URGE OVERKILL – DON’T FORGET!

It’s been fourteen long years since Urge Overkill released it’s last album “Exit The Dragon”. As rumors float, Urge Overkill is presently working on their sixth studio album with no release date yet determined. If you’ve been out of the UO loop in the last 12 years it will not be the original trio but I am optimistic they’ll have not missed a beat with strong vocals from Kato & Roeser.

Urge Overkill made a huge impact in the early 90’s and hit the charts strong with the cover of Neil Diamond’s “Girl You’ll Be A Woman Soon” for the Soundtrack “Pulp Fiction“. Although being put on the map with the amount of airtime from the soundtrack, their 1993 album Saturation was shadowed by label changes but reviews were still in their favor. They continued their sound into 1995 with “Exit The Dragon” but ran into drug issues with drummer Balckie O which cut a tour short. Things between Roeser and Kato then heated as well which lead to “The Break” of UO shortly after.

During the break I had the opportunity to see Nash Kato solo promoting his album “Debutante”. He played in Saskatoon at Amigos just off Broadway to a mere empty venue but still a few followers of UO. A few years later Urge Overkill reunited and toured though Saskatoon for the first time in 2004. In my eye’s both were amazing shows as I will be a true follower of UO or any side projects Roeser or Kato are involved with.

I am not expecting anyone to drop everything for UO. Being form the generation I am from you will have an appreciation for the change in the music world that Urge Overkill was a part of. Keep your ears open for future releases.

BANGKOK, ORIENTAL SETTING!

I have never investigated Thailand ever let alone Bangkok. I know the 80’s song by Murray Head – “One Night In Bangkok” and I have watched the movie “The Beach” many times but never really thought I would step foot on the ground in Thailand. So I clearly had no idea what to expect. Besides being in the airport which is “internationally” clean I was introduced to a city that smells different every 10 feet and that is beyond dirty! The saying “Good from far but far from good” should be the slogan when entering the city of Bangkok. If you have a view everything looks fine other than a couple noticeable blemishes entering your sight.

Other than garbage on most streets you’ll be distraught by the smell of whatever whoever is cooking. I was warned not to touch and walking by it was clear enough why. I was disappointed that there wasn’t any Thai food restaurants on some or most corners. We were staying at the Millenium Hilton and in a busy district of Bangkok. We were surrounded by more 7-11’s than we were “appropriate” Thai restaurants. Meaning ones you go in and sit down at and not ones you go sit on the curb. In the end we settled for Arabic or Egyptian food which was no problem for me. I am slowly learning to eat with no utensils and possible may make that step maybe once to eat sitting on the floor.

Other than the smell, pollution, prostitution and child poverty Bangkok is not that bad. Well let’s just say it’s a place to visit and do some cheap shopping. Other than that jump on another plane or Tuk Tuk and get to the islands ASAP. A good experience overall but 7 days was enough for me. Ideally 1 or 2 nights in Bangkok is plenty. 5 or 7 nights on the islands would be perfect. Still a place to say you went to and experienced. I’ll say it’s not really on my list again and honestly never was. I can happily say, been there and done that.

BOATS, TRAINS & TUK TUKS?

Owning a car in Bangkok would be a huge no no! Maybe a scooter or motorcycle but nothing with four wheels on asphalt. Anything on two wheels will get you through traffic and to you destination in 1/4 the time. Traffic at the key commuting times like any other major centre will hold you back longer than anticipated. Boat, Metro or Tuk Tuk are the easiest means of transportation around downtown Bangkok and all are very inexpensive. Negotiate a price before jumping into a Tuk Tuk and whatever he says offer 75% less. All three modes of transport will get you either to your destination or to the next transport station.

 

 

PATPONG NIGHT BAZAAR – BANGKOK

“One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster. The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free!” – Murray Head

Labeled as one of the biggest Red Light Districts in Asia, Patpong Night Bazaar offers way more than you would ever imagine! Turned by the blind eyes of the Bangkok Law Enforcement anything and everything goes in this part of the city let alone most the other parts too. The night scene starts around 6PM and “Happily Ends” around 2:30AM. No more than two steps onto the Night Bazaar grounds you’ll be hounded by dudes trying to get you into “shows”. If you’re with a female they’ll respect your space just a little bit more, not much but enough. I think I heard “Ping Pong Show” more than a hundred times! Not going to explain that show but I think you’ll figure it out! Just remember, there are no Ping Pong tables anywhere! If you want to see it you can see it! (hence the name in the above image).

Along the two streets (that we saw) is a market filled with bags, watches, souvenirs, belts, clothing, throwing stars, brass knuckles, stun guns, jewelry and much more. All imitation but looks crazy real. Really, stun guns?? Pick your weapon and do your thing. A little freaky! Beware of the “Ladyboy”! They are everywhere! They’re the only “Thai” shemen with the huge boobs! Very easy to pick out. Just be sure you’re not too intoxicated or they will take you down!

Don’t get me wrong at all. Patpong Night Bazaar is a must see for the tourist. It’s easy to filter out the dirty noise coming from all directions. A couple hours to check it out is all you’ll need. It’s enough time to shop, have a beverage and a serious laugh.

ABU DHABI TRAFFIC JAM! SCHOOL’S OUT!

If you want a good laugh you should see my view! Our UAE weeks run Sunday to Thursday so every week day at 1:45PM – 2:00PM outside our apartment it’s like comedy hour in cars! If you have never experienced Abu Dhabi traffic and parking you will require a valium before your excursion. Everybody parks everywhere and drives wherever on the side streets. The city has just recently implemented pay parking in the over populated and heavy traffic areas. This will soon spread throughout the city. The infrastructure of the city does not coincide with the amount of vehicles on the road. Some families have up to six or seven vehicles and live downtown. Where to park?!! Outside our apartment there’s a Women’s College, an Islamic English School and an International Elementary School. Needless to say these schools get out at very similar times and there’s minimum 1000 students per school. This causes CHAOS! Very fun to watch and very comical most times. It’s like musical horns! That’s all you here. I believe some people just honk because others are doing it and it’s fun and most certainly annoying! The Porsche in the one photo was backed into. He layed on his horn the entire time he saw the van backing up. The Emirati driving the Porsche got out, opened the door of the van and snapped! I would have done the same! So, note to self: Plan your departure from home and avoid a mess and the stress!

BANGKOK LAND OF SMILES HOCKEY CLASSIC 2009

The Land Of Smiles Hockey Classic Tournament in Bangkok celebrates its 15th consecutive year running in 2009. For a rink with no plexi glass, no dressing rooms and on the 5th floor of a mall, tournament coordinators did and amazing job organizing and maintaining a tight schedule. With at least 25 teams attending, this tournament attracts teams from The United Arab Emirates, China, Japan, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, Singapore and many more. The main focuses for the tournament are good competitive fun for the 400 athletes attending and helping raise funds for Father Joe Maiers Human Development Foundation. His drive to help poverty stricken children on the streets in Thailand has been supported by this event raising hundreds of thousands of baht each year.

The Abu Dhabi Ice Hockey Team made another appearance this year after not attending last year. The team had taken their divisional championship previous to last year. Hopes and spirits were high as we entered the round robin tournament. With teams from Bangkok, Japan, Singapore, Kuwait and UAE. We had our work cut out for us as these teams are very skilled and talented. We finished the round robin 2-1 and lost in the semi-final to Canstar (Bangkok National Team). We fell short of our goal but gained a lot as a team in other areas.

Our seven days away from home and spending many hours together brought a team closer. I personally learned a lot more about all individuals on the team plus gained more experience with the Emirati culture. Although I missed the F1 weekend at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi, The BIGGEST event to hit Abu Dhabi, I feel very fortunate to have the experiences, travel and relationships I have endured with my friends of the Abu Dhabi Ice Hockey Team! Tournament #1 is now complete and I look forward to assisting with the growth of the sport of hockey in the UAE moving forward. Keep posted for more updates with future movements of the Abu Dhabi Ice Hockey Team.

DEEP SEA FISHING IN THE ARABIAN GULF

Twelve hours at sea was an entirely new adventure where I realized another profession that I will never pursue! I am not made to withstand an entire day “Going With The Flow” or “Moving To The Motion Of The Ocean”. My local friend Ebriham whom I work with on the Abu Dhabi Ice Hockey Team had taken Teemu (Coach), Matias (Asst. Coach) & myself on a excursion 35KMS off the coast of the United Arab Emirates into the Arabian Gulf. With many years of experience, “E” had all the knowledge of where and how to get the fish in the boat. The big and obvious catch is Kingfish and Barracuda. Kingfish are a visible sight when feeding. Launching 3 to 5 feet out of the water you’re almost guaranteed to snag one of these out of the huge schools they feed in. We were very aware of the Barracuda in the area as we pulled some fish into the boat that were only halves. Not the most pleasant sight as my breakfast was making its own waves as the tide inside my stomach decided to come in or should I say out?! If you don’t know me I am notorious to an anticipated throw up due to motion and or fish guts laying on the deck of the boat. I settled into place as the day grew older as I slept for numerous hours at sea. A fifteen minute cool down in the Gulf was the perfect prescription to cool me down. Unfortunately it was the only cool down I took as it wasn’t the big fish I was frightened of but all of the flippin sea snakes and jelly fish we encountered.

An great experience overall for a rookie at sea. We took in some amazing sights that most people wouldn’t have the opportunity to ever. Despite the sea snakes, jelly fish and Barracuda swimming around the boat I managed to catch a handful of fish but was more entertaining to my mates aboard as I think fish are slimy and I can’t stand touching them. In the end they won!

We concluded our evening with and amazing Arabian sunset with dolphins making an appearance around our boat. This was an experience for all of use that we will never forget!

ABU DHABI DRIVERS SUCK!

Stopped at a light at one of the busiest intersections in Abu Dhabi. Count 1,2,3,4,5 then crash! We were nailed from behind by a garbage truck! We were fortunate to be ok and not a ton of damage to the car. It feels like we are guinea pigs  in Abu Dhabi having to know how to deal with almost about anything! Until this year my last car accident was in 1996. I had gone over 13 years without any collisions. In 2009 I have crashed my scooter and have been hit from behind in Abu Dhabi. I was at no fault for either which makes this way too frustrating!

“WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE!” – SPIKE JONZE

It’s here! “Where The Wild Things Are” releases October 16, 2009! My most anticipated film in 2009 directed by Spike Jonze. This film is going to be EPIC!

“It’s going to be a place where the things you want to happen, would happen!”
“It’s all yours! You’re the owner of this world!”

How effective can these phrases be to any individual young or old? An imagination is a tool we all have and should never stop exercising. Dream the dreams and create at will!

Inside All Of Us: Is Everything  You’ve Ever Seen, Everything You Have Ever Done, Everyone You’ve Loved, There’s One In All Of Us! ….. Where The Wild Things Are!

A DIGITAL EXPRESSION UPDATE – LIFE IN ABU DHABI, UAE – SO FAR… SO AMAZING!

Well what can I say? We are just over two months into our life relocation in Abu Dhabi, UAE and “So Far… So Amazing!” Our decision to make such a distant move has been a very positive life experience for Vanessa and Myself. What a change! I had spent my entire life living in a unpredictable multi-climate, flat, bug on the windshield part of the world. I have since transitioned and am presently living on the greener grass I had always observed. Or should I say browner sand in this particular case?

Who would of thought that a couple in a new country could have their lives put together in less than two months? If you know me and my patience it should have been done in two weeks! PATIENCE! My God! I come from Canada! This is the time of “NOW”! Not “10 Businness Days”! Ok, I am learning! Although it is taking a little more time than anticipated.

Let’s sum up my two months so far. A lot has happened and a lot has changed in 60 days. Relocating to another country is not that simple. Preparation of documents, stamps and signatures is not an easy thing. Just ask Vanessa to explain that one! After a seventeen hours in air travel we were blasted with heat and humidity departing the plane. We were taken to our temporary apartment which soon turned into our permanent apartment. With Vanessa and I being in the first wave of teachers to arrive in Abu Dhabi, this gave us a couple extra weeks to find our comfort and make the decisions necessary for our lifestyle. Out with the hotel furniture and in with our own. First things first, right? She didn’t want to sit in the chairs and either did I. That was a simple and much needed change!

Transportation and everything that involves transport in  Abu Dhabi is a congested mess! Busses stop rarely and if they do they are packed! Taxis, there’s two. Ones you take and ones you don’t. Silver ones – Yes. White & Gold – No (they have no meters)! So we got our own car. A 2010 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback and we love it. Finally, back to filling your gas tank for under $20. The freedom is crucial to go and do what you please on this island. Now driving is another thing! I swear in a twenty minute drive i’ll lay on my horn 8 times? Yeah, that’s about right. Gotta fit in! People do what they want on the road. I think your car is more likely to be hit parked rather than when you are driving. You park anywhere you want. On a curb, sure. Parallel park behind cars nose in first, why not!? Parking is free here. No meters and no pay parkades. Do whatever you want. Hit the other cars if you want. It happens and people just drive away. We have seen the sights and done more activities than we expected. We’ve been to Dubai three times, water sliding at Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah, Sheikh’s National Auto Museum, Desert Safari, renewed my visa twice (once totally confused and lost in immigration. They told me I look like a viking), Golfed PGA Course, Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre, Al Ain Zoo, Jebel Hafeet Mountain in Al Ain, Emirates Palace, Burj Al Arab (worlds largest hotel), Jet Skiing in the Arabian Gulf, a lot of beach and the adventures continue! It’s been an experience and a half! We have spent time with friends from Saskatoon who we have had a pleasure experiencing the Middle East with. We have also been meeting new friends through Vanessa’s employment and creating relationships with local Emirati’s.

Within the first month we were able to experience Ramadan first hand. 30 days of no chewing gum, eating or drinking in public until after call for prayer around 6:45PM. It took about a week but we were in the Ramadan routine quickly. Wake up early and do what you have to do outside of home before 1PM. Everything closed at 1PM and re-opened at 8:30PM. It was convenient as retailers stayed open until 1 or 2AM. Afternoon 20 minute naps turned into 4 hour afternoon sleeps. The city was dead. But WOW! When 8:30PM hit, look out! Driving was chaotic and any shopping location was a zoo. It was like Boxing Day every night! NUTS!  We made it through and we survived the experience.

Vanessa had finally started working consistently after Ramadan. She is now a few weeks deep in to teaching and coming into her own very well. Remember, she’s teaching grade one girls and they’ve had and extra month off. So I think they’re a little of the handle right now but I am confident they’ll slow down for Vanessa very soon.

After a couple emails and golfing a PGA Tour course with a gentleman from Sweden, I found myself coaching the U18 hockey team with him. Go figure? Hockey in the middle of the Arabian Desert? Following a coaches clinic and one practice I had a decision on hand to make. I was offered a position with the Abu Dhabi Ice Hockey Club & The UAE National Mens Hockey Team as an Equipment Manager. I needed a job that can work around my travel schedule as I need to get back to Saskatoon before 2010 and be able to go home for the summers. A pretty sweet position with a club that has just started its own league in the UAE and recent success with the UAE National Team in 2009 winning the Asia Cup. Hockey looks to be growing significantly and the outlook is promising for the youth in Abu Dhabi and surrounding cities. I was a little weary at first. What’s the talent going to be like with these players that range from 20 – 35 years? They blew my expectations out of the water! These guys are good! Open to learn the game and everything that surrounds it. The guys that make up this team have a true passion for the sport of hockey! Between the two teams we will travel a fair bit for road games in the UAE and the National Team will be in several tournaments in the New Year. First we are off to Bangkok, Thailand towards the end of October, Abu Dhabi tournament in November, February tournament in Qatar, March – Asia Cup in Taipai, April – World Championships in Greece, May tournament in Hong Kong and June Club Championship in Hong Kong. Needless to say my 32 year drought of traveling out of North America comes to a major halt all in one year! I am very excited to be a part of a growing organization and being able to share my knowledge and expertise with a group eager to learn and grow.

Well, that’s two months of life that has cruised by. Busy? I’d say so! The lifestyle Vanessa and I have chosen is a lifestyle that we have dreamed about. A life that is organized with minor worries and very little stress. We liven in a location that will blow your mind but is peaceful in many different ways. The dream is now a reality for me. I can only look forward and anticipate the experiences, challenges and opportunities that will come.

Honestly, I am not really missing Saskatoon. On the other hand I honestly am missing my kids and my friends! It will be great to see everyone again in the future. Two months gone and at least 22 more to go. A good friend had responded to an email recently and all that he stated was “Keep Living The Dream!” …. I believe I truly am!