I’m sure glad this Daniel Tosh thing happened.
It’s got people talking and that’s important, I suppose. Whether anything good comes out of it…that will come down to how well people listen.
As a stand-up comic myself, my first reaction was to empathize with Tosh because I know what it's like to be...well, not in that EXACT situation, but dealing with an unexpected response, dealing with having said the wrong thing and regretting it, or having folks react badly to something I've said.
With all that said, if you narrow the subject to rape jokes specifically, I think that a lot of comics and comedy fans could stand to listen and think a little deeper about what the "rape joke critics" are saying. I thought the Jezebel article here articulated things pretty well.
I'm hoping the Tosh incident turns into an opportunity to make it clear why the people who were offended were upset instead of "They're trying to take our rape jokes away"
It’s difficult. My own jokes are…less than sterling when it comes to racism, sexism, or homophobia. I’ve made peace with that for the most part, but while I’m not bothered by the -isms that I know are there, it’s the stuff that sneaks in unawares that bothers me.
Interestingly, dealing with my own prejudices when joke writing has helped me. Its forced me to go into different directions when writing, to explore my own ambivalence, and given me new takes on old material (Whether or not it works on stage determines whether or not I keep any of it, but still...).
Who knew that examining your assumptions could make you a better stand-up comic?
OLAVE ROKNE and I have exchanged Facebook status updates over the situation. One of my comments to him summed up how I feel about mixing comedy with social justice:
“To a degree, social justice and comedy serve two different masters. One is trying to bring about the world we want and the other is telling the truth about the world we have. They flirt with each other, but try and marry them and they'll both be miserable. For me it's about trying to be a good friend to both, while not taking sides when one is telling me what jerk the other is."
I myself am a fairly ambivalent when it comes to social justice. I support it politically and intellectually, but in my personal life, I can be exactly as conservative you would expect when hearing the worlds “38-year old straight white male.” In essence, I’m willing to both vote and pay lip service to progressivism so long as I don’t actually have to give anything up.
So why ally myself with the political left at all?
Three reasons
1 - I want to be seen as the NICE white guy. I want sassy gay multi-racial friends to tell me how much better I am than those other white straight males. Plus, I’m sexually attracted to counter-culture type women and those sex pozzie types are wild in the sack, amirite?
2 - Frustrated entitlement. I’m straight. I’m white. I’m male. Why should I be begging for guest spots on Wednesday nights instead of ordering drone strikes and doing rich person things? Being successful was supposed to be my birthright. And if I didn’t get what I want simply by virtue of being straight and white and male, I so no reason why those other straight white guys should either.
3 - Because generally, especially on social issues, I agree with them.
Probably I should have put that third reason first.
Some might call me a hypocrite. I prefer the term “complex“ myself. I like to think the tension between who I am and who I want to be makes me interesting and compelling. Your mileage may vary, I suppose.
The thing is though none of these reasons were conscious choices on my part. I would never have realized what they were had the Tosh incident and ensuing discussion not propelled me look at them.
We hear what people say and we think we know what they believe. We hear what people believe and we think we know who they are. We judge comics for the things they say onstage, co-workers for the things they tell us in the break room, partners for words we hear (and sometimes mishear) in the throes of emotion.
But we don’t learn about others--or even ourselves--by what they say. We learn by how well we listen.
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
UPCOMING RCW WRESTLING
August 19 - RCW Freakshow (featuring Scott Steiner), Union Hall, Edmonton
August 25 - RCW Assault Darlene Fowler Memorial Show), Glengarry Community Hall, Edmonton
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Monday, July 09, 2012
My Weekend
Participated in the Edmonton Slutwalk again this year. It's a good cause, and one that's close to my heart. As someone who believes everyone deserves healthy, happy romantic and sexual relationships, it was hard to hear the stories of those who have been assaulted.
My heart goes out to them and anybody else who has been touched by sexual violence.
As with last year, my sense of amusement didn't take any time off. This time I was amused to note that the Slutwalk ended in Churchill Square where the Street Perfomer's festival was in full swing.
Worlds collide.
Social Justice...meet Irving the Human Beatbox.
Not my first entertaining moment in Churchill Square this summer. The last one happened at the Pride Festival a couple weeks ago. You haven't live until you've heard Van Halen's "Eruption" played on the bagpipes.
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
UPCOMING RCW WRESTLING
July 14 - Glengarry Community Hall, Edmonton
My heart goes out to them and anybody else who has been touched by sexual violence.
As with last year, my sense of amusement didn't take any time off. This time I was amused to note that the Slutwalk ended in Churchill Square where the Street Perfomer's festival was in full swing.
Worlds collide.
Social Justice...meet Irving the Human Beatbox.
Not my first entertaining moment in Churchill Square this summer. The last one happened at the Pride Festival a couple weeks ago. You haven't live until you've heard Van Halen's "Eruption" played on the bagpipes.
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
UPCOMING RCW WRESTLING
July 14 - Glengarry Community Hall, Edmonton
Saturday, June 30, 2012
On Shmeshression (The D Word)
I am experiencing mono no aware, which is a beautiful, poetic way of saying existential angst which is a more intellectual way of saying pouting.
This has been going on intermittently for a while though I'm not sure when it started.
You'll noticed I didn't use the D word up there. Part of it is because I don't think I really suffer from shmeshmression in the clinical sense, but mostly because I don't feel I've earned the right to be shmeshressed.
My life is fine. The worst I can say is that there was a time when I was writing regular humor columns, appearing on television, touring as a comedian, and had several (though not at the same time) Super Awesome Girlfriends and now I don't have those things anymore. I feel as though I'm not quite as cool and interesting as I once was.
Which makes me mad. There are plenty of people who haven't had the opportunities I've had. I should be feeling grateful for what I've experienced, not pissed off because it has gone away.
And that, to me, is the frustrating thing about angst. It isn't the angst itself. I can tell myself I feel this way because of the comedy-writing-television-girlfriend thing, but the truth is, I was just as prone to this stuff then as I am now.
The truth is, I have a tendency to feel sad, lonely, and vaguely incomplete, regardless of my life circumstances
The loneliness and sadness and Eternal Brooding of the Spotless Mind isn't the problem. The problem is that I feel angry and guilty about it. What have I done to deserve to feel schmeshressed about? Heck, even writing this post makes me feel like an attention-seeking drama queen. Talking about these feelings feels a bit like talking about masturbation--sure, lots of people do it, but not in PUBLIC, and we certainly don't talk about it.
At which point, the angst ridden part of me digs in. F**k you, it tells me. I can be as shmeshressed as I want to. It's my constitutional god-damned right.
Okay, but keep your voice down. You're making a scene. And please don't use that word.
What word? Shmeshression? Is there something wrong with the word shmeshression. Hey everybody, Dan has a problem with shmeshressed people.
We don't have shmeshression, we read the symptoms on the internet and we're fine. Besides, It will go away if we ignore it. You're imaking us look like fools.
(dancing in circles and singing) Shmeshression. Shmeshression. Dan has SHMESHRESSION.
Actually, now that I think about it, I feel better. Must have been the singing.
You're welcome.
There are times I wonder about myself. I really do.
We'll continue this discussion another time.
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
UPCOMING RCW WRESTLING
July 14 - Glengarry Community Hall, Edmonton
This has been going on intermittently for a while though I'm not sure when it started.
You'll noticed I didn't use the D word up there. Part of it is because I don't think I really suffer from shmeshmression in the clinical sense, but mostly because I don't feel I've earned the right to be shmeshressed.
My life is fine. The worst I can say is that there was a time when I was writing regular humor columns, appearing on television, touring as a comedian, and had several (though not at the same time) Super Awesome Girlfriends and now I don't have those things anymore. I feel as though I'm not quite as cool and interesting as I once was.
Which makes me mad. There are plenty of people who haven't had the opportunities I've had. I should be feeling grateful for what I've experienced, not pissed off because it has gone away.
And that, to me, is the frustrating thing about angst. It isn't the angst itself. I can tell myself I feel this way because of the comedy-writing-television-girlfriend thing, but the truth is, I was just as prone to this stuff then as I am now.
The truth is, I have a tendency to feel sad, lonely, and vaguely incomplete, regardless of my life circumstances
The loneliness and sadness and Eternal Brooding of the Spotless Mind isn't the problem. The problem is that I feel angry and guilty about it. What have I done to deserve to feel schmeshressed about? Heck, even writing this post makes me feel like an attention-seeking drama queen. Talking about these feelings feels a bit like talking about masturbation--sure, lots of people do it, but not in PUBLIC, and we certainly don't talk about it.
At which point, the angst ridden part of me digs in. F**k you, it tells me. I can be as shmeshressed as I want to. It's my constitutional god-damned right.
Okay, but keep your voice down. You're making a scene. And please don't use that word.
What word? Shmeshression? Is there something wrong with the word shmeshression. Hey everybody, Dan has a problem with shmeshressed people.
We don't have shmeshression, we read the symptoms on the internet and we're fine. Besides, It will go away if we ignore it. You're imaking us look like fools.
(dancing in circles and singing) Shmeshression. Shmeshression. Dan has SHMESHRESSION.
Actually, now that I think about it, I feel better. Must have been the singing.
You're welcome.
There are times I wonder about myself. I really do.
We'll continue this discussion another time.
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
UPCOMING RCW WRESTLING
July 14 - Glengarry Community Hall, Edmonton
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
The Uncle Diaries Continued
“Eee,” my nephew says.
“Ee,” I say right back.
“Eee” he hoots again.
“Eee!”
A da.” he elucidates further. “da da da da da da da da da da”
“Keys,” I suggest. “Shoe. Uncle Dan. Antidisestabalishamentarianism.”
He casts me a withering look.
“Eee,” I volunteer.
“Eee,” my nephew agrees solemnly, a zen master acknowledging a particularly slow student.
His point made, my guru turns his attention to chewing on a stuffed penguin.
I bow, enlightened.
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
UPCOMING RCW WRESTLING
July 14 - Glengarry Community Hall, Edmonton
“Ee,” I say right back.
“Eee” he hoots again.
“Eee!”
A da.” he elucidates further. “da da da da da da da da da da”
“Keys,” I suggest. “Shoe. Uncle Dan. Antidisestabalishamentarianism.”
He casts me a withering look.
“Eee,” I volunteer.
“Eee,” my nephew agrees solemnly, a zen master acknowledging a particularly slow student.
His point made, my guru turns his attention to chewing on a stuffed penguin.
I bow, enlightened.
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
UPCOMING RCW WRESTLING
July 14 - Glengarry Community Hall, Edmonton
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
The Uncle Diaries
My job is to watch my nine month old nephew while my sister is in the kitchen. I’m doing a great job if I do say so myself.
First I watch him crawl across the living room carpet.
Then I watch him stop at the couch, reach up with one tiny hand, and pull himself unsteadily to his feet.
After that I watch as he reaches out with his other hand for the pile of freshly folded laundry on the couch and pulls a…a cloth rectangular thingee from the bottom.
The neatly stacked tower leans perilously for one second, and in the next, my nephew vanishes beneath an avalanche of fabric. He pops up from among the whites like a humpback whale breaching the ocean‘s surface. He squeals delightedly and flails his arms amidst the carnage, hurling clothing hither and thither with wild abandon. There is a lone white sock dangling from the side of his head.
“Are you keeping an eye on him?” my sister calls from the other room.
“You bet,” I reply as my nephew crawls out of the wreckage, crawling towards the end table, his eyes fixed on the cord to the lamp, a laser-guided cute missile locked on-target.
My instructions are to watch, so I do, but I won’t lie: I’m curious to see what happens next.
I can’t believe people complain about parenting being hard work.
This being a responsible adult shit is easy.
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
UPCOMING RCW WRESTLING
July 14 - Glengarry Community Hall, Edmonton
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
I've Seen The Future, Brother, It Is Murder
Whenever people tell me how the internet has made their world less secure because of strangers using online apps to track down their contact information, I wonder how their minds would be blown if I told them about the phone book.
When the Terminator went back in time to kill Sarah Connor he COULD have used his super-advanced future computer power to triangulate her position or track her genetic code, and then he was like: "Oh, someone wrote her name and address down in this book and made copies enough for everyone in the city."
Sweet. More processing power left for Angry Birds.
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
UPCOMING WRESTLING
May 12 - RCW 9th Anniversary Show at Glengarry Community Hall(at Sabu)
Friday, April 27, 2012
From OSCW to OMMA
Huh. New blogger format. One without automatic paragraph breaks.
You know they gave us the "ENTER" key for a reason, right?
Ahh, the march of progress.
I have switched from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to Tai Chi--basically going from MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) to OMMA (Old Man Martial Arts)
*sigh*
In other news, I performed comedy at a burlesque show a couple weeks ago. Because when you get the opportunity to share a stage with topless women, musical acts, and an Asian Schoolboy selling candies off his erection you have to do it.
Oh, and Scott Steiner is coming to an RCW show. I believed I've linked to some of his spoken word work before. Here's one I hadn't seen before.
Life continues.
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
UPCOMING WRESTLING
May 12 - RCW 9th Anniversary Show at Glengarry Community Hall(at Sabu)
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Dinosaurs!
I saw a dinosaur outside my window yesterday.
Okay. It was a magpie. But birds are dinosaur descendants, aren’t they?
I’m not sure how long I watched. It was on the ground by a tree outside my window, pecking at something there, black and white feathers, blending with the snow. The sun was low; half the tree was lit up gold, the other side shadow dark.
I like birds. I like the sound of them when I wake up. I especially like crows. Usually, they show up in pairs, but this morning I saw one perched by itself in the bare branches of a tree. I wondered if it was the same crow I saw a couple days ago, winging black across a blue sky.
I’ve been captivated by this stuff lately. Birds and trees. Snow and sky. All of it surrounding my apartment, just a few steps from one of Edmonton’s busiest roads. Nature doing its own thing to the sound of cars whirring by like internal combustution waves on a pavement ocean.
I wanted to get some books out of the library and learn more, but all the books I could find were on how trees work or what birds are called and how many eggs they lay and how many centimetres long they are.
Basically, they don’t tell me anything.
I learn more just looking out my window.
****
My eight month old nephew has the flu. He looks confused about the whole thing--all snot and drool and tears, and a look on his face like “why is this happening to me?”
He’s a cool guy. He’s honest and not the least bit self-conscious which makes him fun to hang out with. We sit on the floor, crawl around, and make noises at one another--hoots and yelps and growls and random syllables.
Fun stuff.
I like the expressiveness of his face. When he smiles, his eyes scrunch up and his mouth widens with delight. When he’s concentrating, his forehead furrows and his eyes latch onto the object of his attention with single-minded focus. When he’s really crying his face darkens red, then purple and his mouth opens, pictures rattling on the walls, small items falling over, magazine pages fluttering as he sucks all the air from the room….
“Here it comes,” says my sister.
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!”
It’s the sound of an air raid siren mixed with a million souls crying in anguish.
For a kid that can’t make words, he sure has a way of making his meaning clear.
****
In other news, my laptop is making strange noises. If it goes, my only computer access will be from work or the library.
That thought doesn’t bother me as much as maybe it should.
UPCOMING COMEDY
April 14 - Brittany's Lounge, Edmonton
April 23 - The Comic Strip Edmonton
UPCOMING WRESTLING
April 1 - Union Hall, Edmonton
April 21 - Glengarry Community Hall, Edmonton
May 19 - Glengarry Community Hall, Edmonton
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
Saturday, February 25, 2012
When Someone You Know Is Suicidal...
Since I work in the field, I'm occasionally asked for advice about from people dealing with someone in their lives who is or might be suicidal.
If such is the case, and you're in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), I encourage you to conact the Distress Line (780-482-HELP (4357)). The Support Network (780-482-0198) also offers programs for people who are dealing with losing someone to suicide or dealing with someone who is frequently suicidal. You can also find a page with some facts and myths around suicide here.
That said, there are a few general points that come up often so I'm going to address them here. This isn't meant to be advice for your situation, and it isn't gospel. It's also not intended to be a complete exploration of the topic. Again, for more detailed information or help with your SPECIFIC situation, contact the Distress Line (780-482-4357).
Recognize Your Limits . It's a sad fact that if someone really really wants to die, sooner or later they'll find a way to do it. When someone we care about commits suicide, people often blame themselves or wonder what they could do differently. Or when dealing with someone who is frequently suicidal, some think if they hit on just the right strategy or say the exact right thing, that person will change their mind.
It's not the case. Ultimately, it's up to the suicidal person to choose life.
If you want to help them find those reasons to choose life, to provide support, or to offer help, good on you. If you're going to make that choice though, it's important to...
Recognize and Set Your Boundaries. What are you willing to do? What are you ABLE to do? Your answers might be different depending on your role or your relationship with the person at risk, and that's fine. They may also change based on your own family, financial, health or any other situation. But it's important to take those things into account. For example, if you have family or job responsibilities and the person you're dealing with is chronically suicidal, it will probably not work to take on the role of being that person's SOLE source of support.
which reminds me...
Get Others Involved. You can't and shouldn't be expected to do it alone.
If Someone You Know Drops Hints About Being Suicidal, You CAN ask them about it. It might feel awkward, but sometimes being able to talk about it helps. You are NOT going to 'put the idea in their head.' Trust me,if they're really in dire straits, it's probably already crossed their mind.
If you ask them and they say 'no,' then you've done your job. If you're not sure they're telling the truth, you can give them the distress line number (780-482-4357)if they'd rather talk to someone else or--if it's within your limits--let them know you are willing to talk about it. Nevertheless, if you get a 'no', whether or not you believe them, that's their prerogative and I believe it's important to respect that. You can't MAKE someone get help (except for the imminent danger).
If they say yes...well, that's a little bit beyond the scope of this post.The Distress Line will have more information for you. Be grateful that they trust you enough to let you know this. A lot of times just knowing someone is there to care or listen goes a long way.
If you've talked to the person and you're unsure where they are at, one helpful thing to do is to contract them to call the Distress Line if they get to the point where they are thinking of acting on any suicidal thoughts. The reason we use the Distress Line is because it's a 24 hour line. There is always someone there and available to talk, which won't always be the case for you (cell phones die, you need sleep, to go to work, etc.)
Sometimes you aren't in a position to ask the question. If that's the case...
If You Suspect The Person Is An Imminent Danger to Themselves or Others, call 911 or Emergency Services. If someone tells you they've already started their attempt for example--taking pills, already on the bridge. Another case would be if there are others who may be in danger (ie you've heard threats
or implied threats against bosses/family members). Trust your instincts. It's better to call and be wrong.
If you DO call and Emergency Services does intervene, it sometimes happens that the person who threatened suicide is...less than grateful. It's a normal reaction. There's a stigma around suicide and mental health issues, and a lot of people would be embarassed having the police/medical crews show up at their door. That doesn't mean you did anything wrong by calling them. If they're angry with you, well...in order to be angry they have to be alive and them being alive is a good thing.
Hopefully this post will give you a working understanding of where to start when supporting someone who might be suicidal. I encourage you to visit the links in the second paragraph of the page for more info.
WRESTLING
Saturday, February 25 - RCW Explosion, Glengarry Community Hall - Edmonton
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
If such is the case, and you're in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), I encourage you to conact the Distress Line (780-482-HELP (4357)). The Support Network (780-482-0198) also offers programs for people who are dealing with losing someone to suicide or dealing with someone who is frequently suicidal. You can also find a page with some facts and myths around suicide here.
That said, there are a few general points that come up often so I'm going to address them here. This isn't meant to be advice for your situation, and it isn't gospel. It's also not intended to be a complete exploration of the topic. Again, for more detailed information or help with your SPECIFIC situation, contact the Distress Line (780-482-4357).
Recognize Your Limits . It's a sad fact that if someone really really wants to die, sooner or later they'll find a way to do it. When someone we care about commits suicide, people often blame themselves or wonder what they could do differently. Or when dealing with someone who is frequently suicidal, some think if they hit on just the right strategy or say the exact right thing, that person will change their mind.
It's not the case. Ultimately, it's up to the suicidal person to choose life.
If you want to help them find those reasons to choose life, to provide support, or to offer help, good on you. If you're going to make that choice though, it's important to...
Recognize and Set Your Boundaries. What are you willing to do? What are you ABLE to do? Your answers might be different depending on your role or your relationship with the person at risk, and that's fine. They may also change based on your own family, financial, health or any other situation. But it's important to take those things into account. For example, if you have family or job responsibilities and the person you're dealing with is chronically suicidal, it will probably not work to take on the role of being that person's SOLE source of support.
which reminds me...
Get Others Involved. You can't and shouldn't be expected to do it alone.
If Someone You Know Drops Hints About Being Suicidal, You CAN ask them about it. It might feel awkward, but sometimes being able to talk about it helps. You are NOT going to 'put the idea in their head.' Trust me,if they're really in dire straits, it's probably already crossed their mind.
If you ask them and they say 'no,' then you've done your job. If you're not sure they're telling the truth, you can give them the distress line number (780-482-4357)if they'd rather talk to someone else or--if it's within your limits--let them know you are willing to talk about it. Nevertheless, if you get a 'no', whether or not you believe them, that's their prerogative and I believe it's important to respect that. You can't MAKE someone get help (except for the imminent danger).
If they say yes...well, that's a little bit beyond the scope of this post.The Distress Line will have more information for you. Be grateful that they trust you enough to let you know this. A lot of times just knowing someone is there to care or listen goes a long way.
If you've talked to the person and you're unsure where they are at, one helpful thing to do is to contract them to call the Distress Line if they get to the point where they are thinking of acting on any suicidal thoughts. The reason we use the Distress Line is because it's a 24 hour line. There is always someone there and available to talk, which won't always be the case for you (cell phones die, you need sleep, to go to work, etc.)
Sometimes you aren't in a position to ask the question. If that's the case...
If You Suspect The Person Is An Imminent Danger to Themselves or Others, call 911 or Emergency Services. If someone tells you they've already started their attempt for example--taking pills, already on the bridge. Another case would be if there are others who may be in danger (ie you've heard threats
or implied threats against bosses/family members). Trust your instincts. It's better to call and be wrong.
If you DO call and Emergency Services does intervene, it sometimes happens that the person who threatened suicide is...less than grateful. It's a normal reaction. There's a stigma around suicide and mental health issues, and a lot of people would be embarassed having the police/medical crews show up at their door. That doesn't mean you did anything wrong by calling them. If they're angry with you, well...in order to be angry they have to be alive and them being alive is a good thing.
Hopefully this post will give you a working understanding of where to start when supporting someone who might be suicidal. I encourage you to visit the links in the second paragraph of the page for more info.
WRESTLING
Saturday, February 25 - RCW Explosion, Glengarry Community Hall - Edmonton
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Takes Me Back To My Bar Days...
Only not exactly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzJC9OCT0ss
Funny stuff.
WRESTLING
Saturday, February 25 - RCW Explosion, Glengarry Community Hall - Edmonton
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzJC9OCT0ss
Funny stuff.
WRESTLING
Saturday, February 25 - RCW Explosion, Glengarry Community Hall - Edmonton
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
World of Silver
I woke at 3am a couple nights ago to find the world had gone silver.
My room was silver. My blankets were silver. Even my skin had taken on an otherworldly glow.
I turned my neck and looked out the window.
The source of the glow was there. A full moon framed in a clear black sky.
It was a pretty amazing sight.
One of the benefits of slowing down is I'm better able to notice and appreciate these things. The contrast of a black crow winging across a blue sky. The mournful sound of a train. Visiting the St. Albert library, a building I practically grew up in, and breathing in the faint but unmistakeable scent of books.
When I was dating Bastet, I remember how she used to get down on her hands and knees in the grass and peer at bugs. I remember finding this behaviour both bemusing and charming.
Now I can't imagine living life any other way.
WRESTLING
Saturday, February 25 - RCW Explosion, Glengarry Community Hall - Edmonton
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
My room was silver. My blankets were silver. Even my skin had taken on an otherworldly glow.
I turned my neck and looked out the window.
The source of the glow was there. A full moon framed in a clear black sky.
It was a pretty amazing sight.
One of the benefits of slowing down is I'm better able to notice and appreciate these things. The contrast of a black crow winging across a blue sky. The mournful sound of a train. Visiting the St. Albert library, a building I practically grew up in, and breathing in the faint but unmistakeable scent of books.
When I was dating Bastet, I remember how she used to get down on her hands and knees in the grass and peer at bugs. I remember finding this behaviour both bemusing and charming.
Now I can't imagine living life any other way.
WRESTLING
Saturday, February 25 - RCW Explosion, Glengarry Community Hall - Edmonton
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Guns N Brodribbs and Aging Comedian Angst: Welcome to the Jungle
I hosted the Comic Strip's Hit or Miss night last night and I'm beginning to show my comedy age.
First there was the comic who refused to follow one of ANDREW IWANYK's impromptu performance pieces (in this case, with his co-conspirators JORDAN CHYSOWSKI and MATT ALEDDINE, the artist formerly known as Powermann), instead insisting he went on first.
I didn't mind accomodating his request, but I was genuinely surprised to hear him make it. When I started in stand-up, it was a privilege being invited to be a part of Iwanyk's debacles. And being the guy trusted to clean-up the devastation left in Andrew's wake...that was a badge of honor. Had I been in this comic's place, it never would have occurred to me to turn down the challenge.
Times change, I guess.
The second event was introducing in a new comic to the stage. After saying his name, I looked towards the stage entrance.
No comic.
I've had this happen before. New comics sometimes aren't ready for their cue and take their sweet time getting to the stage, leaving me standing there like a doofus.
Fucking amateurs, I thought.
Actually, what I thought was fucking amat--
Because before I could complete the eur in amateur, the Comic in Question leaped out of the crowd and onto the stage behind me like Diamond Dallas Page coming after NWO era Randy Savage.
Swerve.
The sound tech said I looked more pissed off than he had ever seen me walking off stage.
And he was right.
I would like to say that I was mad because the comic was unprofessional. The truth is, I was mad at myself.
I've watched professional wrestling for twenty-three years. Almost two thirds of my life, and longer than every romantic relationship I've ever had combined.
And if there's one thing I should know from all that time, if you call a guy's name and his music plays, and he DOESN'T show up...you better turn around because nine times out of ten it's because the motherfucker's coming at you from behind out of the crowd. Possibly with a chair.
If I don't pick it up, I could finish my next set laid out on the stage with NWO spray-painted on my back.
In other news, I had a dream last night.
Not a Martin Luther King type dream of little black boys and little black girs and little white boys and little white girls.
My dream was about Guns N Roses getting back together.
The only problem was Axl refused to sing 'You Could Be Mine'
Calling on my negotiation skills, I offered to sing instead, provided the name of the band was changed to Guns N Brodribbs.
Axl laughed and agreed to sing. Catastrophe averted.
The only part left was to teach Edmonton comic--NATHA SEMENYNA--who was singing back-up vocals how to sing 'with your bitch slap rappin' and your cocaine tongue'
You're welcome GnFnR fans.
WRESTLING
Saturday, February 25 - RCW Explosion, Glengarry Community Hall - Edmonton
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
First there was the comic who refused to follow one of ANDREW IWANYK's impromptu performance pieces (in this case, with his co-conspirators JORDAN CHYSOWSKI and MATT ALEDDINE, the artist formerly known as Powermann), instead insisting he went on first.
I didn't mind accomodating his request, but I was genuinely surprised to hear him make it. When I started in stand-up, it was a privilege being invited to be a part of Iwanyk's debacles. And being the guy trusted to clean-up the devastation left in Andrew's wake...that was a badge of honor. Had I been in this comic's place, it never would have occurred to me to turn down the challenge.
Times change, I guess.
The second event was introducing in a new comic to the stage. After saying his name, I looked towards the stage entrance.
No comic.
I've had this happen before. New comics sometimes aren't ready for their cue and take their sweet time getting to the stage, leaving me standing there like a doofus.
Fucking amateurs, I thought.
Actually, what I thought was fucking amat--
Because before I could complete the eur in amateur, the Comic in Question leaped out of the crowd and onto the stage behind me like Diamond Dallas Page coming after NWO era Randy Savage.
Swerve.
The sound tech said I looked more pissed off than he had ever seen me walking off stage.
And he was right.
I would like to say that I was mad because the comic was unprofessional. The truth is, I was mad at myself.
I've watched professional wrestling for twenty-three years. Almost two thirds of my life, and longer than every romantic relationship I've ever had combined.
And if there's one thing I should know from all that time, if you call a guy's name and his music plays, and he DOESN'T show up...you better turn around because nine times out of ten it's because the motherfucker's coming at you from behind out of the crowd. Possibly with a chair.
If I don't pick it up, I could finish my next set laid out on the stage with NWO spray-painted on my back.
In other news, I had a dream last night.
Not a Martin Luther King type dream of little black boys and little black girs and little white boys and little white girls.
My dream was about Guns N Roses getting back together.
The only problem was Axl refused to sing 'You Could Be Mine'
Calling on my negotiation skills, I offered to sing instead, provided the name of the band was changed to Guns N Brodribbs.
Axl laughed and agreed to sing. Catastrophe averted.
The only part left was to teach Edmonton comic--NATHA SEMENYNA--who was singing back-up vocals how to sing 'with your bitch slap rappin' and your cocaine tongue'
You're welcome GnFnR fans.
WRESTLING
Saturday, February 25 - RCW Explosion, Glengarry Community Hall - Edmonton
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
Friday, January 20, 2012
Our Futures Together
Our homework, should we choose to accept it, was to watch television.
I like this kind of work.
The class was a negotiation class. Our instructions were to watch a televsion program with some interpersonal conflict and identify the issues.
I chose a married couple who travel through time and space accompanying the title character in Dr. Who.
I want to be a couples counsellor for time travellers. Their problems are a lot more interesting for me as a counsellor.
ME: "Let's see Mr. and Mrs. Pond. We've talked for a while and together you've agreed that the four most pressing issues for you to address are: 'Information sharing,' 'Travel,' 'Timing of Rescues,' and...ummm...'Marital Obligations and Romantic Boundary-Setting vis a vis Future Versions of Spouses from Alternate Realities'"
So where would you like to start?"
WRESTLING
Saturday, February 25 - RCW Explosion, Glengarry Community Hall - Edmonton
COMEDY
Monday, January 30 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
I like this kind of work.
The class was a negotiation class. Our instructions were to watch a televsion program with some interpersonal conflict and identify the issues.
I chose a married couple who travel through time and space accompanying the title character in Dr. Who.
I want to be a couples counsellor for time travellers. Their problems are a lot more interesting for me as a counsellor.
ME: "Let's see Mr. and Mrs. Pond. We've talked for a while and together you've agreed that the four most pressing issues for you to address are: 'Information sharing,' 'Travel,' 'Timing of Rescues,' and...ummm...'Marital Obligations and Romantic Boundary-Setting vis a vis Future Versions of Spouses from Alternate Realities'"
So where would you like to start?"
WRESTLING
Saturday, February 25 - RCW Explosion, Glengarry Community Hall - Edmonton
COMEDY
Monday, January 30 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Eat Play Love...and Vacuum
If I were to write a best-selling memoir about my nephew's first five months on the planet, it would be called EAT PLAY LOVE. Although I'd probably have to work something in there about sleeping and pooping too.
I haven't written much lately. This blog was to chronicle my adventures. I'm still having adventures these days, but most of them are of a different type ...learning how to be a grown-up.
And who wants to read about that?
It's been an interesting journey. I've climbed mountains. I've jumped out of airplanes. I've entertained large and sometimes hostile crowds.
None of those things have been as scary or as difficult as learning how to be a Good Uncle and Family Member, Adult Member of Society and all-around Responsible Human Being.
Today's adventure was learning how to clean the filter on my vacuum cleaner, an epic rollercoaster tale that ended with my kitchen counter, my floor, and my entire body from head to foot coated in a fine, grey, dust. Hazy clouds of it floated through the air and settled on the plants, the table, and the refrigerator. My kitchen has become an archaelogical site, the aftermath of the eruption of a lint volcano.
Looks like I won't be wearing these pants to the show tonight after all.
It was kind of fun.
But I haven't completely become Dan Brodribb, Good Citizen. There's wrestling tonight. There's comedy later in the month. There's the inconsistently-updated-but still-brilliant Gateway Boyfriend blog.
Check those things out. I hope to see you there.
Just as soon as I change my pants.
WRESTLING
Saturday, January 14 - RCW New Year's Retribution, Glengarry Community Hall - Edmonton
COMEDY
Monday, January 3o - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
I haven't written much lately. This blog was to chronicle my adventures. I'm still having adventures these days, but most of them are of a different type ...learning how to be a grown-up.
And who wants to read about that?
It's been an interesting journey. I've climbed mountains. I've jumped out of airplanes. I've entertained large and sometimes hostile crowds.
None of those things have been as scary or as difficult as learning how to be a Good Uncle and Family Member, Adult Member of Society and all-around Responsible Human Being.
Today's adventure was learning how to clean the filter on my vacuum cleaner, an epic rollercoaster tale that ended with my kitchen counter, my floor, and my entire body from head to foot coated in a fine, grey, dust. Hazy clouds of it floated through the air and settled on the plants, the table, and the refrigerator. My kitchen has become an archaelogical site, the aftermath of the eruption of a lint volcano.
Looks like I won't be wearing these pants to the show tonight after all.
It was kind of fun.
But I haven't completely become Dan Brodribb, Good Citizen. There's wrestling tonight. There's comedy later in the month. There's the inconsistently-updated-but still-brilliant Gateway Boyfriend blog.
Check those things out. I hope to see you there.
Just as soon as I change my pants.
WRESTLING
Saturday, January 14 - RCW New Year's Retribution, Glengarry Community Hall - Edmonton
COMEDY
Monday, January 3o - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Jiu Jitsu Is A Lot Like Comedy
Tuesday I was flat on my back, flailing like a landed fish as I tried to draw breath with a two hundred and fifteen pound man sitting on my chest and thinking: Wow. This is just like comedy.
More precisely, learning jiu jitsu is a lot like learning comedy. In both cases, you suck at first, you keep sucking for a lot longer than you think you should, and when the unexpected happens in the middle of performing, you feel completely clueless as to what to do about it. The irony of comedy and jiu jitsu is you end up in the worst positions when you're new, which means your worst situations happen at the time when you have the least skill and experience to deal with them (*). You leave the venue depressed and frustrated with yourself, having been confronted in no uncertain terms with the fact that you really don't know what you're doing.
And yet you can't wait to go back for more.
Just another reason I'm grateful for my comedy experience. It's taught me persistence. It's forced me to learn how to deal with my own emotions and negative thoughts.
Most of all, it's taught me that not everything worthwhile comes easily and that even on nights when you feel like you're never going to get it, you're still learning things and making progress, whether it feels like it or not.
Comedy is like jiu jitsu. Sometimes you're the guy kicking ass and sometimes you're the guy gasping for air with the two-hundred pound monster on your chest--and you never know which is going to happen from show to show.
Which is it going to be?
Well, as it happens, I'm at The Comic Strip next week from September 28 to October 2.
Come down and find out.
(*) I'm thinking of YOU, Thirsty Turtle Pub back in the fall of '05. That wasn't so much like having a two-hundred pound man sitting on you. It was more like having a two-hundred pound man sit on you, hit you with a pipe, have his friends kick you in the nether regions and then a witch doctor coming by and sucking out your soul through your nostrils.
COMEDY
Wednesday, September 28 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Thursday, September 29 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Friday, September 30 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Saturday, October 1 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Sunday, October 2 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Saturday, October 8 - Private Function, Edmonton
WRESTLING
RCW Rise of the Legends tour featuring former WWE tag champions Demolition
Friday, October 14 - Rimbey Community Centre, Rimbey
Saturday, October 15 - Glengarry Community Hall, Edmonton
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
More precisely, learning jiu jitsu is a lot like learning comedy. In both cases, you suck at first, you keep sucking for a lot longer than you think you should, and when the unexpected happens in the middle of performing, you feel completely clueless as to what to do about it. The irony of comedy and jiu jitsu is you end up in the worst positions when you're new, which means your worst situations happen at the time when you have the least skill and experience to deal with them (*). You leave the venue depressed and frustrated with yourself, having been confronted in no uncertain terms with the fact that you really don't know what you're doing.
And yet you can't wait to go back for more.
Just another reason I'm grateful for my comedy experience. It's taught me persistence. It's forced me to learn how to deal with my own emotions and negative thoughts.
Most of all, it's taught me that not everything worthwhile comes easily and that even on nights when you feel like you're never going to get it, you're still learning things and making progress, whether it feels like it or not.
Comedy is like jiu jitsu. Sometimes you're the guy kicking ass and sometimes you're the guy gasping for air with the two-hundred pound monster on your chest--and you never know which is going to happen from show to show.
Which is it going to be?
Well, as it happens, I'm at The Comic Strip next week from September 28 to October 2.
Come down and find out.
(*) I'm thinking of YOU, Thirsty Turtle Pub back in the fall of '05. That wasn't so much like having a two-hundred pound man sitting on you. It was more like having a two-hundred pound man sit on you, hit you with a pipe, have his friends kick you in the nether regions and then a witch doctor coming by and sucking out your soul through your nostrils.
COMEDY
Wednesday, September 28 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Thursday, September 29 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Friday, September 30 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Saturday, October 1 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Sunday, October 2 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Saturday, October 8 - Private Function, Edmonton
WRESTLING
RCW Rise of the Legends tour featuring former WWE tag champions Demolition
Friday, October 14 - Rimbey Community Centre, Rimbey
Saturday, October 15 - Glengarry Community Hall, Edmonton
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
Monday, September 12, 2011
Kidney Stones, Babies & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Busy Busy Busy.
Application for Grad School continues. A lot more hoops to jump through than I expected.
Also there have been some new distractions:
Distraction One: A brief hospital visit for some extreme pain in my back which turned out to be a kidney stone. Oddly enough, as soon as I found out it was kidney stone, the pain bothered me a lot less. By normal pain standards what I was experiencing was excruciating, but I've had kidney stones before and by kidney stone standards...I'll take the pain I was feeling with a smile because it could have been a lot worse.
Distraction Two: I have a nephew now. He is adorable, and having him in my life has made me do a lot of reprioritizing.
Distraction Three: I have started training in Jiu Jitsu. There is a tournament in a couple weeks and I'm considering entering.
Why not? I've been training for a whole month.
And of course I have my years of pro wrestling watching to fall back on which has given me a significant advantage even when my training partners are clearly wrestling wrong what with them grabbing the wrong arm and refusing to slow down and work the crowd and forgetting to call the next spot.
Still, I plan to sneak into the tournament grounds and slide a folding steel chair under the mats. You never know when you might need a little insurance.
On the other hand, there is this....
I've been choked out by a six week old infant. That is not what we would consider a good start. In fairness, as anyone anyone who has tried to get past his legs to change his diaper will attest, he's got a heck of a guard.
COMEDY
Wednesday, September 14 - Goodfellow's Pub, Edmonton
Wednesday, September 28 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Thursday, September 29 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Friday, September 30 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Saturday, October 1 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Sunday, October 2 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Saturday, October 8 - Private Function, Edmonton
WRESTLING
Saturday, September 17 - RCW Collision Course
Saturday, October 15 - RCW Rise of Legends (Featuring former WWE tag champions Demolition)
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
Application for Grad School continues. A lot more hoops to jump through than I expected.
Also there have been some new distractions:
Distraction One: A brief hospital visit for some extreme pain in my back which turned out to be a kidney stone. Oddly enough, as soon as I found out it was kidney stone, the pain bothered me a lot less. By normal pain standards what I was experiencing was excruciating, but I've had kidney stones before and by kidney stone standards...I'll take the pain I was feeling with a smile because it could have been a lot worse.
Distraction Two: I have a nephew now. He is adorable, and having him in my life has made me do a lot of reprioritizing.
Distraction Three: I have started training in Jiu Jitsu. There is a tournament in a couple weeks and I'm considering entering.
Why not? I've been training for a whole month.
And of course I have my years of pro wrestling watching to fall back on which has given me a significant advantage even when my training partners are clearly wrestling wrong what with them grabbing the wrong arm and refusing to slow down and work the crowd and forgetting to call the next spot.
Still, I plan to sneak into the tournament grounds and slide a folding steel chair under the mats. You never know when you might need a little insurance.
On the other hand, there is this....
I've been choked out by a six week old infant. That is not what we would consider a good start. In fairness, as anyone anyone who has tried to get past his legs to change his diaper will attest, he's got a heck of a guard.
COMEDY
Wednesday, September 14 - Goodfellow's Pub, Edmonton
Wednesday, September 28 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Thursday, September 29 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Friday, September 30 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Saturday, October 1 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Sunday, October 2 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Saturday, October 8 - Private Function, Edmonton
WRESTLING
Saturday, September 17 - RCW Collision Course
Saturday, October 15 - RCW Rise of Legends (Featuring former WWE tag champions Demolition)
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
Upcoming Stuff - Comedy & Wrestling
COMEDY
Wednesday, September 14 - Goodfellow's Pub, Edmonton
Wednesday, September 28 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Thursday, September 29 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Friday, September 30 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Saturday, October 1 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Sunday, October 2 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Saturday, October 8 - Private Function, Edmonton
WRESTLING
Saturday, September 17 - RCW Collision Course
Saturday, October 15 - RCW Rise of Legends (Featuring former WWE tag champions Demolition)
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
Wednesday, September 14 - Goodfellow's Pub, Edmonton
Wednesday, September 28 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Thursday, September 29 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Friday, September 30 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Saturday, October 1 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Sunday, October 2 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Saturday, October 8 - Private Function, Edmonton
WRESTLING
Saturday, September 17 - RCW Collision Course
Saturday, October 15 - RCW Rise of Legends (Featuring former WWE tag champions Demolition)
WRITING
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
Friday, August 12, 2011
On Falling & Flying
Sheesh. Was going to take on the subject of the late Jani Lane in my next Metal & Dust entry, but Chuck Klosterman beat me to it.
Speaking of links, this one is also hilarious. John Stamos, you are my new hero, despite your uncanny resemblance to the lead singer of DeSousa Drive.
It's been a heck of a 24 hours: great yoga, magical night of salsa, good comedy set, a potluck to say goodbye to a co-worker...
and there's more to come this weekend.
I feel as energized as I've ever been. The Attitude has been helping a lot. I'm energized these days, more than I have been in awhile.
But I'm also--at least at this moment--very tired.
That's the eternal dilemma. I get so much out of bringing energy, trying to bring happiness and a good attitude to things. The results are great.
But there are also times I just want to crash, to let myself go, and just let myself be supported for awhile.
I hate the thought of being a drain on anyone. I know I'm not, I know there are plenty of people who are happy to be there for me, that WANT to be able to be there for me.
All I have to do is ask. All I have to do is let myself go.
But sometimes I can't ask.
This post turned out different than I expected when I started writing it. Fatigue dampens my mood, it seems.
No problem, I'll face my fatigue the way I'm willing to face the other things in my life. I'll acknowledge it, embrace it, and make it a part of me.
Two hours until jiu-jitsu. Then Codependents Anonymous meeting and a Boy's Night Out. And the rest of the weekend promises even more possibilities.
Falling can wait. I've got flying to do.
Upcoming Comedy
Monday, August 22 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Writing
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
Speaking of links, this one is also hilarious. John Stamos, you are my new hero, despite your uncanny resemblance to the lead singer of DeSousa Drive.
It's been a heck of a 24 hours: great yoga, magical night of salsa, good comedy set, a potluck to say goodbye to a co-worker...
and there's more to come this weekend.
I feel as energized as I've ever been. The Attitude has been helping a lot. I'm energized these days, more than I have been in awhile.
But I'm also--at least at this moment--very tired.
That's the eternal dilemma. I get so much out of bringing energy, trying to bring happiness and a good attitude to things. The results are great.
But there are also times I just want to crash, to let myself go, and just let myself be supported for awhile.
I hate the thought of being a drain on anyone. I know I'm not, I know there are plenty of people who are happy to be there for me, that WANT to be able to be there for me.
All I have to do is ask. All I have to do is let myself go.
But sometimes I can't ask.
This post turned out different than I expected when I started writing it. Fatigue dampens my mood, it seems.
No problem, I'll face my fatigue the way I'm willing to face the other things in my life. I'll acknowledge it, embrace it, and make it a part of me.
Two hours until jiu-jitsu. Then Codependents Anonymous meeting and a Boy's Night Out. And the rest of the weekend promises even more possibilities.
Falling can wait. I've got flying to do.
Upcoming Comedy
Monday, August 22 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Writing
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
A Quick Qomedy...er, Comedy...Update
I'll be hosting the Hit or Miss Night at the Comic Strip in West Edmonton Mall on August 22.
See you there!!
Upcoming Comedy
Monday, August 22 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Writing
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
See you there!!
Upcoming Comedy
Monday, August 22 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Writing
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
Check out this link for information on how to get Dan's Dating for Shy Guys ebook
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
In Which Dan Nearly--But Not Quite--Has Two Large Women Getting Into A Physcial Altercation Over Him
I don't remember whose idea it was to return to the Thompson Inn.
Maybe it was no one's idea. Maybe it was just something that germinated in our collective unconscious, a subliminal compulsion that slowly blossomed into the front of our minds.
Or maybe it was mine and Heavy Metal's idea. Who can remember such things?
For those of you who need a refresher, The Thompson Inn is where the wrestlers stayed on the 2010 tour. It is a hive of scum and villainy--blood on the walls, broken locks, broken beds...drunks and addicts stumbling up and down the hallways.
It's also where I learned the Howson Partying Secret to maintain a spotless reputation on the road: 1) Party in OTHER people's rooms 2) Show up on time the next day.
It seems to have worked so far.
Did I mention we nearly got thrown out of the place last year? What do you have to do to be thrown out of the Thompson Inn? Only professional wrestlers know for sure.
In 2011 we stayed in a different place, the LAKEVIEW INN & SUITES, which I am writing in capital letters as a plug for them since without their generosity and help being Trapped in Thompson would have been a lot more unpleasant.
It's also a really nice place. Very homey and great staff.
The bar in the Thompson Inn...not so much.
No description can do justice to this bar. Picture the worst bar you've ever seen in your life. Now imagine that bar being sacked by Vikings and repainted with several chipped and peeling coats of Despair. Now add in a zombie apocalypse. Then take away all of the zombies except for a handful...the ones too slow to get any brains.
That's the bar in the Thompson Inn.
How could you NOT go back?
Past the drunks clustered outside. Through the door and into the establishment proper--a stage and dance floor on one side of the room, the bar on the other, clusters of line-faced drunks dotting the the area like the raisins in a slice of raisin bread.
And that's when I became the belle of the ball.
I was approached by at least three older, drunker, native women, three times my size.
Did I say approach? These were more like assaults. No flirting. No back and forth. Just a storming of the sexual ramparts, grabbing at me and incoherent mumbling.
Maybe the zombie analogy is more appropriate than I first thought.
But do you know what?
I had a great time.
One of them pulled me onto the dance floor. The dancing was fun; the conversation and inappropriate groping of my parts, less so. And yes, I played up my horrified discomfort, mostly to amuse the watching wrestlers.
But secretly--in those moments when I wasn't fending off her advances or looking over at my friends to see if they were taking any pictures--I enjoyed dancing with her.
Yes, she was drunk. No, she wasn't particularly attractive or likeable.
But I have a theory that all women are sexy. You just need to look for it.
And you could find it in this woman too. Just a spark, when we were dancing of the person maybe she used to be or could have been or maybe could be again. I looked in her eyes and saw past the alcohol and the years and the disappointments. I saw past my own prejudices, preconceptions, and judgements and recognized...well, a person, just like anybody else, someone who wants to be happy.
In that moment of human connection, dancing with her became fun. I stopped worrying about what my friends thought. I stopped caring about how I looked.
I enjoyed the dance.
This might be a cute story if it ended there, but it didn't.
After the dance, she continued to pursue me. Telling her I had to go didn't work, peeling her hand of my wrist didn't work.
I ended up weaving through the group of wrestlers like a basketball player coming off of a screen, finally buying myself a few seconds by ducking behind the six foot eight ZACK MERCURY (*)
I managed to find a seat. She managed to find me.
I was at a loss. I had tried everything. Assertiveness. Physical disengagement. Zack Effin' Mercury. What was left for poor Dan Brodribb?
The answer was about to arrive, and arrive it did like thunder.
It came in the form of yet ANOTHER overweight Native American woman.
It came--although I didn't learn her name until later--in the form of Muriel.
She powered between me and my assailant like a bulldozer, clamped her arm around me like a vice, turned to the other woman and said in the clipped First Nations accent:
"Hey. You messin' wit' my boyfriend?"
For a second they started at each other. I had a moment of giddiness--oh my god, they're going to fight over me.
This could be AWESOME.
Two gigantic Native American women throwing down amidst a group of wrestlers over the affections of the ring announcer...that is a visual on Big-Jess-Getting-Shot-With-Fireworks levels of unforgettable.
Alas, it was not to be. After a few moments of intent staring, the first woman slunk off like a jackal abandoning a zebra carcass.
I was relieved, then realized Muriel's arm was still around me.
Oh shit.
Had I gone from frying pan to fire?
Muriel drew closer, looked up at me...and winked.
"You look liked you needed some help," she whispered in my ear.
Oh, I did, Muriel. I did. And I'm not too proud to accept yours. Thank you from the bottom of my ring announcing, Buddhist, stand-up comic, relationship blogging heart.
Some may call the Thompson Inn hell, but for tonight, I had found my angel.
(*) My first Zack Mercury Experience was sitting next to him in the passenger seat of a rental truck, careening down a dirt road in the middle of nowhere while he simultaneously drove, texted, set up his ipod and mixed himself a protein shake without once looking at the road. He's a fun-loving, laid-back guy, which is why it came as such as surprise to me when he once told me something so on-point about my personal sense of self that I lie awake at night staring at the ceiling thinking about it to this day.
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Monday, August 22 - The Comic Strip, Edmonton
Writing
Dan's writing on Dating and relationships can be found at thegatewayboyfriend.blogspot.com
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