The Official Website & Blog of Paxton Allewell. Communications Specialist, Educator, Writer and Designer.
Exclusive Grad Interview # 3 with Evan Hill…
Jun 18th
It’s Paxton here. Your 10 Year Reunion Correspondent.
I got a message from Evan Hill recently on my facebook wall saying “hey nig nog do a mbss interview with me”…So here it is!
My favourite part about this interview is the Back to the Future Reference. Check it below. Stay tuned for more interviews coming soon!
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WILL YOU BE ATTENDING THE REUNION? IF NOT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
i dont know if im attending the reunion my excuse is does anyone have 50 bucks for me?
WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?
im living in ft mcmurray
MARRIED? KIDS?
not married no kids
HAVE YOU CHANGED MUCH SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
in high school i didnt attend sh*t in trade school i got 0 f***en hrs missed so thats a big change
ARE YOU STILL IN TOUCH WITH ANYONE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
i talk to my good friends from high school u know who u are
WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IN HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN?
wat would anyone do differently u cant change wat u are or wat u done so dont dwell on dumb shit
WHAT’S A SIGNIFICANT LIFE LESSON THAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
u make ur own path so do wat u want and wat happens happens
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TOP PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
i can plumb like a mother f***er
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING / WATCHING / LISTENING TO LATELY?
i read biographies and tech manuals and cant spell sh*t
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE?
who the hell knows im not micheal j fox
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY / SHARE?
id like to share that i dont know punctuation or cant spell im plumber wat do u expect and apperantly im suppose to know trig and how to control a rig see ya f***ers later
Exclusive Grad Interview # 2 with Joni Frei…
Jun 14th
Joni Frei & her husband
Continuing the Exclusive Grad Interviews leading up to my 10 year High School reunion, my 2nd interview is with Joni Frei.
WILL YOU BE ATTENDING THE REUNION? IF NOT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
Not quite sure yet. I’m going to try. I have company coming in from out of town and also a softball tournament that weekend….but I’m going to try….Luckily there’s facebook to keep up with everyone and get updates from if needed
WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?
Recently moved back to Canada after living in the States for the last 10 years. After high school I moved to Georgia and went to university on a softball scholarship. Played 4 years in university and upon graduation with my undergrad I moved to Europe to play professionally. Met my husband while I was playing (he played baseball for the same club that I played softball for) Moved back to the States and coached at a Division I University while getting my Masters Degree. Took a position at another Division I University to teach in Health Sciences and coach varsity softball. Moved to Europe for a season to coach the Austrian National Softball Team. Recently moved back to Canada after my brother passed away. Loving being back in Kelowna. I forgot how much I love Canada. The weather and scenery are absolutely amazing! Kelowna is a little small for my liking (compared to Atlanta, Georgia) but it’s a nice change. I work at The Next Level Athlete Development Center. Which is a huge multi-purpose facility out by the airport. In addition I contract with Softball Canada and Softball B.C. as a coaching facilitator. All in all life is good.
MARRIED? KIDS?
Married. No kids.
DID YOU DO ANY POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION?
Undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Teacher Education Certification….Masters Degree in Political Science with a Discipline in Public Administration
HAVE YOU CHANGED MUCH SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Yes and no. I think I still have the same personality but I’m definitely more open-minded now.
ARE YOU STILL TOUCH WITH ANYONE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
Actually yep, still best friends with Ashley Martinuk and still talk to a bunch of them thanks to facebook. I definitely enjoy catching up with old friends though.
WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU MISS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
I don’t really “miss” high school…but I fondly remember high school sports and the teams I was a part of.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IN HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN?
Nothing. Well actually, maybe I wouldn’t have driven my truck down that huge hill at Grad Campout and gotten stuck….Other than that, nothing
IN HIGH SCHOOL, COULD YOU HAVE IMAGINED YOURSELF DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW?
Absolutely! I live my dream job.
WHAT’S A SIGNIFICANT LIFE LESSON THAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
To do full justice in answering this question would require a series of books I think….but simply put….hard work pays off, life is fragile—enjoy today because tomorrow is not promised, everyone has something to offer, having a passion for life is essential to happiness…passion, independence, open-mindedness, empathy and confidence breed success….
ANY INTERESTING BOOKS THAT YOU’VE READ LATELY OR MOVIES THAT YOU’VE WATCHED?
Between The White Lines (Softball Documentary)
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO ACCOMPLISHING IN THE FUTURE?
Mentoring and significantly impacting the lives of the athletes/students that I work with in a positive fashion. Making a difference.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY / SHARE?
If you’ve read this far, thanks! I’d love to hear from you!
You can reach Joni via http://www.thenextlevelcamps.com/
From Joni’s email signature:
Joni Frei
MPA, B.Kin, TSCC-BRONZE, NCCP L2
Softball Canada CANpitch Regional Pitching Instructor
Softball B.C. Learning Facilitator
Director of Softball Operations
Twist Strength & Conditioning Coach
“A Mind That is Stretched By A New Experience Can Never Go Back To Its Old Dimensions” -Peter Twist
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Stay tuned for the next interview! And more importantly, don’t forget to RSVP! Oh, and feel free to say hello on the facebook event wall. do it!
Cheers,
Paxton
Exclusive Grad Interview #1 is with Justin Bourne…
Jun 9th
Justin Bourne & his bride-to-be, Brianna Gillies
I’m trying to do a few interviews with Grads leading up to my BIG 10 Year Reunion on July 3rd, and I’m pleased to announce that my first Q & A is with Justin Bourne – an old hockey and golf team mate of mine. I had heard through the grapevine that he was doing some professional hockey writing and I’m happy that he was willing to do this!
WILL YOU BE ATTENDING THE REUNION? IF NOT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
Unfortunately, I won’t be attending the reunion for a couple reasons. 1) Time: A good friend is getting married in Minneapolis the same weekend. 2) No sidekick: Without Casey Fodor or Carly Burke, I’m afraid no one will recognize me.
WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?
I’m living in Phoenix, and writing about sports (mostly hockey). I played up to the AHL, then busted my face and started writing while I healed up. It caught on, and I switched careers. Now I contribute to USA Today, The Hockey News, Yahoo’s “Puck Daddy” and run a blog at www.jtbourne.com
MARRIED? KIDS?
Engaged. My lovely bride-to-be, Brianna Gillies, was my next door neighbor in NY from 0-6 years old (our Dad’s played on the Islanders together). We re-met in 2005 when my Dad was inducted into the Isles Hall-of-Fame, and we’re living together in Arizona. She’s an Occupational Therapist at St. Joseph’s Hospital (Barrow Neurological Institute)
DID YOU DO ANY POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION?
I did. I spent four years in Alaska on a hockey scholarship, getting my degree in psychology.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU LOOKED AT YOUR HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK?
Ha, no idea. High school? I made awful hair decisions.
ARE YOU STILL TOUCH WITH ANYONE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
Yep, I’d say I’m closest with Dave Cunning and Neil Corbett from my days at Mt. Boucherie. And Mr. Treadgold. We hang out all the time.
WHAT WOULD YOU DIFFERENTLY IN HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN?
Drink. I would drink like a fish and not get hungover.
WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU MISS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
In class, I’d say being at the back of Mrs. Heymen’s English class (look Mrs. H, I’m a writer!). Out of class, I’d say sitting in Paul Hampson’s basement and playing NHL ’00 on Playstation.
ANY FAVOURITE GOOD (OR BAD) MEMORIES THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DAYS?
No, but I have a question: do they still let you skip an absurd amount of class and never really ask many questions? How was that ever possible?
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ACCOMPLISHED BY THE 20 YEAR REUNION?
I’d like to have a kid, have a much higher paid writing/tv analyst gig, and not be absurdly fat. My metabolism is slower than Mr. Fowler was in Grade Nine Social Studies.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY / SHARE?
Yeah, if you haven’t read any of my work, give it a go – I’d start with the stuff at Yahoo’s Puck Daddy or my blog. Also, sorry I couldn’t make it. Would’ve been nice to see everyone.
BONUS QUESTION: Who’s gonna win the Stanley Cup this year?
I think Chicago wins the first road game of the series in Philly to win it in six!
You can reach Justin at: jtbourne@gmail.com
His blog site is: www.jtbourne.com
ABOUT JUSTIN BOURNE (From Justin’s Blog)
I’m a hockey player turned writer. After playing for Alaska Anchorage in the WCHA (NCAA), I carried on with a NHL tryout (New York Islanders in 2007) before spending a couple seasons in the AHL/ECHL. My father, Bob Bourne, won four Stanley Cups with the Islanders in the ’80′s, as did my fiancee’s dad, Clark Gillies. I’m now a columnist for USA Today, The Hockey News and Hockey Primetime.com.
Sand Animation Viral Video
Jun 8th
My friend shared this “Sand Animation” video with me last weekend and I was pretty impressed. The video has had over 14 1/2 million views, so it’s gotta be pretty good!
The “sand animation artist” in this video is Kseniya Simonova – winner of the 2009 Ukraine’s Got Talent tv show contest. The depicted scene, according to wikipedia, “portray[s] life during the USSR’s Great Patriotic War against the Third Reich in World War II.
Sand animation is a unique art form and storytelling technique that I’ve never seen before. It’s fun to watch and it has helped get my creative juices flowing again.
You can see more videos of Kseniya Simonova’s animations on monkeylog.com. Enjoy!
Interview with Kseniya Simonova:
Don’t let your feet touch ground
Jun 2nd
I heard this song “Don’t let your feet touch ground” by Ash Koley on the way to work today and it really made me happy. I’m not a fan of this music video, but I do really like the song…so feel free to jump to another page as you listen to the song. Hope you enjoy!
New MacBook…Awesome!
Jun 2nd
Photo taken with my new MacBook
I purchased a new MacBook this week and I’m lovin’ it! I had an iBook before, but it had to be plugged in to work and it’s time had come. I spend so much time on the computer for work and personal reasons, so it was really an essential tool and upgrade for me.
As an homage to the blog/book 1000awesomethings.com I declare the MacBook “Awesome!” Not only are all the programs awesome, as I expected. But the TrackPad is incredible. I love how I can just use my fingers for everything on it, and can even avoid pushing down to click on links (etc.) – I set it up so I just have to touch the TrackPad with one finger when I want to click on something – similar to a touch screen. It saves my wrists the extra effort.
I know some of you will have already figured the TrackPad out, but it’s new for me, because it’s really only when you have something new that you take some time to get familiar with it…which is what I’ve been up to the past few days since getting my new laptop. If you don’t know a thing about the TrackPad, you can watch a video tutorial of the TrackPad here.
On the weekend it was my nieces 7th birthday and at one point in the afternoon my brother-in-law’s brother was raving about his new iPhone and gave me a demo of all the apps, etc. I’m typically a late adopter for technology (I don’t have an iPhone) and tend to not want to get caught up in it all. But here I am too raving about technology! Before I got this laptop I tested out the new iPad and it was really cool too, but it didn’t have all the functionality I need with programs etc. so I didn’t get it. But regardless, I’m still happy with my new laptop!
See you next time!
Listen to the New Broken Social Scene Album!
May 20th
I found this nifty little music player (below) on Broken Social Scene’s MySpace website – A cool new online marketing tactic for bands.
You can actually listen to the whole new album ‘Forgiveness Rock Record’ on the player below so have a listen and buy the album if you wish.I haven’t actually listened to the whole album yet, but so far so great!
Right now you can also download their song ‘World Sick’ for free on their MySpace site. Enjoy! http://www.myspace.com/brokensocialscene
Bryan Adams: Bare Bones
May 7th
I came across this short NFB doc on Bryan Adams the other day and thought you might like it too. Really cool that he’s Canadian! It’s also really cool that the NFB lets people, like me, share and embed their documentaries with their stylish video embed player.
Hawkwatching in Grimsby
Apr 14th
overlooking 40 mile creek
It’s been on my ‘to do’ list for awhile now and I finally did it this past Saturday. Hawkwatching at Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in Grimbsy, Niagara.
I’d never heard of anything like it until I moved back to Niagara. Hawkwatching is not only an activity for locals to enjoy, it’s also a unique nature experience for tourists, or for people in surrounding areas to enjoy too. I went with my mom and we met a friendly (first-timers) couple along the trail from Burlington, which is just up the highway from Grimsby.
From early March until mid-May you can enjoy ‘Hawkwatching’ as hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures migrate through the Niagara Peninsula on their way to nest further up North. They come along the Niagara escarpment because it allows for strong updrafts of wind, which the birds gladly glide on to conserve energy.
Hawkwatching is not just a sight to see, it’s also a serious hobby for the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPC), which has members stationed daily throughout the migration to identify and record migrating birds.There’s a special Hawkwatching lookout station (which the public can go up as well), and volunteers have binoculars to spot and track the birds.They even have an hourly tally board – like a score board at a golf tournament.
We met one of the trackers – who was a character – and he was happy to give us some insights into Hawkwatching. One thing he told us about Hawk Cliff on Lake Erie, another Hawkwatching hot spot, which is supposed to be even more spectacular than Beamer in the Fall during the winter migration – as Hawk Cliff is the ideal route for birds to travel south.
But Beamer Conservation Area is not just about Hawkwatching. It also has a ‘Lookout Trail’ which features three lookout points that overlook the town of Grimsby and Lake Ontario, and you can even see Niagara Falls hotels off in the distance. Off of one side of the trail is the 40 mile creek, a nice little valley area which is where you’ll also find the Upper and Lower Beamer Falls.
It was really cool to see all the hawks overhead during our walk and we even saw one really close along the cliff just above us. The hawks wings were spectacular and for a few moments I felt the fear of being its prey, as you could imagine the hawk sweeping down and snapping you up – just like the ‘birds’ in Avatar.
So now I can officially say that Hawkwatching is a great weekend activity. It’s like any hobby or past time. If you make a little effort you can learn something new and see the world in a different way, and you can usually get deeper and deeper into it and gain even more appreciation – i.e. Hawk Cliff.
So not only do you get to go for a little walk or hike and enjoy some beautiful views, you also get to do some hawkwatching, and you can also get right up close to Beamer Falls. You could bring a picnic along and easily make an afternoon out of it.
Happy Hawkwatching!
More info:
Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch >>
Beamer Memorial Conservation Area >>
town of grimsby below with niagara falls off in the distance