Wow, 2 episodes in 2 months.  What can I say?  How about "sorry about that".

I will warn you all in advance though, that I ramble even more then normal over this episode.  I mean, 2 stories about cats that total over 8 minutes each?  That, my friend, is craziness and stuff.  But at least they are both A) entertaining and 2) educational.  I guess you could say they're "EduCATutainment".  You could say that, but I wouldn't if I were you, it sounds stupid.  Really stupid.

It's worth making it through the rambling though, because not only is there some good advice about cat pee and human pee, I also have not one, not forty-seven, but two songs from an amazing local songwriter named Robbie Hancock.  Or Robbie Jason Hancock, or Rob Hancock.  To be honest I'm not sure which one he goes by these days.  Come to one of his shows and ask him.  He's the kind of songwriter that makes me realize that there is no justice in the world vis a vis the music industry, because Rob(bie) (Jason) Hancock is not a household word, and Simon Cowell hasn't yet slid under a bus.  Wow, harsh, but heartfelt.

My point is that you really need to check out the two songs I've got on this week's show, then you really need to follow the links below and you really need to pick up his CD and then you really need to check him out live.  I've included links to his myspace page,  and if you're on Facebook, do a search for "Robbie Jason Hancock" and you'll find his groups.

I've also included links to a few other things I mentioned in the show, because, hey, I LOOOOOOVE links.  Especially of the sausage variety.

Finally, on a somewhat serious note, I was saddened to note the passage this week of Jazz and Blues great Jeff Healey.  This weeks show was already recorded and partially edited when I heard the news over the radio, and rather then re-record what was an already overdue show, I decided to include a tribute into next week's show.  When someone who's as passionate about music as Mr. Healey passes away, the light of the world gets just a little dimmer.   Rest in Peace.

Peace, Love, and Puffy-Swollen-Irritated-Nasal-Passages, (see what I did there?)
Stevie Z

PS - If you're bored, check out this.  You can also build your own city too.  Wow, I really do need a life...

Linksies!
Jeff Healey
Robbie Hancock's Myspace Page
Robbie's FaceBook Page
Mulligan's Sports Bar (Home of the Weds. Night Open Mic)
Catfish Show
Jirina's Cakes
Buckley's Cough Mixture

Yup.  That's right.  First real episode since July 1.  I know, the whole world has been waiting anxiously.  Well, maybe not the whole world. Parts of China though, for some reason, and a teensey weensey bit of Iceland.  Go figure.

It's been a busy summer, fall, and first half of winter.  How busy?  How should I know.  Oh.  Yeah.  Well, you'll just have to listen to the next few episodes to see what it's been like, and listen to me whine my way through explanations of what I've been doing with myself....and with others.

In this episode, I play an excerpt from the Canadian Podcast Buffet, because, first of all it's a kickass podcast, and secondly, it features yours truly.  Take a listen and you'll see what I mean. And after you finish this episode, head on over to the Canadian Podcast Buffet for a great show about podcasting and the Canadian Podcasting community specifically.

Also head over to Decoder Ring Theatre and check out some of the best audio drama around.  Then go into the kitchen and get some pie - you've earned it.

For those of you that have wandered through the wilderness since July of last year waiting, yearning for me to get off my podass and do a podcast......what the heck's wrong with you?!  Get a life!  Just kidding, thanks so much for keeping subscribed and stopping by every once in a while to see if anyone was still living here.  For those that are new, welcome to my own special corner of reality.  Well, my reality, anyways.

You may notice that there isn't the usual "audio bling" such as my intro, extro and bumper music.  I've been having computer "woes".  Well, that's like saying that Job was having a "few bad days".  See (or rather listen, I guess) to the show for a little more details.  I think I'm going to come up with a whole new crop of bumpers for the show.......wait for it......don't get ahead of me.....yes....here it comes.....a BUMPER CROP!!   I slay me.  We'll get some new themes, new bumpers, and a whole new slew of fun and annoying stuff to stick in your ears.

Thanks again ya'll.   It's good to be back.
 
Peace, Love and PODCASTING AGAIN!
Stevie Z

It's finally freakin' here!  The first-ever official promo for the first-ever official 1st Anniversary Craptacular Show!  Oooooh, shivers.


Thanks to many, many problems, some self-inflicted, some natural, some unnatural, and waaaaay too many due to purchasing a new computer that ran Windows Vista (I know, I know, I can hear all you Sieve-illians yelling "Steve, why didn't you get a Mac?!?)  Well, you guys want to take up a collection to buy me one?  I'll give you my paypal info.  Truth is, it was a lot easier to round up $500 for an HP Windows machine then shelling out the $1200 or so for a new Mac.  But oh, how'd I love to.....heck, it was hard enough spending the $100 for a new mic and headphones.  That reminds me, hopefully at least a few of you will notice the huge difference in quality (the sound, not the humour or writing) over previous attempts, since I finally got a studio condenser mic.  An Apex to be exact, and it's shiny, very shiny.

What does all this mean?  Well, it means I can start recording the 1st Anniversary Craptacular now.  It also means that I can lay down the vocals for some of my songs, and put em up in forthcoming shows.  It also means that the Loverly Michelle has another reason to bitch at me for spending more money.  Ah, life is good.

Peace, Love and Pickering!

Stevie Z

Show Notes to Follow.....no, really this time.   While you're waiting though, please enjoy this early photo of the tree stump that I'm digging out of my back yard.

Peace, Love and Pines,
Stevie Z

PS - Sorry, looks like no photo for now either, thanks to the INCREDIBLY CRAPPY  HP Image software that my wife (The Luverly Michelle) installed to run our scanner - it takes a half hour to edit a photo that used to take me 5 minutes, and seizes up the computer....and it's late and I want to go to bed now.

Show Notes to follow.  In the meantime, please enjoy this awesome photo of awesome Michelle in her awesome belly dancing outfit taken during one of her recitals.  Meeee-OW  ! 

 

Z

It's here! It's here! Grab yerself a Beer!

Well, my fellow Sieve-illians, you can finally get on with your life again, the next episode of The Sieve! is here!

I'll keep this brief (yeah, right) because I know that you're itching to download it and listen.  Or maybe you're just itching.  You know, emu oil is really good for itches, rashes, insect bites, and other skin issues.  You can get the good pure stuff here.   But, ummmm, I guess that really doesn't have anything to do with what we're talking about.

In this Episode I'm featuring a hot-out-of-the-oven, fresh-off-the-presses (damn, it's hard to type with all those hyphens!) rockin little ditty from Pandamonia called "Rock Steady".  Pandamonia hails from Mississauga, Ontario, and you have to check out this song. If you only listen to one song this week....well, I feel sorry for you because music should be constant, but if you do only listen to one, make it this one.  Speaking of great music, I have another great ambient tune from Vancouver musician and songwriter Derek K. Miller.  Thanks again Derek, our thoughts and prayers are with you. 

If you absolutely despise "magazines" that are thinly disguised platforms for advertisers, then check out my revue of Inside Fitness Canada - the crudiest piece of crudly crud that ever rolled off a printing press (in my personal, humble, and accurate opinion, of course).  Free or not, I want my money back......

Don't forget to check out the promo for Steve's Mid Life Crisis at the end of the show (hey Steve, how about a new promo for my listeners!) and as a special bonus, because I love each and every one of you - except for maybe that guy in Hamilton) I've saved some of my many, many, many outtakes and screwups from the show and slipped em in at the end.  Happy Chortling. 

You'll probably notice I didn't do a "Juxtaposed Holiday" episode for Easter.  Well, since the only feedback I got on my  "Valloween" show was negative (not that I don't mind negative feedback, it's just that no one seemed to like the concept) I decided to scrap that idea, unless of course you'd rather have it back.  Let me know at badlybentpub@yahoo.ca.  In fact, fire me off an email anyways and let me know what you thought of this show, and the show in general.  Be nice, or be nasty, but at least be relevant.

Oh yeah, and if you're wondering why this episode is late....blame Ignacio.

Peace, Love, and Pectorals,

Stevie Z

Well, here it is  - you can all resume your normally scheduled lives now that Part 2 of Tales From a Hospital is here.  I'll bet that you've been huddled around the watercooler at work, discussing with baited breath what would happen.  Would Stevie Z finally snap due to the waiting room conditions?  Would the stairs finish him off?  Would The Luverly Michelle (TM) factor into the story much more, or would Stevie Z just keep rambling on and on and on and on about himself and his pathetic little problems *ahem*. 

Well, now you can find out.  So please stop emailing me begging to post the second half of the story because you were all a-tremble with anticipation.  Hey, it could happen.

Thanks for the great ambient music go out once again to Derek K. Miller - musician and songwriter extraordinaire, and also to The Root Doctor Band for the great song Me and My Wife.  Again a great thanks to the staff at St. Mary's General Hospital as well for the great work they did (putting up with me as well as the good job cuttin' up my wife).  Check out the promo for Steve's Mid Life Crisis, a podcast I enjoy every week....unless it's late, and we all know how much we hate that, right ? 

The next episode is already underway, so keep yer ears tuned or peeled or something....especially since I'm still tweaking the sound and trying to get it to sound like I know what I'm doing...if you think I'm going in the right direction, or not, drop me a line at badlybentpub@yahoo.ca.  You can also drop Michelle a "get well" email there as well.

Peace, Love and Percocet!

Stevie Z

FINA-FREAKIN'-LY!

Okay, fellow Sieve-illians, here, after much, much, much work is the dawn of a new era in podcasting!  Okay, so maybe not so much.  But, I will say that this podcast may just be better then any to come so far.  Yes, even better then the Valloween episode.  I know, I know, it couldn't possibly be.....but it is!

This episode is the first part of a Two Parter that follows my trials and tribulations on the day that The Luverly Michelle (TM) went into St. Mary's General Hospital to have her gallbladder yanked out cuz it was being naughty.  I promise to post part B in the next few days.....wouldn't want to leave you hangin!

Special thanks to St. Mary's General Hospital for the great care, and to Derek K. Miller, whose music I used as ambient throughout. 

Bonus points if you can identify the show where about 90% of my "doctor" clips came from.....

Peace, Love, and Part 1,

Stevie Z

Aha, we meet again Dear Listener.  Here for your perusal is the latest, greatest, steaming-hot-off-the-presses episode of The Sieve.  Surprisingly, it's a short one.....the show I mean.

Today we've got a rockin' tune called "Rollin' Penny" by an awesome band out of Calgary, Alberta called Bluessmyth.  You can find their website here, and their garageband site here.

I was supposed to have an interview with my luverly wife Michelle, but since she has bronchitis she's even harder to understand then normal.  Ow!  Hey!  Stop it, that hurts!

Maybe next week.

Instead we have an international language lesson regarding shower curtains, what not to put on your face, we ruin an Elton John song for ya (you're welcome!) and a promo for Steve's Mid Life Crisis.  Oh yeah, and a really really really really bad pun-type thingy....which I'm already apologizing profusely for.

Till next time,

Peace, Love, and Park Rangers,

Stevie Z

 

Hello once again, dear listeners!  Unfortunately I didn't make it to Podcamp Toronto, despite my best efforts.  Indoor plumbing sure is nice....when it works....and pretty damn expensive when it don't.

Another tale for another time.

On this episode we get a little more back to normal after the Valloween episode.  Look for a really awesome tune from the Billy Bauer Band that will help take those winter blues away (assuming you live somewhere where it is cold and snowing and crappy out, like I do).  Check out their website for more info on them and to pick up their music, and also check em out at garageband as well.

I also feature a segment from another podcast that I really really enjoy called Decoder Ring Theatre.  They do a couple of different series there, both of them fan-freakin-tastic.  Whether you like the old-syle radio drama or not, they're definitely worth the listen.  Find em here.

Other then that, there's a Booze Review of a shooter that you definitely don't want to try, being attacked by pizza, a shout out to my peeps in China, and the usually meandering, babbling and pointless chatter that we've all come to know and love.  Okay, know at least.

Check out the promos for Steve's Mid Life Crisis, and blubrry.com as well.

Peace, Love and Paprika

Stevie Z

Okay kiddies, here it is.  I think I'm going to change the motto of the show to "30 Minutes of Irrelevance and Irreverence.....and about a week late"

Better late then never though, eh?  Well, you be the judge of that.  This one's so twisted that maybe "never' would have been a better choice.  Listen to the podcast for details, but in a nutshell here's my concept:  because everyone and their hamster does the appropriate holiday podcast on said holiday I figured you'd be bored of Valentine's Day podcasts by now. That, and I hate Valentine's Day.  So, I decided to do a Halloween episode instead.  I'm sorry, but you'll just have to wait until Halloween to hear my Valentine's Day show.

The only tune on this show to speak of is Bandages by Fred Eaglesmith.   Check out his website here to pick up some awesome music.  Yeah, I know, I know. I already played a bunch of his stuff not too long ago.  Truth is, I had this song pegged for this episode before I even had my first show recorded.  So there.   Blpblpblpblpblpblpblp!

Also, check out the 2 promos at the very very end of the show - one for a great podcast called "Steve's Midlife Crisis" (different Steve, entirely unrelated to yours truly) and one for blubrry.com  Steve (the other one) has my promo on his, and I'm more then happy to return the favour, as I enjoy his show.  In fact, I'm willing to bet that if you like my show then you'll like his.  In fact, even if you don't like my show, you'll probably still really enjoy his. Stevie Z (that would be me) threw together the promo for blubrry.com.  Let me know what you think of each.  Also, check out blubrry.com for a list of other great podcasts available....but...um...keep listening to mine too, of course.

I'm going to be shortening my shows down to 15-20 mins each, and see how that goes over.  Lemme know what you think of that idea.

So, sit back with your chocolate hearts etc, and check out the show.

Oh yeah, you can blame my cat, Sake, for the long delay in the release of this particular show.  I've been in catsitter mode for most of the week.  Long story, for another day.

If you want you can drop me an email at badlybentpub@yahoo.ca, or just leave a comment below.  I'm actually working on getting a voice mail line so you can leave me an audio comment that way.  Neato, huh?  Of course, if you want, you can just email me an audio comment as well.

 

Peace, Love, and Puppies!

Stevie Z

Okay, here's the thing.  I normally record these podcasts over a 2-4 day period.  What can I say - Stevie Z is an in-demand kind of guy.  Actually, I'm just really busy doing stuff.  Between earning an income, working on my house, working around my house, working on my music and trying to be a doting husband (what the heck does "doting" mean anyways?) my dance card is pretty much full.  So, I work on my podcast when I can.  I know that all you kids out there salivate with anticipation over every new episode.  *cough cough*

Don't get me wrong, I'm not whining, and I do have a point.  Okay, maybe I'm whining just a little too.  But the reason that I'm going into all this is - I once again promised a couple of things in the intro that didn't end up in the podcast.  This time, though, I've got a really good reason.  The second day of recording this puppy I got a letter in the mail.  A letter that ticked me off so frickin' much that I had to bring it up in the Episode.  So I did.  For quite a while, as it turns out.  So, if you want to skip an "extended mix" of meandering rant, just press the "STOP" button at about the 15 minute mark.  You've been warned.....

Besides becoming unhinged in this episode, though, I also have an awesome tune from The Muckland Crooners.  you can check them out here, and I highly suggest that you do.

I also give my opinion (surprise!) on people that can't dress themselves,  FINALLY go into the recipe for El Pollo Z - also knows as Mexican-Texican-Canadexican chicken breasts, and give perhaps what is the worlds worst French accent.  Ever.  No, seriously.

I also apologize in advance for the audio quality on this podcast - it's not up to my usual (high?) standards.  I was trying some new settings, and I have too many damn buttons knobs switches and levers on my software.  That, and I need a new mic.  A nice shiny new condenser mic.  Please email my wife Michelle c/o me at badlybentpub@yahoo.ca and tell her that I need a new one and that she should let me buy it. 

Of course, and per usual, if you have anything else that you think I should know, or just want to say "howdy" please feel free to drop me a line at that above address as well, or you can leave a comment below.  If you do email or leave a comment though, please be sure to let me know where the piece of real estate you live on is located.  I'm always curious to know where my esteemed listeners call home.

Peace, Love, and Pigeons!

Stevie Z

 

"Oh, Canada, my Home and Native Land"

That's the opening line from the Canadian National Anthem.  Damn I love irony.

Today's show is all about this country which I call home.  Before I continue, just lemme say that I had some really great show notes typed out already.  They were staggeringly amazing.  They were frickin' awesome! Then Rogers dropped my internet connection and I lost em while I was publishing the podcast.  Then, Libsyn timed me out while I was uploading my podcast.....twice!!  So, third time was not a charm, and fourth time sucks.  So, here are the abbreviated (and less awesome and staggeringly amazing) show notes for Episode 5:

First of all, the music is provided by my favourite (note Canadian spelling) singer/songwriter, Canadian or otherwise, Fred Eaglesmith.  Check out his website at fredeaglesmith.com for more info, and to pick up some great music and unique merchandise.  (I'm still waiting to get my black Cumberland County Snowplow Toque.)

I've also covered a couple of uniquely Canadian things in this podcast - first of all, France has it's Escargot, Scotland has it's Haggis, and Canada?  Well, Canada has it's poutine.  Hey, don't knock it till you've tried it.  I also talk about Tim Horton's Donuts and Coffee.  Yeah, well, you know I kind of had to. And of course, what feature on this great country would be complete without some beaver noises?   I also give out a few fast and cold facts about the Great White North as well.

So, drop me a line and let me know what you think, what you thought, and if you have any more ideas for Canadiana as well.  I've already got a few lined up, but am always open for suggestions about things that are distinctly Canadian.  By the way, don't say "winter", because winter happens in a lot of places.  Canadians do, however, seem to have an apparently inherent way of complaining about winter, but refuse to do anything about it.  Also, why are so many people in this country so surprised when it gets really cold every year ???

You can contact me at badlybentpub@yahoo.ca or leave a comment on the bottom of this blawg.  (another Canadian spelling....no, seriously...that's how we spell it in Canada -Webbblawg.)

I Stand on Guard for Thee,

Stevie Z

HAPPY NUDE YEAR!!

You know, it's hard to squeeze 30 minutes of irrelevance and irreverence into less then 26 minutes, but I did it.  A great big Stevie Z thank you goes out to Bob and Mark at Canadian Podcast Buffet for their listing and their mention.  Good to see people who take an interest in the Canadian Podcasting community and want to build it.  Speaking of which, look for the next episode to be an All-Canadian affair, featuring music from my favourite singer-songwriter, whom just happens to be a fellow Canuck.

On Today's Show:

A funky shakin' number from The Thing in Itself called The Thing That Can't be Taken Away

A brief-as-possible, un-geeky-as-possible rundown of the equipment and software that I use to record this mess....errrr....podcast.  The Main Brain behind the outfit (equipment-wise, of course) is the TonePort UX2.  Here's where you can find out more info about it.

An explanation as to why what I SAID I was going to put in Episode 002 wasn't actually all in there.

A really, really, really, REALLY bad song.  With a couple of questions as to "What the hey"? Hey, if you really like it, you can probably get it here.

What's the connection with Celine Dion, hot dogs, and Grover from Sesame Street ??

FYI, that photo is my other cat, Sushi.  She too, is sometimes a little intense....

Oh yeah, PS, and by the way, no interview with CBC Potentate Shelagh Rogers.  Yet.

Take Luck!

Stevie Z

Remember - you can contact me at badlybentpub@yahoo.ca, or you can leave a comment below regarding this or any other episodes, or posts, or whatever you wish.

The attached podcast contains no msg.  BUT, it is high in glucofunomine.  Sorry it took so long to get this one out....it was a little like giving birth this time.  Trust me, you do NOT want to have to clean up the mess at Sieve HQ.  Not to toot my own horn however (put your own joke in there, I'm too tired) but I do believe that this may be one of the best intros in the history of podcasting.  Well, okay, the history of my show, anyways.  Hooray for Digital Audio Editing, or DAE as I like to call it (pronounced "DUH").

There were 2 glaring errors in this weeks podcast.....first one that spots em gets a cookie.  Sorry, but that's what happens when you start recording a podcast and don't finish until 3 days later. 

Definitely on the show, however, are a couple of fantastic songs from Nashville Singer / Songwriter Kim Mclean.  You can check out her stuff at her website.  The first song of hers is called Pearl, and the second one is Angels and Eagles.  Check out the lady doing backup vocals on that one. 

Also, another great high-energy gem from Jonathan Coulton.  He can still be found at his website.  This one's called (and it's one of the greatest song titles EVER!)  "Dance, Soterius Johnson Dance"

No interviews with Shelagh Rogers this time though.  Maybe next time, we'll have to wait and see.

Here's a couple of time-wasters to check out while you listen to the merriment and music that is The Sieve:

This guys makes some of the coolest looking guitars and amps.  Ever.

Are you sure the Chinese Characters on your tattoo are correct ?

And that'll about wrap this one up.  Don't worry though, I'm already working on number 004.   Shhhh......it's okay little one.....rest your weary head......shhhhhhh......

I read a book about podcasting.  It said that you should put your promo up for RSS download.  Okay.  Here it is.  This will make me rich and famous now, cuz the book said to do it, right ??  Right??

Just because I feel inadequate if I don't put up a link or two with each post:

Air Sickness Bag Collection

and something completely different:

Artist who makes some REALLY cool stuff out of, well, junk and garbage

I'll probably make mention of both of these in some future podcast, so check em out now, and you'll know what I'm talking about before I even talk about it!

Peace, Love, and Pez Dispensers,

Stevie Z

My second show.  Double your Pleasure, Double your Fun, Double the amount of time you can waste!

Lemme know what you think -   badlybentpub@yahoo.ca or just leave a message below.

Song - Tom Cruise Crazy - Jonathan Coulton, Independant Artist.

His songs and life are available at  jonathancoulton.com

Tangent - Cats, excuse me!

Yeah, that's one of my cats in that photo, Sake to be exact.

The website for the breeder I got her and Sushi from.

Stuff You Didn't Know You Cared About

Canadian Tire Money

You GOTTA Hear This!

Tell it To the Guv'Nor - Bela Fleck and the Flecktones

From the Album "Bela Fleck and the Flecktones"  (That'd be considered self-titled to you and me)

Official Website     Find It At Amazon.com  

How To Be a Bad Guy - No, how to be a GOOOD Guy, or   "Sigh It With Flowers"

TRIVIA !!   WITH MICHELLE !!  WOW !!  MUSIC TRIVIA NO LESS !!  FROM THE 80'S EVEN !!

HOLY CRAP !!  I CAN'T STOP YELLING !! 

Promo for Light On, Light Through

http://paullev.libsyn.com/

Promo for The Sieve Podcast - Yeah, I know, but it's clever and stuff. 

Well, that's my second episode.  I think that went a little better this time.  Oh, and don't worry - the scarring will heal eventually.......

PS - Does HTML stand for "He's Totally Mentally Lacking" ??