I have Multiple Web Presence Disorder

But it's not a bad thing.  Freelance writers need to create a web presence to get work and it's not just about being on the Facebook or Twitter.  Now I can get myself  "out there" without leaving the house and with this cold weather it just makes sense.

So where can you find me online besides the above mentioned Social Media sites?  Well I have recently created profiles on Helium (yes I know, and I am sometimes full of hot air) and Elance.  Blue Jean my alter ego poetry chick is on Helium and Beverley is on Elance.  I might sign up for more as the weeks go on we'll see where these two take me first though.

It's work you know...creating all this profile info and then you have to mine their sites for work.  But a writers gotta do what a writers gotta do.  Now don't you worry about the apostrophes, that's my job.

So, if you don't find me here..you'll find me there or there, or there.

I'm Baaaaccckkkk!!!

I'm Baaaaccckkk!!!

Okay I'm back.  Obviously I spend too much time on the Facebook and the Twitter.  But I'm back now and you will have to watch this space for new postings and the reveal of where you can find my other writings online...cu soon!

ALBERTA’S OWN WRAPS Another Sensational Year!

Weekend highlighted by virtuosity playing of Ian Thornley’s Big Wreck and sparkled of country star George Canyon.

Audiences described as "small but fierce" by Ian Thornley of Big Wreck and "small but very mighty" by George Canyon greeted the 11th Annual Alberta's Own Independent Music Festival this weekend in Lacombe...

Ian Thornley, proved small but fierce himself with Big Wreck and their stunningly brilliant performance on stage Friday night. The slightly built Thornley and his band gave the crowd what it wanted wasting no time in pulling out hit after hit with "Wolves" Albatross" and "I Love That Song".  Ian's voice is a huge powerhouse which is the thriller of a live performance and the playing is nothing short of inspired faultless, brilliant virtuosity.  The sound crew was faultless keeping the performance solid on the path of audience pleasing volume and clear crisp sound.

George Canyon’s Saturday evening performance was a family oriented crowd pleaser.  Family man Canyon, with a string of music awards to his credit enthralled fans with hits like “I Believe in Angels” and “Madi’s Song”.  He charmed the appreciative audience with a country medley which included an emotional melodic cover of the classic “Seven Spanish Angels”. 

The most memorable bands, (including many from our local area) who rounded out the weekend with eclectic and energetic performances included: Slackjaw, Night at the Chelsea, Silo, Hollywood Assassyn, One Day Late, Zoo Lion, Oldbury, Serotonin Crush, Lounge Pistol, Mid Upper Gunner, Tap 9 and Lust the Tide to name a few.

The Command Sisters, so young but extraordinary performers wowed just before Canyon’s appearance as did Big River, the closing act on Sunday night who gave a polished new feel to the hits of country legend, Johnny Cash.  Extra thrills of the Freestyle Motorcross variety provided by Mark Philips rounded out Sunday afternoon.

When I thought they just could not top last year’s Our Lady Peace, I must say that once again I will be taking away some very special memories of the Alberta’s Own weekend that I will never forget.

And thanks Rob and Luci, other volunteers and those responsible for another memorable and most excellent weekend.

Pix will follow soon...stay tuned.

Happy New Year! I am working on publishing and ebooks; it's the wave of the future! So stay tuned!

Imagine that you have just fallen asleep in your large comfy bed. The cares of the day just subdued in a deep, relaxing sleep when, all of a sudden, you are awakened by the cry "FIRE!" A strident blast of panic that somehow makes it's alarming way into the kaleidescope of your slumbering and distorted dreams. You're awake now, aren't you. Did somebody say "fire"? You question. Where? In my house? Thankfully no, but nevertheless disturbing because, just across the street, mere minutes away from your door, flames are leaping high into the air, the inferno blazes, practically on your doorstep and no where do you see anyone. Your stumbling, sleep numbed brain frantically thinks, "Call 911!" But before you can act you hear the sirens, someone has called ahead of you and now all you can do is wait to see the fire trucks arrive, a part of you still wondering if this is really real.

It was. It happened last night in the wee hours of a Saturday morning, the garage of the house across the street from us was ablaze. I could write more I suppose but, a picture is worth, well, you know.

GRAMMY BROADCAST ALL HYPE AND FLASH, LACKED LUSTER

Though the show had it's moments (a tribute to Michael Jackson, and performances by the legendary Stevie Nicks and Andrea Bocelli) last night's grammy broadcast lacked the luster it has brought to television in previous years and appeared to be dominated by mostly country and rap/hip hop artists. Lady Gaga was ousted by Taylor Swift and virtually ignored by the Grammys and the camera but no wonder considering her outfit and bored expression. If there was an award for the oddest outfit for a non performer, it would have gone to her.

I really do appreciate Beyonce but this performance was played to be a big visual production and her lovely voice was lost in the flash. All things being equal, I'm betting the after party was the high light of last night's ceremony.

Merry Christmas!

Why the camel? Well how'd you think the three wise men got to Bethlehem??

Have a joyous and blessed Christmas every one!

EI Reform NOW!
Time for anothert rant I guess. Maybe I should team up with Rik Mercer. So in my region of Canada you need to have 595 hours to qualify for EI. Can you imagine the frustration to find out that you've missed qualifying by a scant 84 hours?? What about the people who miss out by 40 hours? Or miss by inches like 591 hours?? How is this fair?? People who have had their hours reduced because of cutbacks or those who have been working 2 to 3 part-time jobs and who lose one or more because of the current economic situation have no recourse and the government is failing to recognize this because they don't have a full-time job. They still pay into the system. The system has a current surplus of 56.95 million dollars likely amassed during the boom. Those who advocate for reform of the system say it is broken and the lives of those who miss qualifying by such tiny margins are also broken. The current lobby for reform platform stands on the principle that EI qualifying should be a uniform 360 hours across the country. Well obviously I agree.
This should be first and foremost in the governments much advertised and touted "Action Plan".
They need to get their priorities straight! For more check out this article: http://http://www.rabble.ca/news/2009/07/urgent-ei-fix-needed-now