Update

Upcoming Comedy
Saturday, April 29 - Legion, Red Deer
Wednesday, May 10 - The Comic Strip
Sunday, May 14 - The Comic Strip

Upcoming WritingLiving
Articles in the Edmonton Journal
May articles TBA

Articles at www.joseyvogels.com (viewer discretion advised for sexual content)May 4 - Sex is BoringMay 11 - Strippers
May 18 - Fantasy Island
May 25 - (Title TBA)

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every week in the Edmonton Journal's ed magazine supplement.

Check out Dan Brodribb on myspace at http://www.myspace.com/danbrodribb

-For those of you wondering why my column didn't run today in the Journal, it's becaue GRAHAM ANDREWS will be using the space for a four part feature on mental health. It's some powerful writing, so do check it out.

-If you're looking for something to do, check out the local comedy amateur nights: Hit or Miss Mondays at THE COMIC STRIP or proam night Wednesdays at YUK YUKS Both are extremely affordable and give you a chance to see not only new talent develop, but you can also watch established vets work out new material.

Had a great time after the Comic Strip amateur night Monday night hanging out with some comedy buddies: Shawn Gramiak, Max Mault, Kelly Soloduka, Don Campbell, Bill Gee, and various attractive (and a couple drunk) women. Hope I didn't forget anyone. It was lots of fun. Max Mault is one of the funniest humans alive. Plus, he seems to think I'm funny and that's good for the ego. Shawn Gramiak knows lots of cool words too. As a writer, you gots to give respect for that.

-WEdnesday at Yuk Yuks I had my first 'request.' It was flattering that people know me well enough that they now my jokes and want to hear them again. Or maybe it just means I'm overplaoying Yuks. Either way, it was pretty cool.

The next MPW show--Massacre--is Saturday, May 6 at the Alberta Ave. Community hall. If you come down, be sure to say hi before the show or at intermission. I'll be in the at the Canadian Broadcast Table, calling the action.

Update (EDITED)

Upcoming Comedy
Saturday, April 29 - Legion, Red Deer
Wednesday, May 10 - The Comic Strip
Sunday, May 14 - The Comic Strip

Upcoming Writing

Living Articles in the Edmonton Journal
May articles TBA

Articles at www.joseyvogels.com (viewer discretion advised for sexual content)
May 4 - Sex is Boring
May 11 - Strippers
May 18 - Fantasy Island
May 25 - (Title TBA)

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every Saturday in the ed magazine supplement to the Edmonton Journal
Check out Dan Brodribb on myspace at http://www.myspace.com/danbrodribb

-Had a good set Sunday at Yuk Yuks. It was new material night, and I didn't have much written. The MC, LARRY VASEO[sp?] suggested I go up and talk about my day. I'm one of those guys who prefers to write, edit and polish jokes before I take them up, but Sunday, I actually felt confident enough to give it a try. That's the whole point of comedy--to keep pushing yourself to develop. Okay, maybe the point is a network deal and a sitcom, but the development thing is a close second.

-Here are some pictures that KATHLEEN MCGEE was kind enough to send me. The first is from the Friday night fundraiser for the Distress Line. I'm really proud of the comics that came out to help me for this cause. They're great people and great friends as well as great comics. The show went well despite a late start caused by the Oilers game going into overtime (comedy has always been at the mercy of sports. Home games tend to drop attendance at comedy clubs and bar shows with televisions often mean we can't start til the game is done.)



Distress Line Fundraiser (L to R): Andrew Iwanyk, Powermann, Roxanne S. (event organizer), Dan Brodribb, Lars Callieou, Kathleen McGee. Not pictured: Todd K.











-This one is Me, Lars, Kathleen, and Andrew Iwanyk at...I think it's Prism. Realistically though, it could be any one of what feels like a million places--Hill 426 of open mic Viet Nam. No one who hasn't been there can hope to understand it. It's just you and your buddies, trying to make it out alive. But the bonds you do forge are really something special, and I'm glad to have these memories to share with them once we all achieve our dreams and these turn into 'the good old days.'

Update

Upcoming Comedy
Friday, April 21 - Student Distress Centre Fundraiser
Saturday, April 26 - Legion, Red Deer

Upcoming Writing
Living Articles in the Edmonton Journal
Friday, April 28 - Online Dating (this should be a good one)

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every Saturday in the ed magazine supplement to the Edmonton Journal

Check out Dan Brodribb on myspace at http://www.myspace.com/danbrodribb

-Well, my work on MPW MAYHEM is finished; we did the last of the replays yesterday. Word is that EL NINO had some mic trouble on AGGRESSION, so they might not be able to use it. Nino, RIPPER and I may have to go in and re-do it. That's what they get for trying to do a show without the Martial Art-ster. Although, I really sympathize with KENNETH BARR the mad genius behind IDIOM Inc. who is in charge of putting the shows together. Seems like every show ends up needing extra work, like some kind of wrestling Goodfellas: "Just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in."

-Starting May 4, a series of my articles will be appearing on www.joseyvogels.com. Josey is a popular relationship/sex columnist. Josey's informal writing style was definitely an influence on me when I started writing non-fiction, so I'm pretty excited. The columns will be sex-themed so if you're a) offended by sexual content or b) my Mom, stay away.

-Meeting with a guy from a production company this week about some scripts o' mine. Wish me luck. Better yet, wish me Emmys. I'll remember you all on Oscar night.

-Who is Kelly Donald and how has (s)he gained virtually uncontested master of the Memory Game leaderboard at www.toddk.ca? I'm this close to putting out a bounty. No one's memory is THAT good.

-Finally, for those of you looking for something to do this Friday, here's the press release on the Distress Line Comedy For A Cause fundraiser. Hope to see you there:

The Distress Line is pleased to present a comedy fundraiser on Friday, April 21 at Debney Armouries in Edmonton featuring some of Edmonton's fastest-rising and most talked about local comics.

Hosted by DAN BRODRIBB (2005 Comedy Idol Finalist, humor columnist for the Edmonton Journal), the fundraiser will feature gala performances by ANDREW IWANYK (upcoming appearance at Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, 2005 Comedy Idol Finalist, POWERMANN (2006 Funniest Person with a Day Job winner, co-host of Kamikaze Komedy Radio show), KATHLEEN MCGEE (Funniest Person with a Day Job Finalist), and TODD K (Winner Red Deer College Comedy Contest), as well as a headlining performance by LARS CALLIEOU (2004 Comedy Idol Winner, finalist in CBC Stand and Deliver and Corner Gas Comic Genius competitions, co-host of Kamikaze Komedy Radio show).

WHEN: Friday, April 21, 2006 (doors open at 7:00, showtime at 8:00)

WHERE: Debney Armouries Junior Mess Hall 8403 Roper Road, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

HOW MUCH: $15.00 in advance, $20.00 at the door. For ticket information call Roxanne at 707-4038 or e-mail debney_JR@yahoo.ca.

Congratulations

Upcoming Comedy
Friday, April 21 - Student Distress Centre Fundraiser
Saturday, April 26 - Legion, Red Deer

Upcoming WritingLiving Articles in the Edmonton Journal
April 14 & 28

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every Saturday in the ed magazine supplement to the Edmonton Journal

-Congratulations to POWERMANN for winning The Comic Strip's 'Funniest Guy with a Day Job' contest. I don't know if strictly speaking Powermann's extracurricular activities as a University station radio host and world's fattest contortionist qualify as a 'day job,' but it could just be sour grapes on my part. Seriously, congratulations, Powermann.

-Hope everyone's going to have a Happy Easter. I need to finish up some MPW voiceover stuff. I missed the last show, and apparently my replacement EL NINO, THE SICILIAN ASSASSIN did an able job as a replacement. I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it's a lot of pressure off me; on the other, it's disconcerting knowing you can be so easily replaced. As Lars sometimes says, "You're only as good as your last show." In some ways though, it's a welcome pressure. I love the feeling of constantly being expected to deliver--and I fully intend to live up to the challenge.

Short update

-I've joined the myspace revolution. Come say hi at http://www.myspace.com/danbrodribb andI'll add you to my friends list once I figure out how.

-My life has been pretty crazy for the last couple weeks, and I have a question for the people who know what I'm talking about: Can you look around and see if I left a pair of my jeans at your place? They're my last good pair, and it's driving me crazy that I can't find them.

4:30am update

Upcoming Comedy
Saturday, April 8 - Yuk Yuks, Edmonton
Sunday, April 9 - The Comic Strip
Wednesday, April 12 - The Comic Strip
Friday, April 21 - Student Distress Centre Fundraiser
Saturday, April 26 - Legion, Red Deer

Upcoming Writing
Living Articles in the Edmonton Journal
April 14 & 28

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every Saturday in the ed magazine supplement to the Edmonton Journal

-The sound was messed up on the latest MPW recording, so I had to go in to re-record portions of my intro. It was kind of fun. I had to match what I was saying to what my mouth was already doing on the video, so it was an interesting challenge. Hopefully it won't look too much like a kung fu movie. The DVD is called Mayhem, and should be available at the April 8 MPW show, if you're interested in picking up a copy. Tickets to the event and other DVDs are available at www.monsterprowrestling.com

-A fellow from a local production company has expressed interest in potentially collaborating with me on something. I'm meeting with him on Saturday. Hopefully it will turn into something.

-I wasn't expecting to use the words 'red-hot,' 'Stettler,' and 'crowd' in the same sentence, but the Stettler show was fantastic. I was opening for KERRY UNGER and the show went great for both of us.

-On the subject of comedy and comedians, KELLY SOLODUKA seems to have made the Leap in the last couple months. His writing and stage presence have grown in leaps and bounds. Make sure to see him if you get a chance.

Dream Come True

Upcoming Comedy
Saturday, April 1 - The Legion, Stettler
Saturday, April 8 - Yuk Yuks, Edmonton
Sunday, April 9 - The Comic Strip
Wednesday, April 12 - The Comic Strip
Friday, April 21 - Student Distress Centre Fundraiser
Saturday, April 26 - Legion, Red Deer

Upcoming Writing
Living Articles in the Edmonton Journal (subjects to be announced)
March 31
April 14 - (Subjects to be announced)
April 28

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every Saturday in the ed magazine supplement to the Edmonton Journal

-Well, a dream came true last night, as I got to guest spot on a show featuring MITCH FATEL, who is a really big influence on me. Watching Mitch shows you that there is room for people with their own voice. Thanks go to LARS CALLIEOU for lobbying to get me on stage and to RICK BRONSON for allowing it. I was told there wouldn't be guest spots so I showed up completely underdressed (I mean I had clothes on, but not stage clothes). I'm sure I've written in a previous entry how important it is to always have your 'working boots' with you. I should take my own advice.

-Did the photo shoot for next months Journal articles. I'm especially nervous about the one appearing in the article at the end of April. I think we got a pretty good view of the inside of my nostrils. But the photo guy liked the lighting so guess which one's the keeper. Sigh.

-Monday amateur night at The Comic Strip was great, not just for the comedy, but because so many guys came down that I don't get a chance to see anymore. I've always been a bit of a loner, but I do appreciate that there are some great guys (and gal--Kathleen McGee) trying to make it locally. The highlight of the night for me was MAX MAULT (I believe I may have told the infamous 'Max Mault Rye & Coke Incident' in an earlier entry'), who toned down his usual histrionics to do some jokes. It's great to see comics who are unafraid to grow and evolve. Max also gave me a little pep talk after the show, about how he'd watched me develop over the time I've been doing comedy. His words meant a lot, because it's easy to lose sight of how far you've come, when all you're focused on is where you are or where you want to be.

Some days you get the bear...

Upcoming Comedy
Saturday, April 1 - The Legion, Stettler
Saturday, April 8 - Yuk Yuks, Edmonton
Sunday, April 9 - The Comic Strip
Wednesday, April 12 - The Comic Strip
Friday, April 21 - Student Distress Centre Fundraiser
Saturday, April 26 - Legion, Red Deer

Upcoming Writing
Living Articles in the Edmonton Journal (subjects to be announced)
March 31
April 14 - (Subjects to be announced)
April 28

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every Saturday in the ed magazine supplement to the Edmonton Journal

The trouble with being a comedian is that if you have a bad day at the office, it's in front of a whole bunch of strangers. Last night I had a bad day at the office. Comedy is unique in that there is no way to 'practice' at home; the only way to get better is by performing in front of a live audience. I'm not bothered for myself when I do poorly--I recognize the only way to get better is by experience--but I always feel bad for crowds who paid money to watch my growing pains. If there's a bright spot, it's that I was a last-minute replacement, so another comic's name was on the marquee, and that's the name the crowd will remember. Sorry, Dana.

-MITCH FATEL is at The Comic Strip all weekend. Check him out if you get a chance. Like DEREK EDWARDS and MIKE WILMOT, he doesn't come to town often, and he's really worth seeing.

-MPW is hosting a free show at their training site (9774-54 Ave, Edmonton) Sunday at 2pm. Doors open at 1. A lot of the MPW mainstays will be there, and ladies, it may interest you to know that one of them will be BRADY ROBERTS, who was the March 14 Hunk of Day at www.ProWrestlingDaily.com, putting him in the same illustrious company as wrestling sex symboll L'il Nate and BG James.

Notes from the Weekend

Upcoming Comedy
Wednesday, March 15 - Yuk Yuks, Edmonton
Sunday, March 19 - The Comic Strip
Saturday, April 1 - The Legion, Stettler
Saturday, April 8 - Yuk Yuks, Edmonton
Sunday, April 9 - The Comic Strip
Wednesday, April 12 - The Comic Strip
Friday, April 21 - Student Distress Centre Fundraiser
Saturday, April 26 - Legion, Red Deer

Upcoming Writing

Living Articles in the Edmonton Journal
Friday, March 17 - Son of Elvis

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every Saturday in the ed magazine supplement to the Edmonton Journal

-The MPW Mayhem taping was awesome. MASSIVE DAMAGE and A.J. SANCHEZ crashed through a table; I got a massage from two pretty ring girls. I think any objective observer would agree that I had a better night. I so much prefer doing commentary live as opposed to in post-production. Unfortunately, I will likely be doing just that for the next show, as I’m already booked to do a middle spot at Yuk Yuks. MPW is calling for a battle royal main event, which are a bitch to do commentary for, but are awesome to watch live. We may have to re-do parts of this one, as I completely blew the finish of the Johnny Handsome/Synn vs. Steve Rivers/Darren ‘The Bomb’ Dalton. Plus I kept accidentally referring to Darren Dalton as ‘Adam Bomb.’

-Commentary is a lot of fun, although it’s a lot harder than you might think (though not as hard as actually wrestling; I did a sixty minute broadway with the ringside barriers before the show, and my arms are still sore) Basically, you’re trying to juggle a few different things.
1) Commentating on the match
2) Introducing the characters
3) Advancing or explaining the storylines
4) Hyping merchandise and the next show (check out http://www.monsterprowrestling.com/ for details)
5) Establishing your own character
When I started, I tried to completely ignore 5) as I believed then (and still do) that it’s the wrestlers and the wrestling that make the show, not the commentators. My broadcast partner RIPPER insisted that we set-up a relationship between our two personalities, and I’m glad he did. We’re not the most polished tandem out there, but I think we have pretty good chemistry. In some ways we represent extreme versions of the two common stereotypical wrestling fans--me as the smarkish, uptight internet dork and Ripper as the loud-mouthed, beer-swilling caveman. Every wrestling fan knows people like us, and I think that makes us relatable and hopefully adds character to the DVD releases.

-Speaking of strange chemistry, LARS CALLIEOU and POWERMANN are hosting a comedy show on CJSR 88.5 from 1am-3am Thursday nights/Friday mornings. Good for them. I’m interested in hearing what they sound like together as they are very different personalities. Then again, like with MPW, maybe that’s what will make the show great.

Upcoming Comedy
Wednesday, March 1 - The Comic Strip
Sunday, March 19 - The Comic Strip
Saturday, April 1 - The Legion, Stettler
Saturday, April 8 - Yuk Yuks, Edmonton
Friday, April 21 - Student Distress Centre Fundraiser

Upcoming Writing
Living Articles in the Edmonton Journal
Friday, March 17 - Son of Elvis

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every Saturday in the ed magazine supplement to the Edmonton Journal

-Did I brag about the Student Distress Centre fundraiser I'll be MCing? A volunteer from the SDC has put together a comedy show to raise funds for the SDC and the Distress Line. I've volunteered for the Distress Line for a couple years now, and I'm proud to be a part of it. A big thank you also needs to go out to LARS CALLIEOU who is headlining the show and the other comics who will be donating their time (MARK SALAMANDICK, KATHLEEN MCGEE, ANDREW IWANYK)

-MIKE WILMOT is in town at Yuk Yuks, and I strongly encourage you to see him. He's a fantastic comic. GERRY DEE is middling. I saw him for the first time last night and he's really awesome as well (you'd think a professional writer like myself would be able to come up with something better than 'really awesome' but...whatever). Last night MARK SALAMANDICK MC'd for the first time at the last minute and did a really aweso...superlative job. A bunch of other comics came down to watch the show....KEN VALGARDSON, PAUL SVEEN, KENDALL GAWRYLUK, and KERRY UNGER, and I think we had more fun than the audience.

-Speaking of KERRY UNGER, readers of SEE magazine will have seen his cartoons appearing as part of Yuk Yuks latest ad campaigns. Congratulations go out to Kerry as this has been the realization of a longtime dream for him...not the cartooning, but the working in advertising. See folks--dreams do come true.

-Monster Pro Wrestling's Mayhem show is tomorrow. Check out the www.monsterprowrestling.com for ticket info. For those of you wondering about the Battleground show, we're still working on the post-production stuff. I think that show is cursed.

-Between beers, cigarettes, and various other substances, WILMOT had a cool show-biz quote. Apparently when asked about his life style in showbiz, an old New Orleans jazz musician said: "There's two kinds of people in the world. There's Day People and Night People. Day people get up every morning and go to work their whole lives so they can give money to the Night People."

For those of you wondering...

Upcoming Comedy
Wednesday, March 1 - The Comic Strip
Sunday, March 19 - The Comic Strip
Saturday, April 1 - The Legion, Stettler

Upcoming Writing
Living Articles in the Edmonton Journal
Friday, March 3 - The Dice Whisperer
Friday, March 17 - Son of Elvis

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every Saturday in the ed magazine supplement to the Edmonton Journal

- In my Journal article this Friday, I ask about which seven celebrities I'd want with me if zombies took over the world (I love my job). Here they are:
Sarah Chalke
Martha Stewart
Chris Benoit
Alan Iverson
Eliza Dushku
Ted Nugent
Lance Armstrong

Feel free to e-mail me with your own choices at dbrodribb@hotmail.com. I'm always willing to hear someone else's case.

-On Thursday I did a show in Lake Louise. ANDREW GROSE headlined and the show went great, though we got stuck in a snowstorm on the way down and the hotel was overbooked so we had to stay elsewhere. Andrew wrote about it in his blog at www.andrewgrose.com. The creepy thing is he wrote the blog before we even left Edmonton. I guess we can add psychic powers to his list of credits.

-I met HEATH MCCOY on Sunday at a signing for his book, PAIN & PASSION, which is a history of Stampede Wrestling. If you're from Alberta, you probably grew up with Stampede, so it's cool seeing that history isn't going to be lost. The best part was GIL HAYES, who wrestled in Stampede from 1967-1985, stopped by with a scrapbook featuring photos of some of his matches. Very cool.

End of an Era

Upcoming Comedy
Thursday, February 23 - Private Function, Chateau Lake Louise
Wednesday, March 1 - The Comic Strip
Sunday, March 19 - The Comic Strip
Saturday, April 1 - The Legion, Stettler

Upcoming Writing
Living Articles in the Edmonton Journal
Friday, March 3 - The Dice Whisperer
Friday, March 17 - Son of Elvis

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every Saturday in the ed magazine supplement to the Edmonton Journal

-Monday was the last open stage at the Sidetrack Cafe's current location before moving to a new address. The Sidetrack is where comedy in Edmonton started before the arrival of Yuks. On hand to commemorate the occasion were myself, BRIAN HEGGE, POWERMANN, LARS CALLIEOU, ANDREW IWANYK, and KATHLEEN MCGEE (and her posse). The place was packed with musicians wanting to pay their last respects. Lots of fun.

-I think I've been doing too much comedy lately. Not really, but last night I had a dream that I was at ANDREW GROSE's house (Which I've never been to, but in my dream it looked like the U of A Hospital's Snell Hall). I was doing a guest spot with STEVE MCCARTHY, except the MC, PAUL SVEEN was doing renovations to the house as he hosted, so I had to do my set from a scaffold on the second floor. Bizarre. Maybe it's my brain's way of telling me I have to focus more on my writing. No wait, that's what my editor tells me.

-Apparently the MPW show in Bonnie Doon mall is go. It starts at 2pm, and it looks like we'll be taping so I'll be there for commentary. The next show after that is March 11 at the usual Alberta Ave. Community Hall. I still have to overdub commentary for February's show, so I better take care of my voice.

Update

Upcoming Comedy
Sunday, February 19 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Thursday, February 23 - Private Function, Chateau Lake Louise
Saturday, April 1 - The Legion, Stettler

Upcoming Writing
Living Articles in the Edmonton Journal
Friday, March 3 - The Dice Whisperer
Friday, March 17 - Son of Elvis

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every Saturday in the ed magazine supplement to the Edmonton Journal

-Check SEE magazine in the next few weeks, and you may see some ads for Yuk Yuks featuring the cartooning skills of KERRY UNGER. In addition to being one of my favorite comics, Kerry is a skilled cartoonist--instead of CDs, he sells greeting cards after his shows. He's also recording a CD of his songs with WINSTON HERBERT, and having heard his songs, I'm looking forward to that as well.

An interesting side note: Wednesday, Kerry actually included my name in a new joke he's working on about a discussion we had regarding the origin of the name of the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. I'm not sure how I feel about this--on one hand, I'm flattered to be included in the act of someone whose work I've admired for so long, but on the other what I said was so appalling, I'm kind of embarassed to have that particular comment associated with me (to make matters worse, Kerry actually had to clean up what I said to make the joke even remotely presentable, even to a bar crowd)

-There's an MPW show in Bonnie Doon Mall next Saturday at 2pm. I'll be there to do commentary on the action. It's my understanding that a few of the MPW stalwarts are on Tony Condello's Northern Hell tour right now. If so, it should be a great opportunity for some of the other guys to step up and get a little more time.

Newz of the World

Upcoming Comedy
Saturday, February 11 - Ft. McMurray
Sunday, February 12 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Tuesday, February 14 - Drayton Valley
Sunday, February 19 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Thursday, February 23 - Private Function, Chateau Lake Louise
Saturday, April 1 - The Legion, Stettler

Upcoming Writing
Living Articles in the Edmonton Journal
Friday, February 10 - Valentine's Day
Friday, February 17 - Three's a Crowd
Friday, March 3 - The Dice Whisperer
Friday, March 17 - Son of Elvis

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every Saturday in the ed magazine supplement to the Edmonton Journal

-I had a good weekend of shows opening for JEBB FINK. The guy's been doing comedy for over two decades, so if you can't learn from watching him, you're doing something wrong. I also noticed the way he conducted himself offstage, making sure to take the time to talk to people who came up to him after the show. The ticket-buying (or newspaper buying) public is what keeps us show-biz types working, so there's something to be said for taking the time to be nice.

-LARS CALLIEOU headlined his first club show on Sunday at The Comic Strip. It was a great night, and I was proud to be a part of it. As a frequent MC, Lars has probably brought me to the stage more than any comic (Second place goes to PAUL MYREHAUG. He MC'd my very first show, my very first middle spot...and now he's moving to Toronto. He's one of the sweetest guys I know and very funny, so I wish him the best of luck, though with his talent, he doesn't need it).

-Congratulations are also in order to CODY, who is heading up to Calgary to take care of business at the Yuk Yuks there. From management to wait staff to the box office, comedy club staff are often overlooked, but they really are such an important part of keeping the show running smoothly...so make sure you tip them well (that way I can hit them up to buy me pretty things).

-My writing course through Metro will be proceeding. Fifty percent of the enrolled students are female which is new for me. SF and Fantasy aren't typically female-dominated genres. It's also a smaller class than I'm used to running, but I'm looking forward to seeing how things go.

-Black Gate magazine like the idea I've come up with for a sequel to my short story "The Girl Who Feared Lightning." As you read this, I'll probably be hard at work developing it.

Update

Upcoming Comedy
Wednesday, February 1 - Yuk Yuks, Edmonton
Thursday, February 2 - Yuk Yuks, Edmonton
Friday, February 3 - Yuk Yuks, Edmonton
Saturday, February 4 - Yuk Yuks, Edmonton
Saturday, February 11 - Ft. McMurray
Sunday, February 12 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Tuesday, February 14 - Drayton Valley
Sunday, February 19 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Thursday, February 23 - Private Function, Chateau Lake Louise
Saturday, April 1 - The Legion, Stettler

Upcoming Writing
Living Articles in the Edmonton Journal
Friday, February 10 - Valentine's Day
Friday, February 17 - Three's a Crowd
Friday, March 3 - The Dice Whisperer
Friday, March 17 - Son of Elvis

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every Saturday in the ed magazine supplement to the Edmonton Journal

-As you can see it's going to be a busy February for me. I'm also teaching a class on Writing Fantasy and Science Fiction through Metro Continuing Education (www.metrocontinuingeducation.com). If you're interested in such things, there's still time to sign up before classes start on Monday, February 6.

-It feels like there's a thousand things going on right now, but now that I'm updating, I can't think of anything to report. Typical. Between the MPW stuff, writing, and getting ready for this week's comedy extravaganza at Yuks, I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed. In a good way. I never thought life could get so good. Thank you to all of you who have shared the ride with me.

Update

Upcoming Comedy
Tuesday, January 24 - Prism, Edmonton--Living Positive Benefit
Thursday, February 2 - Yuk Yuks, Edmonton
Friday, February 3 - Yuk Yuks, Edmonton
Saturday, February 4 - Yuk Yuks, Edmonton
Sunday, February 5 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Tuesday, February 14 - Drayton Valley
Sunday, February 19 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Saturday, April 1 - The Legion, Stettler

Upcoming Writing
Living Articles in the Edmonton Journal
Friday, February 10 - Valentine's Day
Friday, February 17 - Three's a Crowd

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every Saturday in the ed magazine supplement to the Edmonton Journal

-Tonight is the Living Positive benefit at Prism. LARS CALLIEOU is headlining, and if you've seen him before, you know what he can do. The two of us hung out and talked shop at the Sidetack Cafe's Open Mic last night (hosted by talented local musician BEN SPENCER). Monday nights at the Sidetrack is a great place for stage time if you're a local musician, and it's also a great place to check out a lot of great local acts if you're a fan of music and comedy (Interesting historical note: I'm told that at one time the venerable Sidetrack was the ONLY place in town that did comedy, before the arrival of Yuk Yuks in the 80s) .

-I did the commentary for some tapings on Sunday for MPW's Camp Wars. The matches should be shown on the www.monsterprowrestling.com website over the next little while. Also available shortly will be the January Madness DVD--KENNETH BARR of Idion Inc. did a really great job of putting everything together. It's been exciting to watch MPW grow since I first saw them in May of 2005. and the fact they've come so far so fast is a testament to a lot of hard work by the people involved. Don't forget the MPW TV Taping on February 4 (Radio personality YUKON JACK from 100.3 The Bear will be covering for me on commentary as I'll be performing at Yuks). The last show sold out, so make sure to get your tickets now.

-Congratulations to ANDREW IWANYK, who according to all accounts has earned himself a spot at the prestigious Just For Laughs Festival. I can't tell you how fantastic it is to see Andrew's uniqueness and creativity recognized by someone other than those of us who have had the pleasure of sharing a stage with him for so many months (years, in some cases). There are times when it feels there's no justice in show-biz--or in life--but sometimes somthing happens when it feels like all is right with the world and this is one of those good times.

ADDENDUM

Couple things I forgot to mention in the last update.

-Next Tuesday at Prism nightclub there's a comedy benefit for Living Positive, which raises funds for people living with HIV. The show usually starts around 10pm and the address is 10524 101 Street. It's a worthy cause, and should be a great show, so come down and feel good about laughing while you make the world a better place.

-Tonight at The Locker Room on 11834 Kingsway Ave., MPW is showing a sneak preview of the TV taping for January Madness. A lot of the MPW stars will be there, so come down and meet some of them so you'll know who I'm talking about. And stay to watch the show, which features none other than myself (as 'Martial' Art McNeil) calling the action with my broadcast partner RIPPER (one of the most passionate supporters of MPW I know). For more info check out www.monsterprowrestling.com

Update.

Upcoming Comedy
Wednesday, January 18 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Tuesday, January 24 - Prism, Edmonton- Living Positive Fundraiser
Saturday, April 1 - Stettler Legion, Stettler

Upcoming Writing
Friday, January 20 - Almost Famous, Edmonton Journal, Living Section
Friday, February 10 - Valentine's Day, Edmonton Journal, Living Section
Friday, February 17 - Three's a Crowd, Edmonton Journal, Living Section

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every Saturday in the ed section of the Edmonton Journal.

-It's great being around people who are passionate about what they do. It inspires you to work harder to achieve your own dreams, because you realize that chasing the dream is where the fun is, not achieving it. Whether it's talking shop about comedy with KATHLEEN, LARS, ANDREW IWANYK, and POWERMANN at the sidetrack, or looking at what director KENNETH BARR has done with the MPW footage, the thing that sets them apart is that they love what they do.

-Shot the photos for the next series of Living Articles. The next one will see publication on Friday.

-By the time you should read this, I will hopefully have finished the voiceover commentary for MPW Madness. The powers that be are in negotiations to have it air on a local TV station.

Update

Upcoming Writing
Friday, January 20 - Almost Famous, Edmonton Journal Living Section
Friday, February 10 - Valentine's Day, Edmonton Journal Living Section
Friday, February 17 - Untitled Love Triangle Column, Edmonton Journal Living Section

Dan Brodribb's headLINES appears every Saturday in the Edmonton Journal's ed magazine

Upcoming Comedy
January 18 - The Comic Strip

-I finished the final edits on "The Girl Who Feared Lightning." Look for it in Issue #11 of Black Gate magazine (http://www.blackgatemagazine.com). There's been talk of making "Girl..." into an ongoing series of short stories. Needless to say, I'm excited at the idea.

-The Monster Pro Wrestling television taping was a rousing success. It's proof that hard work pays off--no matter what industry you're in--been great to see how far the organization and its wrestlers have progressed since I've started going to their shows last May. It was also great to see KENNETH BARR again, whom I worked with on the movie 'Reroute.' Ken was in charge of the technical end, and I'll be meeting him later in the week to do some post-production commentary stuff. The next MPW show is February 4, but they're holding a free Camp Wars show at their training facility on January 22. Check their website (www.monsterprowrestling.com) for details.

-Last Thursday I middled at the Edmonton Yuk Yuks. PAUL MYREHAUG and PAUL SVEEN were on the show and as always, I learned a lot watching them. Sveen was the first guy to tell me to really open up and let the audience into your world. He has a more philosophical approach to the art of stand-up, and it's pretty effective, not to mention inspirational. On another note, I'm told PAUL MYREHAUG will be moving to Toronto to seek fame and fortune. I'll miss him a lot--next to Lars, he's probably introduced me more than anybody else, and I'm superstitious about my 'good luck MCs'. Good Luck, Paul.

-I talk a lot about the comics who have influenced me, but I rarely refer to my writing influences, so for those of you who have asked, here are a few non-fiction (I may cover fiction in a future entry) writers whose work I really enjoy reading:

MISS ALLI - She writes for www.televisionwithoutpity.com doing recaps of various shows. Her Survivor recaps are so hilarious I don't even bother to watch the show anymore--I don't want to spoil the recap.

BILL SIMMONS aka The Sports Guy--He does sports and pop culture for ESPN (www.espn.com). Obviously, if you aren't into either, you probably won't like him, but I think he's hilarious.

CHUCK KLOSTERMAN - author of Fargo Rock City and Killing Yourself to Live. He writes about music, but also relates it to his own life. He once compared his ex-girfriends to members of the band KISS. Well worth reading.

Upcoming Comedy
Thursday, January 5 - Yuk Yuks, Edmonton
Sunday, January 8 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Wednesday, January 18 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton

-Hope everybody had great holidays. I know I sure did.

-I finished up a couple more stories. They are currently floating around seeking a home.

-MPW show is at the usual place on Saturday, January 7. Though it hasn't been confirmed on the official site yet (www.monsterprowrestling.com), rumor has it they'll be taping for TV, so you might want to come on down and bring a sign celebrating your favorite MPW personality (Ace Davidson!). There's also been some discussion about me being a part of the event in some capacity either as an interviewer or as a play-by-play announcer, so that's pretty exciting if it goes through.

-I'll post my upcoming writing dates once I know when stuff is coming out. Everything slowed down because of the holidays.