Makk's Attack...and some nice stuff too.

2010-05-23T09:10:00.001-07:00

Hey folks
I have not blogged on this one for some time. Its been a busy past year as I prep for my web-tv show "The Planet Tour"
Follow along here:

http://worldmotorcyclecomedytour.blogspot.com

Subscribe to the show from the web site

http://www.theplanettour.com/
Subscribe link on the bottom of each page.
Note to Safari users. Some features may not be visible. Best to view with Firefox which is a great browser.
Get the Firefox here

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/firefox.html?from=getfirefox
This blog will remain inactive for now.
Thanks for following along.

Great Canadian Laugh Off and first night in the new Yuk Yuks

2009-02-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

"You will be docked one point from each judge for every minute you go over or portion thereof." The words from Stan Thomson as he explained the rules to the Yuk Yuks 2009 Great Canadian Laugh Off at the new Calgary club last night. Words that came back to haunt me...well, a little bit anyway.
We were given 5 mins and, due to me not sticking exactly to my set list I added one line. That line put me 10 seconds over and cost me points.
The good news is it only bumped me down to second place that night which allows me to go to the next level.
Congrats goes to Lars Callieou who had an awesome set and grabbed first place (and stuck to his time) and Mike Craigdallie grabbing third to advance to the next round.

I have to say the new Yuks club is very well laid out. Site lines are great from anywhere in the room. Sound is clear and rich. They also have something I have never seen before; LED spot lights. For those of you who have never been on stage before you may not be able to understand the discomfort level lights can create. With these LEDs there is no more baking like a French fry under a heat lamp. The comics are lit with bright lights that don't heat up. Cool on stage will do wonders for comics that are high energy, move around, have a long set or are just nervous. In fact, due to the short spots we did I felt almost too cool as I am used to the old hot lights.
Could I get used to the lack of heat? HELL YA!!

One other thing I should mention is the new backdrop. Gone is the old brick walls so common everywhere else. They have a subdued image of a mic stand under a spot light with 2 left shoes at the base. Subtle, classy and it says "This is a comedy stage". Well done.
Best of luck to all the other contestants. Whether I advance all the way to the end or not I did what I set out to do. Nail a 5 minute spot (+ 10 seconds) so I am better prepared for other show cases and to move to the next level. A successful night for me.
Keep on supporting live stand up comedy!
Daryl

Sorry crooks, we ELECT our government in Canada

2008-12-01T16:04:00.001-08:00

Well some back door policies of the NDP, Liberals and the worst of the bunch, the seperatist Bloc are afoot. They have conspired to steal democracy from the people of Canada by planning a coalition government and giving us a new leader. WHAT?!?
We just had a democratic election and now the NDP want to get in bed with the anti-Canadian Bloc and the corrupt Liberals to steal away what was elected? Maybe the USA can "fix" who runs their mess but that is not going to happen here in Canada.
If you want your voice to be heard please sign the online petition
Here is the link:
Petition to stop coalition

I'll be damned if some anti-Canada douche bags of society, that are intent on breaking up Canada, will help run (or is that ruin?) this great land.
Please pass this link on to others.
The true north strong and FREE!!
Stephane Dion, Jack Layton and especially Gilles Duceppe, you are all traitors in my books. Take your coalition and shove it up your undemocratic asses.

If 3 months have passed then its time to blog.

2008-11-25T21:51:00.000-08:00

What has it been, a few months? Oops, my bad. There are many that do a daily blog and quite frankly I don't know where they find the time. I will promise to make more entries is the best I can do. I know it drives my lurkers nuts when I am silent. How's that ice berg? Have you backed up the ship to ram it again?

Today was busy, as many of them are, but it is that time of the year. If you have not planned your Christmas (or non-denominational holiday observance of your choosing) party's entertainment yet, you'd better hurry. I have many weekends I could have sold my show 2-5 times. If only we could spread that demand over the whole year. Those of you booking last minute may find the quality of comics a bit picked over but you never know.

I took a walk tonight to get some fresh air...okay, I was driving my car adding to the problem (but this story would have been cooler if I was on foot) and was at the end of my street where a small park sits. It moved. Looking again I saw legs and then the deer emerged from the dark. Not just one but 5 of them! On a city street with a view of the downtown just across the river, 5 whitetail deer wandered across the road and disappeared into the trees. I love this city. That is something you just can't get in places like Toronto or even Vancouver unless you live in the burbs.

Alright, enough gushing about my city. Recently my Comedy Detour room hosted the Prince Edward Island Comedy Festival show case. 14 comics took to the stage to impress Marie-France Theriault in one massive show. The talent in Alberta has grown so much that I could have filled 2 shows like that. I wish all the comics well and we await to see who gets to attend the 2009 festival.

This week I have to admit that the riding season is over and get my trusted bike, 'Suzy B' into the shop for its winter tune up so I can store it away...and pray for a big chinook to bring us a day of riding.If the so called experts are correct some G-warming is a-coming
talk to you all later

Daryl

I hear ya

2008-09-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

Well enough is enough. I have had way too many emails (and a couple of phone calls) asking me to "DO ANOTHER BLOG DAMMIT MY LIFE IS TOO BORING WITHOUT IT!!'
Okay, I will let you in on what is happening in the world of Makk.
Summer went quicker than any I could remember but I do recall riding over 11,600km on my bike and most of it was going to comedy gigs, promoting shows and scouting for venues to book shows in. Now THAT is the way to tour!

Through out the summer we had great attendance at my Comedy Detour room which tells me one thing- Calgary is an awesome comedy market that craves more.
My plan is to give them just that.
Fall is here and as I see the leaves change I realize it means the Christmas show season (non- denominational holiday observance for you thin skinned PC types) is soon upon us.
Now is the time to book your comedy entertainment for your company function.
For the small business owner that may not be able to justify expensive banquet facilities we have a solution. Dinner/show packages will be offered at Comedy Detour at Kits Pub on any night of the week (subject to availability). Just write/phone me for details.

Here in North America we have 2 countries choosing the lesser of evils, commonly called an election. I won't tell you how to vote, as I prefer to mock your poor choice after the fact, but please exercise your right to vote. Nothing is more annoying than a person who gripes about how their country is run yet refuses to take part in choosing the leadership of it, or worse, just doesn't care how their country is run. There are many in the world that do not have this privilege so please
don't waste yours.
I will try to keep this blog more up to date from now on....I promise...so vote for me!
Cheers

Sum-sum-smmertime!

2008-07-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

Wow summer is going fast or is that just my bike? Okay...that was corny but she is quick. Note: No speed limits were broken getting anywhere on this nice ride...honest.

I have had some great fun riding and have gone out to BC twice. Mostly on PR missions to promote the upcoming KGB show (see previous blog)- putting up posters and talking to riding groups and bike dealerships. In the process I have met a lot of new riding friends many of whom plan to ride out for the show.
Remember you don't have to be a biker to attend but I'd recommend against pulling a big RV or driving a motor home out to Toad Rock. There are easy to get to, bland places for those without a sense of adventure and their big whimp style of 'roughing' it. :-p

This pic is from Whiterock BC where I rode for lunch with Peter Kelamis and his wife on a recent trip. Peter is hilarious and is part of this year's KGB show and will be riding out on his new V-Rod Harley. Plus I have Mike Patterson (Montreal) flying in to be a part of this fun outing so this year's show will be a blast!! Book your site now as we will run out.
If you have a group of six or more riders or campers let me know and I'll get you the group discount.
Any riders that wish to join me on the trip I leave a day early, Aug 7 bright and early!! (that means 9am in comic speak)

Are you cool enough to party with comics in the summer?

2008-06-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

Summer is upon us and things are getting busy. What's that? Busy? IN SUMMER?
Yes.
The KGB show is picking up steam and tickets are pre-selling for both events at a rapid pace.
For more info go to
www.kgbcomedy.com
2 great outdoor shows that will fill you with laughter in great relaxed, outdoor venues....the way summer was meant to be.
Check out the site and book now.
BC or Manitoba....which ever one you choose it will leave you howling with laughter.
For those of you in the Calgary area please take a Wednesday night (when cool people start their weekend) and visit
Comedy Detour @ Kits pub.
Calgary's newest and best venue to see comedy. Just ask anyone who has been!!
www.comedydetour.com

KGB will make you laugh

2008-06-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

Well the sales have started on the 3rd annual KGB(Kootenay Gut Buster) Show.
This year will be bigger than ever with a tour bus, many rider groups plus the usual gaggle of locals that love to support some of the best in stand up comedy.
It all takes place at Toad Rock Campground in the pristine Kootenay mountains.
If you ride a motorcycle the roads in that area are rated as some of the best in Canada.
Please check out the website for more info.
www.kgbcomedy.com
Just click the title of this blog to get to the site.

I'll see all the cool people there!!

Its a solo effort folks

2008-05-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

Hello folks
I have not really kept this blog very active and I apologize. So much is on the go that I can't seem to keep up. Having this damn sling on for a month does not help. Please note: (The pic was taken a week before the collar bone incident)
I am not trying to do the "I am thinking of shutting it down" sad plea for attention I have seen some folks do as i don't want a bunch of pathetic sympathy emails pleading: "Please don't shut it down. Its my morning read!!" Blah blah blah."

If you read it you read it. If you don't ...well, it means you filled your life with something else that day. I can live with that.
I could ask for people to submit things for the blog but, to me, that is a cop out and goes against what a blog is for- Personal opinion and to tell about my life. It would seem so lame if I was to start getting others to write for me. Wouldn't you agree?

Back to my thoughts. I am healing well, although not fast enough to get back out riding...yet. I have appreciated all the emails and Facebook messages and thank you all. Too many to list but you know who you are.

If you are in Calgary please check out the hottest and best new comedy room- Comedy Detour at Kits on Wednesday nights. All the comics who have performed have remarked on the great energy this room has. All shows have been awesome with a HUGE response even on the nights when bodies were fewer in number!
A few of the old vets commented it has the energy and feel of the old Jester's Comedy Club. Jesters shut its doors in 1996 after some bad management but it was always a fun place to play. I think its old soul has been resting at Kits just waiting for the Comedy Detour to give it a new place to live. I know, it sounds a bit hoaky but when you are having a few beers with a bunch of comics after a show, it just seemed to make sense.
www.comedydetour.com for more info:

I am working on getting the site more up to date. If you are on Facebook there is plenty of info on the group page.
Keep on supporting live stand-up comedy and do me a favor. If you see an act you enjoy, learn their name and tell others. Stand-up is about the performer!!
Cheers

Flapping on one wing

2008-05-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

I have been getting a lot of emails asking for updates and a new blog. Thanks for the messages. Sorry for the lack of postings here. I have made a video to ease the burden of typing. Recovery seems to be going well so far.

If you are interested in helping raise money for a charity I am accepting pledges for the "Ride for dad" motorcycle event to raise money/awareness for prostate cancer June 7.

I hope to be healed enough to ride. Worse case is I ride in a side car or just go by car. If you wish to help out please email me and I will set up your pledge. I am taking some on paypal as well.
cheers
Daryl "the one armed bandit" Makk

Canadian Unity Tour is on!!

2008-02-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
Hey folks
Sorry for the long delay in posting.
I have been very busy on the Canadian Unity Tour.
Keep up on our blogs and adventures from our Facebook Page. Just search for Canadian Unity
The URL link option does not seem to be working on blogger but we have them posted on our facebook page.Just go to the Links on the right and click the one marked "Facebook"

There is a great review of the show from Merritt BC

See you soon!

Loving 2008!!

2008-01-17T17:15:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a great year so far and indications are it will get even better.
After a great Christmas/New Year's trip to the wonderful city of Kelowna it was time to head back to Calgary and relax some more.
My sons and I managed to enjoy a few back yard bonfires and take in the Calgary Motorcycle show. I have to say if I win the Lotto I definitely have no trouble with my wish list!

I had my birthday last week and it seemed to last a full week!! A dinner bash Saturday, at my buddy Clark Robertson's place, became a bit of a birthday party once the clock hit midnight. Sunday, my actual birthday (Jan 13 for those keeping track), was spent with friends and then it was off to the mountains to a great chalet. Scott Dumas or Doomer as we love to call him, had a great chalet rented for the week so it was R & R Canadian Rocky style for a couple of nights. There is something so peaceful, spiritual and rejuvenating about the mountains. I can't see myself ever living too far from them. Monday I came in for Comedy Monday Night and the gang had some late birthday surprises for me including a few tribute jokes, a rap song (done by Stephanie Foley) cards, cakes and as many free drinks as possible. Thanks to all the Calgary comics, you guys are the best bunch to hang with in Canada. A big thanks to all the emails, phone calls, Facebook and Myspace notes I have received over the past week! I am always happy to hear from fans and friends. You have all made me feel so loved.

Tomorrow I fly up to Grande Prairie to do a theater show with none other than Corner Gas guy Brent Butt. I am looking forward to doing this sold out show. I love it when I get to do soft seat theatres. More of those to come.

Sunday is the first Calgary showing of the movie Sureshot Dombrowski I was involved in last year. It is a fun, campy little comedy done mocu-mentary style. Contact me for tickets and info.

The Canadian Unity Tour is getting ready for an extended month long tour of the west. Starting in Victoria BC on Feb 1 we will be uniting the country through the official language of laughter. The tour was sad to say goodbye to Levi MacDougall, who had to pull himself out of the tour due to conflicting TV tapings. We are happy to welcome Andrew Iwanyk and his quirky, funny style to the tour. Be sure to add our group on facebook.

Last post of 2007

2007-12-31T11:51:00.001-08:00

Hello to all. I hope everyone had a great Christmas season (or whichever holiday you celebrate) and spent time with loved ones.
I have been having a blast here in Kelowna BC. The weather here is so perfect for this time of year you'd almost think it was a fake Hollywood set! Christmas eve we had nice big snowflakes coming down, no breeze and the temp just cold enough for snow. Nice indeed.

Santa brought me a new underwater camera that I am just loving. Check this pic from the hotel's OUTDOOR pool while it was minus 5C outside!! The water was perfect. My kids and I made some underwater videos and pics for our photo albums.

Tonight is my final show of 2007 at the wonderful Coast Capri Hotel. Thanks to the staff for making our stay so enjoyable and to Stan for booking it for me.

A lot has happened over the past year in the comedy world. It is a constant state of change and more so these past 356 days. (365.25 for those anal about accuracy) So many new opportunities have cropped up as well as the final touches of some things I have been working on for awhile. Yeah there were tiny brained nay sayers but those folks mean so little in the comedy world that I laugh at them.
I have my resolutions ready for the midnight countdown and am very ready for 2008. I hope all of my fans and supporters have a wonderful and prosperous 2008! The rest of you, I hope you get all the karma you have earned.

Cheers
Daryl Makk

Tis the season to party...sometimes.

2007-12-17T10:39:00.000-08:00

As a traveling comic I rarely get to take in the weekend night life of my own city. This Friday I was fortunate to finish my gig early and attend a great CD release party of an awesome band The Mocking Shadows.

here is the link
http://www.mockingshadows.com/
for some reason the hyper link function is not working on blogger today so you will have to cut/paste it.

I first met them when on the road in Regina. The staff from my gig took me down to see "this amazing band". Yeah yeah I thought. I just want to unwind. Well I was glad I did go to see them as they blew me away. A 7 piece band in today's techno crap world? I was sold. It has been several years in coming but they now have a new CD.
Their new album "The sound" is awesome and I recommend it to anyone sick of some of the bland pop-crap out there today.
After the concert I hung with the guys for a bit, made some cool new friends and called it a night. Too much travel and long hours working on set had taken its toll. I need a week of sleeping in!!

I have 15 mins so here you go.

2007-12-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

Wow, so much has happened lately where do I begin?
I know several friends (and non friends) who do a daily blog. I often wonder where they find the time. I can understand some non-artists having spare time but with all the projects I am working on, gigs, acting work, writing my book etc; I find little time by days end. I often wonder if daily bloggers just don't have enough constructive stuff to do or just are not as much in demand as I am? Who knows. As such, my blog is more of a weekly (or less) so to all my loyal readers looking for more, I apologize- Daddy Makk has a lot on his plate.

On top of the usual corporate Christmas gigs (or is that "Non-denominational holiday observance of your choosing" gigs) at this time of year, I have been involved in working on a film set as well as setting up some work in Canada and further abroad. Stay tuned.
2 more weeks and I am off to visit family in BC for the holidays. A good friend of mine, Stan also set up some nice work for me while I am there.
It has been awhile since I have done the Coast Capri in Kelowna and am back there, by request, for the last week of December plus New Years Eve. It will be great for friends and family to come see a show there again and I look forward to doing a room that has not been on my schedule for over 2 years. It is also nice to see a competent agent taking care of that venue as he understands the challenges comics face on the road, having done it himself for many years. Yes, the industry is going through an evolution and things are looking up in Canada. Less of scammers taking advantage of over eager comics looking for stage time and more of a respect with decent pay and conditions for all.... well in some arenas anyway. There are still those who think that self employed artists should be treated like employees and taken advantage of but that style of business will go the way of the dinosaurs eventually.
Look out Okanagan valley...Daddy Makk is back with a whole whack of new material for you.

Look fast or you'll miss it!!

2007-12-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

I live near the Bow river in Calgary which gives me some wonderful places to enjoy as well as some wildlife, even close to downtown.
I was driving near the river the other day when something white caught my eye. It flew out of the bushes as I approached and at first I thought it may be a plastic bag or paper cup caught on the wind that some human piece of trash had thrown out. Then I noticed this "bag" had a face and legs. A weasel!
I've known that we have them in the wild in Alberta, I just didn't expect to see one a stone's throw from the city's core.
It darted across and went off to do the weasely stuff that weasels do. Sneaky and fast but a small player in the field of predators it made me laugh and think of another weasel I know. A small time player as well, darting through the shadows and undergrowth of a small, limited territory....hunting small game. Yes, it was a sign that all was good in my world.

What's in a name?

2007-11-20T13:51:00.000-08:00

I have finally recovered from the PEI Comedy Fest. All the comics were great and we had a blast!! I can't wait until next year.

A recent trip in Saskatechewan took me past this sign. I had to stop and take a pic.
All the years this town has had this odd, funny name no one thought to change it? They are right up there with Dildo Newfoundland, Climax SK and many other odd and sexual sounding towns. As long as the folks that live there are nice and easy to get along with who cares what you call a place?
Its kind of like comedy. While some douche bags worry about names of agencies, the smart ones just keep on working and doing a good job for ALL the agencies that get them work. The industry and success is really that simple. Send me work, I do a good job and look forward to the next time. No exclusivity, no owning my ass, just all of us making money and happy happy comics.

Those that can't figure that out are really another word for this sign.

So much fun my head is going to pop!!

2007-11-06T09:58:00.000-08:00

I arrived last night in PEI for the first ever Island Comedy Festival. The festival organizers have been incredible with their hospitality. Marie-France and her husband Craig are nothing short of amazing folks.
Today is the day the majority of the comics arrive and I can't wait to see them.
The line up this year is awesome. In no particular order-Steve Patterson, Simon Rakoff, Irwin Barker, Wafik Nasrella, Paul Myerhaug, birthday girl Erica Sigurdson, the rest of the Canadian Untity tour (Jason Blanchard, Andrew Evans, Johnny Legend and Levi MacDougall) and more. Check out the line up on their site. There is not one weak or gross spot on the bill!! It will be an amazing festival. If you have any friends on the island or the east coast, please tell them to check it out. Just click the blog title for the link.

Many of these comics I get to see once a year (if I'm lucky to cross paths with them) and we will all be on the island whooping it up while making the potato folks laugh their red dirt asses off. I am also looking forward to meeting and seeing a few newbies (to me) in the comedy biz. Always nice to see the up and comers as well as the vets I rarely get to watch.
So join the fun and show off your "Ricky" folks.
I'll update when I recover or if I get a burst of energy in the mornings.
I have to fly back on a red-eye early Friday morning (Thankfully my flight is on WestJet, my preferred airline) to do another great show, the Kidney Komedy Night. A sold out event!
www.kidneykomedynight.com

It is a wild and fun week for sure!
Later comedy fans

BOO! I'm back.

2007-10-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

I know I have been lax on keeping this blog up to date with new posts. Enough with the emails already....here is a new one. I am sure I have driven my loyal readers, lurkers and industry spies batty wanting to know what is happening in the world of Makk.
I blame 2 things for my lack of writing.
1- Facebook. yes I am addicted and have added a lot of new friends that constantly email me, share pics, poke me, etc. It has become a huge task to keep up.
2- Connie, my bike. The weather has been fairly mild so I have been out riding as much as I can before winter makes a permanent place in our area.
If you are on Facebook add me. I also have a few groups you may want to join. Makk's Meanderings (for faster updates on whats going on) Calgary Riders (for all you biker types) and Canadian Unity Tour. It is about to do some travelling soon.

Lots of projects on the go and I will let you know as they become complete.
Lately I have been helping Julia Stretch run James Moore's Comedy Monday Night. Good ol' James has taken a vacation to the mediteranean area and well deserved I might add. Tonight is Halloween themed so to all the jokers please dress up.
Later kids
Daddy Makk

Comedians Log Day 4,5

2007-10-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

I am combining 2 days on this blog entry as the cruise is now over, it was just a short one. I could have continued on but had some commitments back home. I've been a day behind on each blog post due to limited online time. You have no idea how expensive (and slow at times) internet can be at sea. At least we had it so I shouldn't complain although the price could come down a bit. I spent more on internet in 4 days than it cost for a 2 months back home!
I had the last 2 days off to play tourist. Soaking in the hot tub, eating, soaking, walking the decks, eating, shopping in the gift shops, watching art auctions, eating plus a chance to see the other shows on board....followed by late night room service so I could eat again! The food on board is some of the best I have ever had so I took full advantage of it.

My new onboard buddy, Thom Peterson did his magic-comedy show on Day 3.
www.amazingguy.com
It was very well done and polished and included video and close up camera shots (displayed on the big screen) for some of the tricks. He had the pleasure of 2 full house crowds thanks to calm seas. My late show had been a bit sparse as the ship was ptiching a fair amount and some folks stayed holed up in their cabins. He had mentioned he was worried about the seas getting rough. He had watched my show with me trying to keep my balance at times. He had one bit that could possible result in his magic props being tossed about the stage but was blessed with glass smooth sailing unlike my slightly pitching, drunk feeling stage. It turns out we have a mutual friend, David Acer. Acer is a great comic and magician that lives in Montreal (which is near Canada I understand LOL)

I met another performer, Gary Wicks who is a ventriloquist. Unfortunately I did not get to see Gary's show as it was on the night of my departure. Both were very nice fellows to hang out with. It made meal time stretch into hours as we traded road stories. Comics NEVER run out of those and the laughter was continuous with the odd passenger joining in when they over heard us. The one thing about a ship is you are always on PR mode.

Gary was the lucky one with weather as the sun was out in San Diego and the temperature warm and summer-like as Thom and sadly I left the ship. It was hard to depart the vessel and felt like I was leaving my home. I can't wait to do my next cruise. I am hoping to sail back to Australia and my US agent is working on it.
I am home now and trying to re-fill my sleep hump and prep for my next tour which is in a week.
If you are in Calgary drop by the Comedy Cave where I will be emcee all this week. The Comedy Cave is Calgary's number one independant comedy club . It is conveniently located on MacLeod Trail south.
Later kids

Comedians Log Day 3

2007-10-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

Day 3
The shows must have been good as I had a chance to dine with the Captain!! Or maybe he dined with me because I have such a cool cabin number S-007. That’s right, 007…licensed to kill…on stage!
It was almost cliché, dining with the captain, but it was a great honor to sit with him. Not too many passengers get that opportunity and I enjoyed chatting with him.
Captain Pieter Visser is an experienced sailor. 32 years with the navy before switching to cruise ships for 18 years. Lets just say I feel very confident of his ability to get us there safely.
Today the seas are calm, the sun came out and so did the dolphins. I missed them by 15 minutes but some of my shipmates, that were a bit earlier to rise, saw the pod of about 12. I hope to see more some again.
This will be my last night on board. I will miss the ship and look forward to my next voyage in 2008. I am going to check out the comedy magic show of Thom Peterson www.amazingguy.com. It turns out we have a mutual friend, David Acer. It is a small world.
Cheers
Daddy Makk

Comedians Log Day 2

2007-09-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

Day 2
We had our first port stop, a picturesque little town called Astoria Oregon. It was cool and cloudy but it was still a fun stop.
Back on board the seas picked up again, so much so the pool had to be closed due to high surf!! It was as though the pool had a wave machine. I may try it later to see how much fun surf in a pool is.
I did 2 shows in the big theatre on board. A much older crowd…surprise! Old folks on a cruise? No kidding. The shows went well despite the fact that the ship was still rolling in the rough sea. It was the first time I have done a show on a moving stage. It was as though it was drunk and I was sober trying to match its movement. A definite first for me. I managed to stay upright and did 50 minutes on each show to very receptive crowds of mostly Canadians and Americans with the odd Aussie tossed in for variety. In short I had a great time.
Afterward I went for a few drinks with the crew in the crew bar on the lower deck. Sea level. It was like a small after hours club and the people were very nice and from all over the world.
The rolling of the ship was less pronounced but you could see the waves close up through the porthole. They are a lot bigger from the viewpoint. What looked like medium waves from my deck 9 room were actually 10-20 foot swells. I know the ocean is capable of bigger but still it looked wild. Every once in awhile we would hit a big wave and the ship would shudder much like a car hitting a big bump. We shut the place down and I went for a short walk outside before retiring to my rocking cabin up top. I enjoy the rolling motion as it actually rocks you to sleep. I don’t understand how anyone can get sick from it… or maybe I am I am just conditioned to travel.

Comedian's Log Day 1

2007-09-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

After some confusion, plus having to go back to customs twice for some paperwork red tape bureaucracy, I am on board. I met several others that were having the same problem. Apparently the US Customs guys were being extra picky. No worries, they’re just doing their job. A quick meeting with the events manager and I am off to eat. Food! That is what cruise ships are all about. I toured the ship and tried to orient myself feeling like a mouse in a maze looking for cheese. These things are not little boats. It is a very elegant ship.
Its late, I sit here in my stateroom rolling back and forth. The seas are not overly rough but my stateroom is on the second highest deck so the swaying is multiplied. It seems relaxing as the MS Volendam makes her way south. The only thing unnerving is the movie I rented from the ship’s library- Poseidon.
That’s right, my first cruise and I’m watching a ship disaster film!! Why? Because I can. The effects are cool. Not so much on the movie but looking out a 9 story window at frothing water breaking as the ship plows through the waves…cool!
I am off to sleep. More pics to follow.

I am a boat person!!

2007-09-28T01:27:00.000-07:00

Well after a couple of days off after my tour north of 60 it is time to head somewhere warm.
I am off to do a cruise ship for a week!! Flying back from San Diego. I'd write more but my laptop battery is just about dead and my charger is back home. D'OH!!
Hope to pick one up somewhere soon.
I'll write more when I can folks.

Daddy Makk out

Turn north and go til the pavement ends..then hang a left

2007-09-18T16:04:00.000-07:00

Well I had a first this week, in a bit of a rock star moment, whilst ranting about how musicians seem to get more glory, I let it slip that I had never signed a boob ala rock star style. Within seconds 2 young ladies ran up to end my boob signing drought! By the end of the night I had 8 of them sporting my autograph. Not bad!! Thank you ladies (and your boobs) of Rainbow Lake AB
I guess I should mention to the audience more of what I'd like to happen. "Hey I've never had anyone give me a winning lottery ticket before". I'll let you know how that goes tonight.

So,why am I way up here in the north (headed to Northwest Territories) some may ask? Simple. Stages that pay, a chance to make people laugh and a chance to write about more experiences. I'd hate to be on of those comics that hangs onto the same old tired events in their act. I love to travel and see new places. It also helps me hone my act and make it more adaptable to more venues and crowds. I am also allowed to let loose a bit on these shows. A week up in the north is like a paid vacation from some of the corporate shows I have coming up. Best to relax and unload before the squeaky clean sets.

I hope we get a nice warm fall as I am eager to get a few more days of riding in on my new motorcycle. The weather has been holding up here but I think we may see snow before the tour ends. Fingers crossed. No worries, I am heading somewhere warm soon. Stay tuned.

My face space

2007-09-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

One of the things about the internet I love is there are always new sites, information and new cool marketing/networking sites popping up. One of the things I hate about the internet is that there are always new sites, information and new cool marketing/networking sites popping up.
How does one keep up?
After over 2 years of working on contacts on Myspace a new site was offered to me. People kept wanting me to join this new place to network with pals. Some of them were already from Myspace so why the switch? Why re-invent the wheel?
Enter Facebook. It is like Myspace but it is not like Myspace. So with reluctance I signed up for an account, typed up a profile and added some pics. Since it was laid out differently then Myspace I was not sure what to do with it for some time. I did notice that I started getting more hits, emails and notices on Facebook then I ever did on Myspace and from people I actually know!! Is Myspace dead? Not quite. It has a lot of the cheesy bullshit stuff to get rid of plus it is plagued by fake spam accounts....but Tom assures me they are looking into it. I still use it.

Facebook on the other hand seems, for the most part, to be full of genuine folks. It is getting a bit ridiculous with some of the new applications one can add...many just a rehash of some other gimmick. (Note: Anyone using the vampire, zombie or werewolf application really, really, really needs to get a life. Who the fuck cares about how many fake cyber bites you collect from others with too much time in their day). Sure Facebook it is starting to get its share of weirdos but for the most part...it works for getting the word out about shows, events or just updates. If you have me added on Myspace, don't worry, I still keep things posted on there but, I am on Facebook too so I guess you should add me before some new site comes along and me (along with my contacts) start telling people to come to the new (insert catchy name here) networking site that is sure to try and topple these first two sites. So...add me!!

Daryl Makk

Tape it!

2007-08-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

I really despise those privately owned ATMs. Its bad enough when our bank charges fees to access YOUR money but to have another 2 bucks or so raped from you just because you need cash in a crunch is a bit much. I understand the cost for the convenience of having one in places like a bar. What pisses me off is when they have the ATM but no Interac (direct debit for those of you outside Canada). Hmmmm. You just know the bar owner also owns the machine and is milking every cent he can from his clientelle.
Here's a little fun you can do with some tape. It will not harm the machine, so you can't be charged with destruction of property, but you vent your anger a bit and have fun.
I did this machine the other night. The staff loved it and took my pic!
If you get to do one please send me the pic!
Cheers

Daryl Makk

Spoke goodly much?

2007-08-25T09:30:00.001-07:00

It seams that daily I meat people who have know idea how to use the english language. There use of grammar is to pathetic to even mention as they mix up homophones, tense and possessives. How can they function; knowing there speech an writing is at less then a 8 grade level?
The modern world gave us ebonics, hooked on fonics and raised a generation of illiterates. They're parents don't even seam to care. Sure your welcome to express yourself freely but can't we knot have some sort of minimum standard before letting them out of school? To often the schools seem happy if the child just understands the use of the word and not the proper spelling or grammar tense. I seen it too often.
We are now in a world of video games, text chat with little knowledge of proper english and a hole generation that will be unable to understand the meaning of legal documents in there lives.
Are you one of them? If you say no then try too find the 27 spelling,and grammer errors that is in this note excluding the title.
Email me your answers and good luck!

Some assembly required.

2007-08-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

I am having an IKEA type of week. Lots of assembly but I have parts left over and it looks like nothing in the pics. It must be the dog days of summer, the intense travel lately or that my coffee is just not working. I just feel like I am in a fog so I think I should take another vacation!
I have decided to blog to stop all the email request for me to blog so here goes.

Last week was spent lazing about in Kelowna. I went golfing with my dad and found my slice is getting more distance!! Things are improving there. Dad gave me a few pointers in putting (like don't use the sand wedge) and I had one of my best games yet. Still not going to go all gaga over the game like some guys do. I only do it as it is legal to drink and drive!

Kudos to my brother in law Mike who did one of the best BBQ prime rib roasts ever! Along with mussels, roasted veggies and beer, no one could move after. The weather was perfect and I decided to sleep out under the stars. My sis and Mike have an amazing balcony/slash deck that looks out over Lake Okanagan and one rarely has to worry about rain. It was a peaceful end to a night of piggin out.

The next day was with the whole family at Lake Okanagan resort, a sweet place tucked in hills across the lake from Kelowna. I think I have found my retirement area.
For more on the resort go to
http://www.lakeokanagan.com/
They have better pics than me as I left my camera back at the house.

This week I am off to either Saskatchewan or Manitoba on business. I have yet to decide which one to annouce as it keeps the lurkers guessing.
Well that's it. I have to go and figure out where this left over part goes.

Makk

Ottis and the gang.

2007-07-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

This year's KGB (Kootenay Gut Buster) was an amazing time. All the acts performed wonderfully despite the party mood that prevails in this campground and creeps into the form of beers quite easily.
A relative newcomer to the scene, Ottis Kawanis, practically stole the show last night. A young kid out of Edmonton, that I have worked with on occassion, just lit it up!! Afterward Ottis, or "The Oat" as he was called all weekend, joined the band and rocked us til 4am.
I'll get some pics up soon on the site. The Oat was elusive with cameras. Many attempts to snap his pic resulted in his head turned down and nice pic of his hat. I caught him on stage in this blurry one as he jams with the man with no brain filter- Dan Guiry.
Now we have to seek out a good late breakfast, hit the hot springs and slowly return to civilization.
See you next year Toad Rock.

KGB and more!

2007-07-18T11:54:00.001-07:00

It has been a little over a month since my mom passed away. I figure it was time to get on with posting on the blog again, she would have wanted it that way.
Not that I have been sitting idle, far from it. I have been doing a lot of shows and recently completed the first leg of the Canadian Unity Tour with great success. The fall dates are starting to fall in line now. Watch the web site for details coming soon.
Unity tour web site

I recently took a 1 week vacation with my sons in beautiful Japser National Park. The weather was perfect and the sites we took in were breathtaking. It is one of the most pristine places on the planet and I am proud to say it is in western Canada.

This weekend is the second annual KGB (Kootenay Gut Buster) concert in the Kootenays.
Several comics are heading out to make the valley howl with laughter. It was so much fun in 2006 and 2007 will prove to be even better! Our sponsor Mountain FM has been plugging the shows and tickets are going fast. If you want a great getaway for the weekend of July 20,21 head out and join us.
More info on the Toad Rock site
Toad Rock site
I promise there will be no fat apes, turncoats or hacks. There will be lots of cool campers and some very very funny comics. Look for us soaking away our hangovers in the Ainsworth Hotsprings just up the road from Toad Rock
Ainsworth Hot Springs

More beautiful mountain camping...sigh...someone has to do it!!
Cheers
Daddy Makk

In loving memory of my mother. Feb.29/1936 to June 14/2007

2007-06-15T08:51:00.001-07:00

My mother, my number one fan.
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

June 14/2007 at 5:40 PM (my time) is when it happened. My mom Doreen passed away after a long battle with brain cancer. A horrible disease that slowly ate away her life, took away her mobility and at times messed with her memory and speech. It was the same day I lost my biggest fan and the woman who taught me the value of laughter. The person I credit with helping me grow into my sense of humor and to use it…daily.

Through it all she kept her sense of humor, kept on smiling, chuckling and being the loving mother that always brightened my day with her laugh. She complained so little that it was always her and not just a cancer victim laying in that hospital bed, if that makes sense. Her strength and character were always present even after the treatments the doctors tried had sapped her energy. Her eyes told me she was always there no matter how much the disease tried to beat her down. When the cancer made it hard to recall words I knew what she was trying to say. It may have taken her physical being but her spiritual one lived on in her final days and still does in the memories of those that knew and loved her.

At a very young age mom always encouraged me to laugh and be funny. She taught me that there is humor in many things and it is better to joke and laugh then to fret and frown. From my early pre-school days when I would recite jokes to her friends that stopped in for coffee, to the crazy things I wrote, years later, in my school books she was there, encouraging me to be funny. When I decided to become a stand-up comic (the art form that so many say is one of the hardest to do for a living) she was the first one to say “Go for it!”

June 14/2007 at 5:40 PM is also when the comedy world lost its biggest supporter. Mom loved practically all the comics she saw whether they were on TV or on the bill with me. She taped her comedy shows to watch when she could enjoy them. David Letterman was her favorite. You could hear her laughter ring out, in the house or in the audience, with all its infectious splendor and it was always music to my ears. Being around her made you want to laugh as well.

She was not a big woman, I stood a full foot and an one inch over her but she was a giant in my world. The one I could always count on to be there, when I needed it. She had a wild firecracker way about her that no one could match. From never censoring herself and always being true I learned so much from her. She could make friends at the drop of a hat when we were out shopping, walking, dining or what ever. She also remembered who did her wrong and never let them fully back into her life if what they did was severe. A lesson in life, on how to avoid repeating mistakes initiated by others, that I have always remembered. Once bitten, twice cautious…not shy.

Mom, your suffering has ended and although you have moved onto the hereafter, please know that your influence will live on in me and anyone I can pass it on to. All my shows from here on are dedicated to you, your love and your love of comedy. No matter what career I had chosen I know you would have supported me. In this business of stand-up, with all its uncertainties, petty politics and seasonal cycles, there could have been no better mother for support. You gave me the courage to go on when many would have quit. You never judged me when I made bad choices but were there when I needed advice, a shoulder or just a hug.
I love you and miss you and will do all I can to make you proud. Rest in peace and let it be known that your presence here on earth made a huge and positive influence on many.

Your son
Daryl

The last Christmas with mom

Being with her was the best gift of all.

I do comedy, therefore I teach??

2007-05-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

I received an email from a friend in Ottawa today that made me chuckle. Her 5 1/2 year old took a spill on her bike, nothing serious, but to stop from crying she had her keep repeating "Concrete is a teacher!!" I guess my act is getting through to the kiddies!! LOL Thanks Katherine for the message. It's always good to use comedy to help kids learn...and to not cry after dumping their bike! Knowing you I am sure this little incident will be used as a lesson on what not to do.

I get asked by many, after I do my bit on helmets, if I am really against them. The answer is NO, I am against the need to legislate adn force the use of them. There may be times it makes sense but many times when it does not, like on a scorching hot day when it helps bake your brain!
I believe we all have the right to choose what we do with our bodies. Besides, with all the crazy things I did, and my buddies, while younger I don't recall ever seeing one of us smack our noggins. Skinned knees maybe, but tuck and roll to save the thinker was the plan. Maybe the helmet gives them perceived protection which brings greater risk taking today? I do see kids attempt stuff I would have never tried on my bike.
Even in all my years playing hockey I never took any headshots until the mandatory visor-cage rule came into effect. After that it seemed the sticks came up to head height with alarming frequency. I guess Don Cherry is right on this one. Knowing you can cut a guys face open may make you think twice before swinging the lumber.

Back to the bike crash issue. My sons have always been taught proper handling of their bikes, how to watch for cars etc to ensure they are safe. I have also instructed them on the proper way to lay a bike down if need be. Much more important than a plastic brain bucket. I think too many kids just get a skid lid stuck on them and are sent out with no training...thus needing the helmet. No skills but we keep them safe. You'll be able to spot them in a few years, they will be the knobs hogging the fast lane or making death defying lane changes on our roads as they put all their faith in forced safety equipment over proper handling techniques. As we sew we shall reap. Lets stop protecting the dumb ones ok?

I "pick" spring as my favorite season!

2007-04-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who emailed and asked "When the hell are you going to blog again Makk?"
I know, I know, I have been a bit slack in this area. Sorry kids, I have a lot on my plate and the blog just gets pushed down the 'to do' list. I have taken on a lot of BIG projects and they are coming to completion soon. In the mean time I am being streched a bit thin so you loyal blog readers have to suffer a bit. Sorry.

This week took me across Alberta and into the west side of Saskatchewan. Normally that's a drive that usually incites yawns and a dislike of all the CDs one has brought, after you have listened to them in lieu of any FM stations.

This time, I enjoyed the drive for it is spring, or more correctly, the verge of spring. The sun was out and the green just starting to appear in the grasses as nature shows us the signs.
The geese have returned from the south along with the trumpeter swans (whose numbers seem a lot higher than previous years). They feed for bit before heading further north to pick a nesting site. Mule deer doe's are gathering in herds for safety, so as not to get picked off by predators as they get ready for birthing. I lost count of how many I saw.
Gophers are out in abundance and getting picked off by hawks or Buicks (or whatever else the little buggers run in front of). But the real sign of spring is the return of the ditch pickers! Those nice folks who walk the ditches, of our highways, gathering tons of bottles and cans that have been tossed out the windows of moving vehicles, buried under snow all winter. Ahhh, spring! I salute you ditch pickers!! You have replaced the red breasted robin as the official sign of winter's departure. I hope you all made a killing this year with your recyclable bounty and snagged that water bottle I threw in celebration as I passed.

Makk

Back over the rock pile to Edmonton

2007-04-04T17:28:00.000-07:00

Well I have returned from the Left coast. Had a good time in Vancouver and met up with many comic pals including the "very talented" Casey Corbin. He was headlining the other club the same week.
We hooked up after the Thursday show for some catching up and beers. Lets just say it was a very very late night....I think...it is a bit fuzzy...
The drive out and back was great with no last minute mountain storms. Even so we came across many slow pokes who drove as though we were in a blizzard. This country must be the easiest to get one's drivers license in. Some people seem oblivious to traffic backed up behind them or worse, the concept of a passing lane. BC has a few of these scattered through the hills and you have to be quick to use them and get by the lumbering trucks and their heavy loads. Nothing is more frustrating than some brain dead driver inching past these trucks and burning up the whole passing lane so others are still stuck behind the trucks.

I am still undecided which would be more fun. Being a traffic cop for a day and pulling these slow pricks over for obstructing traffic or having missiles in my car to take them out? Each would make the highways flow better but one just seems to scream 'more fun'!

I had a whole day and half off to do laundry etc in my home town of Calgary (the NEW center of the Universe) before heading out again. I am now in Edmonton, home of the Oilers golf team...I mean hockey team. (They just seem to really suck this year).
If you are in Edmonton head down to The Comic Strip at West Edmonton Mall where I will be doing th emcee slot all week. It is a great club and the finest in western Canada.
Click here for more on the Comic Strip
It seems all the best clubs are run by comics....go figure!!
Later kids

Daryl Makk

Comedy on Monday Night CD release party

2007-03-28T08:25:00.001-07:00

Comedy on Monday Night
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

Big congrats go out to James Moore, the man behind Comedy Monday Night in Calgary. This past week CMN held a CD release party to celebrate the CBC Radio taping and all the wonderful comics that have graced the stage of CMN.
Over 200 people packed into Dickens Pub (CMN's current home for the past 23 months). They were treated to a video/slide show with comedy clips of each act followed by an impressive live show which capped off with Clark Robertson headlining.
Many comics owe James a big thanks for providing this stage week after week. It is THE place for comics to work on new material and we are frequently visited by many touring headliners who pop in to do sets and plug their club shows.
If you are in Clagary and need a few good laughs on a Monday, come on down!!
More on Comedy Monday Night
You never know who may drop in!

Makk

Kill this bear!!

2007-03-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

Animal rights types never cease to amaze me with their stupidity.

This is a pic of Knut, an abandonded polar bear cub that lives in the Berlin Zoo.
Animal rights activists want to have him killed. Let me repeat that, so you can wrap your head around the absurdity of it. Animal rights activists want to have him killed!!
I have always said that animal rights activists were unstable, emotionally driven wing nuts with little fact and all misguided emotion but this is takes the prize as one of their dumbest moves yet.
Here is the full story:
Kill Knut article

Knut was born last December, his mother ignored him and his brother. His brother did not survive. Zoo officials stepped in and, chose to raise the cub themselves. Seems logical. It was not Knut's fault and he deserves the right to live if we can help, doesn't he?
Not in the scrambled brain of the animal rights idiots. They say it would have died in nature and to have it fed by humans is unnatural blah blah blah. They forget that polar bears are under threat of extinction. They ignore the fact that many people will never see a polar bear up close other than seeing one in a zoo and that this may help get folks to care and help the ones in the wild.
No, the animal rights folks have their emotional blinders on and just see an animal in a zoo.
Not good enough.
"Feeding by hand is not species-appropriate but a gross violation of animal protection laws," says animal rights activist Frank Albrecht.
Yes, it seems it is better to let Knut die than save this wonderful animal. If the tables were turned and it was Frank Albrecht that needed to be saved...should we waste the time and energy?
I think it would be better to let nature take its course with him. His brain is too far gone to be worth saving.

Let it snow...somewhere else!

2007-03-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

Well I guess I pissed off Mother Nature with my last post!! Monday night she decided to unload some winter inventory in what can only be described as a shit load of snow. It came down all night making the roads a disaster and turning us into a winter wonderland. I wonder where that left-wing nut David Suzuki was when all that "global warming" covered us in ice and snow? Fortunately it has warmed up a bit aobut half of it is gone. We have some warm weather this weekend so perhaps this will be the last of winter??
The one thing about Southern Alberta is the weather is the least predictable thing about here.
This is a very busy week so I'll keep this blog short. I am off to buy some lighting equipment for a show I am producing.
Later kids

Daryl Makk

Spring is here....I hope!

2007-03-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

Well the weather in Calgary this weekend was beautiful. The mercury hit +15 and all the signs of spring are here.
Pasty white legs wearing shorts, people in convertibles with the top down (but windows up and heat on) and motorcycles and bicycles everywhere. Even the gophers are out!
This is in sharp contrast to Edmonton where I was on Thursday. They are still up to their butts in snow although it was starting to melt. Too bad the snow was not gone yet as it looks like the Oilers will be golfing soon while the Flames go on to the playoffs!
Hello red mile again!!
Now comes the part we all dread, will mother nature throw one more nasty snow storm our way or is she done for this year?
She usually gets pissy and tries to show off. Lets hope she has read all the hype on global warming and plays along.

Makk

Show called due to wimpiness!

2007-03-05T08:22:00.000-08:00

Well I am back in the good part of Canada again. Nice to be home. I think I have finally shaken this damn cold/flu. I have never seen such a nasty bug. I guess I should count myself lucky as one gent I spoke to at Pearson Airport in Toronto had fought it for 5 weeks. 5 weeks? What sort of super virus have we created?

My final days in the T.O. area were a bit of a waste. My last show at Club 54 was cancelled due to weather. WHAT? Yes mere weather.
It reaffirmed what I already knew about folks in Southern Ontario....they are a bunch of pussies!! The day had started with snow. Wet snow that had accumulated up to 10-15 cms in some areas. In the west, when that happens we just adjust our driving, slow down and plow on. Not so in Ontario. Several calls during the day to the club only got the answering machine so I assumed they were closed during the day. I called at 6pm and still no answer. Since traffic reports on the TV and radio were warning of huge delays I set out early as I knew it would be a crawl all the way to Burlington. Part way there I called the club again and finally they had added something to the voice mail message. The show had been cancelled due to weather. Wimps! Thanks for the call.

I had already gotten into the thick of crawling traffic of idiots and it took over an hour to get turned around and head back to my accoms. Many out driving did so as if they'd never seen white stuff before. It has snowed in Canada for centuries, yet these people did things that made me shake my head in disbelief. The roads were passable but slow. The drivers just slow in the head.
In Alberta, when we get severe weather we still do shows. We just expect fewer asses in the seats and leave early for the gig. Not in Southern Ontario. They just stay in and cry I suppose. Keep in mind that this is the same area that had to call in the army to help them shovel snow several years back while the rest of the country laughed their asses off.
The only time I have seen a show cancelled due to weather is when the road is closed. Closed because it was impassable for vehicles. These roads were not that bad.
Now I am back in Alberta and looking forward to driving here. Home sweet home...and a chinook giving us warm weather as well. It's good to be back!

Makk

I flew into the flu

2007-02-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

Hey faithful readers, thanks for your emails asking when my next blog is coming. Here it is along with the reason why I was not writing.
While in Ottawa I managed to contract this horrible flu that is going around. It starts with fever then turns in to a chest cold that acts like a squatter....it just won't leave. Talking to the locals it is a nasty one to shake and it is all over the Ottawa valley and into the Montreal area. I have named it "the separatist flu" because just when you think its over..it flares up again!!

I have spent most of my days napping to try and shake it along with tons of over the counter meds. My last week in Ottawa was great show-wise but was a test of endurance on stage.
I think the reason i got so sick was the nasty cold weather. I grew up on the prairies and thought i knew cold but Ottawa has to have the nastiest winter wind that never stops!! My leather jacket, with its zip in liner was usually sufficient back home, not so in the frosty damp capital! I ended up visiting a store to buy a much warmer leather with more quilting. I was going to buy one when i got home but the sales are on now and I didn't want to risk all the good sizes being picked over. Why is it, everytime I visit Ottawa I make a major purchase??

Now I am in Montreal. Still a damp cold but the wind at least has an 'off' setting.
Its been a fun few weeks, despite the flu, as I have bumped into many comedy buddies on this tour whom I have not seen in some time. My first night in Montreal I bumped into Steve Patterson who went to Australia last year. We swapped a few stories and I was happy to hear that my name was mentioned often down there. He told me that many of the venues and comics still bring my name up and all with good reports. Guess its time to make my return to the land down under. It is still the most fun I have had on tour.
I am off to have lunch and then try and rest one more time before my last shows here in Montreal.
Catch ya later kids

Daryl Makk

Hey buddy, can you spare $73 million??

2007-02-10T08:27:00.000-08:00

I have been in the city of politicians for a few days now. Good ol' Ottawa, cold, snowy, grey skies and lots and lots of salt on the roads. I have seen dark vehicles turned totally white by the salt covering them. An old vehicle here must be one that can not rust to oblivion in 10 yrs. I could not stand to live somewhere that salty.
That being said it is a great place for comedy and they even write it for you!! The other day the paper had a story on how the city of Ottawa spent $73 MILLION to not build a train. Let me say that again $73 MILLION to NOT build a train!!
WTF???!!?!
A proposed north-south Light Rail Transit (LRT) had gone to the preliminary stage. Land was purchased for the rail, engineering plans drawn up, enviromental assessments done (which passed), LRT office expenses and more. Everything was a go on the one billion dollar project, which was needed to ease traffic and they pulled the plug!!
Only in Ottawa can they spend $73 million to NOT build something!! Hey I could have NOT built it for much less!! Give me $4-5 million and I'll NOT build an east-west LRT for you!
The odd thing is, when I mention this story on stage the people here just seem to go "Oh well?!?!"
Yep, good ol' Ottawa, where money goes to die! No wonder our country is in so much debt!
I am sure I will have lots of new material by the time I leave here next week!
Cheers

Daddy Makk

Kids!! Gotta love 'em!!

2007-02-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

I am scrambling with all the last minute things (things I should have done last week) before I leave on my tour out east.
Funny, when you think the day is all yours the phone rings off the hook, emails come flying in and you have to take care of bookings and shows that are in the future. I am not complainging but with all my projects on the go I am getting stretched a bit thin today. Thankfully I am a super power in comedy and can handle it!!
:-)
Due to my hectic day my blog will be an excerpt from a funny newsletter I recieve on a weekly basis. Kids are so honest and straight forward that you just have to laugh at their frankness. Here are some quips from some young ones on the topic of "fish and the sea":
Enjoy!! My favorites Number 2 and 5 with 12 getting a naughty honorable mention!! LOL Let me know which are your favs in the comment section.

Daryl Makk
------
Fish and the sea as seen by young kids.

1) This is a picture of an octopus. It has eight testicles. (Kelly age 6 )

2) Oysters' balls are called pearls. (James age 6 )

3) If you are surrounded by sea you are an Island . If you don't have sea all round you, you are incontinent. (Wayne age 7)

4) Sharks are ugly and mean, and have big teeth, just like Emily Richardson. She's not my friend no more. (Kylie age 6)

5) A dolphin breaths through an arsehole on the top of its head. (Billy age 8 )

6) My uncle goes out in his boat with pots, and comes back with crabs.(Millie age 6 )

7) When ships had sails, they used to use the trade winds to cross the ocean. Sometimes, when the wind didn't blow, the sailors would whistle to make the wind come. My brother said they would be better off eating beans. (William age 7)

8 ) I like mermaids. They are beautiful, and I like their shiny tails. How do mermaids get pregnant? (Helen age 6 )

9) I'm not going to write about the sea. My baby brother is always screaming and being sick, my Dad keeps shouting at my Mum, and my big sister has just got pregnant, so I can't think what to write. (Amy age 6 )

10) Some fish are dangerous. Jellyfish can sting. Electric eels can give you a shock. They have to live in caves under the sea where I think they have to plug themselves into chargers. (Christopher age 7 )

11) When you go swimming in the sea, it is very cold, and it makes my willy small. (Kevin age 6 )

12) Divers have to be safe when they go under the water. Two divers can't go down alone, so they have to go down on each other. (Becky age 8 )

13) On holiday my Mum went water skiing. She fell off when she was going very fast. She says she won't do it again because water shot up her *?**?. (Julie age 7 )

The book of law

2007-01-31T06:15:00.000-08:00

I have been reading the Darwin Awards book. Its a little gift I got at Christmas and one that has been giving me a lot of laughs as of late. It never ceases to amaze me how many stupid people make it to adult life and some of the things they do to remove themselves from the gene pool. It also makes me worry that perhaps we are devolving as well. How else can you explain things like the popularity of mindless TV shows like Jerry Springer, Deal or No Deal, American Idol (just call it karaoke and be done with it) and other mindless trash?

For those of you who have seen my show you know my wrath on the idiots of the world. I am sure I will find a story to talk about in this book. Some of them are so bizarre you almost think they were made up. My favorite so far is a big, burly, knuckle-dragging oaf that tried to hit on 2 ladies in a pub. Ladies that were there on dates no less. To impress them he picked up a beer glass and bit a chunk off. He then chewed the glass and swallowed the broken pieces. He died of internal bleeding before they could get him to a hospital. That has to be the WORST pick up attempt yet. Had I been there to witness it I am would have been torn between shock or laughing my ass off until I had to be admitted for stomach cramps.

I highly reccomend this book for all. Not just for amusement but perhaps to help you pick out future Darwin award recepients so you may be the first to report them. It beats wasting time if front of a video games which I am positive has a negative effect on one's intelligence.
Later kids

Makk

I would know you from?????

2007-01-23T11:17:00.001-08:00

Pete
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

I had this pic emailed to me and thougt it was funny enough to share. I wish I knew where it originated from. That is one thing that irks me about folks who forward jokes etc. Eventually it just keeps circulating and the original person gets no credit and folks keep on forwarding it not knowing who created it. I know that jokes and funny items are forwarded with good intentions, I just wish the chain of origin did not break down in the process. If anyone knows where this one came from please let me know.
I received it after bumping into an old aquaintance, that I did not recognize right away, so it just seemed fitting.
Often I get people, that I have spoken to before, coming up to me at a show and it can be difficult to recognize them right away, especially if they are out of their environment. Right after a show or just before a show is the biggest memory lapse a performer can have as we tend to go into our own zone, where the world stands still and we not really there.
I remember coming off the stage once and not recognizing my own cousin! Granted it had been years since we had seen each other but it still makes you feel like a knob.
People change over the years and after staring at spotlights it is not a fair time for us to have you foremost in our minds.
So, if you ever come up to me after a show, especially when I was having a great set, bear with me as I come down from my show "high" and try to figure out..."Who the hell are you??"
Remember, you have the advantage as I was on stage and I get so many faces put before me that it may take a moment...k?
Just for the record, the egg's name was Ed. The chicken just got off stage and had it wrong.

Daryl Makk

finally a blog!!!

2007-01-18T17:36:00.000-08:00

To my loyal readers, I apologize for the lack of posting of late.
Its been awhile since I have had time to blog or the mood. There is something about blogging that you have to have the right mind set before you start typing away.

Today I had lunch with my good buddy Sugar Sammy who is in this week headlining the Comedy Cave. The Cave is Calgary's number one spot for comedy and is great room to perfrom in. By the way, if you are wanting to see Sugar Sammy most of this week's shows are already sold out so hurry and get your tickets! (info on their site). His show is hilarious. Catch him while you can.

This Saturday I am scheduled to do a guest-middle spot. One of my coporate contacts has booked their post Christmas party there and requested I be on the bill too. It should be a fun time and the audience is getting 2 headliners on the same bill! I look forward to catching Sammy's set as it has been awhile since we have worked together. I have some very special friends who have never seen me so lets hope I rock the room!! Afterward it is party time with them!

The battle between the smokers and the new bylaw here is still amusing us all. I laugh my ass off at the smokers and their hazy logic about their "right" to smoke. I find it curious how a full grown adult, with all the knowledge at our disposal, would continue to fight for the 'right" to smoke, knowing full well it is deadly to them and others. Proof that we are indeed saving the dumb ones and they are breeding. Sorry puffer heads, when your activity becomes harmful to others, rules must be used to keep your ignorance in check. The smoking ban, in public places, is one of those rules and I expect you and your stinky habit to obey it. Got it? Probably not.
Oh well, thick skulls take many hits before it sinks in.

later kids
Makk

Thoughts for the day

2007-01-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I get some cool stuff emailed to me. These words came a few days ago and I dedicate today's blog to them.
Some remind me of past employers and others in my past. Some remind me of positive folks in my life. I keep only the good ones in my world.
Cheers and keep supporting stand-up comedy, especially mine!!
:-)
Daryl Makk
-----------

Rudeness is a weak person's imitation of strength

Little pots soon boil over

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent

Don't compromise yourself, you're all you've got

Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go

A modest little person, with much to be modest about

There are two kinds of people, those who do the work and those who take the
credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there

Rich bitch..no other title fits.

2007-01-08T10:03:00.000-08:00

High maintenance, stuck up, pain in the ass, spoiled rotten...what ever you call them they are bitches. Here is the poster child for all bitches
I saw this video online of a spoiled little tart getting a car for her birthday.

Rich Girl Gets Wrong Color Car Poor girl!

Can you imagine what she will be like when she is old and bitchy after her looks have left her? All she'll have left is her personality. I want to see video of that!!

LOL
Daryl Makk

The paperwork and phone vacation!!

2007-01-07T14:54:00.000-08:00

Well the early part of January is always a dead zone for gigs. People have drained their accounts on Christmas and New Years.That's fine. I need this week and the next to catch up on some paperwork, phone calls and other administrative duties. It is the boring part of the business but it needs to be done.

I have a few projects and proposals to get sent out and a gazillion phone calls to make. For those not familiar with the metric system a gazillion = a shit load!

Not much else to report of interest so this will be a short entry.
Later

Daryl Makk
aka Daddy Makk

Goodbye 2006 hello 2007

2006-12-31T13:42:00.000-08:00

Well the holidays were fun. My sons and I met up with family and stayed at a nice resort out in BC. The weather was perfect!
I think I've started a band as my boys now have guitars to add to their budding music careers. They were already playing saxophone (tenor and baratone) and now are plucking away on their new Fenders. It is nice to have kids that are not addicted to video games, crack and all the other life wasters out there. Yes, I am a proud dad.

Tonight we say goodbye to 2006. What a year it’s been! I have made so many great new business contacts and there are some amazing things coming in ’07. Or is that ‘007? Yes, this year is licensed to kill! Kill the status quo of what has been a stagnant sector of entertainment for too long.
We have seen some tremendous growth in the comedy community. There are great new acts, new TV and radio shows, new rooms to play, new shows produced, a more open market and new comedy clubs. Venues are popping up across the country as comedy makes its rebirth. A rebirth that is stronger than the old boom of the 80’s when far too many were pushed to headline status before they were ready.
The freedom comics have to express themselves today and promote their careers is endless. Technology and the Internet make it easier for all acts to be noticed and remembered. Remembered for who they are and not just a face to some generic show under a company banner. I have more people saying my name than ever before and I am not alone on this There is a lot less of “Hey the last guy was funny…what was his name?” I have seen many comedy peers finally get the recognition they deserve. Thank you Youtube.com, Myspace.com Comedy Now and of course the ease of having a web site where everyone can find out more about you.

It is customary to make resolutions so here are mine for 2007.
I resolve to start smoking then quit the next day. Just to show all those tar-breathed idiots that it is possible. LOL
Actually my resolutions are for me and not for this blog. My close friends know what I plan on doing. The others will have to watch and see.
Best to all in ‘007
It will be one to remember.
Cheers

Daryl Makk

HappyHanukwanzmas

2006-12-23T12:36:00.001-08:00

HappyHanukwanzmas
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

I had this jpeg emailed to me and felt it was a great solution to something that plagues us. What are we allowed to say at this time of year?
With all the political correctness crap running rampant these days, no one seems to know what to say. If you say "Merry Christmas" you may offend non-christians. You can't say "Happy Hanukah" because not everyone is Jewish. With North America becoming more of a melting pot of the world, we now have Kwanzaa added to the holidays celebrated here.

The result is a lame watered down greeting we hear often: "Happy Holidays" ....what ever that means. It is too generic for my liking. "Seasons Greetings" sucks even more. The last season I wish to be greeted with is the cold icy one known as winter. If you want to greet me with a seaon pick a warm one please.

So what to do?

I say we combine them all into "HappyHanukwanzmas"!! That should fix it!
My next plan, if elected as leader of all things good, is to make it random. We move it each year so the greedy retail sector doesn't taint it. It will be a surprise with a only a one month notice before we celebrate HappyHanukwanzmas.
Think about it.
Fewer annoying ads on TV as the marketing machine can't get geared up to assualt us. Less stress building up to what ever it is we build up to now. My guess is we are now celebrating polar bears drinking Coca-Cola so that kids can get new video games as gifts and everyone can dance on fake snow and then eat some special crappy fast food made just for this time of year... or something like that.
In the meantime if someone wishes you the best and gets the holiday wrong don't get mad. Unless you are wearing a sign that says "I celebrate (insert holiday here)" you have no reason to get pissy about it. Just smile, say thanks and wish them the best with your holiday. That is called sharing and it is what the season is about.
So happy HappyHanukwanzmas everyone. Next year I want to make it happen in a warmer month.

Daryl Makk

The countdown, puff, puff ,cough, cough outside!! LOL

2006-12-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

Well the corporate seasons is just about over for this Christmas. Lots of miles and gigs. Now I just have to fight the crowds at the malls. THAT is the worse part of all. As most men do, I have left my shopping until the last minute. I could have done it earlier but my time was just stretched too thin.
Last week I had a gig in Edmonton and popped down to the Comic Strip after to check the show. If you missed JR Brow you missed a great headliner, but then I have yet to see any show there dissappoint. Check them out
Comic Strip
There were many comics hanging around so it was one big reunion of pals and great to see everyone.

Here in Calgary we are counting down til New Years when the new smoking law takes effect. FINALLY! (insert happy dance)
I can't wait until all those, dumb enough to have that disgusting habit, have to go outside. No more smelly clothes for me after a gig or a night out.
I have heard all the losers....er..I mean nay-sayers on this bylaw. "Our bar will lose business! Its not fair" Blah blah blah.
Sorry guys, I have been to other cities that have no smoking and the pubs seem pretty full. Sure the butt-heads will stay away, in protest, for a week or two but they'll get bored and return. Trust me. Even in Montreal, where eveyone seems to smoke they are coping. Smokers will also adapt to having to step outside for a puff and will secretly be grateful for the reduction in the number of cigaretts they will inhale, thus making it easier to quit and savinf them money. In theory anyway. I know there are some die hards that will just go outside and grumble but never quit. Eventually they will have to. You either quit or nature makes the decision for you.
Good luck to all who have a New Year's resolution to quit, I understand its not easy but you can do it if you really want to.
tick tick tick

Daryl Makk

South good, north bad..mom is doing better.

2006-12-12T16:44:00.000-08:00

While the world shakes its head at North Korea for doing the nuke thing I thought I'd give kudos to their neighbours, South Korea. On my last 2 road trips I rented an economy size car, to save fuel and as it was only me travelling, so why get the big car? Both times I was given a Korean made car. I was hesitant as there is a stigma about Korean cars and their quality. I can assure you that both KIA and Hyundai have learned very quickly how to make a car I could live with. The nod has to go to Hyundai as the better of the two.
I was amazed at the pep of both these cars even with an automatic transmission. I felt like I was in a Honda but for several grand less. Well done South Korea! I had the Hyundai Elantra which had adequate leg room for my 6'3" frame and it would easily go well above the speed limit if asked and still give great mileage. By well above the speed limit I mean...don't ask. I was on back roads and doing fine. Fuel is one of the biggest expenses of any traveling entertainer and getting it at a good clip is even better.
Comics do a LOT of driving as often the shows are in towns that have no regular air service. As such buying a new car, taking the deprication hit (on top of running up double or triple the kilometers of the average driver) makes little sense. I know, I have been that route before. The draw back of any car is their value depriciates and Korean cars do so much quicker than their Japanese or American equvialants especially if you buy one brand new. This works out perfect for guys like me. I can pick up a car that has come off a short lease, has low kilometers on it, and for cheap. Then I can do my usual 3 years of burning it up and throwing it away. I think I may have to look around for one of these Korean rockets but in a 5 speed. Automatics bore the hell out of me.

I flew out to see mom and dad (and my sis) for a few days. Mom is doing better despite the fact they are not totally sure what she has. It is a rare form of cancer but turns out it is not a very aggressive one and they feel they can treat it with success. Lets all hope. Thanks for all the emails from those concerned. Your thoughts and well wishes are appreciated.

The weather here is great and a big family dinner is tonight. It is nice to see them all especially at this busy time of year. I plan on being back here right after Christmas. Where is here? Those that need to know, do. The rest of you just hum along.
Mom says hi!

Daryl Makk

"Tis the season....to grab as much as you can!

2006-12-06T09:28:00.000-08:00

Well its that time of year folks and I need to vent, as we count down the day to celebrate the big event....BOXING DAY SALE!!
You'd think that was the holiday as the TV ads keep on plugging their spend-spend-spend message totally losing the message of why we have Dec 25 off in this country. Dec 26 is a day I stay in and refuse to get sucked into the "Buy the crap we couldn't sell you before sale". Its a scam. Every January there are sales as good or better and no line ups...trust me.

Now I am not a religous guy but I miss the feeling of Christmas that used to exist. Back in a time when Rememberance day would pass BEFORE the Christmas stuff showed up in the malls. Note: If you celebrate another holiday insert it where you see "Christmas". I am speaking from my POV here, also there is no such thing as "Seasons Greetings". Let it go. How can a season greet you especially this one! Greetings...here is snow and cold!!

The ads on TV are mostly annoying, void of any entertainment and their attempts at humor leave me with a sense of job security, albeit while wretching and fumbling for the remote to make it all end.
Telus is one of the worst. With so many actors looking for work they are kind enough to give it all to ...animals!?!? I am not sure what a monkey has to do with cell phones. Perhaps it is the same ones that work their (lack of) support phone line? If you have ever been on hold with Telus for any of their services you know what I mean. Monkeys.

There are countless other commercials, too many to list, that insult our intelligence but the big ad agencies, full of over-educated marketing "experts" (that don't live in the real world) continue to pound out one steaming turd of an ad after another. Has anyone seen the Tim Horton's one where full grown men act like little giddy kids in a snow fort with their Timmy gifts? Isn't that like real life? Then again, Tim Hortons is one place that continues to lower the bar on intelligence. If you've seen my show you know what I am talking about. I do like their coffee but I have been buying it because it tastes good and is easy to find. Not one cup has been purchased due to their commercials.
The only commercials that are enjoyable seem to be beer ads. While I am not a fan of Molson Canadian beer they do seem to put out funny entertaining ads. I just can't see myself buying their stuff to put under the tree.

What's really annoying about TV is how certain things need to be portrayed lest we actually see a bit of reality. Corporate America seems to censor the commercial content, even TV show content so as not to alarm the sheeple populace.
This is the same country that will go to war over oil, send 18-19 year olds into battle to die (but won't let them drink booze til 21) and refuse to acknowledge that sex exists and we all are here because sex exists. Did you know that the first couple to share a bed (not have sex but share a bed) on prime time was Fred and Wilma Flinstone? They had to ease the public into it with a cartoon?!?!? If you want to put sex in a commercial in N America it has to be very subtle.
No wonder European ads kick ass over some of the lame ones we see here. They are less uptight then us over in the new world.
I went to a screening of the best ads from around the world once and there was very little from N America that was shown and what did, paled by comparision to what the Europeans and South Americans put out. I found myself saying "Can they do that?" Then I thought yeah, why not!!

Can I change it over here? Probably not. I just needed to unload as the TV is on and another ad turd hit the screen.
Then I get an email from a fan showing me an IKEA ad that we will never see over here. If you find it offensive please....get therapy!
Daryl Makk
Mattress Commercial NOT seen in America

Add to My Profile | More Videos

A blog by any other name is still... a bunch of words.

2006-12-03T12:11:00.000-08:00

Hello loyal readers, lurkers and anyone who has stumbled across my blog, welcome! Mother Nature has finally warmed things up a bit so I figure its time to write something. I apologize for no pic on the blog lately. I have not snapped anything that is worth showing or that I can show...yet. I'll get some pics up soon.

Its corporate Christmas season so many of my shows are all private ones and I can't extend any invites to you. I do have one for the public coming up shortly and will post it accordingly.

So what to write about? Hmmm
Alberta has a new leader after many many years of the longest running premier in Canada's history. Ed Stelmach, a farmer and former cabinet minister won in an upset victory yesterday to take the reins of power from good ol' Ralph Klein as Conservative party leader and premier of the best damn province in Canada. I did not follow the race that closely but the 2 main contenders, Dinning and Morton seemed a bit bent on mud slinging and extremism more than issues important to the peope and it cost them.
Stelmach, known as a peacemaker and consensus-builder, focused on more on what Albertans wanted and slid into power. Time will tell if the members of the Conservative party gave us the right person.
I think it will be nice to have the down to earth, common sense of a farmer, rather than a lawyer-turned-politician, or worse, a career politician that is so our options to choose from. I'll miss the crazy antics of ol' Ralph but his time was up. He served us well. You have some big shoes to fill Ed, do us proud!

This past week has been a flurry of activity off stage. Long distance phone meetings, media design, web site building, and much, much, more have taken up hours and hours of time but I think the payoff will be grand. I like the way 2007 is looking. "Daryl, what the hell are you talking about?" some may be asking. Fret not my fans, friends, plus the puppets and little shaved Ewok who read this blog. In due time, in due time.

Myspace has proven to be a great aid in business as of late. I've met some really interesting people on there and have made some great alliances in the comedy world. If you are on myspace feel free to add me and say hi.
Add Makk on myspace

It's a cool site which can also be very addicting. It is full of really cool folks but there are also the usual lot of spammers, fakes and phonies on there. After awhile it gets easier to weed out the knobs.

I think I'll head out and brave the crowds and do a bit of shopping. It seems like one of those days to do it.

Later
Daryl Makk

Cold weather sucks!

2006-11-28T18:30:00.000-08:00

For the last week I have been freezing my butt off!! I went to Saskatchewan, back to Alberta, drove all over the province and its is still -24 or worse.
Global warming my ass!! I knew they were lying.
No real blogs until the weather turns more humane.

Off to burn some styrofoam and help this so called warming kick in.
Daryl Makk

The nothing post

2006-11-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

Its cold, winter is here, I have to head out on the road, I am too busy to blog. Early mornings make me cranky!
There...that's my post.

Daryl Makk

The storm named John

2006-11-19T12:40:00.001-08:00

John M
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

Well its been a few days since I've had time to post a blog. What can I say..I've been busy.
My trip to Edmonton went well and mother nature behaved. No snow, ice or fog. The thing to watch out for was a storm named John.

I left Edmonton with enough time to pop in and see my friend John M, in Sylvan Lake, on the way home. I met him in Australia and it had been awhile since we had chatted. A few beers and some fun yakking and then he unleashed the storm. An 33 year old limited edition, single malt scotch. I am only human, resistance was futile. Calgary would have to wait until morning. I'll get you back for that John M. and will return the expensive hang over! Nice to see you again, thanks for the spare room and the headache ya bugger!

Your pic is now up so others can be warned...you're bad news bud!!
I think the last time we partied that hard was my birthday bash at the Manley Boatshed in Sydney Australia. As I write this "The lonely planet" , with Ian Wright, is on The Outdoor Life Network and they are doing a show about Australia. It makes me miss the land down under even more. Time to plan a return trip.

The rest of the weekend has been tying loose ends on some projects and a couple of shows.
I managed to take in the Just for Laughs road show that came through town.
There was not a weak link in the whole line up and it was an awesome show. Well done lads! They have a few more cities to hit yet so you may be able to still catch it. Check www.hahaha.com for more info.

Later kids
Daryl Makk

See ya chinook!

2006-11-15T21:26:00.000-08:00

This sucks. We are having a nice warm chinook wind and the temps are in the double digits for the first time since before Halloween and I have to go to Edmonton tomorrow, for the whole day, for meetings. Edmonton where the temperature will be on the minus side of celcius. I want to do these meetings as they are important but I hate missing any warm weather we get. Such is life.

This week has been a non-stop flurry of phone calls and emails. I didn't get out of my office until late afternoon today, thus missing most of our nice day which is why I am a bit pissed. I do think the drive will be a nice break even if I am going into lower temperatures. I hope the highway stays clear and fog free and the Tim Hortons coffee is hot and served by someone who is not a complete idiot (reference to an old blog).
This is the shoulder season, not quite fully winter but not the nice fall either. A time when the weather can throw some mighty challenging conditions. It's not me I worry about but the others on the highway. SUVs at full throttle while on cruise control, phone in one ear and a DVD playing in the back. Hopped up Civics that think they're Ferraris, or 3/4 ton trucks going by so fast that you just know their company is paying for fuel. At least it isn't the weekend when traffic is heavier.
I'll be back tomorrow night late to get some rest. Friday is a video production day, well a production NIGHT, but it should be fun. A special project that I am working on that promises to be a fun evening. NO, not that type of video.

Sunday is a Grey Cup party and show. Looks to be a blast. I guess I'll be cheering for the BC Lions like any red-blooded westerner should. In my best Tweety voice..."Go pooty tats!!"

Daryl Makk

Your Monday chuckle

2006-11-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine went very well with some great business items being taken care of.
I am in a lazy mood and don't feel like doing a big long blog so I will share with you a funny posting I got from myspace. Are you on myspace? Give me the add! Link is on my site.
Cheers
Daryl Makk
----------------------
From a myspace friend:

According to a news report, a certain school in Garden City, MI was recently faced with a unique problem.

A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the washroom. That was fine, but after they put on their lipstick they would press their lips to the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints. Every night, the maintenance man would remove them and the next day, the girls would put them back.

Finally the principal decided that something had to be done. He called all the girls to the washroom and met them there with the maintenance man. He explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors every night. To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, he asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required. He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleaned the mirror with it. Since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror.

.....THE MORAL OF THIS STORY..

There are teachers, and then there are Educators

Remember

2006-11-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

This video and song says it all.
Take time to remember.

Daryl Makk

Everyone's a Comedian!!

2006-11-09T11:36:00.001-08:00

Good 'ol Ralph Kein
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

Normally I don't write too much about politics on my blog but this news item made me laugh and I had to share.

Alberta's longerst running Premier of almost 14 years, Ralph Klein, is in the news again. Even though he is stepping down.
In a recent roast dedicated to Ralphy, a roast where pretty much nothing is sacred he made a quip about Belinda Stronach, Liberal MP.
For those of you not from Canada or in the dark about politics in the land of snow and hockey pucks, Belinda once ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party and failed to achieve that goal. In May of 2005 Belinda crossed the floor of the House of Commons to join the governing Liberals. She had been offered a high profile cabinet position as minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and minister responsible for Democratic Renewal. Donning her best Benedict Arnold clothes, she switched teams.
She has also stated, at one point, that she would like to seek the leadership of the Liberal party.
Hmmm, if this doesn't smell of a mole that was planted in the Conservatives or a blatant opportunist I don't know what does. She does not seem to be with one party and their ideals.
She also broke up with her boyfriend, Conservative MP Peter MacKay, shortly after switching parties. The reasons are a bit muddled for the break-up but lets just say they did not part as "still good friends."
Now back to Ralph at the roast.

""I wasn't surprised she crossed over," he said of Stronach. "I don't think she ever did have a Conservative bone in her body -- well, maybe one."

He waited for laughter to ease, then said: "Speaking of Peter MacKay ..."

Good one Ralph, it made me almost choke on my morning coffee as I read the story. Not so funny for some politicians.
NDP MP Dawn Black said Klein's remarks were "totally unacceptable" and prove sexism thrives in politics.
I have always thought the NDP to be a bit of humorless lot and this proves it further. Also her claim of sexism falls a bit short of the mark.
I have here the definition as found in the Encarta World English Dictionary.
sexism sex·ism n
1. discrimination against women or men because of their sex
2. the tendency to treat people as cultural stereotypes of their sex

Was Belinda denied income, a promotion or other achievement? NO
Was a cultural sterotype used? I think not other than the fact that Belinda is hetrosexual and does prefer men and has had sex with some members of the opposite sex, including Peter MacKay. Don't confuse facts with stereotypes Dawn.

I think Dawn Black is just confused as I don't believe the NDPs are "getting any".
It was a roast and people take all kinds of shots at these things. Somebody needs to toss Ms. Black her own "bone". Lighten up and get on with more important things like the economy, national security, health care and things the voters actually care about or remain a low ranking party forever.

So will Ralph lose any sleep over Dawn Black's comments? I doubt it. This is the same guy, while he was mayor of Calgary, called the influx of many Canadians from the east a bunch of "bums and scums". There was even a hit song on the radio station here done as a parody of The Beverly Hillbillies tune.
Another time, after a night of drinking, Ralph tossed money at a bunch of guys in a homeless shelter and told them to get jobs.
That's Ralph.
He was always a down to earth, shoot from the hip and lip kind of guy. I didn't agree with everything he did but he did take a province, riddled with debt, and put us up at the top of the economic heap. The envy of the rest of the country.

Now do I have to worry about competing against him for gigs? Naw.
Hey, I'd tour with the guy if that is the kind of jokes he is able to write! I am sure one on one conversation with him in the car or on the plane would spawn all sorts of humor.
Just let me close the show Ralph, I have more material than you but I'm sure you'd be one helluva an opener!
Drinks after??

Daryl Makk

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comments via email

"I laughed my head off when I heard about that this morning. Way to go Ralphie!
- Martina (myspace) Lethbridge

That was very well said & I couldn't agree with you more! LOL good job :)
-Tracy (myspace) Calgary

Back in 2006 again!

2006-11-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

I have returned from the north and land of no cell reception. It seems the gravel road we bitched about to get there became our savior on the way home. Mother Nature thought it was a good day to rain ice cubes. For over 3 hours we plugged along in freezing rain and we were happy to have the gravel to give us traction. When the gravel turned to paved road we had to do the opposite of normal. We reduced speed considerably.
Luckily by noon the freezing rain ended and the sun came out to dry the highway. We're in the clear we thought! It's warm in Alberta and we are heading towards it! Yeah right. By the time we got back to our home province darkness had set in and the warm moist air had turned into thick fog! Always a treat for tired eyes. But we made it, several hours behind our intended ETA but all in one piece. Ahhh, life on the road. As trying as it was it still beats a day job!

Later Makk-o-philes

North to a gig

2006-11-04T12:10:00.001-08:00

Saskatoon
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

I’m sitting here in the hotel lobby of the northern Manitoba town of The Pas and feel like I’ve stepped back in time. What can you expect from a town that has the word “The” in its title? My cell phone stopped giving me reception a long time ago. So much for Rogers Wireless claim of being Canada’s largest cell network.
Not up here.
Not on the gravel road that brought us here. I now have a nice electronic paperweight for a couple of days. (There was a paved road route to get here but that would’ve added over an hour to our time and the less time in a car the better)

In a way it’s nice to be partially disconnected from the technological shackles of society. At least I have the internet although I have to sit in the lobby to get a weak signal.
The trip has been fun as I am traveling with 2 friends, Terry Hollas and Bob Beddow so there is little friction in the car.

We’re playing tourist on the way and taking pics of silly things to make the drive more fun. Passing through Tidsdale Saskatchewan we spotted this sign and had to stop.

For those of you not in the loop, Brent Butt is one of the biggest comedy success stories in Canada who never had to leave the country to achieve it. His sitcom “Corner Gas”, which he created, is one of the top rated shows on Canadian TV. He is doing a lot of soft seat theatre touring and living the life that all comics dream of. That is theatres filled with audiences of people coming to see him because they know who he is. Well done Brent. When we passed through your home town we had to stop and take the pics. I also had to try on Brent's big head that he always jokes about.

We had a great show in Saskatoon on Thursday with over 900 people and then met up with other comics for some beer and food.
Last night, in the town with “The” in its name, we had a packed house with an awesome audience. It made the drive worthwhile. Tonight looks to be as good or better. These northern towns, are quaint, down to earth with some friendly people that love to laugh. They just don’t provide all the modern amenities that I have grown use to. It’s a small price to pay.
Back to the big city tomorrow.

Makk

Tribute to a man we will all miss.

2006-10-31T21:13:00.000-08:00

Steve Irwin.

Some only knew him by his TV name, The Crocodile Hunter. Almost everyone has seen or heard of the man. He died in a freak accident, while diving, Sept 4/2006, when a stingray got him in the chest. Something that almost never happens. In an instant the world changed and the Crococile Hunter was no more.
We would no longer hear his cry of “Crickey!” and watch in amusement as he chased down another creature to show off to the camera. His love of nature was pure (despite what the freaky animal rights knobs say). He taught us more about animal behavior in one episode than any bunny-hugger protester could hope to learn in a lifetime. He understood animals.

He was also the inspiration of many bad, hack comedy bits. Doing a Croc Hunter impression in your act would get other comics in the back of the room rolling their eyes…but we always found it a bit amusing. Hell, many of us even slipped the odd Croc Hunter, line in our shows at one time.

With this in mind I dedicated my 2006 Halloween costume to the man out of respect. Respect for his work and his over the top showmanship. The costume is not meant to offend and that’s why added a comedic twist. A ’63 Stingray as the culprit.
Crikey I bet Steve himself would’ve found it amusing.
“Jahst loook at the col’r o’ thet Stingray, it’s goh-jus!! It’s a ’63 and var-ee rare in these pah-ts!”
I tried to find a 62 for the year of his birth but my search came up empty.

That's an Aussie beer in the pic. Coopers Sparking Ale of which I had many while down under. I am not sure if it was the beer of choice for Steve but I felt I needed to represent his country with a great beer. (Now available in Canada)

I got a lot of positive feedback on the outfit plus a few stares of “I don’t get it?”
Typical
I even went on stage at Comedy Monday Night for the Halloween show, where I gave a mention to him.

Mr. Irwin you left us too soon but you departed doing what you loved, being with nature.
Your show was great, you inspired many to do impressions and you always, always entertained. I hope you’re up there chasing angels and holding them up to the camera now. Yeah, the Croc hunter is now the angel hunter.
I love your country and hope to visit it again soon. Your show inspired me to get down there and see it. Rest in peace and thanks for years of education and entertainment.

Daryl Makk
p.s. the Stingray was taken by a fan after the Comedy Monday Night show. I was told "I just have to have it!" as it was ripped from my chest...killing the costume forever.

More on Steve Irwin
-----------
Comment via email on myspace
"Hey Daryl, looks like you had a great Halloween. Love the added "stingray" effect....
Have a wonderful November! "- Mrs. Solis

Via email
"funny pics" -Boomer , Toronto

Snow and more snow

2006-10-29T18:13:00.000-08:00

Just like when I was a kid, snow has arrived in time for Halloween.
I was at a Halloween party on Saturday and when I left to go home there were small snow pellets falling. Not flakes, not freezing rain but in between the two, like a wet snow fog.
I went to bed and woke up to a world of white. Lots of it. Mother Nature had been busy during the night.
The forecast is calling for more snow later today. I feel for the little tykes trick or treating as goblins and ghouls this Tuesday. It does not look to be a warm one or a dry one. Sorry kids, global warming has being delayed....again.

I did venture out today but quickly grew annoyed with the idiots that are too lazy to clear the snow off of their cars. Brake and signal lights obsucured. Then there are the ones that somehow, in just a half a year, have forgotten how to drive in snow. Thanks for the delays as you exchange information with the person you hit.

I decided it was best to stay in today and write. My blog is just a short diversion which is odd. I took a break from writing to write?? Snow days do funny things to people
Later

Daryl Makk

Common Sense.....R.I.P

2006-10-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

I had this emailed to me. The author is unknown. If anyone knows who originally wrote this, (before someone cut and paste it into an email to be sent all over and no recognition to the author) let me know. My friend who sent this does not know the origin. I felt it was fittinng for today's overly PC world.

Obituary

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher
fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Panadol, sun lotion or a Band-Aid to a student but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant or wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as churches became businesses, and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm A Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.
R.I.P

New Look

2006-10-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

Blogger has a new tempate and layout beta system that I am trying out. Enjoy the new look.
Comments are now moderated to prevent spam, small minded hit-and-run posts, and the usual BS that goes with the internet.
I have no blog for you today as I have too many things to do. Lots of projects on the go.

Cheers
Daryl Makk

A war of rights. The right ones are starting to win.

2006-10-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

letter
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

Its time to rant about something. Its been too long.
I got published in a couple of papers this week with a letter to the editor. The Calgary Sun trimmed it down, possible to save upsetting any advertisers. FastForward, our entertainment paper, put the letter in its entirety as they don't bow to any corporate pressure or they had a bit more space.
For a larger view of the letter
click here

A bit of back story on this. Calgary's silly council has waffled on the anti-smoking laws due to small minded bar owners (with their heads up their nicotine filled asses) lobbying against it. While the rest of the country, and the world for that matter, is going non-smoking in bars our civic leaders have not found their spines to pass legislation quickly.
Bar owners opposed to it claim it will kill their business. Will it?
Since I travel I have seen other cities that have gone non-smoking. You know what, their bars are as busy if not busier. Smokers just have to step outside, where they belong. The rest of us can go home with clothes that smell like clothes. A nice thing when you are travelling and have limited laundry access!

There is no way that the minority that smokes, should be able to subject the rest of us with their stench. My own family hates going to comedy shows because of the smoke. Thankfully many of the clubs have more non-smoking shows now and soon they will be entirely smoke free.
I have friends who smoke and they know how I feel on the issue. If you stick a cigarette in your mouth and puff away you are a retard.
Lets see, it tastes awful (until you are addicted) it stinks, it slowly kills you, it's expensive. Hmm, I can see why people do it until they are addicted. It makes so much sense to keep at it until your body craves the added nicotine and other chemicals they put in. You are so cool.

I think the movie "The Insider" starring Russell Crowe should be mandatory viewing for kids when they hit their teens. Put knowledge in their heads at how greedy some large corporations are at the expense of our health. Let them see the truth.

Now, if we can just get the stinky smokers to move about 20 meters away from mall and bar entrances and stop littering the sidewalk with their butts....then the war will be over.
Oh yeah, one more thing, girls that smoke...enjoy the early wrinkles you'll be getting. It is so sexy to have those lines on your face from sucking on death all those years.
Me in a bar "What brand do you smoke?"
Girl in a bar "How did you know I smoked?"
Me in a bar "It shows!"

A smoke free Daryl Makk

-----------------------------
Comment via email
Hey Daryl.....read your blog...good for you...NJ has no smoking and it is now a pleasure to go to a club or bar....you just have to pass through the tunnel of smoke on the way in to out......wish they would make they move away from the door....but maybe that will come in time.......I am just happy not to have to have my hair and clothes reeking of smoke when I get home........hope they pass the law in Calgary asap!!
Barb (New Jersey)

Hi Daryl,

I just wanted to say thank you for standing up for the non-smokers of the world. I
happen to be allergic and it drives me crazy when people go on and on about smokers
rights. Well... what about my right to breath? I agree with every word of your letter
and your blog.

Thanks again,
Angie (Calgary)

Congrats to James Moore and Comedy Monday Night

2006-10-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

James, Mike and me
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

Last night James Moore, the man who started Comedy Monday Night, down at Dickens pub, had a real treat for his audience. The man dubbed "The King of Canadian Comedy" Mr. Mike McDonald himself made a surprise appearence. James had every reason to be proud because when a big name like Mike McDonald finds your room, you know it is part of the comedy scene.
We are not sure what Mike is looking at in the pic above...he posed for quite a few and of course had to make them funny.
Check out the big ass smile of pride on James' face!

The audience got to watch 8 of Mike's workshop students, a few regulars (including myself) before blowing the crowd away with a 20 minute set that was nothing short of hilarious. Quite a few were surprised to see such a big name hit the stage (I am talking about Mike...not me!!).
James I hope the word spreads that your room is THE place to see comics working on material or stopping by to do a set. Thanks for all the stage time.
Every major city seems to have one of these rooms where comics come to meet and yours is really making its mark. First a CBC radio taping and now this! What else do you have planned for Comedy Monday Night James?

For more on Comedy Monday Night CLICK HERE
If you are in Calgary and need something to do on a Monday come check out the open mic night down at Dickens Pub. Its FREE! What the hell else are you going to do on a Monday??

Daryl Makk

Disneyland anyone??

2006-10-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

The Comic Strip
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

I spent the weekend at western Canada's number one comedy club The Comic Strip (I MC'd on Fri/Sat and headlined on Sunday). Besides the usual great crowds and superb treatment by the staff, I had the pleasure of working with D.C. Benny. He has a very sublte approach that makes you think he is going to be a wordy talker when suddenly the story is filled with punchline after punchline and you find yourself rolling with laughter. He is definitely a 'must see' comic. Clean, clever and funny as hell!!

The Comic Strip also announced a great contest for Edmontonians. Its called "Edmonton's got talent" and the winner gets a free trip to Disneyland. Yes Disneyland !!! No need to get your assed kicked in a Superbowl match to get there anymore!!
"Edmonton's got talent" is a talent contest and not limited to just comedy. If you have any talent- juggling, singing, comedy, music... what have you, then enter now as there are limited spots left! So come on Edmonton, show off your talent and win a trip to Disneyland.
If you don't have any talent to enter of miss the cutoff then come out and watch the the show, it is sure to be a great time.
Click here to enter

Today I start looking for my winter gear as I awoke to snow. Yep, the white stuff showed up early. So much for global warming!!

Makk

>Insert blog title here<

2006-10-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

I am in Edmonton looking out at cold grey skies. It's that depressing weather. Cold enough to snow but it won't. Too cool to do outdoor things so you don't. Its that in-between-seasons feeling of nothingness. Blah!! Even the great shows last night can't seem to shake this grey sky boredom.
What do you in Edmonton when its like this?? Why, head to West Edmonton Mall, the biggest shopping complex on earth of course! It is more of a bioshere than a mall so I am sure I will find some things to do and maybe write about.
I need to buy a few things anyway.

Makk

Work-puke-work and work some more.

2006-10-10T22:45:00.000-07:00

Well its been awhile since I have updated this blog. Sorry, this week has had me going hard at projects and travel.
The Saskatchewan trip went well except for 2 glitches.
1- I forgot my charger for my laptop so I had limited time to go online. (Thanks to NeuralNet in S'toon for letting me charge up at their shop while I ran errands and giving me an extra day of "juice". Mac dealers can be so helpful). This also delayed the launch of my new web site as I had to ration my battery power.
2- Food poisoning knocked me on my ass for 2 days. (Be careful where you eat folks) This also delayed a few things. I did catch up on sleep...sort of...if you can call recovering a full day sleep. The guts are now back to normal, almost.

Today I was on a movie set, here in Calgary, doing stand-in work. It was a long day outdoors but fun. I bumped into fellow comic Brian Stollery who I have not seen in some time. He did a splendid job on his role as "Bishop Whipple". Kudos Brian. I also bumped into many folks who have become familiar faces on the sets. NIce to see you all again.
Stand-in work usually demands that you be at the ready for when the director calls but luckily I had some downtime to read though a script that was sent to me awhile back. The story is hilarious and I am proud to be a part of this new project.
Looks like my November-December will be filled with filming a comedy movie as I have been offered a sizeable part! All that networking and hard work has paid off, oh yeah and my talent! Okay I had to boast.
I am not going to divulge many details just yet but I'll be working with many other comic-actors of notable talent so it will be a blast!! Shooting takes place in Edmonton and I have been assured that we can work around my Christmas show bookings. I'll be doing a read through this Sunday with the producer and some of the cast. Stay tuned.

That's it for now as the clock just passed 12:00. I am off to Kinkos to get some promo posters printed. Gotta love that 50% off after midnight so I can double my production. What the hell, I am up anyway.

Later Makk-o-philes

Updated the daytimer...almost.

2006-10-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

I had 2 calls from agents for February gigs today.
Great, calls are coming in for 2007 and I have no pages for next year in my daytimer yet!
A trip to my local Staples was a waste as they were out of the size pages I need. I guess I'll have to use the note pages in the back of my book for now. I'll try again tomorrow. I know there is a shortage of materials in Alberta from the boom but I thought that was just construction stuff, not stationary supplies!!! WTF?

Here's the news in Makk's world:
My new web site should be up very soon. I am just doing the final tweaking on it before setting it loose on you all. This new program I have, called iWave, makes it so easy to do changes. All the construction of the site I have done myself and it is the first site I have built on my own. Too many times I have hired web site designers, only to have them get it half right. It seems that no matter how many times you tell them what YOU want, they just do it THEIR way. No more.

Now if something is not the way I want I can do quick modifcations. I think I'll be playing and tweaking it for some time until I get the look I want. iWave is not a Mac program despite its very Mac sounding name. It is the product of Broadwave Studios. I can add Flash if I want but have decided against that for now. I find Flash a bit gimmicky and am concentrating on content for now. Its a great program and a bit addictive. I am sure I'll tire of it and leave things alone soon.

Last night I popped into Comedy Monday Night down at Dickens Pub to work on some new material and meet up with friends as I tend to do most Mondays when I am in town.

Alyson Smith did an excellent job of hosting and it was a pleasure to see her on her last Monday in town. I am sure James Moore was happy to sit and let someone else emcee for a change.
Lachlan Patterson closed off the show with a nice short set but not before Jon Dore and Rory Scouville did a 2 man improv set that was...well..a bit different! Its always a treat to watch comics go outside their normal routines and experiment in open mic rooms, although it was the comics laughing more than the audience. I think what they were doing was a bit over the average "civilian's" head but it was entertaining.
Casey Corbin was there but only for the pizza as he was on "relax mode" after running around BC last week.

On the home front, Mom is still out of the hospital, for now, and is waiting on a specialist to do yet another test. That's the Canadian way it seems; wait, wait, wait. Her attacks or mini siezures (or what ever the hell they are) are still happening although not as frequently. The docs are still baffled as to the cause and it could be 2 weeks before we get any word. At least she is not stuck in the hospital and is home with dad and other family members.
I would like to again thank all you that have emailed your well wishes and thoughts. There are too many to mention here but I have passed on your messages. She is in good spirits but feeling a bit drained but said to thank you all.

I am off to pray to the global warming gods as it feels cold enough to snow outside. Where did that nice, warm weather go we had on the weekend?
Later

Makk

Mom

2006-09-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

Well mom had a relapse of these "attacks" so she is back in the hospital getting more tests.
Thanks to all of you who sent along well wishes.

That's it for today. Don't feel like blogging much.

Daryl Makk

Support a great comedy radio show!

2006-09-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

CJSR FM88
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

First things first. My mom is out of the hospital and doing fine!! (insert cheers and applause here)
They did not need to do any operations and the new medication seems to have stopped those attacks she was having. BIG THANKS to all who emailed me and sent their well wishes. Mom is a big fan of comedy and she wanted me to thank you all for her. She is in great spirits and glad to be home.
--------
Now speaking of comedy, in Edmonton there is a show, called Kamikaze Komedy, on CJSR FM 88, which is the station for the prestigious University of Alberta.
The show is hosted by 2 great comic friends Lars Callieou and Powermann. (Don't let Pwermann's pretty pics fool you...he is also a contortionist!! )

Even if you don't live in Edmonton you can listen online. It's all about the inside world of comedy and they play a pile of stand-up, from CDs to concert shows, every Wednesday at midnight MST
Click here to listen online and to donate

For more info on the show check out Kamikaze Komedy site

CJSR in the middle of their annual FunDrive. They raise almost 50% of their operating costs in these 9 days.
Each and every donation is greatly appreciated.
You receive free stuff for donating (SWAG)
Donations of $60 or more will receive a tax receipt (you can write it off).
The number to donate is (780) 492-2577 (CJSR) ext. 7.
If you can, please mention it is because of Kamikaze Komedy that you are making your donation.
There are also a whack of other great shows and it is not like the sugar coated crap you get on commerical radio. This is radio like it should be. Free of corporate control and with personality!
Thanks in advance to all who donate and who listen in.

Daryl Makk

Fall bike ride...it's the way to take your mind off things!

2006-09-25T18:02:00.000-07:00

Fall bike ride
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

This weekend I popped into The Comedy Cave to do a couple of spots on Saturday. Both shows were sold out and the crowds were full of energy. A nice lady came up, after the first show and told me that she had been at the Kidney Komedy night and she said "When we heard you were on the show tonight we thought we could just snooze through your set because we had just seen you. But then you did all new stuff! We loved it!" I thanked her for supporting the charity and the best comedy club in the city. It is moments like that, that make doing stand up so much fun.

The shows also helped take my mind off of some family matters of which I have no control. The stage is usually therapy for a lot of comics. Take that which bothers you and make it funny or distract yourself with other things funny.
What was on my mind I could not turn into a bit, nor would I. The comedy therapy only lasted for the weekend.

My mother has been in the hospital for the past few days, due to some sort of seizure or attacks that she has been having. At first they thought is was a stroke as the symptoms were similar but the tests so far have ruled that out. The doctors are still baffled and the tests continue. She seemed in great spirits when I talked to her on the phone yesterday.
There was no new news to go on this morning.
I took care of some minor business, emails, sending out posters and stuff but needed to clear my head.
I called up my good friend Clark Robertson to see if he was up for a motorcycle ride and he was.
The weather was perfect and a good ride in the country always helps clear the mind, I find.

We snapped this pic just south of the city near Millerville. The photo does not do the mountain view justice. I think I need to buy a better camera with a big zoom lens. Then I could take great pictures of the scenery to distract from my helmet hair!! I just don't want to carry around a big clunky camera so believe me when I tell you how great the backdrop looked in real life.

I am off to Comedy Monday Night to get some more onstage therapy and visit friends.
I have a new chunk I am working on and I know my mom would want me to keep on with the stand-up and writing jokes. She is, and always has been, my biggest fan. Get well mom, I am still living the dream and thinking of you.

Daryl

D'OH-nuts

2006-09-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

Poster in a Tim Horton's in BC
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

I often do a bit on Tim Horton's and their staff's seeming lack of brains in my act. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE their coffee and am a Timmy's addict, like many of us in this land of drive-thrus.

Their donuts, however, suck! Some over-schooled bean counter decided that partially cooked, then frozen, transported and reheated donuts would save money. It may have saved them money but the donuts are now doughy and taste like sugar and fatty mush now.
They certainly didn't use the savings on recruiting bright employees!On at least 3 occassions, per year, I am asked if my order is "To stay or go?" while I handing them my travel mug. No wonder Timmy's is in my act!

Recently someone asked me if I was being unfair to the employees by generalizing. Nope. The number of times I have seen the person, on the other side of the counter, struggle with a simple order is too high to count. If you try to give them loose change to even the money, so you don't end up with a pocket full of coins, they stare at you like you just tried to hold them up.
Why is it like that there? Is it the low pay? Is it that coffee-donut places attract slow thinkers? Is it the high sugar intake from sampling the products?
Then the answer became clear. On the Kidney Komedy tour, the answer was presented in a poster with a glaring spelling error. The dumbness starts at the upper level and trickles down. Its all clear.
If you don't understand this then make sure you fill out an "aplication' to get hired.

For those that wish to know, this poster is in the Tim Hortons in Kamploops BC, on the east side of town, right on the Trans Canada highway.
Fill me up, double double and let me get out of here on the double double....just in case it's contagious!!

Daryl Makk
p.s. before I get a ton of emails on the spelling of "donuts" vs. "doughnuts", I prefer this US spelling over the longer British style. It's just a personal preference.

Kudos to a club

2006-09-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

Funny Bone logo
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

Every once in awhile you have to give credit where credit is due. Congrats to Mike Breslin on his opening night of his brand new comedy club: Funny Bone.
Funny Bone Comedy Club site
The club is situated in the Plaza of Nations in the Edgewater Casino. They kicked off with the hilarious Jeremy Hotz. Next week is Winston Spear. These are two MUST SEE acts!! If you are in Vancouver check out the newest club in Canada.I wish them all the success in the world.
It is nice to see the circuit of comedy clubs growing. Vancouver has long needed another club.
I look forward to seeing it very soon.

Speaking of great new clubs, I just confirmed my 2 weeks at Absolute Comedy in Ottawa in February. This is Jason Laurens club and is one of the most fun places to perform that I have seen. It is now into its second year and continues to have sold shows almost every week.

To all that emailed asking for me to update my schedule ....I know I know.....it will be updated this weekend. I was working on several projects this week and had no time, plus I am waiting on a few contracts to be finalized. Yep, it's not camping season anymore. Time to work!!

I am off to a movie set today. It is day 2 of 3 that I am on set. It is all I can tell you, for now, as I had to sign a confidentiality agreement. I can't give ANY details on the project just yet but it is a lot of fun.
Even though being on set and rubbing shoulders with big time actors is great, why is it my favorite part is the food? I always feel like I've gained weight because they feed you so well on set.
Later kids, my gut is a growling and a breakfast burrito awaits!

Daryl Makk

Biking, book learning and reading!!

2006-09-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

A book for bikers!
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

I had a fantasitc meeting with Jeremy Kroeker last night. We met for a few beers and chicken wings (hey it was Wednesday...the night EVERY pub in town seems to have wings on special).
We met to discuss his book "Motorcycle Therapy". The book is about his trip, via motorcycle, from Canmore AB all the way to Panama and back!!
He and his buddy,Trevor Martens, set off with identical bikes back in October 2003 . Over 15,000 kms round trip and a few months of their time was all it took to complete. Simple eh? Yeah right!!

For more info check out Jeremy Kroeker's web site .
The book is a great read even if you don't have a motorcycle and details the strains on ones body and personal relationships that go along with such a journey.

The book on the cover is a Kawasaki 650 KLR, which is what I have been riding this summer. A great all round bike for street and trail and very, very economical on fuel to help offset those high gas prices we recently went through. I've noticed a lot more motorcylces this year. I think the oil companies gouging us has had something to do with it. Why take the guzzling 4 wheeler when a gas-sipping 2 wheeler is more fun and cheaper?! Even some of the older bikes are being pulled out of the garage, dusted off and hitting the streets.

Jeremy has some scheduled signings coming up:
Friday, October 6, 2006
Noon
McNally Robinson
Calgary, AB

Thursday, October 12, 2006
7pm
McNally Robinson, Portage Place
Winnipeg, MB

Saturday, October 14, 2006
1:30pm
Book and Brier Patch
Regina, SK

If you are in any of those cities pop in and get an autographed copy.

Jeremy gave me some great tips on what to do, so I can finish my book. I hope to get the manuscript completed by November. The topic is a secret for now but comments from Mr. Kroeker has me knowing I am on to a good thing. I'll keep you all posted.

Jeremy is in the early stages of planning his next big trip which will take him to South America. Argentina to be exact. I am helping him secure some sponsorship and perhaps we can get a TV show made from it.
I'll see what I can do with some of my contacts.

Now if only it will warm up, for a few more rides, before the snow flies!!
For all you folks in cars, SUVs and trucks, please share the road with all our 2 wheeled friends! Your favorite comic or author may be riding the bike! Forget the whole bike gang image.... some of the most intellectual and friendly people I know ride a motorcycle.
Cheers

Daryl Makk

Kidney Komedy post show mentions

2006-09-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

I had lunch with my friend Cris Nannarone yesterday at Kings Restaurant. Those of you who are from Calgary know this is THE place for Wor Won Ton soup. They have the best I have ever found....anywhere!!

While we were finishing our meal, a lady came over to say hi and thank us for such a wonderful show on Saturday. She and some friends had attended the Kidney Komedy Night fundraiser and said it was the best show they had been to.
I gave her a bit of background on the event, the history etc. She is now on our mailing list for next year. It felt nice to be appreciated for the work on stage and that they all enjoyed all the comics so much. "My cheeks still hurt from laughing!" she told us.
Big thanks go to Diana Hannah (what a nice rhyming name for such a nice lady) for supporting the event and for making Cris and I feel so good about the work we did. You made our day.

After Ms. Hannah had left us, I told Cris of an amazing occurrence after the New Westminster show. (I had been meaning to mention it here but with all the running around and fatigue it slipped my weary mind) The organizing committee had gone out for a few celebratory drinks after the New West show. On our way back in the taxi, we told the driver we were staying next to Lafflines Comedy Club. He asked if we had gone to the kidney fund raiser show at Lafflines that night. We were excited to know the word had gotten out even though this was after the event.

We chuckled and told him we were the event organizers. This started a fun conversation about..what else...COMEDY.
Our driver, was originally from Winnipeg which is where I got my comedy start and where Kerry Talmage was born. He told us about a funny comic he used to love to watch. He couldn't remember his name right off the bat (fairly typical of this industry and something I wish to help change) but he remembered him as short with bushy eyebrows. In unison we yelled out "Kerry Talmage?"
"Yes! That's him!!" he replied. We informed him that Kidney Komedy Night was started by Kerry and was now in his honor and that the money was to go to the Kerry Talmage Memorial Endowment. Our driver was shocked and saddened to hear of Kerry's passing as we filled him in on Kerry's last tour and the amazing shows he did.
"But I just saw him on Comedy at Club 54" he told us and we explained how old that episode was and that it is rerun many times.

Of all the cabs we could have taken we got a Kerry Talmage fan and ex Winnipeger. It just seemed so right. Our driver, Grant Kennedy, exchanged cards with us and informed us of his online radio show "What's up with men". Now that the tour is over I plan on checking it out. You can too with this link
What's up with men?
Next year Kidney Komedy Night will be even bigger!! We have lots in store...just wait.

That's it for now. I am still in recovery mode and had a long day on a movie set that had me up at 6am which is torture for a comic!! Off to relax in front of the idiot box.
____________________
Comments via email:

Here’s another post-Kidney Komedy Night occurrence: today when I was at the Association for Fundraising Professionals meeting at Hotel Arts (I’m a Fund Development Manager for Calgary Association of Self Help – I’ve been raising $$ for non-profits for about 12 years in Calgary…today’s workshop was on Gifts of Securities) anyhow…. a woman recognized me, and approached me to tell me she works for the Kidney Foundation (Andrea was her name) and she was so happy to tell me that she and her husband loved my show…they thought the whole night was fantastic – they like that there were less comics and that each comic had more time on stage – I said it’s too much of a good thing!

Great story about the taxicab driver – I love “small-world” stories like that…it’s all meant to be. All meant to be.

Cheers,

Cory Mack

Cory Mack..thank you!!

2006-09-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

At times the work done on the Kidney Komedy Night wore us down, stole our sleep and pushed us all to the limit.
Knowing we were doing it for a great charity and in memory of a great comic and friend kept us focused.
we received so many kudos from people and here is one I wish to share with you from a funny lady named Cory Makk (no relation)
Cory Mack's blog

For more on Cory visit
Cory Mack's website
Thanks so much Cory. It was great working with you as always. Thanks for all your help and for doing such a great job on stage.
Cheers
Daryl Makk (no relation)
:-)

Bear from Kidney Komedy Tour

2006-09-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

Bear
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

I found out this morning that I had no cream for my morning coffee. In fact with all the travel and work on the Kidney Komedy Night tour I find my fridge a bit empty.
So I took a stroll to my neighbourhood store, which includes a wonderful view of the mountains as I make my way down the hill. What a difference a week makes! With all the cool wet weather their peaks were now a blanket of white. The last time I saw them they were bare rock.
I had driven through them only 10 days before but it seems like much longer ago than that. I was reminded of the trip and the sites we saw. Here is the bear pic as I had promised in my earlier blog "Safe and warm on the west coast". It was just a young bear but he paused long enough for some pics and this was the best one, before he ran off to wherever it is that he runs off to when he gets spooked.

One of the things I enjoy about touring out west is the nature sightings. Those that know me understand my passion for the outdoors and each trip is a chance to take in a small portion of it. When a non-comic asks me "How can you drive so many hours and then do a show?" I just tell them it beats sitting in an office all day or a windowless warehouse. No offence to those who do those jobs but I cannot. Been there and done that and am glad to do the work I do.

Here are some more pics, from the trip, of big horn sheep that stopped traffic near Golden BC. They ambled across the highway with such casualness you'd think it was a scheduled appearance that they had become bored with.
Views like this you can't get from a normal 9 to 5 job which is why I enjoy the travel, even if the long drives can be a bit exhausting at times.

-------
Last night was a nice get together at Clark Robertson's place. He and his wife Darlene were a great help to Kidney Komedy Night and our thanks goes out to them. Last night was their "Bye, Bye Summer Bash" and a lot of old friends were there along with folks who had taken part in the Kidney Komedy Tour. Thanks guys for a great time and awesome food!

Just a few blocks from Clark's place is The Comedy Cave where the hilarious Kevin Foxx was wrapping up his week. Cris Nannarone and I excused ourselves from the party and dropped in to catch his show and say hi. If you ever see Kevin booked in a club in your area go and see his show! He is one funny comic and worth every cent of the ticket price!!
Later kids

Daryl Makk

All the work is done for this year.

2006-09-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

The final Kidney Komedy Night took place last night and was a huge success. The whole tour was a great success but last night blew the doors off to a packed house!!
The show was amazing with 7 headline acts taking to the stage.
A lot of thanks go out to the sponsors:
Crossley Homes, Enterprise Car Rentals, Niska Gas Storage, Coast Plaza Hotel, Jimmy's Night Club, The Concept Company, Ultra Press Printing, Jack FM, 660 News, VEX Magazine, The Comic Strip, Fantasyland Hotel, Magic 98.3, Travelodge Hotel, Beily's, Bicardi Rum, Lafflines Comedy Club, The Met Hotel,and the Heritage Grill. Without their contribution we would not have been able to pull of this 4 city tour.

A special thanks to all the comics who volunteered for the shows (in no particular order they are) :
Peter Kelamis, Toby Harbrave, Rob Pue, John Buehler, Irwin Barker, Tom Liske, Mike Simmonds, Clark Robertson, Cris Nannarone, Cory Mack (no relation), Lars Callieou, and Fraser Young. Thanks for donating your time to a worthy cause. You all did fantastic and I hope you gain some bookings out of this. Many corporate clients now have your contact information and I am sure you will get more bookings from this.
Special thanks to James Moore for volunteering to photograph the event. You are a great shutter bug and a good friend. I'll see you at Comedy Monday Night.

I'd also like to thanks all the prize donors. There are too many to list here but your generosity is much appreciated.

Today is a day of rest. After all the running around, the long hours, sleepless nights, 1000's of kilometers and last minute details to take care of, it is time to get a full night's sleep. To all the volunteers it was an honor being part of such a great team. It was a lot of work and exhausting but it was all worth it!!

There will be pics up on the Kidney Komedy web site soon.

Daryl Makk

-------
email comments:
We had a great time at the (Calgary) Kidney Komedy show. It was way better than last year.
-Ryan P

2 down 2 to go!

2006-09-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

We are set to leave Saskatoon which was our second stop on the KKN tour. We had a great crowd and the show was strong from start to finish. It was a lot of fun.
I have a lot to do today so this will be a very short entry.
We are off to the city of Edmonton for show number 3 at the Comic Strip in the West Edmonton Mall.
Edmonton is home to some of the best crowds in Canada so I am looking forward to tonight's show. Edmonton is also home to an idiot comic named Andrew Grose who is too stupid to watch the news and learn about airline safety rule changes. I guess his master was not there to do the thinking for him?? It has only been on the news for the last 3 weeks or so about liquids and lighters being banned!! Maybe if he did less time snooping and behaving like an ass and more time learning he would have known.
Being a 'golden boy' for a certain company does not give you special flight privileges.

I am off to buy a Tim Horton's coffee and will enjoy every last drop. I think I may buy a lighter too and use it up for fun. I don't need a lighter as I am not dumb enough to smoke but I do know not to bring one in my carry-on if I fly.
Later

Makk

One more day and then the road again, KKN continues!!

2006-09-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

We made it back from New West with an overnight stop in Kamloops as daylight had long run out on us due to a late departure. The show went well and all had a great time but the trip was one of the most draining I have been on. I am used to zipping out, doing the show (and rocking the room of course!! ) then taking off to home or the next town. Not this trip. There is more to do than just 'show'.
Just as I thought we were just going to hit the road, the other members of the KKN committee informed me they had meetings with people, cheques to drop off, last minute details to take care of; things not normally attached to a comedy tour. We also made an unexpected trip to a dyalisis unit to drop off the decorative balloon boquets that we had to decorate the venue. It would be a shame to let them go to waste so Sheri decided to donate them to a local dyalisis unit to cheer it up. If you want to test your agility and patience, try to load to 6 foot+ balloon boquets into an already full mini van on a windy day! I felt like a juggler with live objects on strings!

I had never been to a dyalisis unit before. I had dropped Kerry Talmage off at one in Lethbridge once but never went in. I thought I kind of knew what it was all about, just go in for a procedure and then out. It was a sobering moment to see people hooked up to machines to cleanse their blood. While life saving it is no way to live and it really hit home why we are all party of Kidney Komedy Night. The look of boredom (it takes hours to do), pain and lowered health of these patients made me grateful to have 2 functioning kidneys. To have to take time out of your schedule, on a regular basis, to do something most of our bodies do that we take for granted, have tubes stuck in you, then sit there with not much to do than watch shitty TV, read or attempt sleep while in a state of HUGE discomfort, would be a drop in quality of life for anyone. I don't know how Kerry did it for all those years and still delivered killer shows.

Tomorrow we leave for Saskatoon to set up for show number 2 and meet the local volunteers. This one should be a blast as the venue looks awesome and S'toon is known for having great crowds.

Last night I picked up the prize package, for the Calgary show, that The Comedy Cave so graciously donated and bumped into Dan Quinn who had stopped in to visit his pal, Drake Witham who had just finished a great headline set. Dan just happened to have some CDs with him and donated some to the remaining shows. Thanks Dan.

We have created a comedy prize basket, of comics merchandise, to be auctioned off and if New Westminster is any indication, this is going to be a popular item and helps achieve the second goal of the event: To promote stand-up comics and comedy.
Dan is a funny, good looking young man...okay, young compared to me, and I am sure his CD will be a hit with the ladies as it has a photo of him in bed on the cover! Ladies...buy your tickets now!! Oh yeah, it contains some funny stuff too. In fact each title track of the disc ends in "stuff".
My CD and DVD have no bed pics, just my usual good looking mug adorning the sleeve. Sorry ladies, I am just trying to save you the pain of seeing me in bed!!

I apologize for the lack of pics on this blog. I realized that my camera was rarely used and the other 2 in the van did all the picture taking. I will get the pics up as soon as they are sent to me.
I hope to see a lot of you at the remaining shows.
For more info visit:
Kidney Komedy Night

cheers
Daryl Makk

Safe and warm on the west coast

2006-09-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

Well the Kidney Komedy tour van arrived safely in New Westminster last night. It is a long drive but it was necessary to go by ground given the number of people, amount of prizes and equipment that was travelling.
The weather was warm and sunny the whole way and loads of fun with the gang. This time of year is a great time to see the mountains as it is still warm and most of the tourists with their gawking eyes and big RVs have called it quits for the year. BC lacks a lot of passing lanes and many of the large RV types lack
1- speed
2- drivers that know when to pull over and let the parade by
3-drivers with mountain driving skills!!
The ones I detest the most are the rental RVs that have site seeing tourists that have never driven the mountains (or Canada) before. If they are an old retired couple...you can just watch your good driving time slip away. Most of those seemed to be parked for the season thankfully.
We had one camper trailer near Revelstoke that I am sure pissed off a lot of fully loaded truckers that wanted to do more than 80 kph this guy could muster! Once he pulled off for fuel the traffic flow sped up considerably. Can't some of the fuel tax in this country be put back into building more 4 lane highways as our American neighbours do? BC seems to be riddled with way to many skinny little sections of pavement.

We had some nice wild life encounters and got some great pics. I had not seen a bear for over 2 years and yesterday we saw 2 and got within 20 feet of one beside the highway. Cool. Yogi was shy and rumbled off into the woods shortly after we stopped to take his pic. I will upload the photo tomorrow.

Last night we had a fantastic meal at The Heritage Grill, one of our sponsors and just down the street from LAFFLINES. If you are looking for high class food with pub like prices in a warm casual setting this is it! The chef is world renowned and hails from New Orleans. I think the jumbalya will be my choice tonight! The entire group was blown away by the quality and nothing on the menu will take more than 20 bucks from your wallet! Even touring comics can splurge like that. You can find The Hertiage Grill on Columbia St one block west of LAFFLINES. Check it out if you can.
Lots to do today and some media interviews and such so I am signing off for now.
Later
Daryl Makk

Kidney Komedy count down

2006-09-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

Kidney Komedy email poster
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

Well its 2 days until the Kidney Komedy Tour kicks off.
More on Kidney Komedy Night
I love this old gal we have on the posters and web site. What a great character face!! She cracks me up!

I am happy to be part of this and proud to work with such a great group of volunteers. I am heading off to New Westminster early in the morning. Yes, early, real early, as in so early i should have a fishing rod or hunting rifle in my hands early. Mornings......the Kryptonite of comics!!

We just did the dry run for table set up & light and sound set up for the Calgary room, which is the final stop on the tour. The room at Jimmy's looks awesome and it will be a great event. It sold out last year and this year looks to be the same so buy tickets early!

I look forward to doing the New West show on Thursday as that is where Kidney Komedy started and it is a great room to perform in. It will be nice to catch up with friends while there and little west coast is always a treat.

I managed to pop in to Beily's in Saskatoon last time through and it also looks to be a great venue! Another new stage is always a treat.

Edmonton will be a fantastic show as we take to the stage at The Comic Strip . Probably one of the best clubs in Canada and an awesome location! Its right on Bourbon Street in the world famous West Edmonton Mall!! What a great location for a club! They were so happy to be on board with this event and have been quite helpful.

The show I look forward to, the most though, is the Calgary show! This is the finale and has some special VIP treatment for the comics and volunteers!
It will be a party not to miss. After travelling to all the other cities, all the prepping and running around, all the mass emails, phone calls, prize gathering, poster distribution and last minute items to deal with...it will all be over...except for the celebration.
The comics and the volunteers deserve it. It will be a party in Kerry Talmage's honor and one he would be proud of and the memories of this funny man will be in attendance.

See you folks at one of the Kidney Komedy Nights.
As my good friend Sheri Forbes tags all her emails with:
"Don’t take your organs to Heaven
Heaven knows we need them here!!"

Makk

Das bird!!

2006-09-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

Das bird!!
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

I was out a pub with a bunch of comic friends a few nights back and bumped into this guy in the photo above. He broke his finger in a work related accident and had the best finger splint I had seen. I asked him if we could get a photo of it and he agreed. (name withheld to prevent backlash from the comedy spies) had his camera and 'finger guy' happily posed for us. I regret to inform you that we forgot his name but thanks dude! You gave us a good laugh.

I dedicate this picture to a certain comic who thinks all my posts are about him when they are not. Sorry ass-drew but its not my fault you fall into the category of my wrath accidentally. Try not to be so narcissistic for once....if you can.

I guess I should also dedicate this pic to a certain 'warden' of comics who likes to dictate whom they should and should not see instead of worrying about getting them work!!
I did not know I scared you so but then again my truth is more powerful than the deception you wield and yours is starting to show holes amongst the comedy peers.
This industry is about being funny and making sure many people get out to see and enjoy comedy.
ALL comedy.
It is not about hording acts only to not book them. It is not about controlling the entire market to kill any sort of growth so you can be lazy. It is not about gouging huge commissions under threat of losing work.
It is about putting on the best damn shows that you can and making people want to come back. It is about promoting the good acts as much as you can to help them achieve a higher status
It is NOT about telling them where they can and cannot perform to keep them unknown.
Get it?...probably not.
----------
In other news congrats to all who made the best of "So you think you're funny" on CBC radio. Out of the top 5,
4 were from the Calgary show. Here's the kicker, the Calgary show is the only one of the series that used ALL ametuers (except for the MC- me)!!
Yes Calgary is becoming a big hot bed of comedy!!
Congrats go to

1st place-Chris Gordon
3rd Karen O'Keefe
and tied for 5th was Adam Delorey and Don Wood.
Well done guys! I hope the exposure helps your career and I believe a lot of your polished performance is due to all the stage time you have gotten at "Comedy Monday Night" down at Dickens Pub. Keep up the good work!
There is nothing like regular stage time to build up a comic's act. Hmm, that is kind of what I said above.
It is so enjoyable being right.
Keep supporting stand-up comedy folks and please, please remember the acts you enjoyed, for it is not the logo on the stage that caused you to laugh, it was the comic and his/hher work that gave you joy.

I also dedicate this pic to all who attend a comedy show only to walk out and say "That last guy was funny!" or "I really liked the middle act...what was his name?" etc etc.
To those that do that...this bird is for you!!

Peace
Daryl Makk

The New Westminster show line up is in!!

2006-08-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

As the days count down to our 2006 multi-city Kidney Komedy Tour we are putting the final touches on everything.
We have the list of comics that have donated their time for Kidney Komedy Night and I am proud to share the stage with the line up we have this year!!
The kick off show will be Sept 7 at Lafflines in New Wesminster BC (basically an extension of Vancouver as it is all one big sprawl there as far as I am concerned).
Lafflines web site We hope too sell a second show on Sept 8 as well.

One of the comics that was on the original KKN in 1997 has just confirmed he is available. He is none other than Irwin Barker. Irwin is touted by many comics as the best comedy writer in Canada. His show is such an intellectual treat of hilarity and I look forward to sharing the stage with him again. He started out in the city of Winnipeg which is where Kerry Talmage and myself first cut our comedy teeth.

Also on the bill is Peter Kelamis whose character voices in his show always crack me up. Let's hope he rings the walls with his "GAARRRYyyyyYYY". If you've seen him you know what I am talking about.
Rob Pue is on the show. I last saw him at the Rocky Mountain Comedy Fest where he tore it up! You may have seen him on TV's "Punk'd"
Clark Robertson is also joining us. A multi-talented performer who has a full stage show as well as a great Don Cherry Impersonation. We are hoping he will don the Don and take on MC duties as Canada's favorite loud mouth sports guru.
Finishing off the line up is Toby Hargrave. This guy is almost a comic genius!! He placed second in the "Comic Genius" on TVs 'Corner Gas'. A funny man and a good friend.

I do hope all comics get a few corporate bookings and other spin-off gigs from donating their time.
This is a don't miss type of show with all headliners!!
So tell your friends in the lower mainland area to get their tickets early as it will sell out. This is the best comedy show to hit the Vancouver area in some time and it is all for charity and to promote stand-up comedy in general!!

Cheers
Daryl Makk

A week off....yeah right!!

2006-08-29T12:24:00.000-07:00

KKN logo
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

Well my week at the Comedy Cave was fantastic. 6 out of the 8 shows were sold out and the 2 that were not were still a good size and a lot of fun. Thanks again to the staff at the Comedy Cave for making it a fun week. A big thanks to those that emailed me about the shows. A special hello to Amanda and Tim that were in town from Los Angeles and came down 2 nights in a row!! Luckily for them (and anyone else who has seen me) I mix up my sets each show as I can't stand to watch acts that are verbatim each time, so I strive to not be that way.
I pulled new material out for our USA guests on the second night and they had a great laugh again. Enjoy my CD and DVD back in California!!.

Christmas bookings have started to come in. If you need a quality comedy act for your function book it early as the prime weekends are snapped up quick. I had my first one confirmed way back in February so you can see it is best not to wait. If I am not available I can reccomend some great acts who may be able to do your function and in a variety of price ranges.

This week is going to be busy with some video editing, writing and sending promo off to some US booking firms, Toronto agents as well as finishing up loose ends on the Kidney Komedy Night.
Kidney Komedy Night web site
Check out the KKN site with its new look. Updates are still ongoing on the site so please be patient if you can't find the information you need. If you require any info that is not there yet, please email the contacts listed.

We kick off KKN in New Westminster this September 7 and it looks to be a "must see" show in each city. To my knowledge this is the first multi-city charity comedy tour ever done. Next year will be even bigger with more cities added.
We are still accepting prizes for the silent auction as well as sponsorship donations. Anyone wishing to become a sponsor email myself at
daryl@darylmakk.com
or Sheri Forbes at
sheri@kidneykomedynight.com
(403) 923-2728 and we will send you a complete information package via email.
See you at KKN!!

Daryl Makk

Sister by a whisker!!

2006-08-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

I guess I need to get my sister to start reading my blog, if she can find the time. Last night, after her and her husband scrambled to get the kids back from hockey camp, they arrived late at the Comedy Cave only to find the show was a sellout (again) and their seats had been released to others. I quickly fixed it by getting management to sneak them in the back and they joined us at the only seats left; the comic's table. At least they were cool about it and were just happy to be inside.

What a great crowd last night...again!! The Comedy Cave is really a fun experience so if you are in Calgary and have yet to check it out then you are robbing yourself of a great time. It is in such a great location. Right in the Travelodge -9206 Macleod Trail with loads of free parking.
--------
In other news the Kidney Komedy Night's new web site is up and running!
Kidney Komedy Web site
Please be patient as they are still updating it and a few bits are still being worked on but most of the info is now available.
Prizes continue to pour in but we are still in need of more. No gift is too small as we can combine it with other prizes to make bigger silent auction items.
Remember, we are doing 4 cities so if you wish to get exposure in more than one city please feel free to donate more than one gift.
Contact myself or Sheri Forbes at the info listed below.
Ph: (403) 923-2728
Email: sheri@kidneykomedynight.com

This is a very worthy cause and the event was started by the late Kerry Talmage, a kidney paitien himself. He was one of the funniest people I have ever had the priviledge of knowing. tickets are now available so dig into your pocket and spend 25 bucks on one of the best shows you will ever see with 8 headline acts on the Calgary show.
Pass the info on to everyone you know

Daryl Makk

Sorry, we're full.

2006-08-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

Wow the last 2 nights have been fun down at the Comedy Cave. This is turning out to be a very very fun week!!
Comedy Cave website
We had a surprisingly large crowd on Tuesday, which traditionally can be a slow night. Not this week.
Last night, Wednesday, we were sold out and had to turn folks away!! Sorry guys, you have to get there earlier!! I hope they found something to do nearby in one of the many pubs and clubs.
The crowds both nights were fantastic and had awesome energy which resulted in me having an even better time on stage, if that's possible. It is the intimacy of this room that makes it so much fun to play.

I have to thank Jack, the owner, for the awesome dinner. It is nice to get a free meal each night, as trying to eat just prior to leaving the house usually does not conicide with my belly's clock. By the time I get to the club, the show aniticipation gets the old gut growling!! A compilmentary meal does wonders for an entertainers mind set!!
If you are coming to the Cave try the ribs. They are some of the best and I also reccomend the lasagna which is amazing!! I think Garfield would agree!

I got an email today from someone who was at the Tuesday night show.
via email:
"Hi Daryl,

I enjoyed your show at the Comedy Cave last night. It's nice to see a comedian with a geniune brain up there tossing the detrius of your mind out to the very recepetive crowd. (e.g. Am I covered for homophones?) It was cool to see you really having fun doing the show and it was certainly echoed by our group. Great job.

Cheers,
Garnet"

Thanks Garnet for your kind words. Keep supporting live stand-up comedy.
I enjoy getting emails from my fans so keep them coming. Garnet is getting a free copy of my promo DVD.
I may have to tape a set this week to make some more videos for online.

Later Makk-o-philes!!

Home again...sigh

2006-08-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

From the top of Idaho Peak
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

Well the boys and I have returned from our Kootenay excursion. What a great trip! As you can see from the photo, the area is amazingly beautiful...even with me in the pic!!
We camped at an awesome campground which is mostly free of those big lumbering RVs and the faux campers that reside within. The few that made it in were not your usual home on wheels types thankfully.

The area we were in is up near the Ainsworth hotsprings and has such winding roads that, thankfully, the RVs were few in numbers. Most of those types drive to some campground in a flat area, that more resembles a city park than a campground with RV stacked upon RV in dinky little lots. Yuck!

I never understood the whole "getting away from it all by lugging it all with you" style of camping. Of course many of the RV types fool themselves that they are communing with nature, as they park their fat asses in lawn chairs, smoke, drink, rough it with their indoor plumbing, fridges etc. all the while thinking they are camping. Sorry. You aren't.
Even when I was a kid and my dad would drag our big 20 foot trailer around (mom was not a true outdoorsy type) I would insist on sleeping in a small tent. The trailer was too stuffy.

My sons and I did a bit of exploring in the area and made the drive to the top of Idaho Peak (video link of the view on request, just email me). We smiled at the sign that said motorhomes and vehicles pulling trailers prohibited. Nice! Just real outdoor people!

The trail up the hill is more of an old logging road and we never made it out of 1st gear as we bounced our way up the narrow 12 km trail.
At the top a tiny parking lot awaited us with a spectacular view but it was nothing compared to the one that was at the very summit.
A 1.6 km hike found us standing on top of the world!! RV pukes...eat your hearts out!
I have been up on mountain summits before but the panorama of these 3 mountain valleys, Slocan lake, the alpine meadows and the peaks of so many mountians that seemed to stretch forever impressed us all.
It was sad to make the trip back from this place but we will return.

Back in Calgary I did my final show this past Saturday at the Laughing Arts Festival which was a great success. I look forward to next year's fest.

This week, if you are in Calgary pop by The Comedy Cave where I will be headlining all week. The Comedy Cave is in their new home in the Travelodge on Macleod Trail and it is an awesome room to play. I look forward to my 8 shows.
For more info visit The Cave's website and come see the best comedy show in town!!
Cheers

Daryl Makk

Quick summer note

2006-08-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

This will be brief as time is ticking.
The KGB show was an awesome success and is still the talk of the Kootenay area. Next year will be a much bigger event!!
I will have pics and video clips up in a week or so, including some of the "dog episode with sasquatch!". See if you can figure that one out!!!

This week is th father -son camping excursion. We are off to an undisclosed location as we want our privacy.
Have a good one folks and I'll toss some updates in here in a bit.

Cheers
Daryl Makk

Canada's messed up side.

2006-08-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

Canada's dark side
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

I had this info sent to me via email. It is not only disturbing but maddening as all hell when you really think of what it implies. The government has had its head up its ass for years.
Item:
-----
It is interesting that the federal government provides a single refugee with a monthly allowance of $1,890.00 and each can get an additional $580.00 in social assistance - for a total of $2,470.00.
This compares very well to a single pensioner who, after contributing to the growth and development of Canada for 40 or 50 years, can only receive a monthly maximum of $1,012.00 in old age pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Maybe our pensioners should apply as refugees!
Inform as many Canadians as we can and maybe we can get the refugees cut back to $1,012.00 and the pensioners up to $2,470.00 , so they can enjoy the money they were forced to submit to the Canadian government for those 40 to 50 years.
------
Let every Canadian you know about this. Perhaps we can get it changed.
Now I am all for helping new people come to Canada and accept it as their new land but not at the expense of those of us who were born here.
Mr. Harper, are you listening?

Daryl Makk

Meathead has been spotted!

2006-08-08T18:17:00.000-07:00

Meathead
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

My trip to Vancouver wraps up in the morning. That's when I head back to good old Calgary where the people know how to drive and park a car. I decided to do a blog just for fun about nothing really important.
I saw meathead...sort of.
Michael Stivic called "meathead" by Archie Bunker on the long running sit-com "All in the family" was eating next to me at a diner recently. Okay it was not the actor, Rob Reiner, who played the the intelligent sociology student that drove his father in law crazy with truth, but he sure was a dead ringer!
I often like to sit and people watch and am often amazed at how many look like celebrities in some way. This guy looked like he just walked off the set of the show. Was it intentional? Who knows. This is Vancouver where fashion can mean so many things. Perhaps an extremely dated hair style (and matching wardrobe) is cool here. West coasters never fail to baffle me with their "styles".
No matter, this guy (and many others we observed) provided me and my buddy James some morning entertainment as we had breakfast.
Gotta love the free show on the streets here!

Cheers
Daryl Makk

Cops!

2006-08-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

Cops!
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

After all that travel I got to relax by getting up early and playing cops on the movie set of Carolina Moon, which is being shot in and around the Calgary area. The pic shows me clowning around with the other "cops" on set while we were between takes.
Right now I am in Vancouver. I had to pop out for a corporate show and managed to snag the emcee spot at Lafflines as well. I figured I would hang out for a few more days and make it a mini vacation and see a few friends while I was here.
The weather is great so this will be short. I am off to enjoy the nice warmth the coast is known for this time of year.

Thanks to Judy S for yanking on the leash of the immature lapdog and getting him to behave (sort of). His immature actions really make you all look bad.

Later
"officer" Daryl Makk

Edmonton, Saskatchewan, Manitoba then Edmonton again. Phew!! A long 2 weeks!

2006-08-01T11:41:00.000-07:00

I wrapped up my tour in Edmonton on Sunday. It was a blast!! Thanks Edmonton.
I saw a lot of old comic friends that popped in to say hi and do guest spots. The crowds were awesome at the Comic Strip, even with Capital Ex (formally Klondike Days) running all week long, we had some really good numbers crowdwise.

I had great responses and I sold a lot of my CDs. It is nice to know the fans are happy getting professionally pressed ones and not some cheap home burnt CD with low-grade recordings. Other than running out of CDs and having to make an emergency batch, why would any REAL headliner resort to ghetto burnt ones to sell in a top rate club? Oh wait; those types don’t work the real nice clubs. They are usually soulless lapdogs yapping for some totalitarian agent that controls them and sends them to Fairview. At least they are happy in their rut and amuse themselves with self-back patting to get through their day ... that is, when they are not busy abusing graphics software.

This is the first time, in Edmonton; my silver ring did not tarnish. I did a blog mention awhile back about how every time I go there my ring tarnishes. This past week, even through the ugly, sticky heat wave, it remained clean and shiny. I guess the toxic source that causes it to tarnish was not present? Somebody told me that lapdogs mixed with fat apes cause it to tarnish. Not sure what that means but I think there were none present in Edmonton.

There is one lapdog, living in Edmonton that is so enamored with my career, he feels the need to mention me and/or put my pic on his fake blog every so often.
(Note: Real blogs have text archives and are not image-based files of malice and BS)
Why do I keep appearing on this image BS “blog”? I believe it stems from a secret admiration. After all I am better looking, funnier and more original. I have real friends and a real life. Or perhaps it stems from a bit of jealousy of the freedom I have. I don’t need to answer to a control of corporate tyranny. I can go where I please and perform shows where I want.
I seem to be a threat to you and your funny little business, one that is slowly crumbling. Have any more left recently? I laugh at you and your immaturity as does the whole comedy community!!
These past 2 weeks had me doing a lot of travel and doing shows in 3 provinces. It was tiring but I have caught up on my sleep. Even though I had pleasant dreams I did not waste them on a chunky turd like you.

Daryl Makk

KGB is soon here!!

2006-07-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

KGB
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

Coming to the beautiful Kootenays!!
The KGB -Kootenay Gut Buster!!

Click here to see the KGB poster

A true outdoor comedy concert in an awesome campground, Toad Rock!!
click for more on Toad Rock Campground

This will be the event that rocks the valley with laughter!! Toad Rock is primarily a biker campground but don't let that scare you. This is not a place where gangs hang out but for folks who enjoy motorcycles and need a nice place to stay after a days ride. You don't need to be a bike owner to attend, just a cool person who likes a great time. Check out the photo gallery on their site.

Myself and a group of comics will enjoy rustic campsites that actually look like campsites. Not the gross RV styles ones. Their stage area hosts many events through the summer and this is the one not to be missed!

To keep the roughing it to a minimum Toad Rock boasts some of the cleanest showers I've ever seen in a campground. They have a FREE 3 hole golf course (par 3) and have wireless highspeed internet in the main building so people can stay in touch with work. Ainsworth Hotsprings is just up the road to soak your weary bones.
Ainsworth Hot Springs

So come out for the scenery, enjoy the show and take in the sites. I promise you there will be lots of laughs, tons of fun and no fat monkeys with bad karma to spoil things!!

Daryl Makk