Yo, it's Free Comic Book Day, so head over to your local comic book shoppe! There may or may not be a cute girl cosplaying at Showcase Comics. I have yet to see this, but will ensure to give my best hoverhand if my mom will let me go. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe-ovhKBHF8

Next time you're getting your drink-on, throw a couple bucks their way

Anyway, the grand opening for the new arts centre is from May 14-18.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKl21jcJrcw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxW54hVRm1E

Scenic Route to Alaska is an indy-folk rock band from Edmonton, and they're set to play at The Slice tomorrow evening.

Sarah writes:

Hello lovers! I'm writing to you today on behalf of Scenic Route to Alaska, Edmonton favourites! They will be touring through Lethbridge on Saturday, April 6th playing one of their last shows on the road. I am hoping to spread the word as they are playing The Slice with Calgary's Bleachers.

You can listen to their music on Bandcamp, while The Bleachers' EP is available for "free" there as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGXzT1FdJsk

Since the video went viral, Len has been featured on sites like Huffintgton Post, Gawker and Reddit. Many of us in Lethbridge know him either as our optometrist or through church, where he plays guitar for the congregation. But despite Dr. Ferguson's cool dance moves, he hides an even greater talent – his mad keyboard skills (except us patients who've seen him type) and a love for electronic music!

He even shared a few tracks with Lethbian Love:

Len told me that he's arranging a 70 (yes, SEVENTY) track composition. Unbelievable guy, great music. Someone sign him to a label.

Dr. Len on Soundcloud

Here's a short video about our city that shows off the landscape and activities around here. I even caught a glimpse of Shaela Miller, one of our city's musicians, playing at The Word on the Street festival from 2011. Must have been hard to find more recent footage. But I kid, I kid.

It's a short watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y1v_s0CEP4

Occasionally, I get emails from band publicists to help promote Canadian artists on tour. I'd always pleased to see folks from around our country taking interest in our city and spending the time to reach out to me.

Tara writes:

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more talented pair than Toronto’s Peter Katz and Emma-Lee. Both are singer/songwriters with many credits to their names- be it JUNO or Canadian Folk Music Awards nominations, multiple film and television placements or sold-out shows, between the two of them, they’ve got it all covered.

Recently, Peter and Emma-Lee got together at the Toronto Zoo to film and record their inspired banjo and guitar cover of Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It”. The video is a glimpse into what audiences on Peter Katz and Emma-Lee’s upcoming tour of western Canada and Ontario can expect to see and hear from the pair. Each artist will perform their own material, sometimes accompanied by the other, as well as some unexpected covers and new originals, which they will perform together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdeeIbuYkh0

Peter Katz and Emma-Lee will be playing at The Slice on May 6.

While checking out the Lethbridge sub-Reddit late tonight, I saw that a user named OlduvaiNovel a.k.a. Steve Bull submitted a link to his self-published novel that features some Lethbridge character(s). It's called Olduvai.

Is a global economic, social, and political collapse imminent? 

Flowing from actual world events, a damaged environment, dwindling energy resources, and a manipulated market-economy all come crashing together in this tale about the social and individual impact of stresses that overwhelm a precarious and complex global system. Supply chain interruptions, border disputes, increased fascism, growing protest movements, and mass migration out of rural areas and into cities dominate the new normal. 
Follow the struggles of several Canadians amidst the chaos. Marissa, a young university student, confronting the end of her prescription for a mental health issue, and her eight year old sister, Kat, who are stranded in a remote part of Ontario when their parents are caught up in a massive riot in Toronto; Mac, a mature student at Lethbridge College, Alberta, who uncovers a Canadian military secret; Ranjeet, a recently promoted Toronto banker who has his faith in the banking system turned upside down when a colleague shares some startling information; and Sam, an activist who has predicted the collapse for years, but has his preparations challenged by an unexpected Black Swan event.

Is this the world’s future?

It actually sounds quite interesting, but that's also because I had a boss who was a legit military man. Seriously. Being lower rank (i.e. civilian), I'm pretty sure he is/was hiding some information that chould change the course of western civilization. I've been trying to act in a stereotypical Dan Brown male lead role, but so far nothing exceptional has turned up (fluoride in water doesn't cut it).

Anyway, here's a brief excerpt from the novel:

He brushed Caera’s hair aside then took a deep breath and slowly began to untangle himself from her embrace. As much as he would have preferred to remain right where he was, he knew he needed to get outside and begin expanding their vegetable garden.

Check out Olduvai here. The eBook is only $3.

So aside from that, and because I don't have anywhere else to tell this story, my sister once was a table or two away from Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams in Calgary, while the couple was filming "Brokeback Mountain." That makes me cool too. Does anyone know if they dating before or after the movie, because I still wonder who is better in bed – Michelle or Jake Gyllenhaal?

Helena Bonham Carter goes shopping in Lethbridge (Calgary Herald)

I don't normally show off my collection of half-naked cartoon centerfolds, but when I do it's on prime-time news television.

With Nishikaze 2013 coming up, I thought I'd take a look back 5-6 years ago and see how much of a blabbering idiot I still am. The newscast was a favour for my reporter "friend," Ashley, who begged and pleaded to embarass me on the Calgary Citytv station.

Here's my VHS rip. You probably should not watch.

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

And when I said what "my genre" is, it's not really that at all. I was watching Maburaho (the centerfold girl) at the time and, if memory serves me correct, it was a some sort of magical princess harem anime. I should just shut up now.

Nishikaze, Lethbridge's anime convention, is back for 2013 after a brief hiatus. Coming June 15:

Nishikaze is an annual convention held in Lethbridge, Alberta at the University of Lethbridge. Nishikaze is striving to become the premiere anime and Japanese pop culture in event in southwestern Alberta, bringing together anime fans to celebrate the best in Japanese culture and entertainment.

The word nishikaze means "west wind" and either refers to how much it blows here or our chinooks. The event brings together fans of Japanese animation, comics, videogames, artists, exhibitors and (most importantly) cosplayers. For those otaku into the latter (who isn't?), here's their promo video: 

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

If you know who there is cosplaying as "Alexander the Great," props to you!

More info can be found on their website or Facebook page.

Awhile ago, I featured a track from a DJ named Evangelos. He doesn't go by the name "Sleepy Head" anymore; rather, Sanctums. He's upped on Bandcamp a name-your-price (i.e. free) album up for grabs, and a pal of mine has a remix of his own in there.

Jaron writes:

Really excited, Sanctums aka Evangelos X Typist & Dan Solo just released this remix ep and I contributed a remix. Download the whole thing here: http://sanctums.bandcamp.com/album/truth-lifting-up-its-head-against-scandals-theremixes

If you enjoy "bass classical compilation downtempo electronic experimental free download remixes sanctums soul cinematic electronic hip hop instrumentals shoegaze" music, this is made just for you. Download or have a listen to the album, “Truth Lifting Up Its Head Against Scandals”:

It seems like every day owns some cause or another, and today happens to be Purple Day. It's all about epilepsy. Technically, all of March is epilepsy awareness month, and according Epilepsy Canada, "Over 300,000 Canadians battle the seizures of epilepsy every day. Each year another 15,000 are diagnosed with this neurological condition."

Purple Day is an event designed to raise awareness of epilepsy. Beginning in 2008, people are encouraged to wear a purple-coloured item of clothing on March 26. Purple and lavender are often associated with epilepsy…

Being someone affected by the condition, I am proud to add myself to the notable ranks of Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, Vladimir Lenin, Muhammad and Danny Glover, amongst others. However, it still sucks big time, and carries both personal and social repercussions. Also from Epilepsy Canada:

Would you be surprised to that there are twice as many Canadians living with epilepsy as with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis– combined?  Due to the stigma that surrounds epilepsy, many with the disorder have been reluctant to speak out about it. As a result it has been dubbed "The Silent Disorder".  March is Epilepsy Month, a good time to break the silence.

I understand that people tend to focus their attention on Cancer, Heart & Stroke or Diabetes, but I wouldn't mind seeing a little love go towards supporting Epilepsy research as well, so please consider donating.

Some old guy stopped by my office today, doing an Easter fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters Lethbridge, using these cute chicks as bait.

For a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge you can put an Easter smile on the face of a freind, family member or co-worker.

Their cheeps were so cute! I love when birds sing about me

EDIT: Looks like Global already took down the video. Boo.

Looks like the team roster is shaking up, but they're always looking for more fresh meat (yes, dudes too) to get involved. Check out their website and Facebook group.

Foremost is a town in Southern Alberta, and are vying at a chance to win a "Big Valley Jamboree" of their very own, but need our help. We 'Bertans need to stick with one another. Lana writes:

Foremost (my hometown) is in the finals for the Big Valley Jamboree’s “Small Town Saturday Night” contest. It’s the only town in southern Alberta still in the competition and we have the chance to win “…a “mini” Big Valley Jamboree in one lucky rural Alberta community. All the excitement of the festival, including some of Canada’s finest country musical entertainers could be coming to YOUR small town!  We call it “Small Town Saturday Night,” you’ll call it “one incredibly unforgettable, amazing, mind-blowing experience!””
 
We’re in 3rd place, and in order to get moved up, we need some new people to vote for us. You can vote once per day from as many email addresses as you have. Please click the link and help us out J Proceeds from the event will be going to our local community rec centre (a Quonset that houses the ice arena, curling rink and swimming pool).

Click this link to vote, and also make sure to watch their entry video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzR5C_KTr_4

And no, I wasn't paid to make this sell. Edit is a good friend of the Lethbian Lover, who shot these snap scarf snapshots!

Nerd Fest kicks off with the history of comic books, followed by a 2-day workshop with leading comic book artist Scott McCloud, a pop culture movie trivia night, and an all night games tourney. Also on the calendar during the Festival are a talk by Canada's first female austronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar, and a Superheroes Dinner!

If I hadn't given up my super powers to save the Earth and live among mortals, I would consider the dinner & dance…however that might trigger me. The games night sounds awesome, as I've been meaning to learn to play Dungeons & Dragons for, like, forever.

Check it out:

Liam maintains a Blogspot that journals his adventures in our local culinary sphere, such as learning to make meat pies at the Urban Grocer, understanding the tools-of-the-trade at The Sous Chef, and creating his own sushi masterpiece at the Lighthouse.

The Little Locavore will be featured in the near future on Lethbian Love, but here's an appetizer to whet your palate:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMU-cvpHkkc

Jo-Anne writes:

Due to the horrible tragedy at Last Chance Cat Ranch, Catwalk Salon Spa has donated $500.00 to the the non-profit organization. We will also be donating $1.00 from every retail sale in the month of March to the group, so if there's anything you need now's the time to get it to help this local group.

You can also donate to their Paypal account donations4lccr@gmail.com or at Family Pet Hospital.

With our major love of our cats and all animals, this really hit home and our hearts go out to all the suffering and lost kitties.

Catwalk Salon Spa can be reached at 403-327-4555, and is located at 618 3rd Avenue South.

UPDATE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTCICsq76Yc

This month, it's Kim Siever. He's the mastermind behind the popular user-driven news outlet Lethbridge News, as well as Lethbridge Traffic, the most comprehensive source for traffic updates our city has. Check him out:

Nice work, Kim.

On another note, ever notice that Lethbridge Living has a cover price of $5.95? Has anyone EVER had to pay for a copy of this magazine? I sure haven't

Lethbridge Animal Services posted a message on the City of Lethbridge Facebook page stating between the 17 cats they took in and the ones that other people brought in, Family Pet said their total was up to 28. The search will continue today to see how many more can be found.

According to information on the City of Lethbridge website, the initial estimated value of damage is approximately $150,000.

People wanting to make donations to help the 27 burn-victim cats at Family Pet Hospital can do so by phoning 403.320.5200.

For other ways you can help, check out the Last Chance Cat Ranch Facebook page.

UPDATE: Here's a CFCN news report:

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

As per Bylaw 4865:

To ensure everyone is safe during icy and snowy winter conditions, the City of Lethbridge asks home owners to clear any snow, ice or other debris which has been deposited on the sidewalk next to their property within 24 hours.

I cleared mine yesterday morning, where are you City of Lethbridge?

I'm really glad to see the place win the honour, and wholeheartedly recommend their services any day! Good work.

What we see here are leeks, kale and squishy radishes:

Via Facebook

If this is your thing, you can still get yourself one and Sher-Wood will donate 15% of sales to Movember.

Here's Paul Stastny:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ0B6OUozug