Friday, May 11, 2007
Pretending I Still Use This Blog
Wow, I must not care about this thing at all anymore. Well, most things troupe-related have fallen off, to be honest. I'm trying to get things going again with some new material, but we'll see how that goes.
We were in Orillia on the 4th of May for their comedy festival. The short of the evening can be found in the following point-form list:
- we performed at two places that were strictly restaurants, and two places that were mostly bars
- references to Dungeons and Dragons don't work in Orillia
- references to the NDP, even if they aren't jokes in themselves, do work
It was a strange night. At best, it was carefree, and at worst, a little humiliating. It was great fun to sit around drinking with the other troupes (The Boiled Wieners, Ms. Chickaburns and our favourite troupe, Approximately 3 Peters) and the drive back was nice. I wasn't as loaded as I should have been when I got back to my room at 4:30 on Saturday morning. This is either because I didn't really drink very much or because I'm about to develop a horrible, horrible drinking problem. Either way, I'm going to have trouble getting a mortgage.
Anyway, we're headed to Sketchfest Montreal in a week. We'll be blowing the doors, windows, and toilets out of Theatre Ste. Catherine at 8pm on May 18th. We've pulled some stuff off of the website in preparation. We have some locals coming out to see us, and we want to milk some of the older material. We don't want people in Montreal seeing it beforehand. This, very likely, would not happen anyway, but I like to feel clever every few days, and this idea was my best this week.
I have new baseball glove. Thedude and I patronized a Toronto sporting goods establishment, and wandered out with Demarini Voodoo softball gloves. Mine is almost broken in after a game of catch-ball and some oil. Instead of mink oil, I trapped a mink, and bound it up inside the glove. It was justifiably terrified, so it was sweating like crazy. The natural oils from the fur made the glove more supple. I suppose I didn't have to squeeze the little guy so hard, but I wanted to make sure the pocket was as soft as possible to absorb any screaming line drives I may encounter. The mink's ultimate sacrifice was commemorated. Also, we came up a baseball sketch. Look for it June 5 at the Rivoli.
Mike
We were in Orillia on the 4th of May for their comedy festival. The short of the evening can be found in the following point-form list:
- we performed at two places that were strictly restaurants, and two places that were mostly bars
- references to Dungeons and Dragons don't work in Orillia
- references to the NDP, even if they aren't jokes in themselves, do work
It was a strange night. At best, it was carefree, and at worst, a little humiliating. It was great fun to sit around drinking with the other troupes (The Boiled Wieners, Ms. Chickaburns and our favourite troupe, Approximately 3 Peters) and the drive back was nice. I wasn't as loaded as I should have been when I got back to my room at 4:30 on Saturday morning. This is either because I didn't really drink very much or because I'm about to develop a horrible, horrible drinking problem. Either way, I'm going to have trouble getting a mortgage.
Anyway, we're headed to Sketchfest Montreal in a week. We'll be blowing the doors, windows, and toilets out of Theatre Ste. Catherine at 8pm on May 18th. We've pulled some stuff off of the website in preparation. We have some locals coming out to see us, and we want to milk some of the older material. We don't want people in Montreal seeing it beforehand. This, very likely, would not happen anyway, but I like to feel clever every few days, and this idea was my best this week.
I have new baseball glove. Thedude and I patronized a Toronto sporting goods establishment, and wandered out with Demarini Voodoo softball gloves. Mine is almost broken in after a game of catch-ball and some oil. Instead of mink oil, I trapped a mink, and bound it up inside the glove. It was justifiably terrified, so it was sweating like crazy. The natural oils from the fur made the glove more supple. I suppose I didn't have to squeeze the little guy so hard, but I wanted to make sure the pocket was as soft as possible to absorb any screaming line drives I may encounter. The mink's ultimate sacrifice was commemorated. Also, we came up a baseball sketch. Look for it June 5 at the Rivoli.
Mike
Thursday, March 08, 2007
New stuff good
Our set at the Rivoli on Tuesday went well. Many thanks to everyone who came out on a pretty cold night. We had a good time, and our friend Justin G. Landry (www.justinglandry.com) joined us for the first of what will hopefully be many appearances. From the sound of things, people like what we're doing - which makes me....well, if not happy, then definitely not quite as irritated as I normally am when I wake up every morning.
As for what's new, we've just finished a new audio bit, and we're shooting a new video. Vol. 4 of the TD Guide to Going Big is on the way, but Blake and Mitch will be shooting something in the next few weeks to tide us over. People are asking about the guys, which is pretty cool - we didn't know they'd be so popular. They knew, of course, and Mitch was "jacked, bra" when I told him about the interest. Then he tore the sleeves off of his shirt and ate three steaks. What a guy!
Mike
As for what's new, we've just finished a new audio bit, and we're shooting a new video. Vol. 4 of the TD Guide to Going Big is on the way, but Blake and Mitch will be shooting something in the next few weeks to tide us over. People are asking about the guys, which is pretty cool - we didn't know they'd be so popular. They knew, of course, and Mitch was "jacked, bra" when I told him about the interest. Then he tore the sleeves off of his shirt and ate three steaks. What a guy!
Mike
Monday, February 26, 2007
Radio and such
Tune in to CIUT 89.5 FM for the Cap'n Dave Comedy Hour on Tuesday the 27th. We'll be playing a couple of new audio bits, as well as performing some stuff live. We've also got a surprise. Tune the hell in to find out what it is.
We have two new sketches ready for our set at the Rivoli next Tuesday. We're also doing our two new bits from last time, since there were four people at that show. If you haven't seen it, it's new to you.
Speaking of new, I just recorded the VO for a new Cadbury commercial. It's for their new Christ's Resurrection (sorry....Easter) candy - Popping Mini Eggs. On a side note, I love the Cadbury bunny. I enjoy the fact that he makes chicken sounds. Anyway, the commercial features the bunny hopping around a neighbourhood, leaving little baskets of candy on doorsteps. He hops to the end of the road, and observes as the mini eggs pop - blowing the doors off of houses, and destroying porches. I wonder if this commercial will air in the U.S., as the bunny is clearly a terrorist. I'm wondering what kind of reaction it'll get.
In case you're wondering, I don't make any more money if you eat the eggs. Still, you might as well enjoy them.
Mike
We have two new sketches ready for our set at the Rivoli next Tuesday. We're also doing our two new bits from last time, since there were four people at that show. If you haven't seen it, it's new to you.
Speaking of new, I just recorded the VO for a new Cadbury commercial. It's for their new Christ's Resurrection (sorry....Easter) candy - Popping Mini Eggs. On a side note, I love the Cadbury bunny. I enjoy the fact that he makes chicken sounds. Anyway, the commercial features the bunny hopping around a neighbourhood, leaving little baskets of candy on doorsteps. He hops to the end of the road, and observes as the mini eggs pop - blowing the doors off of houses, and destroying porches. I wonder if this commercial will air in the U.S., as the bunny is clearly a terrorist. I'm wondering what kind of reaction it'll get.
In case you're wondering, I don't make any more money if you eat the eggs. Still, you might as well enjoy them.
Mike
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Next Week
On Tuesday, Jan 23rd, we're part of the Just For Laughs showcase at the Rivoli. We could use the chuckles, so come on out and scream for us. Help us impress the JFL rep. We'll pass the savings on to you. 9pm.
Why I've been so Quiet
I have lost my life to Gears of War.
My girlfriend was awesome enough to drop Xbox 360 into my lap for my birthday, and Gears of War followed. Man, oh, man. Seriously. Man. Google it, and amaze yourself with the unanimous praise that has been heaped upon this game. Now, finally, Mike Kiss weighs in,
"Man. That's something,"
So, now it's mid-January, we finally have snow, and I'm (almost) out from under the game. It's freaking balls-out wicked, and you owe it to your thumbs to buy this game. Gears of War has one of the most immersive environments of any game I've ever played - one that conveys a feeling that things have been going badly for this world for a long time. Headshots, amusing banter between squadmates, and challenging firefights follow. Along with something called a chainsaw bayonet. Yes, that's right. If you can get in close to an enemy while armed with your assault rifle, you can crank up the bayonet and chew your foe to bits. The camera swoops in to catch the best possible angle - resulting in the "lens" becoming spattered with blood. It's a thousand times more awesome than you can imagine. My first experience with it produced an overjoyed, "Oh, yeeeeaaaah!" and I'll never get tired of it. So, play the game.
My holidays were fine. The best part was the drive to my parents' place in Manitouwadge. I passed this hilarious sign in Sault Ste. Marie. When Ivan says it's your LAST garage door, I think he means that he intends to kill you after he installs it.
My girlfriend was awesome enough to drop Xbox 360 into my lap for my birthday, and Gears of War followed. Man, oh, man. Seriously. Man. Google it, and amaze yourself with the unanimous praise that has been heaped upon this game. Now, finally, Mike Kiss weighs in,
"Man. That's something,"
So, now it's mid-January, we finally have snow, and I'm (almost) out from under the game. It's freaking balls-out wicked, and you owe it to your thumbs to buy this game. Gears of War has one of the most immersive environments of any game I've ever played - one that conveys a feeling that things have been going badly for this world for a long time. Headshots, amusing banter between squadmates, and challenging firefights follow. Along with something called a chainsaw bayonet. Yes, that's right. If you can get in close to an enemy while armed with your assault rifle, you can crank up the bayonet and chew your foe to bits. The camera swoops in to catch the best possible angle - resulting in the "lens" becoming spattered with blood. It's a thousand times more awesome than you can imagine. My first experience with it produced an overjoyed, "Oh, yeeeeaaaah!" and I'll never get tired of it. So, play the game.
My holidays were fine. The best part was the drive to my parents' place in Manitouwadge. I passed this hilarious sign in Sault Ste. Marie. When Ivan says it's your LAST garage door, I think he means that he intends to kill you after he installs it.
We've been pretty lazy lately, but we've got some new videos to shoot, and new sketches on the way, so next month should see some progress.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Happy Everything
We've posted two new holiday videos in our media section (also on our myspace and youtube pages) so have a look and enjoy. You'll find a version of the Yuletide Log that fits better with what I remember around this time of year, and also a bit based on Dateline's To Catch a Predator.
Now - some of you may actually watch Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Not sure why you would. Kind of rots. But, anyway, we screened and posted this video the day after Studio 60 did a similar bit on their show. I didn't see their's, but I'm sure it represented the absolute pinnacle of comedy, filled as it must have been with cutting satire and the most current of pop culture references. It also must have involved Santa walking down an endless hallway for sixty seconds, chattering faster than a busted chainsaw. Because THAT is TV writing. Fuck it.
We did not steal that idea. If you want to talk about it and make your accusations in person, I'd be happy to steal your lungs from your chest with my bare hands. Then we'll see.
The we'll all see.
Mike.
Now - some of you may actually watch Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Not sure why you would. Kind of rots. But, anyway, we screened and posted this video the day after Studio 60 did a similar bit on their show. I didn't see their's, but I'm sure it represented the absolute pinnacle of comedy, filled as it must have been with cutting satire and the most current of pop culture references. It also must have involved Santa walking down an endless hallway for sixty seconds, chattering faster than a busted chainsaw. Because THAT is TV writing. Fuck it.
We did not steal that idea. If you want to talk about it and make your accusations in person, I'd be happy to steal your lungs from your chest with my bare hands. Then we'll see.
The we'll all see.
Mike.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Thanks
Our thanks to everyone who came out to the Gladstone last night. The show was sold out, and we learned that the maximum safe capacity of the room was 130. The crowd was great, and the performance was the best we've ever done. We'd made some changes to a couple of sketches to try to find their voices, and everything worked. Our new toy commercial for My Koala Princess needs a bit of work, but the concept was sound enough to get some laughs. We had great light cues from thedude, so we finally had the sudden endings that some of our sketches need.
In all, a great night. Neat atmosphere to the fest, too. I'll be taking in more comedy over the weekend. Can't wait to see The Williamson Playboys.
In all, a great night. Neat atmosphere to the fest, too. I'll be taking in more comedy over the weekend. Can't wait to see The Williamson Playboys.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Festival, Go!
So we're ready for our set at the Toronto Sketch Festival tonight. I guess I should say 'to-nite!' since it's an entertainment thing. The Gladstone is:
- *much* nicer than I remember. Honestly, it was a hideous hole the last time I was there.
- home to something called 'The Ploughman's Lunch,' which is something I doubt any badass ploughman would ever eat. Tiny pickled onions, cherry tomatoes, gerkhins, and cold pork with a baguette doesn't scream PLOUGHMAN to me.
Ran into The Imponderables whilst we ate, and the idea of a Olde-Tyme Porkwright was born. I'll see if I can't get it written first.
Not so much worried about tonight, as I am wishing we'd already performed. I always enjoy the feeling of having given a solid performance more than being on stage. And I hate these moments of thinking, "I'm running out of time," even though I don't have anything to do. I'm going to head back early to watch Approximately 3 Peters and Asiansploitation @ 7pm.
I need to find a sweater-vest for the show tonight. Why? Well, you'll have to come out, won't you?
- *much* nicer than I remember. Honestly, it was a hideous hole the last time I was there.
- home to something called 'The Ploughman's Lunch,' which is something I doubt any badass ploughman would ever eat. Tiny pickled onions, cherry tomatoes, gerkhins, and cold pork with a baguette doesn't scream PLOUGHMAN to me.
Ran into The Imponderables whilst we ate, and the idea of a Olde-Tyme Porkwright was born. I'll see if I can't get it written first.
Not so much worried about tonight, as I am wishing we'd already performed. I always enjoy the feeling of having given a solid performance more than being on stage. And I hate these moments of thinking, "I'm running out of time," even though I don't have anything to do. I'm going to head back early to watch Approximately 3 Peters and Asiansploitation @ 7pm.
I need to find a sweater-vest for the show tonight. Why? Well, you'll have to come out, won't you?
It seems like everybody these days has a blog of their own. Well now it's officially everybody +1!
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Previous Posts:
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Previous Posts:
- Pretending I Still Use This Blog
- New stuff good
- Radio and such
- Next Week
- Why I've been so Quiet
- Happy Everything
- Thanks
- Festival, Go!
- Game One - when I was happy
- Myspace 2
- June 2006
- July 2006
- August 2006
- September 2006
- October 2006
- November 2006
- December 2006
- January 2007
- February 2007
- March 2007
- May 2007
