5 Frustrating Things About Being a Man in His 40s

I'm 41. Overall, it's ok, but there are some parts that suck. Here they are:

5. The hair. I took my kids to the barber shop and the barber said to my 6-year-old, "look, there's more hair on your bib that I've cut off your head than Daddy has at all." I said "clearly, Mr. Barber, you've never been to the beach with Daddy."
I could have sworn that the shampoo I bought said it would give my hair more body, not the other way around.
If you're a Star Wars fan, here's a visual: C3P0 from the neck up, Chewie from the neck down.

My two Dads having a special moment.

4.The exhaustion. I used to sleep at night. Now I sleep whenever I can. If I'm reading a book to my kids, and the word "yawn" is in the book, it will make me yawn. In fact, I just yawned each time I typed the word yawn. And there, I did it again. 

3. The peeing. I don't remember the moment that I went from being able to say "I have to pee. I should find a place in which to do so farily soon" to having to say "I HAVE TO PEE! NOW! EMERGENCY!" 

My pee timeline just goes like this: 

1. Don't have to pee... 

2. Don't have to pee... 

3. don't have to pee... 

4. HAVE TO PEE NOW!!!

2.The ass. I haven't had an ass since I hit my 40s. That's not as ass back there. It's a long back with a hole at the bottom. It's like a golf course! And the rough is... well, everywhere. It's a very poorly groomed golf course. 

My theory about the old man disappearing ass is this: you know how sometimes, with women, gravity kicks in even more in certain parts? (if you're a man reading this with your wife, this is the time to say "I have no idea what he means.") Well, I believe that, with men, gravity gives up a little. And the ass just slides up a bit. then it gets all hooked up in the tailbone area, and moves around to the front and just settles in there under the ribcage. This is not my beer belly. This is my ass belly. 

I don't have buns, I have flatbread.

1. The doctor. I swear, if I run into my doctor at the grocery store, my first thought is still "when did I last wash my ass?" in case he decides this is the moment for that test. You know the one.

(Mike Birbiglia was much younger than 40 in this description of that test. But it is still as terrifying.)

Am I the only 40-something man with these frustrations? Any others out there that I should have included?

Funny, Daddy now available on YouTube

So a while ago, I recorded my solo show Funny, Daddy and offered it for sale, with partial proceeds going to Children's Wish Foundation. Some of you paid for the download. Thanks!
If you paid for it, but haven't watched it, I want to let you know that the Box.net link I sent will no longer be available (monthly fees for box.net are higher than gross all-time sales for this video, so being a math genius, I realized that wasn't worth it). instead, the video is now on Youtube. Which means that if you didn't buy it, you can still watch it. (if you paid for it, and it now being freely available is a problem, send me a message and I'll refund your money).
Actually, rather than free, I'm considering it "Pay What You Want" (PWYW). If you watch it, feel free to pay whatever you think it was worth using the PayPal link in the video description on YouTube. If you would prefer to watch for free, that's cool, too.
I won't hound you about this, I promise. i might send out a reminder or two, but I won't be as much of as pest as many of you have told me I was in the past. Promise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq-5y3QO1o4

The best part of being a stay-at-home Dad

The best part of being a stay-at-home dad is the wrestling. 

I mean, in what other job can you just wrestle at the drop of a hat? 

Even wrestlers have to wait for the bell. but a stay-at-home dad can just throw a kid on the 

floor anytime they want. And I can usually win, too. 

But when it isn’t looking good for me, I have my secret finishing move that works every time. 

interestingly enough, it was the same move that got me kicked off of my high school wrestling 

team. The raspberry kiss to the tummy. Always works. Apparently not allowed.

-Lloyd Ravn in Funny, Daddy (available at www.BayOfFunny.com)

Attention New Brunswick Parents

Hey parents, do your kids kind of drive you crazy? I mean, I know you love them. Like, more than anything. But do they still drive you a little nuts?

Do they do things like 
pee on the floor? 
Obsess over their private parts? 
Beg you to let them stay up later every single night, even though you've said no for several hundred nights in a row? 
Fight with each other over one toy, even though there are four thousand other toys in the house?

Does your two-year-old say "why?" more times in an hour than the smurfs said "smurfy" in all the episodes of The Smurfs put together?

Are you exhausted? I'm talking about the kind of exhausted you realize you are when you've put your toddler in the tub, play with him, wash him from head to tummy, then realize he's still dressed from the waist down?

Does tidying your house go something like this?

1. put away the toys in one kid's room
2. put away the toys in the living room
3. put away the toys in another kid's room
4. put away the toys in the last kid's room
5. think "wow, I'm done tidying up"
6. put away the toys in the first kid's room again
7. put away the toys in the living room again
8. put away the toys in the second kid's room again
etc, for ever and ever and ever and ever....

Do you have to say things to your kids that any non-parent would never believe a human being would have to say to another human being? Things like "How many times have I told you to stop licking the floor?" or "Get your toe out of your brother's butt!"

Do your friends without kids just not get it?

Well, I get it. 

I've been a parent for 8 years, and performing stand-up comedy for 7 years in venues across Canada and in the US (including having been selected as a top-10 finalist out of 700+ entrants in Canada's Next Comic competition.) Maybe you've heard me on Sirius Satellite Radio, or on CBC Radio.

So come on out to my solo comedy show "Funny, Daddy" on Friday, April 19 in Saint John and hear some of the stories about how parenting has made me a little crazy, despite being the best job I've ever had.

It'll be like crazy parents anonymous. Except without the anonymous part, because that would be a terrible way to market a comedy show. And also you don't get to tell your stories like you would at a typical 12-step group meeting. Book your own show if that's what you're looking for.

The show is Friday night at St. Malachy's High School at 8:00 PM . Tickets are only $12 and are available at Backstreet Records on Germain Street in Saint John ($1 surcharge on tickets purchased here), or at BayOfFunny.com or by calling me at 506-434-3186.


I hope to see you at the show!

Llove,

Lloyd

My first one-Lloyd show, February 16 in Sussex

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Funny, Daddy - Sussex Comedian Lloyd Ravn’s First One-Person Show February 16 at Sussex Regional High School

December 14, 2012, Sussex – Parenting can be tough, and Sussex-based stand-up comedian Lloyd Ravn says the less frequently you laugh, the tougher it is. The importance of laughter, especially in the more difficult times of parenting, or life in general, is the theme of Ravn’s first one-person show, Funny, Daddy which is debuting on Saturday, February 16 at the Sussex Regional High School Theatre, presented by The Bay of Funny Comedy Circuit.

Lloyd is the father of three boys, who by show time will be 8, 5 and 2, and is fully aware of the ups and downs of parenting.  From dealing with serious health issues to the usual stressors of raising kids, Lloyd relies on humour to get him through, and will talk during Funny, Daddy about how laughter during challenging times has helped him.

The adults-only show will run approximately 1 hour, 15 minutes and will include bits from Lloyd’s stand-up act as well as more serious stories, along with videos and photos. As ticket buyers are told on BayOfFunny.com, “you’ll (hopefully) laugh, you (might even) cry, you’ll (at the very least) have a night out without the kids.”

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door, and are available at www.BayOfFunny.com, directly from Lloyd (who will deliver them around the Sussex area) at 434-3186 or from Oceans of Ink at 14 Church Ave, or Morris Music on Main Street.

About Lloyd Ravn

Born and raised in Sussex, NB, Lloyd began performing stand-up comedy in Toronto in 2006. His material is autobiographical in nature, focusing on his life as a husband, father of three, former chef, and the youngest person named Lloyd most people have ever met. Lloyd is the founder and Producer of the Bay of Funny Comedy Circuit, with shows happening all over the Maritimes. He has performed at venues across Canada and in the United States, including being selected out of 700 entrants as a top-10 finalist in the "Canada's Next Top Comic 2011" competition. Lloyd can be heard on Sirius XM Satellite Radio and has performed on several successful fundraisers he organized for two of his favourite Canadian charities, featuring some of the biggest stars in Canadian comedy. He was featured as the Comedian of the Week by GQ Magazine in the UK, who called him  one of "North America's hottest young comics" (even though he recently turned 40) and predicted he would soon "storm the Just for Laughs festival."  Studying under some of the best sketch and improv comics in Canada, Lloyd completed the Second City Improvisation class from the world-famous Second City Training Centre in Toronto. Lloyd has written about comedy and humour for magazines and even a high school literacy textbook currently in use across Canada. After about 15 years away, Lloyd recently moved back to his hometown of Sussex, but still has never tried cow tipping. 

For Photos, Interviews and More Information, Contact:

Lloyd Ravn – 506-434-3186 or NoLloydering@gmail.com

Diagnosis Confirmed

I've been wondering why I'm always so tired lately. I've suspected that it's because my 4 year old, Alex, crawls into bed with us in the middle of the night every night.
I saw Jerry Seinfeld on Friday night in Saint John and he talked about the same thing. He said that having a kid in bed with you is "like sleeping next to a laundry bag with a live Collie in it." Great description. That's got to be why I'm so tired.
This morning I confirmed the theory when I woke up and, instead of my head, this is what was on my pillow.

Welcome to Holland, Bloorview

OK, today my blog is going to be uncharacteristically serious rather than the usual foolish (I originally typed "funny" and then realized that was a massive overstatement) blog post, because there was some news I thought was worth sharing. And that news reminded me of an essay I wanted to share for those of you who haven't seen it.  

Today was a big day at one of my favourite places in the world. If you know me at all, you probably know of my love for Bloorview Kids Rehab, Canada's largest pediatric rehabilitation centre for kids with disabilities. For those of you who have escaped my professions of love for Bloorview, either on Facebook, in person or at one of the "Laughs for Possibility" live comedy fundraisers I have organized and performed on, I'll give you a brief-ish outline of why I feel so strongly about the place.

My oldest son, Eric (5) started going to Bloorview for Occupational therapy through their Community Development Program (CDP) and to see a developmental pediatrician when he was 2, due to global developmental delay. He later began seeing a physiotherapist at Bloorview, went to the dentist there and attended the Bloorview Nursery School in Scarborough.

When Eric was 3, while on vacation in Prince Edward Island with his mother and brand new brother, Alex, he experienced a major stroke. After a month in hospital in the Maritimes, he was sent home to Toronto and was admitted as an inpatient to Bloorview's Brain Injury Rehab Team (BIRT) unit. After one month as an inpatient, he was followed by the BIRT Day Program in which he attended therapy at the hospital daily, from September to December of 2008.

After his recovery had progressed well enough that he could be discharged from the Day Program, Eric returned to the Bloorview Nursery School and to physio and O.T. through the CDP at Bloorview. Then, in May 2009, Eric suddenly experienced a second major stroke, followed by a third two weeks later. After a month at Sick Kids in Toronto, he found himself as an inpatient at Bloorview again, this time from June to October and in the Day Program until December. He started Junior Kindergarten in the resource program at the Bloorview School Authority. Upon discharge from the Day Program, he began being followed by the BIRT Outpatient program for physio, O.T. and speech therapy, and continues to be seen by this team today.

It is impossible to properly explain how much the people at Bloorview, over our nearly 4-year journey with them,  have impacted our family. Every single person we encounter in that amazing building and at the nursery school, is deeply dedicated to helping kids with disabilities move, as the Bloorview slogan says, "From Disability to Possibility." The wonderful doctors, nurses, therapists, therapy assistants, therapeutic clowns, teachers, volunteers, support staff, researchers and more at Bloorview go above and beyond on a daily basis to improve the lives of the unique children they serve.

Eric's first Bloorview therapist, an Occupational Therapist named Yvonne, made such an immediate and deep connection with this kid who, at age 2 had already begun to distrust adults in hospital-type environments, and helped him make significant developmental gains thanks to that connection, that I remember Jodi and I saying that she would forever go down as Eric's (and our) life-long hero.

We still feel that way about Yvonne, but what we didn't know at the time, is that as we continued to meet Bloorview staffers and volunteers, we would add literally dozens of names to our hero list. I'm not even going to attempt to name them all, but they know who they are. Every person we've dealt with at Bloorview, from the doctor who, hearing that Eric was having seizures one day during his time in the Day Program dropped everything in her busy schedule to sit with him for over an hour, watching him, comforting him (and me), to the Therapeutic Clowns who seemed to be able to read Eric's needs better than anyone else (including me) to the Nursery School teachers who set aside personal time to visit Eric during his hospital stays, to the ladies at the Tim Hortons coffee shop in the lobby who come out from behind the counter to give Eric and Alex a hug when they see them, and so on and so on, are heroes. I think their hiring policy begins with "all applicants, in order to be considered, must be able to perform miracles."

This week I've been thinking a lot about how much Bloorview means to us, since this is our second-last week at Bloorview. I know we will meet more heroes after we move to New Brunswick in a week-and-a-half, and will be closer to other heroes (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc), which is extremely exciting, but right now, the prospect of leaving Bloorview behind is often leaving me with a lump in my throat. In case I haven't made it clear, I love that place and the people in it and hate to imagine where we would be without having had them in our lives over the past few years.

So, I was interested to hear that effective today, Bloorview Kids Rehab is no more. Don't worry, all those heroes are still there, but the place changed its name today. After an incredible $20 Million donation from the Holland family, Bloorview Kids Rehab is now the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

That $20 Million donation is on top of the $6.2 million that the Hollands have already donated to Bloorview. Bill and Suzanne Holland are dedicated to helping Bloorview... I mean Holland Bloorview, help kids with special needs meet their potential. They are parents themselves, but not parents of a Bloorview patient, as you might assume of someone who is so passionate about such a place. Bill Holland says “When my family and I toured Bloorview, I couldn’t decide which I found more compelling- the children who were dealing with disability in so many different ways or the professionals who were so dedicated in their work with them. I’ve seen many healthcare organizations up close and this is one I’m pleased to support because it works.” (quote taken from the Holland Bloorview website)

So this is a family who has more financial means than most of us will ever dream of, who could choose to support any cause, and indeed have chosen to support several not-for-profit organizations. There are a lot of great charities out there, some of which probably have a more direct connection to their family. But they decided to put their weight behind this place that I love so much. When I think about how much their support will mean for kids with special needs in Toronto, across Ontario, and (thanks to the ground-breaking research undertaken at Bloorview) around the world, I realize that we have two new heroes to add to our list. We've never met the Hollands, but we certainly appreciate them all the same. They have given kids like Eric an amazing gift: the gift of Possiblity. And we want to thank them for that.

Did I say "brief-ish"???

If you're still reading after my long love letter to Bloorview, you might as well stick around and read a bit more, because I have a link I want to share with you. I recently had an e-mail discussion with my sister about how one of the most important things that we can offer a kid with any kind of special need is understanding. So, I also wanted to suggest you read an essay written in 1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley about the way in which many parents of kids with special needs come to an understanding about the fact that their child has a disability. I think it's pretty amazing (even if it's a little sappy, but isn't that what parenting is all about?) Don't worry, it's much shorter than this blog entry!

Here's a link to the essay, called Welcome to Holland: http://www.our-kids.org/Archives/Holland.html

I think it's pretty apropriate for today, considering the Bloorview name change.

Ok, that's my love letter to Holland Bloorview, and my link for you. I promise my next blog entry will be much sillier, and much shorter.

Llove,

Lloyd

PS - if you want to read more about the Holland Bloorview name change, you can check out these links:

- here's a story from the Globe and Mail
- here a story from the National Post
- here's a piece from Holland Bloorview's just-released 2010 report to donors

Book Learning

During a recent stay in Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) for my son Eric, we brought some favourite books with us, and also borrowed some books from the reading room. I noticed that when they were lined up on the bookshelf in his room, there was a secret message on the library's stickers on the side of the books.

Are these books homophobic, trying to get me all riled up by questioning my sexuality? It didn't work, books! I'm not in grade 8, so calling me "Gay Boy" doesn't hurt my feelings!

Interesting spelling

This is a picture of a label on a shelf containing various kinds of medical equipment in the emergency room at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids).

All I could think when I read it was "I've seen it spelled Catherine, Katherine, Kathryn, but never quite like this." I guess it's one of those new, trendy ways of spelling names. If we ever have a third baby, this name might be in the running.

Then again...

My last blog post talked about how progressive I thought New Brunswick must be. I mean Moncton has a street named after a drag queen! But then again, I have also seen evidence that in some areas of NB, the French community (particularly the children) are treated unfairly. For example, have a look at these signs at  the McDonald's in Edmunston, NB:

So English kids are allowed to play in the play area until they are 12, but French kids can only play up to age 10? What's up, McDonald's? Something against French pre-teens? If I was a francophone parent in Edmundston, I would be protesting!

Warning: offensive content

Our apartment complex hosted an end-of-summer barbecue earlier this year (sometime around the end of summer, I think it was). They had lots of great food and treats for the kids. Our boys each got a balloon to take home. Eric's was twisted into the shape of a dog, and Alex's was made into a sword. Great fun!


Sounds innocent, right? So, why is the title of this blog "Warning: offensive content"? Because we put the balloon sword into the back of the car and left it there. As it deflated, it began to untwist, and became something else entirely:

A spark of light indeed

I have to get my Blackberry Bold replaced, because the battery leads are loose, causing it to re-boot at random and annoying times, and because the trackball isn't working right, so I often can't scroll up or down, and also because the USB port is faulty, so I can't connect it to my PC.

The faulty USB port is proving to be the biggest pain, because it means that I can't transfer pictures and videos off of the phone to my PC before sending the Berry back. Pictures I can e-mail to myself and save them to the hard drive, but almost all of my videos are too big to send, so they will probably be lost. That sucks, because I haven't cleared off the videos since before Eric went into hospital in May, so I have all of the videos I have shot since then. Some of them are important because they show Eric's onoing recovery. Some of them are important because they show how we as a family got through this time. There are some great videos of Eric's little brother, Alex being a clown.

As I posted recently, I submitted a story to Bloorview's blog, Bloom, about the importance of laughter in difficult times, and as I go through the pictures and videos on my phone, I realize how lucky we are to have Alex to keep us laughing through our struggles. No picture better illustrates this than this one of Alex, taken on "clown nose day" at Sick Kids, 15 days after Eric's second stroke, and one day after his third stroke:

Guest Blog on Bloorview's Bloom

Louise Kinross, who is responsible for Bloorview Kids Rehab's "Bloom", both in printed magazine format and on the Blogosphere, asked me to submit an article about the importance of laughter in difficult times. So, I did. Want to see it? Of course you do!
Click here to see my guest blog entry, "Laughter is a 'spark of light'"

SHOW TONIGHT: Kevin Hearn of Barenaked Ladies Joining Canadian Comedy Superstars for 2nd “Laughs for Possibility” Fundraiser in support of Bloorview

SHOW TONIGHT: Kevin Hearn of Barenaked Ladies Joining Canadian Comedy Superstars for 2nd “Laughs for Possibility” Fundraiser in support of Bloorview Kids Foundation.
Tickets still available for this side splitting show!

TORONTO, October 21st, 2009 – Several of Canada’s funniest people will be taking the mic on October 21st at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, for the Laughs for Possibility Comedy Showcase to raise funds for Bloorview Kids Rehab, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities. This year’s event also includes a special live musical performance by Kevin Hearn of The Barenaked Ladies.

The event was founded by local amateur comic, Lloyd Ravn, whose 4-year-old son suffered three major strokes in just under a year and has benefitted from the programs and services at Bloorview. One of the headline performers from the first show in January 2009, Darren Frost, also knows the importance of a place like Bloorview. His son has cerebral palsy and goes to Bloorview for ongoing therapy. Frost joined Ravn in organizing the Laughs for Possibility event and together they have organized a side splitting line-up including:
• Bobby Mair (nominated for “Best Newcomer” at 2009 Canadian Comedy Awards)
• Gilson Lubin (MTV, Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam)
• Kate Davis (nominated as “Best Female Stand-up” at 2009 Canadian Comedy Awards)
• Jean Paul (Comedy Now, Halifax Comedy Fest)
• Alan Park (Royal Canadian Air Farce)
• Terry McGurrin (Comedy Inc)
• Simon Rakoff, who will be the emcee for the evening (Just for Laughs, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Halifax Comedy Festival)
Attendees can purchase general admission tickets for the comedy show only, or VIP tickets which also include entry to a pre-show reception with food and drinks. The show is sponsored by Tim Hortons in Sussex, NB (franchisees Jim and Christine Andrew sponsor the show despite the 1,500 km between the show and their stores, in support of their grandson, Eric Ravn) and Motion Specialties. Funds raised will go towards Bloorview’s Therapeutic Clown Program, Nursery School program and the Emergency Family Fund.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
Time: Doors open and silent acution begins at 7:30 PM, Show at 8:30 PM
Location: Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, 1250 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, Ontario
Tickets cost: $50, Available at www.LaughsForPossibility.com

Bloorview Kids Foundation
Bloorview Kids Foundation develops relationships and raises funds from the community for Bloorview Kids Rehab. Bloorview is the gold-standard in care, research, and education for kids with disabilities and their families. As Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation and complex continuing care teaching hospital, it is an international leader in childhood disability. Bloorview pioneers treatments, technologies, therapies and real-world programs that give children with disabilities the tools to participate fully in life.
Regardless of their disability, kids just want to be kids. Community and private investment is critical to enabling kids with disabilities to live their lives, just like any other kid.

For further information:
Lloyd Ravn, Event Organizer
Tel: 647-929-8916 or lloydravn@hotmail.com
Nicole Watson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Bloorview Kids Foundation
Tel: 416-424-3850 or nwatson@bloorview.ca

Kevin Hearn to Perform at Fundraiser for Bloorview Kids Rehab

Toronto, ON, October 7, 2009

On October 21, attendees at a fundraiser for Bloorview Kids Rehab will be treated to a live performance by Kevin Hearn, critically-acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and keyboard player for pop sensations the Barenaked Ladies. Hearn will be performing at a pre-show reception for VIP ticket-holders and parents of Bloorview inpatient kids at the Laughs for Possibility comedy showcase. Following the reception, several of Canada’s top stand-up comics will take the stage to help Bloorview reach their vision of “a world of possibility for kids with disability.”

This is the second Laughs for Possibility event, presented by Tim Hortons in Sussex, NB (franchisees Jim and Chris Andrew sponsor the show despite the 1,500 km between the show and their stores, in support of their grandson Eric), and now also sponsored by Motion Specialties. Laughs for Possibility 2 will feature Canadian comedy stars including Bobby Mair, Gilson Lubin, Kate Davis, Jean Paul, Alan Park, Terry McGurrin and Simon Rakoff.The show was founded by local amateur comic, Lloyd Ravn, after his son Eric (now 4) received therapy at Bloorview to help recover from 3 major strokes that he suffered between July 2008 and May 2009.

The addition of a pre-show reception with live music for Laughs for Possibility 2 was inspired by the show orgaizer’s time with his son during music therapy sessions at Bloorview. “The comedy show grew out of my desire to let parents of kids who are inpatients at Bloorview have a few much needed laughs,” said Ravn. “And when I saw how much the kids enjoy the musical part of their therapy program, I decided to add a musical element to the event so parents could experience their own form of music therapy.”

When Ravn put together a wish list of musicians to perform at the event, Hearn’s name was at the top. “Kevin is a brilliant musician, plus he understands what it’s like to be tied to a hospital, after beating Leukemia several years ago.” Hearn is no stranger to the Canadian comedy scene either, having performed with Corky and the Juice Pigs in the 1990s, as well as with his cousin, comedian Harland Williams. “Kevin is the perfect musician for this event,” said Ravn. “I can’t wait for the Bloorview parents and everyone else at the pre-show reception to have a chance to experience music therapy, Kevin Hearn style.”

For more on Kevin Hearn, visit http://www.kevinhearn.com

Event details

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009>br>
Time: VIP Reception at 7:00 PM, general admission at 7:30 PM, Show at 8:30 PM

Location: Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, 1250 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, Ontario

Tickets cost: $95 for VIP admission (includes pre-show reception); $50 for general admission

Available at http://www.laughsforpossibility.com

Bloorview Kids Foundation

Bloorview Kids Foundation develops relationships and raises funds from the community for Bloorview Kids Rehab. Bloorview is the gold-standard in care, research, and education for kids with disabilities and their families. As Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation and complex continuing care teaching hospital, it is an international leader in childhood disability. Bloorview pioneers treatments, technologies, therapies and real-world programs that give children with disabilities the tools to participate fully in life.

Regardless of their disability, kids just want to be kids. Community and private investment is critical to enabling kids with disabilities to live their lives, just like any other kid.

For further information:

Lloyd Ravn, Event Organizer

Tel: 647-929-8916 or lloydravn@hotmail.com

Nicole Watson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Bloorview Kids Foundation

Tel: 416-424-3850 or nwatson@bloorview.ca

Press Release: Air Farce Veteran Alan Park Joins Stand-up Fundraiser for Bloorview Kids Rehab

Air Farce Veteran Alan Park Joins Stand-up Fundraiser for Bloorview Kids Rehab

Toronto, ON, October 7, 2009

Several of Canada’s funniest people, including Alan Park, popular cast member from CBC’s Air Farce LIVE, will be taking the mic on October 21st, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, for the Laughs for Possibility Comedy Showcase to raise funds for Bloorview Kids Rehab, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities.

This is the second Laughs for Possibility event, presented by Tim Hortons in Sussex, NB (franchisees Jim and Chris Andrew sponsor the show despite the 1,500 km between the show and their stores, in support of their grandson Eric), following the inaugural show in January 2009 which featured some of Canada’s top comedians. Laughs for Possibility 2 will bring out another crop of Canadian comedy superstars including Park, who is well-known for walking “the precarious edge between the profane and the ridiculous”.

Other comics announced so far have been Bobby Mair (2009 Stand-up Newcomer nominee at Canadian Comedy Awards), Gilson Lubin (MTV, HBO Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam), Kate Davis (Comedy Now, 2009 Best Female Stand-up nomimee at Canadian Comedy Awards), Jean Paul (Halifax Comedy Fest, Comedy Now), emcee Simon Rakoff (Just for Laughs, Winnipeg Comedy Fest) with more to be announced.

Laughs for Possibility was founded by local amateur comic, Lloyd Ravn, after his son Eric (now 4) suffered a major stroke in July 2008 and was admitted to Bloorview Kids Rehab’s inpatient unit, under the care of the Brain Injury Rehab Team (BIRT). After a strong recovery and subsequent discharge, Eric was re-admitted to Bloorview after two more strokes in May 2009, which led to another lengthy stay at Bloorview.

The addition of Alan Park to the line-up of comedy stars working to support Bloorview’s vision of “a world of possibility for kids with disability” has the show’s organizer excited. “Air Farce is a Canadian comedy legend, and to have a cast member supporting Laughs for Possibility is a real thrill,” says Ravn. “The Bloorview staff, families and community members in the audience are in for a real treat on October 21.”

For more on Alan Park, visit www.diamondfield.com/alanpark.php

Event details

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Time: VIP Reception at 7:00 PM, general admission at 7:30 PM, Show at 8:30 PM

Location: Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, 1250 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, Ontario

Tickets cost: $95 for VIP admission (includes pre-show reception); $50 for general admission. Available at www.LaughsForPossibility.com

Bloorview Kids Foundation

Bloorview Kids Foundation develops relationships and raises funds from the community for Bloorview Kids Rehab. Bloorview is the gold-standard in care, research, and education for kids with disabilities and their families. As Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation and complex continuing care teaching hospital, it is an international leader in childhood disability. Bloorview pioneers treatments, technologies, therapies and real-world programs that give children with disabilities the tools to participate fully in life.

Regardless of their disability, kids just want to be kids. Community and private investment is critical to enabling kids with disabilities to live their lives, just like any other kid.

For further information:

Lloyd Ravn, Event Organizer

Tel: 647-929-8916 or lloydravn@hotmail.com

Nicole Watson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Bloorview Kids Foundation

Tel: 416-424-3850 or nwatson@bloorview.ca

Press Release: Comedy Inc Star Terry McGurrin Joins Laughs for Possibility Fundraiser for Bloorview Kids Foundation

Comedy Inc Star Terry McGurrin Joins Laughs for Possibility Fundraiser for Bloorview Kids Foundation

Toronto, ON, October 2, 2009

Several of Canada’s funniest people, including Terry McGurrin, from CTV’s Comedy Inc, will be taking the mic on October 21st, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, for the Laughs for Possibility Comedy Showcase to raise funds for Bloorview Kids Rehab, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities.

This is the second Laughs for Possibility event, presented by Tim Hortons in Sussex, NB (franchisees Jim and Chris Andrew sponsor the show despite the 1,500 km between the show and their stores, in support of their grandson Eric), following the inaugural show in January 2009 which featured some of Canada’s top comedians. Laughs for Possibility 2 will bring out another crop of Canadian comedy superstars including McGurrin, who is the only performer to have been nominated for Canadian Comedy Awards in three separate categories.

Other comics announced so far have been Bobby Mair (2009 Stand-up Newcomer nominee at Canadian Comedy Awards), Gilson Lubin (MTV, HBO Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam), Kate Davis (Comedy Now, 2009 Best Female Stand-up nomimee at Canadian Comedy Awards), Jean Paul (Halifax Comedy Fest, Comedy Now), and emcee Simon Rakoff (Just for Laughs, Winnipeg Comedy Fest) with more to come.

Laughs for Possibility was founded by local amateur comic Lloyd Ravn, after his son Eric (now 4) suffered a major stroke in July 2008 and was admitted to Bloorview Kids Rehab’s inpatient unit, under the care of the Brain Injury Rehab Team (BIRT). After a strong recovery and subsequent discharge, Eric was re-admitted to Bloorview after two more strokes in May 2009, and he is still at Bloorview today.

Terry McGurrin, who has performed all over the world, from Massey Hall in Toronto to the desserts of the Middle East, is seen weekly on CTV and the Comedy Network as a co-star on the popular sketch show Comedy Inc. and was the first comedian to tape three separate Comedy Now specials. “Having Terry on the Laughs for Possibility show is very exciting,” said Ravn. “We will have a few Bloorview inpatient parents at the show, courtesy of people from across Canada who donate ticket on our website, and those parents will be in for a lot of well-deserved laughs when Terry takes the mic.”

For more on Terry McGurrin, visit www.diamondfield.com/terrymcgurrin.php

Event details

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Time: VIP Reception at 7:00 PM, general admission at 7:30 PM, Show at 8:30 PM

Location: Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, 1250 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, Ontario

Tickets cost: $95 for VIP admission (includes pre-show reception); $50 for general admission

Available at www.LaughsForPossibility.com

Bloorview Kids Foundation

Bloorview Kids Foundation develops relationships and raises funds from the community for Bloorview Kids Rehab. Bloorview is the gold-standard in care, research, and education for kids with disabilities and their families. As Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation and complex continuing care teaching hospital, it is an international leader in childhood disability. Bloorview pioneers treatments, technologies, therapies and real-world programs that give children with disabilities the tools to participate fully in life.

Regardless of their disability, kids just want to be kids. Community and private investment is critical to enabling kids with disabilities to live their lives, just like any other kid.

For further information:

Lloyd Ravn, Event Organizer

Tel: 647-929-8916 or lloydravn@hotmail.com

Nicole Watson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Bloorview Kids Foundation

Tel: 416-424-3850 or nwatson@bloorview.ca

Press Release: Comedy Veteran Simon Rakoff to Emcee Fundraiser for Canada’s Largest Children’s Rehab Hospital

Comedy Veteran Simon Rakoff to Emcee Fundraiser for Canada’s Largest Children’s Rehab Hospital

Toronto, ON, September 30, 2009

Several of Canada’s funniest people, including Simon Rakoff, widely known as one of Canada’s top comedy emcees, will be taking the mic on October 21st, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, for the Laughs for Possibility Comedy Showcase to raise funds for Bloorview Kids Rehab, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities.

This is the second Laughs for Possibility event, presented by Tim Hortons in Sussex, NB (franchisees Jim and Chris Andrew sponsor the show despite the 1,500 km between the show and their stores, in support of their grandson Eric), following the inaugural show in January 2009 which featured some of Canada’s top comedians. Laughs for Possibility 2 will bring out another crop of Canadian comedy superstars including Rakoff, who has been performing stand-up since 1978 and has numerous television credits, including Just for Laughs and the Winnipeg Comedy Fest. Other comics announced so far have been Bobby Mair (2009 Stand-up Newcomer nominee at Canadian Comedy Awards), Gilson Lubin (MTV, HBO Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam), Kate Davis (Comedy Now, 2009 Best Female Stand-up nomimee at Canadian Comedy Awards), Jean Paul (Halifax Comedy Fest, Comedy Now) with more to be announced.

Laughs for Possibility was founded by local amateur comic, Lloyd Ravn, after his son Eric (now 4) suffered a major stroke in July 2008 and was admitted to Bloorview Kids Rehab’s inpatient unit, under the care of the Brain Injury Rehab Team (BIRT). After a strong recovery and subsequent discharge, Eric was re-admitted to Bloorview after two more strokes in May 2009, and he is still at Bloorview today.

When looking for an emcee for the event, Ravn says Rakoff was an easy choice. “Simon is not only one of the funniest comics you’ll see anywhere, but he makes hosting a show, which is a tough job, look effortless.” There will be parents of Bloorview inpatient kids coming to the show courtesy of donated tickets, and Ravn stresses that “after having their lives turned upside down by whatever it is that landed their son or daughter in the hospital, they will appreciate having a pro like Simon bringing some much-needed comic relief to their lives for an evening.”

For more on Simon Rakoff, visit www.SimonRakoff.com.

Event details

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Time: VIP Reception at 7:00 PM, general admission at 7:30 PM, Show at 8:30 PM

Location: Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, 1250 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, Ontario

Tickets cost: $95 for VIP admission (includes pre-show reception); $50 for general admission

Available at www.LaughsForPossibility.com

Bloorview Kids Foundation

Bloorview Kids Foundation develops relationships and raises funds from the community for Bloorview Kids Rehab. Bloorview is the gold-standard in care, research, and education for kids with disabilities and their families. As Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation and complex continuing care teaching hospital, it is an international leader in childhood disability. Bloorview pioneers treatments, technologies, therapies and real-world programs that give children with disabilities the tools to participate fully in life.

Regardless of their disability, kids just want to be kids. Community and private investment is critical to enabling kids with disabilities to live their lives, just like any other kid.

For further information:

Lloyd Ravn, Event Organizer

Tel: 647-929-8916 or lloydravn@hotmail.com

Nicole Watson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Bloorview Kids Foundation

Tel: 416-424-3850 or nwatson@bloorview.ca

Press Release: Trinidadian-born Canadian Comedian Jean Paul joins superstar lineup in fundraiser for kids with disabilities

Trinidadian-born Canadian Comedian Jean Paul joins superstar lineup in fundraiser for kids with disabilities

< title="Jean Paul" alt="Jean Paul" src="http://www.laughsforpossibility.com/images/stories/jean-100-150.gif">

Toronto, ON, September 30, 2009

Several of Canada’s funniest people, including Jean Paul, the Gemini-nominated comedian described by NOW magazine as a combination of “savage wit and spontaneous combustion”, will be taking the mic on October 21st, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, for the Laughs for Possibility Comedy Showcase to raise funds for Bloorview Kids Rehab, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities.

This is the second Laughs for Possibility event, presented by Tim Hortons in Sussex, NB (franchisees Jim and Chris Andrew sponsor the show despite the 1,500 km between the show and their stores, in support of their grandson Eric), following the inaugural show in January 2009 which featured some of Canada’s top comedians. Laughs for Possibility 2 will bring out another crop of Canadian comedy superstars including Jean Paul, who comedy fans will recognize from his Comedy Now special on CTV and the Comedy Network and from his work with the Nubian Disciples of Prior All Black Comedy Revue. Other comics announced so far have been Bobby Mair (2009 Stand-up Newcomer nominee at Canadian Comedy Awards), Gilson Lubin (MTV, HBO Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam), Kate Davis (Comedy Now, 2009 Best Female Stand-up nomimee at Canadian Comedy Awards) with more to be announced.

Laughs for Possibility was founded by local amateur comic, Lloyd Ravn, after his son Eric (now 4) suffered a major stroke in July 2008 and was admitted to Bloorview Kids Rehab’s inpatient unit, under the care of the Brain Injury Rehab Team (BIRT). After a strong recovery and subsequent discharge, Eric was re-admitted to Bloorview after two more strokes in May 2009, and he is still at Bloorview today.

As a father himself, Jean Paul understands that all parents need a break and an opportunity for some comedic relief. So when he saw the Laughs for Possibility show’s Twitter feed, and read about the show, he immediately contacted Lloyd to offer his assistance. “When a comic of Jean Paul’s calibre offers to perform on your fundraiser, it’s very exciting,” said Ravn. “We have tickets for the show that have been donated to parents of inpatient kids at Bloorview. Those parents need and deserve a good laugh, and I guarantee they will get exactly that from Jean Paul’s performance.”

For more on Jean Paul, visit http://www.jeanpaul.ca

Event details

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Time: VIP Reception at 7:00 PM, general admission at 7:30 PM, Show at 8:30 PM

Location: Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, 1250 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, Ontario

Tickets cost: $95 for VIP admission (includes pre-show reception); $50 for general admission

Available at www.LaughsForPossibility.com

Bloorview Kids Foundation

Bloorview Kids Foundation develops relationships and raises funds from the community for Bloorview Kids Rehab. Bloorview is the gold-standard in care, research, and education for kids with disabilities and their families. As Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation and complex continuing care teaching hospital, it is an international leader in childhood disability. Bloorview pioneers treatments, technologies, therapies and real-world programs that give children with disabilities the tools to participate fully in life.

Regardless of their disability, kids just want to be kids. Community and private investment is critical to enabling kids with disabilities to live their lives, just like any other kid.

For further information:

Lloyd Ravn, Event Organizer

Tel: 647-929-8916 or lloydravn@hotmail.com

Nicole Watson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Bloorview Kids Foundation

Tel: 416-424-3850 or mailto:natson@bloorview.ca

Press Release: Canada’s “Funny Mommy” Kate Davis Joins Live Comedy Fundraiser for Kids with Disabilities

Canada’s “Funny Mommy” Kate Davis Joins Live Comedy Fundraiser for Kids with Disabilities

Toronto, ON, September 23, 2009

Several of Canada’s funniest people, including Canadian Comedy Awards 2009 “Best Stand-Up Female” nominee Kate Davis, will be taking the mic on October 21st, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, for the Laughs for Possibility Comedy Showcase to raise funds for Bloorview Kids Rehab, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities.

This is the second Laughs for Possibility event, presented by Tim Hortons in Sussex, NB (franchisees Jim and Chris Andrew sponsor the show despite the 1,500 km between the show and their stores, in support of their grandson Eric), following the inaugural show in January 2009 which featured some of Canada’s top comedians. Laughs for Possibility 2 will bring out another crop of Canadian comedy superstars including Davis, a five-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee. Other comics announced so far have been Bobby Mair (2009 Stand-up Newcomer nominee at Canadian Comedy Awards) and Gilson Lubin (MTV, HBO Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam), with more to be announced.

Laughs for Possibility was founded by local amateur comic, Lloyd Ravn, after his son Eric (now 4) suffered a major stroke in July 2008 and was admitted to Bloorview Kids Rehab’s inpatient unit, under the care of the Brain Injury Rehab Team (BIRT). After a strong recovery and subsequent discharge, Eric was re-admitted to Bloorview after two more strokes in May 2009, and he is still at Bloorview today.

“Kate is a perfect fit for Laughs for Possibility,” said Ravn of the nationally-touring headliner. The show grew out of Ravn’s desire to give other inpatient parents at Bloorview a chance to have a night away from the hospital along with a few well-deserved laughs, and Davis is well-known for her parenting with humour workshops, and hilarious stand-up material about her own parenting experiences, making her performance on October 21 “a guaranteed hit,” according to Ravn. “All of the parents in the audience on October 21 will connect with Kate immediately.”

For more on Kate Davis, visit http://www.funnymommy.com

Event details

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Time: VIP Reception at 7:00 PM, general admission at 7:30 PM, Show at 8:30 PM

Location: Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, 1250 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, Ontario

Tickets cost: $95 for VIP admission (includes pre-show reception); $50 for general admission

Available at http://www.laughsforpossibility.com

Bloorview Kids Foundation

Bloorview Kids Foundation develops relationships and raises funds from the community for Bloorview Kids Rehab. Bloorview is the gold-standard in care, research, and education for kids with disabilities and their families. As Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation and complex continuing care teaching hospital, it is an international leader in childhood disability. Bloorview pioneers treatments, technologies, therapies and real-world programs that give children with disabilities the tools to participate fully in life.

Regardless of their disability, kids just want to be kids. Community and private investment is critical to enabling kids with disabilities to live their lives, just like any other kid.

For further information:

Lloyd Ravn, Event Organizer

Tel: 647-929-8916 or mailto:lloydravn@laughsforpossibility.com

Nicole Watson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Bloorview Kids Foundation

Tel: 416-424-3850 or nwatson@bloorview.ca