Rock & Roll Edmonton

A couple weeks back through a hook-up a couple of buddies offered me a free ticket to go see Iron Maiden. I've never been a big fan but they are pretty legendary so I took up the offer.

Bruce was in fine vocal and active form putting on a good performance. That being said - my general impression was that Maiden was kind of lame. Maiden is non-ironic Spinal Tap. 

Good thing their pyro and lights were a lot better.

Slightly disappointed we went out on a search for a real rock and roll experience. That search lead us to the Historical Edmonton Landmark, the Transit Hotel. Just look at these reviews from yelp.ca

 "This is the dirtiest, sleaziest, scummiest place I have ever been to.  I felt so out of place because I was young, not into drugs, and I shower on a regular basis. Seriously, I was terrified of this place.   Do not go into this hotel!  Do not go into the bar.  STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!" 

 "I agree that place is a total dump. It stinks with spilled brews, totally unclean and serves too many risky patrons"



Just look at all those exclamation marks on the first review. It is actually daring me to do the exact opposite. Couple all of that with the fact that they serve OV - Outstanding!

Saskatoon High Tea

One of the worst bands I have ever seen. Not even so bad they are good. Just bad.

The night descending into a blur.

The Transit was a fun time and honestly it gets a bad rap. There were lots of regular folk in there that maybe don't always have the fanciest clothes or the coolest haircuts but are not that different from anybody else. Just out and about looking for a good time. I'll be back there again.

Movember Curling

Last weekend the 3rd annual Movember Bonspiel was held at the Granite Curling Club here in Edmonton. After missing last years event for work I was excited to get back on the ice again.

The day itself is a blast as everybody gets dressed up in their finest curling wear and tilts back a few beverages in the spirit of hairy man camaraderie.  As I am as skilled as a professional curler I thought it best to dress like a professional so I picked up a spiffy suit at Value Village for $25. I tried to convince Greg to also dress up in a crappy suit for curling but he went with a 'dandy' look instead. Stupid jerk kind of pulls it off.

My suit didn't last the day as it ripped during a Hulk Hogan pose down.

More friends and their outfits.

Amy looking good in the killer looking homemade sweater.

 The biggest hat I have ever seen.

 The 1980's track pants are now in their 3rd year of Movember curling.

 A true Canadian man!

 I have probably seen Chris wear this half a dozen times now, it never gets old.

Mo'Sista Amanda and Crystal modeling the Mo'Sista's gear.

Our team started off awesome winning the first 2 games. 

I had to take off for rec-hockey before the 3rd game but before I took off we snapped a team pic.

The team won their next game without me then got slaughtered in the finals by a bunch of ringers. For a bunch of rookie curlers and drunken louts we did pretty good. Now, all I want to do is curl. I need to join or start a team.

Non Movember Continuation.

My full day continued at rec-hockey where we won our game in OT 7-6. Foss, who is by far our best player had 5 goals and 2 assists. No big deal...

After all the games I took in the Death From Above 1979 concert. Which was awesome.

Sunday was pretty lazy. I don't think I got off the couch from 2PM on. 

U2 in Edmonton

In the beginning of June this year U2 played their long expected show at Commonwealth Stadium here in Edmonton. I say long expected, because they were expected to play the show in June 2010 but Bono hurt his back and scheduled tour stops had to be postponed. This of course happened after a full year of waiting as tickets were first announced and purchased in late 2009.

In early June you never know what type of weather you're going to get but we couldn't have asked for a more 'beautiful day (lame pun).

After getting a couple of beers we walked around the stadium taking it all in before heading to our seats.

The stage of the U2 360 tour was huge.  In the broad daylight it was impressive but also somewhat strange looking. We later learned that it was supposed to be a giant spaceship. Below is the view from our seats.

We were lucky enough to have Ed and Amber from work as our seat neighbours. Ed was also our seat hook-up. What a guy!

The Fray were the openers and were lame. By the time U2 hit the stage it was around 9 o'clock. Although they sounded good and were playing some of my favorites from Achtung Baby I couldn't really get into it. I think it was because it was so bloody bright out. One of the weird circumstances of living in a northern city.

Bono in general is a small dude so from a distance he appears just tiny. Often times we would just find ourselves watching him on the big screen.

 Once it started to get dark out the whole show seemed to get considerably better as the stage became an active participant. The multiple colours and moving parts were a little mesmerizing and definitely made the show more memorable.

Looking back on the show now I am thankful that I went. I don't know if I ever need to see another giant stadium show again but I can now scratch U2 off my list of concerts to see.

Halloween

It was a busy and fun Halloween this year. Even though Sunday was the big day I did most of my celebrating on Friday. In the afternoon we were encouraged to dress up at work. I didn't really plan to, but decided at the last second to go by some facial makeup and join in the fun. Here's the staff photo. Melody in the middle, as Cruella deVille won our office competition with her twin boys as accessory dalmatians.

 We went for drinks at Sherlock Holmes right after work and things got a little crazy. Jeff was feeling fine.

 Melody wasn't overly impressed with his actions and disciplined him appropriately.

 Melody's bling was all real. That's just how she rolls.

 That Friday night we went to the big blowout Halloween Howler party at the Shaw Conference Centre. The headlining act that night was scheduled to be Brett Micheals of Poison fame. Showing no creativity I decided to dress as Brett Micheals. Of course that means I have to dress like a greasy idiot and wear makeup. The ladies were all to happy 'get my face on'.

 Christina's friend Mary was in charge of my makeup. I think she got a perverse kick out of the job.

 In full scumbag mode as Brett Micheals.

My lovely make-up team. Mary the Nascar babe and fraulein Chrissy.

 World tour to Ocktoberfest?

 The third lady in my groupie harem (a guy can wish) Sandra the lion tamer.

  The ladies - all looking in different directions. So much to see.

  I think Christina liked my goofy outfit.

 I was not the only guy dressed as Brett. I think I stopped and posed with at least 3 other guys dressed similar.

 And now some of my favorite costumes. As with all pics, click to make larger.

And my personal favorite, which is terribly offside.

This dude was dressed as Linda Blair from the Exorcist and kept yelling profanity from the movie while stabbing herself. He actually had a team of people with him that carried him on a gurney/bed for the night.

Good work.

And for those who care. Brett Micheals was absolutely horrible. Listening to him sing Sweet Home Alabama actually killed Skynard again.