page. ) He is apparently famous for breaking that "fourth wall" and involving his audience.

IT'S BLOODY BRILLIANT.

For those with pre-teen or teenage girls, I recommend purchasing it for them, allowing them to read it and then stealing it from their bookshelves. The plot deals with immortals, murder, theivery, deception, and two bull-headed teenage girls who get caught up in the middle of the whole thing.

I began reading it on the journey home today - mainly when we had crossed the border back into Canada, and I didn't put it down until the end. As soon as I was done, I had to call the numbers, I had to visit the websites, I had to be involved SOMEHOW in this wonderful, imaginative piece of art. The inside is covered in "doodles" and Cathy's "notes".

I found this brief article on the Publishers Weekly website, which has got me excited, to say the least.

Cathy's Key: If Found Call (650) 266-8202
by Jordan Weisman and Sean Stewart (Running Press, May)
The backstory: When Cathy's Book: If Found Call (650) 266-8233 pubbed in summer 2006, it offered readers more than just a mystery—the book came with an “evidence pack,” including receipts, documents and other items as well as phone numbers and Web sites readers could use to obtain additional clues. According to Lisa Clancy, associate editorial director at Running Press, the publisher's access to suppliers (for its Running Press Mini Kits) were very helpful in putting together the interactive elements.
What worked: Despite a flap over product placement (Procter & Gamble struck a deal with Running Press to referenceCoverGirl cosmetics in the book), Cathy's Book became a bestseller; more than 100,000 copies of the hardcover are currently in print. “It was the first book of its kind to incorporate those elements into the story,” said Craig Herman, v-p of marketing and publicity at Running Press. “It helped to get the reader deeper into the characters, and in terms of plot, it engaged them and took them places they wouldn't ordinarily go on the straight printed page.”
The new story: Cathy's Key arrives in May, and will include new Web sites, phone numbers and evidence, including a Chinese coin, hospital ID bracelet and other items. Because the book is ostensibly written by Cathy, there are no plans for the authors to tour, though they will attend BEA, ALA and regional trade shows. A third book is scheduled for spring 2009, to coincide with a paperback edition of Cathy's Key.


I'm seriously psyched for this. I might considering pre-ordering through Amazon or what not.


But seriously guys? GO GET IT.


Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Friday, March 07, 2008

Freestyle Fridays: Music Shuffle Meme and more...

Ok, so to start, this wonderful meme is going around and I might have done a similar one before but I shall do it again - cuz it's just too much fun. :D

The rules:
1. Put your music player on Shuffle
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER WHAT. (This is in capital letters, so it is very serious.)

1. IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
Snow in July (Garth Brooks as Chris Gaines)
Ok, I don't want the snow we have in winter, so why would snow in July be ok?

2. WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Who's Cheating Who? (Alan Jackson)
Ok, I absolutely REFUSE to comment on this one....unless we're referring to the fact that the grapevine usually ends in my ear....

3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
It's Too Late (Carole King)
Well, I'm married so what does it matter? :P

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Closer (NIN)
Ummmm....I'll leave y'all to draw your own conclusions...

5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Star Collector (The Monkees)
Well if that's the case, can I start my collection with Taylor, and Davy Jones, and Orlando Bloom....

6. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Forever Young (Rod Stewart)
Y'know, sometimes they just nail these things on the head...

7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Heaven for Everyone (Queen)
Awww guys....shucks, I love y'all too.

8. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
Cyberbabes (Lawrence Gowan)
Ummmm - ????

9. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Love Makes You Believe (Lawrence Gowan)
Yes, yes it does

10. WHAT IS 2+2?
The Hunger (Nelson)
Sure, we'll go with that.

11. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Rockin' the Paradise (Styx)
Makes perfect sense since she was the first one I went to concerts with - and yes, we have been known to rock a place down once in a blue moon.

12. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Don't Give Up On Me (Glen Burtnick)
Well, we never want the ones we like/love to give up on us do we?

13. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Only Want to Be With You (Hootie and the Blowfish)
Yah, that's about it (one of them at a time)


14. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Last Man Standing (Jimmy Buffet)
Well, that's about the gist of it.

15. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Save Me (Dennis DeYoung)
Ummm. yah. no comment.

16. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Up! (Shania Twain)
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA.....

17. WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Can't Buy Me Love (Michael Buble)
Welllllll......sure why not? I guess that's the next one right?

18. WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
What About Love? (Heart)
Well, if I didn't answer that in life, I sure as hell can't answer it in death!

19. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Red Red Wine (UB40)
Again, it's scary how they get some of these right.

20. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Goodbye Roseland (Styx)
Yep, that's where I'm gonna live

21. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Fire & Rain (James Taylor)
Some of them are hot, and some are just wet to put out the fires.

22. WHAT SHOULD YOU POST THIS AS?
Someday (Sugar Ray)
Sure, why not?

Not tagging anyone, if you see it and want to do it - go for it. :D


Next!


I'm so sick of this damn PC world we are living in. Heard on the radio this morning that one of our councellors in Toronto (one who actually works FOR the people), is in hot water for using a racial slur during a speech about illegal immigrants. Wanna know that the supposed slur was? He used the term ORIENTAL. Yep. Not sure what word he was supposed to use instead, but somehow, that general non-derogatory term, somehow managed to offend someones delicate sensibilties.

Like COME ON PEOPLE. I can understand if he used some of the terms that have been listed in Wikipedia but he didn't. Have we gotten so PC that we now have to carry around a dictionary that lets us know what words and terms we can use in public so that NO ONE gets offended? And who would produce this book? Because you know that if one ethnic group were to provide it, somehow, in some way, it would piss off the rest of the world. I am so fed up it makes me want to offend EVERYONE. And frankly, I wouldn't care right now if I did. In fact, as soon as I can come up with a paragraph that will insult EVERY group out there, I will be posting it. Let the chips fall where they may - this BROAD has had it.




I watched the elimination show on American Idol last night for the first time this season. We said a (cheerful) goodbye to Danny, Luke (ok not so cheerful), Asia'h (again, not so cheerful) and Kady (we all jumped for joy at the loss of another TLLB). Personally, I think the damn show takes too long - although I was happy to see Blake Lewis perform. Still love that man. And I know Dana knows where I'm coming from. Of course, he's no Taylor.....THUD.
:: picks self up::
Sorry about that - been awhile since I've thudded....and of course I forgot my mat....


Wow. Am I making sense to anyone today? Cuz right now I'm seeing double of everything, and the stuffed Kermit on my desk is dancing to Bon Jovi - did I get enough sleep last night?


More caffine - I think that might be my solution. That would be great if it was the solution to every problem wouldn't it? Of course, that might result in coffee shortages, and you try telling a Canadian that they're out of Timmy's coffee....you would definately need riot gear. Personally, I'd be hiding in the nearest Starbucks - they wouldn't look in there.


Good news on the license front - security one that is! I got a letter last week from the Ministry saying that they've taken time to review the charges that prevent myself (and others) from renewing their licenses and have removed the theft under charge. That means I'm getting my license back a WHOLE lot sooner than I thought - like possibly by the end of the month!! I'm so incredibly stoked that I could cry. I've only told a select few people tho - so let's keep it under our hats. SHHHHHHHHHHHH!


Rod's been sick this week, and to top it off, they haven't booked any work for him. So, I guess it's ok because he can get better, but it sucks because we're going to Buffalo next weekend for a shopping trip (good call Ma - book a trip to the states during March Break - there won't be a wait at the border - noooooooooooooooooo not at all.....*insert rolling eyes emoticon here*) and that'll affect the amount of shopping we get to do. Oh well, we don't need much anyway. It'll just be nice to get away for the weekend with the family.


On a final note - I will be going to see We Will Rock You once again. And in case I forgot to post it the first time around, please check out this hottie.


Yvan Pedenault is the lead as Gallileo Figaro, causing women young and old to swoon every time he opens his mouth. His vocals are just incredible. And the young woman playing Scaramouche is a lovely girl named Erica Peck, who auditioned for Season 3 of Canadian Idol, but didn't make it through to the top 10. It's a fantastic show and if it's playing ANYWHERE near you - run, do not walk, to the box office.


I think that's all for today kids.

Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Monday, March 03, 2008

Canada Loses A Legend - R.I.P. Jeff Healey


Today, Canadians awoke to devestating news from the Entertainment world. One of our countries most talented and beloved sons had passed on.

Jeff Healey, probably best known to Americans for speaking these words "Yeah, and I thought you'd be taller." to Patrick Swayze in the 1989 hit movie Roadhouse, passed away from cancer last night at the age of 41.

Jeff suffered all his life from a rare form of cancer - retinoblastoma - which caused him to be blind from his first year. But he never let that stop him. This is re-printed from the early edition of the Toronto Star.

Guitarist Jeff Healey dies at 41

Mar 03, 2008 04:30 AM
Greg Quill
Entertainment Columnist

Legendary Toronto blues guitarist and old-style jazz aficionado Jeff Healey died yesterday in Toronto's St. Joseph's Hospital after a lifelong battle with a rare form of cancer – retinoblastoma – that blinded him in his first year. He was 41.

"Discovered" in a Toronto club in 1982 by Texas blues guitarist, the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, Healey astonished music fans with his outrageous technique. Self-taught by age 4, he laid the electric guitar across his lap and played it in much the same way as a pianist manipulates a keyboard.

Though he specialized in blues-based rock and sold more than a million copies of his Grammy-nominated 1988 debut album See the Light – released after a cameo performance in the Hollywood movie Road House with Patrick Swayze – Healey's real passion was vintage American jazz.

Healey hosted a long-running CBC Radio series, My Kinda Jazz, before moving the program to Toronto's Jazz-FM station, relying solely on his personal collection of 35,000 rare and obscure 78 rpm recordings and an encyclopedic knowledge of the music and personalities he featured in the show.

Healey also played trumpet and clarinet, and in the past decade recorded three albums of vintage jazz with Jeff Healey's Jazz Wizards, including It's Tight Like That.

Healey was an internationally known star who shared stages with B.B. King and Vaughan, and recorded with George Harrison, Mark Knopfler and blues legend Jimmy Rogers.

At the time of his death Healey was planning to release his first rock/blues album in eight years, Mess of Blues, recorded in studios in Toronto, in concert in London, England, and at the popular Entertainment District club that bore his name, Jeff Healey's Roadhouse. It goes on sale in Europe March 20, and in Canada and the U.S. April 22.

"Jeff was an amazing colleague and as a musician and a personality, in a league of his own," the Jazz Wizards' drummer Gary Scriven said last night. "It was always game on for him. His generosity and sense of humour lasted till the end. He was brave without ever being dramatic. In a word, Jeff was inspirational."

In 2007 Healey underwent surgery to remove cancerous tissue from his legs and both lungs. Radiation and chemotherapy failed to halt the spread of the disease, as did alternative homeopathic treatment in the U.S. this year.

Despite his illness, Healey continued to perform across Canada with both his blues band and jazz ensemble, and had scheduled a tour of Germany and the U.K., including an appearance on BBC's Jools Holland Show, in April, his publicist said.

"I'm so sad to hear this news," award-winning Canadian guitarist and music producer Colin Linden said on the phone from New York. "There was a quality of genius in the way Jeff harnessed that distinctive technique. He was such a natural musician."

Veteran Toronto guitarist Danny Marks, who fronts the Jeff Healey Band at the Roadhouse on Tuesday nights, said "Jeff was a tremendous musician and always so kind. He always knew the odds were against him, but it never ruined his sense of humour. I used to love to watch him having fun – he'd throw his head back and laugh like a little child."

Healey leaves his wife, Christie, daughter Rachel, 13, and son Derek, 3, as well as his father and stepmother, Bud and Rose Healey, and sisters Laura and Linda.


Despite his illness, MSN is reporting that his death still came as a shock to his bandmates.

Jeff was one of the few Toronto musicians I'd never had the chance to actually meet, although when I did have my one chance, I was too nervous to do so. Jeff's music, in the early years, had an impact on my musical tastes, and his song Angel Eyes, was a theme song of sorts for me. It was one of the two songs that caused my friends to nickname me Angell. It's actually quite devestating for me, as this song brought back memories of a particular place - which unfortunately was gutted and ravaged by fire earlier last year- the Wasaga strip. Now they're both gone.

Jeff was a brilliant musician, and a wonderful humanitarian, as well as being a shrewed businessman. He opened Jeff Healey's in the fashionable Queen and Bathurst district in Toronto, but decided that the place needed a new location. In January 2007, The Roadhouse opened on Blue Jays way - in the heart of the Entertainment district, and the locals flocked in droves. On most nights, you could spot Jeff playing on stage, but otherwise, he preferred to stay away from the public. He was apparently very shy, but also very sweet. He nurtured young talent, mentoring those who wished to follow in his footsteps. Some of Toronto's best young talent has performed on stage at both of his establishments.

I had the pleasure of seeing Jeff perform in various venues over the years, but my favourite was when I was heading up a website with two other friends, and we were invited to review the performers at a banquet for the major businesses in Mississauga. There was an amazing Jazz band at first, and then Jeff and his boys took the stage. An intimate setting, with less than a hundred people present, Jeff was captivating. And when he sang Angel Eyes, I wept. Brenda caught a pic from the man himself, and was sweet enough to give it to me, which I still have and will always cherish.

Rest in Peace Jeff. Your work here is through, and your legend will live on.





Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

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With love and pride