The Lunchbox Interview: Robin Maharaj & Robert Norsworthy (QWERTY Reads)

Posted on by Posted in The Lunchbox

LunchBox-QwertyReadsStories live somewhere between the real and the unreal, and use both to their advantage.

My guests today are Robin Maharaj and Robert Norsworthy, two writers involved in the upcoming QWERTY Reads event on November 17. Robin is a writer-in-residence at UNB, having returned to his alma mater after 25 years and several books and short stories later. Robert is a Managing Editor at QWERTY Magazine, responsible for not only keeping words in order but also the transformation of QWERTY to an online-only publication. We talked about the pathways of writing, overcoming writer’s block and where the stories come from.

QWERTY Reads is coming up on November 17th at The Wilser’s Room at 7pm. Robin Maharaj is one of several guests for the evening, which includes reviews and interviews. Issue 35 of QWERTY Magazine will launch its new website with a brand new online-only issue at the same time.

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The Lunchbox Interview: Richard Hornsby (Remembering ‘The Great War’ Through Music)

Posted on by Posted in The Lunchbox

lunchbox2016-richardhornsby-rememberingthegreatwarthroughmusicComposers and musician, like all artists, reflect their times and experiences in ways words may not reach.

My guest today is Richard Hornsby, the Director of Music at UNB Musical Arts and founder of the Atlantic Sinfonia. This weekend, the Sinfonia will be presenting a collection of works by composers reacting to — and in some cases, not surviving — World War I, sometimes referred to as “The Great War”.  Richard tells me a couple of the stories surrounding the music they’ll be featuring, and how music changed during and after the war.

Remembering ‘The Great War’ Through Music will take place on November 13 at 2:00pm at Memorial Hall at UNB.

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World of Final Fantasy Review

Posted on by Posted in Video Game Reviews

world-of-final-fantasy-cover
Alex the Kidd, Gamers of the Round Table

Square Enix brings Final Fantasy fans their favorite characters as they have never seen them before – as Chibi’s, in the whimsical World of Final Fantasy. Does this installment in the international franchise live up to the name, or does it fall flat as a childish attempt at a cash-grab?
The Good
The art direction for this title is inspired – taking from the franchises long past, characters from every Final Fantasy game make appearances throughout the world of Grymoire in Chibi form, small caricatures of their original character designs. Fans of the long running series will be happy to see many familiar faces, along with some new ones; this creates an inspired opportunity to reunite fans with their favorite FF characters, while introducing them to an entire roster of characters from past games they may never have experienced.
The battle system has a learning curve, but the game makes it easy for players to pick it up and learn the ropes while providing witty dialogue that creates a connection between the protagonists and the player.
This game does not take itself too seriously, both poking fun at the world itself, and breaking the fourth wall to point out the ridiculous nature of some of the situations. It’s this humour that makes the game as enjoyable as it is; players who can laugh along with the characters and enjoy lighthearted fun will be fans of this entry.
The Bad
The Chibi’s themselves may make this a difficult title for hard-core Final Fantasy fans to take seriously. While many of the characters from past installments retain their core personalities, there are many silly moments where the main protagonists make light of what could be otherwise tense situations. This is a very light-hearted game, and those fans who expect stoic or moody protagonists in their Final Fantasy game will most likely steer clear of this title.
Rating
10/10 – World of Final Fantasy delivers a well thought out game, which is both nostalgic and refreshing for fans of the series. This is a game that players of all ages can enjoy; whether you are a long-time fan, or just dipping your toes into this series, the world of Grymoire awaits with all the wonders of Final Fantasy beckoning you. Will you answer the call for adventure?

To rent or buy this title go to Gameaccess.ca Canadas number one rental service

The Crazy Train Episode #XCIX(a)

Posted on by Posted in The Crazy Train

CTlogoA1Another 1 hour episode of the Crazy Train. A lot of new material in this episode, including the Canadian radio debut of Vancouver’s ‘My Cathartic Mind’! This brand new outfit based out of Burnaby, B.C. is made up of members from ‘Beverly Soul Crusher’ and ‘Scorched Earth Policy’, the track ‘Fight From Inside’ was only just recorded and mixed in the last couple of weeks!

Coming up on the Crazy Train: This upcoming Saturday Nov. 12th we’re finally back to a full two hour episode, Fredericton by-way-of Tracadie NB’s ‘ADN’ will join us at the beginning of the show to talk about their upcoming concert at Saint John’s (NB) ‘The Panic Room’ on Saturday Nov 19th. The rest of this episode  will be dedicated to the upcoming shows at the ‘Panic Room’. If your not familiar with this super popular gig house, be sure to tune in and I’ll fill you in on the story of the place and the incredible work that Jason Golding, Art Cramm and Ian Crouse do for Saint John and the New Brunswick Metal/Rock and Punk scene. These guys are the best! Even advertising the Crazy Train all over the Port City of Saint John.

I will be away playing with the Wasteland Zombies on Saturday Nov 19th, so expect a repeat episode.

On Saturday Nov 26th, we will celebrate the Crazy Train’s 100th Episode by welcoming on Andre Faust, the man who started the Crazy Train way way back in 1982! It’s gonna be a helluva celebration, so be sure to tune in!

Here’s the playlist for Episode #XCIX(a):

Crazy Train – Ozzy | Fight From Inside – My Cathartic Mind *NEW | Ace Of Spades – Lisa Leblanc | Black & Purple Gown – Black Tooth Grinn* NEW | Sacrifice o Purify – Exalt*NEW | Guillotine – Red Cain*NEW | Atlas Rise – Metallica*NEW | 147 Voices – Svetlanas | Nosferatu – Witchery | Devil Whore – Sergeant Thunderhoof

Upcoming Shows:

Saturday Nov 12th at the Panic Room is *S.T. The Art of Rebellion (Canada’s Premier Suicidal Tendencies tribute band)
*Rifium  *Failed States( A Tribute to Propagandhi) *Belligerent – Panic Room is located at 154 Union St. SJ Contact Jason through the Panic Room FB Page for entry details.

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Wednesday Nov 16th – At The Charlotte St. Arts Center is: Feels Like Home – Go To White Castle and Red Castle and Lost Within.

7-10PM ALL Ages show! The Arts Center is located at 732 Charlotte St. 

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November 17th: Thursday

Coming all the way from Lowell Massachusetts (U.S.A), LOS BUNGALITOS bring their thrashy hardcore to Fredericton to lay waste to the maniac mansion. Hard Charger will be on hand to deal out tinnitus and the almighty Cable Crusher will be handing out free stunners and power bombs!!!

Doors at 8
Cover $5-$10
19+
BYOB

Los Bungalitos
Hard Charger
Cable Crusher

 
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Friday Nov 18th at the Panic Room
Los Bungalitos from Lowell Ma(USA) are bringing their brand of thrashy punk to the Panic Room Nov 18th. Joining them for a night of ripping tunes and poor life decisions will be Chainsaw Boogie and The Tasty Wangs – 154 Union st SJ
cover $10
19+
BYOB
Los Bungalitos
Chainsaw Boogie
Tasty Wangs

Check the Panic Room FB page for details!

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Saturday November 19th at the Panic Room in Saint John NB, MEGA METAL SHOW WITH – Go To White Castle, Feels Like Home, Elevate the Virus, ADN and The Wasteland Zombies! 154 Union st SJ
 
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Sunday November 20th at the Charlotte St. Arts Center:
Rival Town (Toronto) will be making their way across the East Coast of Canada and are stopping in Fredericton for a night of pop punk, pizza and two steppin’. Opening for them will be Fredericton’s own punk rockers ‘Cable Crusher’. We also cant forget about hometown hardcore kids, ‘Lost Within’ & ‘Verses’. This event has a blend of genres for those who like to throw down to all types of music. This show will only be $5, so it shouldn’t hurt your wallet too much!! Come out and rock the night away!!
RIVAL TOWN (Toronto):
Verses (Fredericton):
Lost Within (Fredericton):
Cable Crusher (Fredericton):
November 20th, 2016
Charlotte Street Art Centre
Doors: 6pm Show: 6:30
All Ages
Admission: $5
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Saturday Dec  3rd at the Panic Room is Red Usurper, Belligerent and Mangler!
9-2 am $10 donation 19+ – BYOB 154 Union St SJ
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December 3rd and 4th is the Neighborhood Watch Christmas Food Drive, help out in any way you can! CAN get it!?
Message us on Facebook www.facebook.com/NeighbourhoodWatchBand and they’ll work out a time to COME TO YOU! and get your donations!
AND – Sat Dec. 17th 10-2AM is the Neighbourhood Watch Punk Rawk  Food Drive benefit show at the Panic Room, bring yer donations! Bring your spiked hair and leopard print spandex and PUNK IT UP! For a great cause! 6 Great Bands 
– War Sick  

– The Adhesives  
– City Bus Hand Jobs  
– Neighbourhood Watch 
– Cable Crusher 
– The Atomiks
Prizes and more.
Admission $10 + non perishable food items.
BYOB.
All proceeds with be donated to the Saint John North End Food Bank.
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If you got a show coming up, know of a show coming up, got a new single, new album and wanna debut it to the masses, send a message to crazytrainchsrATgmail.com
If you don’t hear me announce your show, I’m not dissin’ you, I just don’t know about it! SO let me know! Email me today!

 

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RFYL Episode: FlyingSoloAgainEP42

Posted on by Posted in Run For Your Life!

Run For Your Life! – the psychobilly rock show of zombie sharks
On today’s episode, Guest 1 has disappeared into the aether to allow me to throw grunge at you! There’s rock and metal in here, and I comment on all the stuff that’s happening not in town! A lot of this seems the same to me, incidentally, as these shows go on. But hey, some people like hearing me talk, so I’ll keep on keeping on.

Lots of great stuff for you, regardless, so enjoy the podcast and, as always, send in your requests to RunForYourLifeCHSR@gmail.com !

Playlist:
miesha & the spanks – Stranger
The Pack AD – Teenage Crime
Lucys Crown – TOKYO
Zealots Desire – The Fool
Public Animal – It Don’t Seem Right
Rockyard – Grindhouse
Sleep Machine – Danger / Good To Be Bad
Beneath the Grid Music – Fit For Rivals – Special Kind Of Crazy
Die So Fluid – We Were Born To Kill Each Other
Hands Off Gretel – Queen Universe
We Hunt Buffalo – Hold On
The Dyadics – Better Way
Like A Motorcycle– Nobody Knows

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EA’s comments on releasing 2 shooters so close together.

Posted on by Posted in Gamers of the Round Table

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EA has finally commented on their thoughts on two of their games coming out so close together. EA’S CEO Andrew Wilson was asked if he would approach things differently next time when considering a release window with 2 shooters?, When asked about this he responded by saying while Battlefield 1 and Titanfall 2 “have some overlap,” they “fulfill very different motivations in what a player is looking for.”

“We think there’s really three types of players,” Wilson said. “People that really love Battlefield and that kind of big strategic gameplay that will orient in that direction; the player that loves the fast, fluid, kinetic gameplay of Titanfall 2 that really orient in that direction; and the player that just has to play the two greatest shooters this year and will buy both. “And again, we’re very very excited about the quality in both titles,” he continued. “We believe they both will have a long sale cycle, both this quarter through the festive season and deep into the years to come.

“And so as we think about the long game on this, we couldn’t be in a better position for what we think is delivering great games to a very, very big player base.”

The Lunchbox Interview: Ashley Phinney (2016 Silver Wave Film Fest)

Posted on by Posted in The Lunchbox

lunchbox2016-swfilmfestWhat is a “place”, but the stories that are told of it and in it?

My guest today is Ashley Phinney, one of the organizers of the 2016 Silver Wave Film Fest and filmmaker in her own right. Each year, for the past 16 years, people from all over the province, the region — and indeed, the country! — have gathered to celebrate the best in film produced in the province and beyond. This is us reflecting us: our stories, our storytellers, our dreams made manifest on flickering images. We chat about each of the screenings, and the work that Ashley herself will be showing this weekend.

The Silver Wave Film Fest happens in several locations across the city from November 4 through 6, with multiple screenings each day. Check out the full schedule.

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