Butter Chicken..

As opposed to battered, deep-fried, seven secret spices chicken, tonight Mrs. That Dan Guy has convinced me to try butter chicken for dinner.  It is lurking in the fridge as we speak...

I think I may have tried a homemade version of this dish at a buffet last year, but still - actually going all exotic for real?

Hope I survive...this is new territory for a guy that find whole wheat bread radical....

Chow for now!

Butter chow later..............

Chicken Scratch

(posted by weekend guest blogger, actor (uncredited, extra, cameo...) Charlie Chicken...)

Howdy, Cluckers!

Yeah, Ole Charlie in yet another starrin' role - in tha latest Muppets movie. I didn't get a scene with tha guy frum How I Met You, Mutha, but Fozzie wuz still pretty cool.

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

Altho, in this pic, we weren't actin' - FYU, don't mess with Fozzie's honey....

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

Yeah, I like ta get these ohkayshunal roles in flickers, justa help keep me in tha lifestyle I've grown akkustumed to. 

Pretty much squattin' in a hooman household, foragin' fer booze when they're out...

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

Now, pleeze excuse me, I gotta go preepair fer ma next oddition. I'm hopin' ta get in either a new Will Ferrell movie, or one a them cookin' films - like Tha Bourne Leg-a-Cee...

Drumstick!!

Cluck fer now....

We've Got Shakes, We've Got Fries...

Is it wrong to be thinking about Big Macs and milkshakes at breakfast time?? That can't be a good thing.

I had better hug a banana, or have another Christmas Mandarin orange - which in retrospect might be why I'm dreaming of burgers and fries at 7 in the morning - too many oranges with stocking fur on them!!

Oh - forgot hot apple pies!!

Ooh my!!!

Mickey D!!!

MICKEY D!!!!

Apologies....

Chow for now.

"Go Ahead - Jump"

Van Halen's classic advice to aspiring divers - still gets me every time I hear it....

Chow for now!

It Begins Anew

Well, every year we worry if we have failed to take advantage of whatever the Number 11 is trying to get through to us relentlessly. This year starts off with a bang, as we saw 11's everywhere on Jan 1 - even from our new dry cleaner (above). Or maybe that's the local KFC, hard to recall. Incidentlly, that picture shows as Pic 22 (11+11)........

At any rate, even just coming downstairs this morning, the first thing I see as I pass by the television is a player wearing a jersey with...the number 11.

Clearly, the Universe is trying to get some sort of message out to us, and we just need to figure out what it is. As long we we don't end up owing the Universe any money.

Even $11.11.............................

Chow for now!

Two Hit Wonders Cast Interview - Podcast Version

Well, I finally had a chance during the holiday break to spend some time re-editing my Stage West Calgary cast interview for the Two Hit Wonders production.

Cut down to under half an hour, this combination of the two I have posted now on my Youtube channel seems a bit breezier, plus you can load this one to your devices, from i-Tunes (thatdanguy's podcast).

Hope you enjoy!

Now, on to the next one!

Two Hit Wonders Cast 2012

Chow for now....

Oh yeah - Happy New Year!

I think 2013 is gonna be amazing!!

Out With The Old, In With The New

As 2012 times out inevitably over the rest of today, what will 2013 bring?

Here's what I hope:

1) A thirteenth month. Why  do we only get twelve months to get things done in every year? Wouldn't another month come in handy? We shall call it Extrauary...

2) Mayans will feel free to come out of hiding, now that their doomsday calendar has proven as reliable as a noodle bungee cord. They will start a new fashion trend, with exotic headdresses...

3) The latest social media trend will roll out in early 2013 - Clapper. We will all communicate from our smartphones by clapping every time a Kardashian stays out of the news for a day.

4) I will invent a method of recycling used facial tissues for good, rather than as an obstacle course for Mrs. That Dan Guy to wander around constantly trying to avoid... Perhaps as attic insulation.

5) I will start these lists earlier, so that I don't have to pull the plug midway th............

Goodreads???

I am sending an appeal to my writing pals - basically an apology and a request for illumination.

HOW THE HELL DOES GOODREADS WORK??????

Sorry, I apparently keep getting requests, but whenever I view Goodreads on the mobile version, I cannot find said requests. I can't even find the original quests...

Honestly, I'm not ignoring you, I just can't seem to do anything, at least with the mobile app.

I also worry about giving out too much information, as that is never a prudent thing online, but I have just now allowed Facebook to link with the Goodreads program. Will this solve my problem? Will I finally see the requests I'm getting?

If I learn how to use Goodreads properly, will I be able to play the violin again? Was never able to in the first place, so just wondering....

Any help that anyone can offer would be much appreciated - I don't like wandering around in the darkness online - I have been known to stub my toe, or bang into things with my head - and I have to protect what's left of THAT asset...

Thanks in advance, and hey - belated Happy Holidays!!

Chow for now...

Chicken Scratch

(posted by weekend guest blogger Charlie Chicken..)

Wut does chickens dream about??

Well, I foun a pitcher on tha innernet that juss happens ta bee sumthin' ah DID dream about once - although wut wuz chasin' me looked more like a blond dog with hip dis-plashia, an a insayshuble appetite fer chicken...

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

Ah also dreams uv gettin' fed chicken feed by hens in togas, an on one o-kayshun, ah dreamt of a white Christmas - but that one stopped recently...

BUK-AAAAWK!!!! 

Oh, ah kin dreem ov all sortsa things. Racin' cars, boxin' with ellyfants, makin' the Top Five on Amerikin EyeDoll - all stuff that could happen in real life, ah suppose.

Ah also dreems uv havin' this shack ta mahself one day - instead uv havin' ta tiptoe aroun hoomans.

Sometimes one hostile hooman...

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

Don't think ah had a dreem lass night, although sumtimes ah don't always remember them. 

One time ah did dreem ah was flyin' in an errorplane - turns out ah wuz bein' hucked outta tha bathroom - again, them hostile hoomans...

Cluck fer now....

National Breast Month?

I'm pretty sure I saw a reference this morning to National Breast Month?

Well, okey-dokey!

As a fan of white meat, I always tend to prefer the breast, be it turkey, chicken or duck. In a pinch, I can go with dark meat, but only from a leg or drumstick. Otherwise, that stuff just doesn't do it for me.

Who knew it was something to celebrate though?? For the month?

Looks like KFC tonight!!!!

Chow for now....

No More Spiderman??

I just saw a scroll on the news that the last issue of Spiderman is being released today.

Say WHAT??

How is that even possible - did the last movie kill the entire franchise? Are comics falling outof favour with the kids?

Have artists and writers run out of ways to get him out of his own web in the morning?

I need to find out more about this - this really rocks my world.

Well, wobbles my web a little anyway.

Off to surf The Google!!

Chow for now....

Fan In An Hour

I've written before that Mrs. That Dan Guy and I watch a lot of reality television - if by reality television you mean broadcasts of real performers - such as the terrific concerts series such like  Live From The Artist's Den, and Infinity Hall Live.

We used to love Elvis Costello's interview and performance show, as well as a few others that have shuttered over the last year or so - but those two seem to be the current ast shows standing.

On Christmas Day, we watched a band on IHL that we had never heard of before  - Dawes. Amazing - we'll be searching out some of their music after the holidays. That particular series was also where we caught The Wailin' Jennys - and I've got another couple of episodes I'm hoarding on the PVR, so I imagine if I wait, there might be a few more CDs to pick up.

Sure, I'm missing who whatshername chose to date of all the competing whatssisnames, on the popular show for dingbat dating - but I suppose once I'm drooling in a nursing home somewhere, unable to change channels myself, I'll be able to catch up on shows like that. With the benefit of having my senses already dulled...

Till then - Viva REAL Reality TV!!!

Chow for now...

Hope Santa Stopped By!

Merry Christmas everyone!

I hope that Santa stuffed your stocking, if you know what I mean!

I hope that your Christmas was white, unless of course you don't suffer from light infraction issues, and can see the entire spectrum of colours.

I hope that your halls were decked, and that your boughs were jolly. Wait...??? What??

May you spend today with those you love.

Ho Ho Ho!!

Chow for now...

North Pole Property For Sale!

OK, yes - you have caught me...

I am indeed recycling a post from earlier this month - a link to my national humour column:

North Pole Feature Sheet (Things Have Gone To Elf)

But only because it had a lot of interest, and I thought it was worth pitching it past one more time.

As atonement, I will also submit (OK, re-submit) ANOTHER holiday column:

Santa's Blog

Now, what the heck will I do TOMORROW morning?

Oh well, at least I've dodged it for today :-)

Chow for now!

NYC, Philly & New Jersey Friends!

Hey, Philly/NYC/Jersey friends! If you can help out a great storefront and performance space for artists in Philadelphia with a mention on your FB page, Twitter or any new social media I haven't heard of yet - that would be awesome!

HODGEPODGE is mostly a DIY, eco conscious space at 1212 South Street, with 2/3rds of the space less visible from the front half. They are at a quiet stretch of South Street, and their space for small band/comedy/play rehearsals offers great opportunities for indie artists and up-and-comers!

In the performing/practice area, if folks keep rehearsals open for example, friends/family/retail patrons can contribute towards minimal costs. Hourly rates are $15/hour and drop to $10/hr with bulk hours and past first month. Easy monthly rate as well that also drops into second and third months. Some get credit towards free rehearsals, and can volunteer if up for it.

Singer/songwriters, perhaps improv comedy, mostly beginners workshops coming up real soon too. HODGEPODGE also want instructors, any with good knowledge that enjoy teaching!! They are more than open to suggestions for ANY workshops - heck, maybe even a business meeting? Be creative - they are :-)

Visit their Facebook Page for more info...

Thanks much!!

Video Interviews - Stage West Calgary's "Two Hit Wonders"

Here's Part Two of my cast interview with the second group of five Stage West actors appearing in the latest musical revue currently filling the house:

Stage West Calgary's "Two Hit Wonders" Part Two

Scroll down to find Part One!

They will both be available on my podcast site soon as well, with links back to the Calgary Herald review, and links to their social media/websites.

Ho Ho Ho!!

Chow for now.........

Chicken Scratch - Holiday Edition

(posted by weekend guest blogger Charlie Ho Ho Ho Chicken...)

Howdy, hoomans!

Does it look like I'm wearing tha Santa hat??

If this wuz, KFC, Ah'd be Crispy Kringle!!

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

My dreams wuz dashed this year - ah had hoped ta be one a them mall Santas - but the managers thought ma chicken legs would either collapse under tha weight a modern-day kids - or ah might be a risk what with them being drumsticks an all - not even sure what THAT means...

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

So, I wuz hoping ta at least spread tha holiday cheers by dressin' up as Sandy Claws, and maybe hang around a few roosts with sum missle toe. Tha chicks LUUUV Santa!!

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

I juss need ta bust inta sum unopened Tylenol, fer tha cottin batten - I kin make mahself a beard, an with a few modifikayshuns, a dog coat could turn inta Santa's red velevet festive wear. 

One way or anuther, I WILL be spreadin' sum cheer this year - but shy lil ole me might need sum help - anyone know any elves that work fer free??

Oh yeah - also need ta loosen up - how'sa bout a lil Rum, Pa BumBum??

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

Mary Crispness, everyone!

And t'all, a Goodyear!!

Cluck fer now, Suckas......

Two Hit Wonders Cast Interview (Part 1)

Hot off the upload process!

Part One of my interviews with the cast of Stage West Calgary's "Two Hit Wonders" - enjoy!

Two Hit Wonders Cast Interview (Part One)

Part Two later this weekend!

Chow for now~

Huron Carole Calgary 2012

Huron Carole 

Calgary 2012

The Friday Morning "Nobody-Asked-Me-To, But-Here-I-Go-Anyway" Concert Review:

The Huron Carole

Jack Singer Concert Hall

Dec 20, 2012

After years of enjoying the televised broadcasts of this seasonal concert event (and even more years of inexplicably missing it whenever it was in my area), last night we finally got to experience the live version of this worthy undertaking that host Tom Jackson has brought back to Canadian stages.

To quote the souvenir program, "The Huron Carole is a project of the Christmas & Winter Relief Association whose mandate is to support organizations doing hands-on work with the homeless and hungry in Canada". 

That Mr. Jackson has decided to re-stage this series again indicates that we may not be as far out of the recession as we continue to hear. The program opens with the statement that food bank use is on the rise in Canada. So a sold-out concert hall helped just a little bit in the mission of this benefit, and for their recipients.

The audience gathered was certainly the recipient of some of Canada's finest talent. I have been a fan of each of these artists on the stage last night, and was looking forward to seeing many of them live for the very first time.

With his genial manner and great sense of humour, Mr. Jackson set the stage to quietly open the show, and introduce Susan Aglukark. If there is a more perfect voice, please provide me with evidence. In her far-too-short performance, Ms. Aglukark sounded and appeared like she walked right out of a frame of her breakthrough "O Siem" video - released back in 1995!! A song she performed last night, by the way...

Following next was retro crooner Matt Dusk. We've had his Christmas album for years, and right out of the gate he brought "Cool Yule" out to set the tone for his holiday renditions. A little trouble with the microphone cutting in and out, but the Jack Singer is a hall that affords forgiveness - evidenced by his sing-a-long holiday classics without the faltering mic. One cool cat, Mr. Dusk...

Having heard some Sarah Slean beforehand, it was no surprise to hear her lush vocals bring Christmas standards to life. A new original selection from her latest album "Land & Sea" promptly sent me over to the merchandise table during the break. I'll be slipping those discs into the player later today...

To close the show, Tom Jackson took over for the second half, with an actor's command of the stage, and what could be some of the corniest gags you may ever hear (and laugh at anyway). Of course, if  you read my daily Tweets, then who the heck am I to be casting aspersions here?

His version of The Huron Carole remains for me the second most profound song of the season I have heard (the first most profound I wrote about here back on Dec. 16th). As he invited the rest of the performers back to close the show with a graceful A cappella version of Silent Night, it's not hard to appreciate why this event sells out.

Not so long ago, by a twist of fate we almost needed the service this concert series supports. Thrilled to say that now not only were we able to support the effort by buying tickets to the show, the two bags of groceries we brought along are recognition that hunger and homelessness doesn't take the holidays off. And that anyone can be affected.

Hey, find out more about each of these artists (and the Huron Carole event) at:

Huron Carole

(and in order of appearance)

Tom Jackson

Susan Aglukark

Matt Dusk

Sarah Slean

Incidentally, when I had the chance to visit the artists after the show, I mentioned to Tom Jackson that the last time I had seen him live, it was in Winnipeg, and I bought a cassette tape album of his. A CASSETTE TAPE!! 

I still have it, by the way.

Review & Interview

Rats!

Running late, so my review of last night's amazing Huron Carole will be appearing here later than I had hoped. Later this morning!

On the plus side, I should also have Part One of my cast interview for Two Hit Wonders ready to load as well - so it's going to be a 2-for-1 post when all that gets online this morning!

Check back later!!

Chow - for now!