Light - Mark Pezzelato

Mad Hatter YES NO MAYBE on Rogers DAYTIME

A Prayer for You

A Prayer for You

Basement Artists from Ottawa

It was a pleasure to play host to Basement Artists from Ottawa over the weekend.  Marcus Lamoureux, Kristen Bonnell, Markas Carcus, and Dave Villeneuve were in attendance at Pezmosis Music Productions.  We had a blast of a time.  Markas Carcus recorded his entire new album in just over 5 hours.  It was an incredible feat, considering he was only shooting for 3 songs.  The 11 tracks we laid down are inspiring and thought provoking with an Irish twist.  Markas Carcus is set to release his new album in Ottawa on February 15th, 2012 at Zaphods.

The weekend prior, we as BS101 drove to Ottawa for a Basement Artists show which proved to be magnificent.  It's always great when you can get in a van, drive to a city with your best friends, and rock the socks off a crowd.  Then, celebrate in great company with wonderful friends.

If your ever in Ottawa you should make a point to enter a local coffee shop and check out some of the amazing works of art that the locals have to offer.  Thanks to Basement Artists and Marcus Lamoureux for all their hard work and successful ventures. 

The Mayan's of Mexico

Recently, I just got back from the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. It was an amazing trip. The locals seemed nice and there was plenty to see and do. One of the greatest parts of our adventure was visiting XCaret. This is a theme park that offers underground rivers for you to swim in. From start to finish it takes about 45 minutes. We went twice as there were 3 rivers to choose from.

Another great stop was the Coba Mayan ruins. We had the chance to climb to the top of a sacrificial tower. You could see the entire archaeological zone with its natural vegetation and overgrown plant life. It was beautiful.

Words of wisdom when visiting Mexico. Get your antibiotics before leaving to prevent diarrhea. The water there is not good for drinking. Even the bottled water is not the greatest. Also, be careful of locals trying to swindle you into spending your money. They will seem friendly until they know they can't have your money, then they turn and don't really care about you. Be sure to tip the staff, because if you don't and there is a problem, you're on your own.

Other than that, Mexico is a great place to visit with amazing and talented artists, dancers, and musicians. I would recommend it to anyone. One week is long enough.

Vipassana Meditation

I am an old student of Vipassana Meditation. What does this mean? It means that on more than one occasion I've sat a 10 day meditation course of noble silence. No talking, no eye contact, and no touching other people. There are many different forms of meditation, but Vipassana is the only one that goes to the depths of the mind and eradicates misery.

The schedule is to wake up at 4am and meditate all day long until taking rest at 9pm. There is a breakfast, lunch, and tea time. The art of Vipassana meditation is to observe the sensations within the body. To observe in non-reaction while remaining calm and treating all sensations equally. The idea being that you are experiencing the laws of nature within the framework of the body.

I personally have noticed profound positive changes in myself towards external circumstances. Ever since Vipassana, I have been more tolerant, patient, calm, and focused. I wake up earlier and I am more productive throughout the day. My health has improved greatly and my worrying about the future has diminished considerably.

One is to keep in mind that 10 days is not a long period of time, although it may be difficult for some to find the time to take 10 days away from life. However, I feel that everyone must take at least one 10 day course in their lifetime. You will find the only thing ever holding you back is YOU. You are responsible for your actions, reactions, thoughts, feelings, emotions, behaviours, habits, and lifestyle.

Just like no one can eat, drink, and go to the bathroom for you. No one can save you from yourself.

3TARDED in Toronto

Over the weekend I played drums with The 3Tards at the Annex Wreck Room in Toronto on Bloor and Bathurst. It was an unforgettable evening. Fatality opened and destroyed, as they usually do when they perform. I was very happy to see them, it had been too long.

We were dressed like metal heads. I was the devil. Body painted red, horns, the works. We killed it! Punk rock at its best. Here's a video link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeBd7hfpU10

Enjoy! I sure did!