Just A Couple Of Hours Away From Turning Twenty-Five

In less than two hours I will be twenty-five.

To me it is pretty crazy. Twenty-four has been such a huge year that I am not quite sure how twenty-five could top it.

The following happened in my twenty-fourth year:

-I finally finished school. RTA ended, even though I did not cross the stage with my schoolmates and received my diploma via Canada Post.

-I chose to miss my tech school graduation because I was crossing seeing my favourite band of all time Fleetwood Mac off my bucket list.

-I bought and totalled my first car. Part of that has to do with my first run-in with a real life bear.

-I visited two of my favourite places on Earth.

-I interned with the most passionate people in radio at NewCap Calgary for a second round of real world schoolin’.

-I witnessed the crazy Calgary flood and got to help in the clean up and rebuilding efforts.

-While cleaning up the city with AMP Radio I had to make one of the most important career decisions I will ever make; take a major market job with specific skill development or take the challenge of an on-air position in a small (ish) market to develop new skills.

-With that decision I left the comfort of Calgary and moved in one carload to a province I had never even visited, British Columbia.

Yes, those were some big moments that really helped my twenty-fourth year take shape. With the new adventure to British Columbia I have learned so much. New challenges and adventures are so forthcoming right now it is hard believe the amount of learning that will be happening for me in the next few months.

I will learn how to be appropriately independent and co-dependent while Kevin is away all summer at BMQ. 

I will meet the one-year anniversary of my last interactions with my family before leaving Nova Scotia indefinitely.

I will be forcing my inner-introvert back into her closet as I make friends and get involved more with Kootenay life.

And, on a happy note; hopefully be seeing Fleetwood Mac with the very talented Christine McVie on their 2014 World Tour.

I could tell you all my goals here; it is what I normally do. But, right now I am just focused on one big thing; even though I take pride in my multi-tasking skills.

A couple of the smaller things I am working on though are taking lunch breaks and escaping to the gym, not hitting snooze and getting up at 7am (mostly the not hitting snooze part) and reading all the entire series of books that inspired Game of Thrones.

I must say, twenty-four was a great year; one of the best. My only big birthday wish is that next year at this time there is a dog in my life. That is all.

Here is a tune by one of my current favourite bands, the first release from Supermodel it is "Coming of Age" from Foster the People. 

Movie Review: Noah (2014)

All weekend I have been trying to figure out what I think about the movie Noah. Friday night Kevin and I ventured to the theatre to check it out, lured in by the intense previews.

Intense, yeah I think that is a fair descriptor for Noah.

Entertaining, another accurate word you can use to describe the movie Noah.

But would I watch it again? Hell no.

Kevin and I could start a podcast that has all of our reviews from the half hour drive home from the theatre. Most of the time our opinions of blockbusters are pretty nice, we enjoy 90% of the movies we see. We went wild over Noah in different ways. We both acknowledged that there were points in the movie where we out right laughed (and I will admit to a couple tears). For once the brats that sat behind us and talked through the entire movie did not annoy us. Weirdly it is a movie that is so long and ridiculous that you want to look over at the person you came to the movie with say, “whaaaaa?”

Our conclusion about Noah is that Director Darren Aronofsky basically wanted to make a movie mocking to story of Noah and The Ark. I personally don’t have any problem with the special effects used throughout the movie, or the story but the way Aronofsky mix them together is crazy. Like Lord of the Rings meets the story of Noah and the Ark from your childhood.

Rock giants. Yes, rock giants or “Watchers” are one of the most ridiculous parts of the whole movie. If giant mounds of rock walking around and talking intrigue you, see this movie. If you can get onboard with that I’m not sure you are going to like the rest of this blog…

To say Aronofsky took liberties with the story is to be kind. It is definitely not the Noah I remember from Sunday School.

On top of the crazy directorial choices there is a ton of overacting throughout the movie. Russell Crowe and Emma Watson can pull it off, Jennifer Connelly not so much.  Kevin would like to note that even though Crowe eventually was very old man Noah in the movie at all times he remained thick, solid and tight. Sigh. Crowe makes it easy to believe that old man Noah could kick anyone’s ass, especially his sons. Noah is a boss.

This movie was crazy from beginning to end. Noah did have its beautiful moments, but the ridiculous outweighed the believable. That is why we think Aronofsky made this movie to prove that Noah and The Ark is a story so out of this world that it could never have happened.

I would rent this one, though it looks great on the big screen it is so long that you are inevitably going to need a breather to talk it out and gather your wits.

Amanda Lang’s “The Power of Why”

I've never been more excited to finish a book than I am right now and it is totally for good reason, I want to read it again. I have been reading Amanda Lang’s “The Power of Why” since December 2013 and it has taken all of my patience and willpower not to push through the entire book. I absolutely loved every page of the book and I am feeling very inspired right now; hence the excitement in my writing.

I have looked up to Amanda Lang for a long time. Everyday when I would get home from broadcast school I would watch her program The Lang and O'Leary Exchange and marvel at Lang’s consistent poise, class and optimism going head-to-head a lot of the time with Kevin O'Leary. I was so excited when I picked up “The Power of Why” that I immediately shoved all the other books I bought that day aside. Including Ron Burgundy’s book…

I knew immediately when I started “The Power of Why” that it was a book that was not meant to be rapidly consumed. I normally power through books I am passionate about. Not this time. 
"The Power of Why" is written so powerfully that each segment of each chapter has a substantial message, so I read each story individually to take her lessons in marketing and business to heart.

I’m going to be honest with you; I went to university to go to university. When I was “learning” I was memorizing theories and facts to get a grade that would lead to a diploma. I never really thought about a career in promotions and marketing, all I could think about was getting through university to get to broadcast school. I had always been interested in politics and history; they are subjects I excelled in back in high school so it made sense to pursue in at university.

I know this is not how it is for most people who get a degree, but for me it was a box to check off and I wanted to finish it as soon as possible. For me the difference between learning back then and learning in broadcast school, reading “The Power of Why” and working in radio is that I actually want a future in the industries and want to develop the skills. I am constantly curious and want explanations rather than a pass these days. Don't get me wrong, in the common year of Radio and Television Arts at NSCC I definitely underachieved in areas that did not hold my key interests but I still cared more about those marks than most during my degree. 

Please do not get me wrong; I loved my time at St. Francis Xavier University.  It helped develop me into the independent conscious adult that I needed to be before I started my education in broadcasting. Simply put, StFX taught me valuable skills that helped me develop into a confident and competent professional person, something I am not sure I would have been if I had not gone to university. 

I thought I would explain that so you could get a better understanding of why I read this book so slowly. I can totally read; that was not the issue.  I wanted to fully appreciate every story. Amanda Lang does an incredible job taking you through multiple stories in each chapter; each one deserves full attention because they are all great lessons in growth to learn from.  Whenever I would get a little down or run low on ideas I would pick up “The Power of Why” and read a chapter, it would usually change the way I was thinking about an issue or at least inspire an idea that was floating around the back of my mind waiting for some inspiration.

I have been trying to wrap my head around a lot of things these days. I have been trying to innovate both big and small aspects of my daily life before I turn twenty-five next week and this book has been a big inspiration. On top of Sarah Silverman’s “Make It A Treat” mantra I have adopted, I have also made “why?” the number one question or comment my mind jumps to at all times. This started a little earlier than MIAT and has been pretty effective when communicating new goals and new ideas with people.

I have joined the gym down the street and it is changing the way I run my day to day. I like to think of it as innovating to make the most of my time. I workout on my lunch hour and as I finish with cardio I check my inbox on my iPad and respond to all my emails and it gives me time to read more into radio and marketing articles. It also gives me a chance to do show prep for my next show and research whatever my curious mind is wondering about. I like to think my boss is innovating here too by allowing me to not take a conventional lunch hour and understanding/trusting me to be accountable while at the gym. My bosses realize that those minutes doing cardio are uninterrupted work minutes and my perception of work is much more positive because there is trust. I am more likely to stay late or work from home because I appreciate getting a full workout in. I do not abuse the trust and everyone ends up happy. Again, just a little example…

I have nothing but kind words and praise for “The Power of Why”. It truly is an honest and inspiring book that I think can have applications for daily life for everyone.  Thank you Amanda Lang, from now on I am keeping your book at my desk for any moments that I need a little inspiration.

Business After Business With the Castlegar Chamber of Commerce

As outgoing as I may seem in this blog or on the radio I am really a huge closet introvert. I like the comfort of being behind the microphone or my little nest of a desk. Seriously, going to the gym and spending an hour with headphones on is my daily socialization (okay kidding a little bit there… I don’t work out with headphones on). 

I had always wanted to go to a Business After Business event to meet business people we work with here in the Kootenays but I usually shy out once I get about a foot in the door. Seriously that happened once, I shied out once I got about two feet inside the door and then just went back to work.

Today I faced my socialization fears when Marcella one of our amazing Account Executives  (Senior Account Executive to be exact) invited me to go with her as a representative for our stations.

Tonight’s event was held right down the street from our Downtown Castlegar at Central City Shoes. The entire time I was ogling the amazing kicks at Central City Shoes, especially the crazy selection of awesome rubber boots.  

I am so happy I went to Business After Business, even though I still tried to quietly hide by the food. The food was amazing by the way! Catered by Twisted Thyme everything was delicious as I am sure you can see from the pictures.

I am so happy Twisted Thyme is open again; it truly means Spring 2014 is here! It makes me so happy that it is open for the season again, it is an instant morning cheer-me-up every time I pass it on my way to work.

If you haven’t tried Twisted Thyme treat yourself to lunch soon, it is amazing comfort food. The appies tonight were so tasty, definitely a good tide-over until supper.

I could have eaten the entire bowl of homemade potato chips and dip. I’m definitely going to have to convince someone to have Twisted Thyme with me for lunch next week.

I had a great time and it was so nice meeting everyone. I have a feeling it will lead to a new pair of shoes and food truck lunches in the near future.

I strongly encourage you to get involved with your local chamber of commerce, even though I was only on the scene for a short amount of time it was very evident how connected the group is with the town. They can also help you take part in amazing events like the Castlegar Chamber of Commerce’s “Taste of Castlegar”.

Thanks again to the Chamber of Commerce for letting me be part of your Business After Business event tonight, it was so nice to meet everyone!

Is Bradley Cooper The Next Indiana Jones?

There are few things I gush about on the radio, very few (I like to think).

One thing I will consistently get giggly about (every time) is Harrison Ford. Whenever mentioned I time travel to a place in time before the earring and before I was born. To the 80s, a time where had I been alive I probably would have been stalking Harrison Ford. Yeah, unfortunately I doubt I would have gone to university back then… unless Indy was my Prof.

I am a HUGE Indiana Jones fan. My mother introduced me to the series as a kid, way before I could even begin to understand Star Wars (that would come a few years later). Now with rumors that new Indiana Jones may or may not be in the works my mind is alive with who could be the potential pick for recasting Indy. Unfortunately (like most people) I was let down by the revamp. The story, mixed with being punched on the leg my sister every ten seconds (with a few seven second surprises) just did not hook me.

Anyways, not the point of this blog right here. This is a formal blog of endorsement for Bradley Cooper to take the reins on the franchise. I am totally okay with it so long as we continue to pretend Crystal Skull never happened. Mom, I know this may anger you but in this case you are the 1%.

Cooper is rumoured to be at the top of the list, but the rumour mill is also speculating that time may be running down for B-Rad to take the role on. Not sure, what to think here. Some reports are saying that a recast and new revamped movie may not happen at all. The last 24 hours has seen conflicting reports about the potential of a new movie, but not too many about who should star in it. Cooper is the front runner.

I’m not sure giving Indy the James Bond treatment with recasts and new stories into the future is the right way to go. Don’t get me wrong, I will gladly shell out the cash to see them on a movie by movie basis; but I still don’t think it is the right thing to do. Hell, I don’t even like the kid who played Indy in Young Indiana Jones. You’re probably saying, “Kate, I love Sean Patrick Flanery he was amazing in the Boondock Saints”.  I had to watch Powder way too many times in High School to validate any reasoning that he should ever get to play a role of one of the sexiest men of all time again. He has lost that right.

Anyways, who would you cast as Indiana Jones in a re-up? Do you think it is a good idea?

The leading lady would be dependent on the story-line, but I am open for some suggestions on that too. Brownie points for anyone who votes Kate Bruce. 

Here is a brief look at the history of IndianaJones with a lead on Bradley Cooper snagging the role. 

Nova Scotia's "Storm of the Year"

Storm photo cred to Robert Bruce, FYI Dad's not impressed... 

Where there once were three there are now two.

I’d like to start this blog post be stating no animals, humans or heavy machinery was harmed in the making of this blog post at any time.

Yesterday I joked while getting my taxes done about the amount of snow days there are in my home province Nova Scotia. We laughed about how rare they are here in our region of British Columbia. This is my first winter away from home (and out of school for that matter) and it sure looks like I have missed a doozy.

This photo is from my parent’s farm in the beautiful Annapolis Valley. We moved onto our farm when I was in second grade. One of the first things about moving to the farm was explaining to people where had moved based on how many silos were in our backyard, we were the only farm with three in the general area. No more. If you have ever been to a party at my place I'm guessing the silos were a big silver beacon to help guide you to a good time (hopefully).

Brooklyn (or small part of the world) is a pretty windy place. No mosquitoes, no bees… few bugs and now fewer silos.  Today things apparently got a little more windy than normal. So much so that one of the towering pillars that set our little farm apart from the others down the road has blown down. 

Am I questioning the structural integrity of the silos? A little, but from what I have heard this storm is blowing VERY strong winds in a completely different way. But, let’s be serious it freakin’ windy. Rumour has it that the gusts are going way over 100 kilometers an hour… way over. In a place that is windy on the nicest of days I can’t imagine the gust that took down the silo.

Kootenay friends, this post is for you. Enjoy the warm day we have, we surpassed the high by 10am and worked our way up to at least 12 degrees during my show. I went to the gym with bare arms and legs today, skies out, thighs out. We lost power for less than an hour this week and marveled over the novelty of working out in the dark and not being able to have our subs toasted (maybe that was just me, I thought it was pretty cool).

As nice as it is, and this may justify a big “F-U” from everyone in Nova Scotia (if it didn’t before). I miss hunkering down for a good-ole Nor’Easter. Cranking up the radio and fighting over what to listen to KRock, AVR or Magic, stocking up on food and booze to get through the indefinite period of isolation, trying to read books by candlelight without catching on fire and neighbors sleeping over in our wood fire heated home were some of my favourite things. Getting stormed stayed away from home during hockey tournaments was even better (most of the time).

Again, no animals or humans were hurt when the barn roof caught the silos fall. 

Stay safe Nova Scotia. If you are managing to read this blog post during the storm good for you for having your electronics charged! If you still have power I am in doubt that you are feeling true “Storm of the Year” pain.  For all you without power I will not live-Tweet whatever happens on Big Brother Canada tonight… I promise. 

If your talking to John Bruce about this, do this girl a favour and maybe leave this blog out of the discussion. He wasn't to impressed that Robert put the photo on Facebook, I doubt he would have kind words about this blog.

I hope you ordered your Chinese food... here's Frankie! 

New Music: The Black Keys "Fever"

Its about damn time. That is by far my favourite comment on the new audio video for the Black Key's latest single called "Fever". I am pretty pumped for the release of "Turn Blue" coming up May 13th.

Whenever I see a Black Keys song come up in my show logs I get pretty pumped up. They are one of the best new rock bands out there and the promise of new music on a mundane Monday has made it the best news of the week (so far).

I really like "Fever". It is catchy, it hooks you with the same Black Keys sound we have come to know and love. I will be honest with you, I can't watch the audio video; it makes me dizzy and even a little nauseous. Amazing things could be happening between swirl segments and I would miss them because my head would still be spinning from the first 10 seconds of the video. 

The same whirl was used in the strangely hypnotic video the Black Keys hyped via Mike Tyson's Twitter on Friday. 

If they didn't have me with their music, they would totally have the 90s child in me with the closing TV shopping graphic. A+ for effort for the Black Keys. 

March 21, 2014 New Music: “Heaven Knows” and “Fair is Fair”

We have some new tunes on Mountain FM just for you. Two new songs this week and they are goodies. The first we will talk about is from The Pretty Reckless and it is called “Heaven Knows”. This video is NSFW!

Sexy, dark and goth you will find yourself singing this one later in the day. This is the first The Pretty Reckless track that we have added here on Mountain, what do you think?

The Pretty Reckless is an American band from New York City, fronted by television star Taylor Momsen. Momsen played Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl, you may also remember her as Cindy Lou who in Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. 

“Heaven Knows” is the second single from The Pretty Reckless’ sophomore album Going to Hell. At first I questioned it, but now I really like “Heaven Knows”. It is catchy and sassy. Two of my favourite things…

Viewer discretion is advised for this music video, it maybe a little too sassy. Way too sassy for work, which is where most of the staff at Mountain FM viewed it. Awkward.

The Pretty Reckless are currently touring, sadly they are not slated to come to Canada. For more about the Pretty Reckless click here.

Second, representing my home province it is “What’s Fair is Fair” from The Trews. This is the lyric video for their latest track, “What’s Fair is Fair”. Their website says they are working on a performance video for “What’s Fair is Fair”.

The Trew’s actually are from my home province, Nova Scotia. I went to university in the town they are from, Antigonish.  They formed in high school and are legends around the Nish! I am sure you have heard us play them on Mountain before; we love The Trews! I get really excited whenever I see a Trews song come up in my show logs.

The Trews latest single “What’s Fair is Fair” is no exception. Every Trews song is relatable and genuine. I am so excited for new Trews new album coming out this year!

If you want to help support The Trews latest album it is incredibly easy. They have a Pledge Music account to back their new album. When you support this talented Canadian band you are also raising funds for a great cause, Cystic Fibrosis Canada. The album has already met its goal, but if you want to be one of the first to have a copy you need to support the Pledge Music project!

Clickhere to check out their Pledge Music efforts now; some of the amazing itemsthat are specially offered for fundraising are running low in stock!

The goal is to release the album this year (2014). I can’t wait to hear more from the Trews!

More exciting new music is coming to Mountain FM! Make sure you are listening to enjoy your favourite classic rock and the best new rock!

Listen online anytime, www.mountainfm.net!