It's about time summer happened...
Toronto weather can be pretty abrupt.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Monday, June 02, 2008
Weekend
So, what happened apart from bboy movies and shoe buying?
Not much, including a birthday party for my employer's 50th birthday. It was not dissimilar to the client version of the office Christmas party... (catering, drinking, schmoozing, drinking, me leaving before things get too out of control)...
Usually I feel like I would be more comfortable eating in the back with the catering staff than Great Gatsbying it up with drink in hand. Even when I am having a good time, I still feel sort of out of place. The highlight of the evening was probably a story from one of the deluxe film people... It ended up with him in Willie Nelson's trailer, nervously watching a behind-the-music type WN documentary, smoking a joint the size of a cigar.
Leah went to London on Sunday, for a baby shower. I picked up the ridiculously ticketmaster-inflated R.E.M. tickets that I bought last week (I had to sneak around the instore WWF-or-whatever-its-called-now autograph signing table, and oversized autograph signer). And I also bought some pants, as well as the aforementioned shoes.
Not much, including a birthday party for my employer's 50th birthday. It was not dissimilar to the client version of the office Christmas party... (catering, drinking, schmoozing, drinking, me leaving before things get too out of control)...
Usually I feel like I would be more comfortable eating in the back with the catering staff than Great Gatsbying it up with drink in hand. Even when I am having a good time, I still feel sort of out of place. The highlight of the evening was probably a story from one of the deluxe film people... It ended up with him in Willie Nelson's trailer, nervously watching a behind-the-music type WN documentary, smoking a joint the size of a cigar.
Leah went to London on Sunday, for a baby shower. I picked up the ridiculously ticketmaster-inflated R.E.M. tickets that I bought last week (I had to sneak around the instore WWF-or-whatever-its-called-now autograph signing table, and oversized autograph signer). And I also bought some pants, as well as the aforementioned shoes.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
CanCon
I bought some new dress shoes today, and unknowingly picked up my second pair of Canadian designed kicks.
Planet BBoy
Leah and I went to see Planet BBoy on friday night. I would recommend this one to anybody - amazing dancers, and very interesting to see the different cultural approaches. Check it out if you have the chance.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Workend
On Friday night I made dinner and then biked to the ROM for the kickoff of this year's Doors Open. I wanted to a) see the ROM for free, and b) see the Pecha Kucha presentations.
The new ROM addition, for those who don't know, is Toronto's version of a Daniel Liebeskind building... which, for those who don't know, means a bunch of jagged forms smashed together to make architecture. This building was supposedly inspired by the ROM's crystal collection, which is a joke because it looks pretty much like all of his other buildings. From my perspective within the architecture industry, Toronto's local architects don't think much of this building. This could be for a number of reasons: a) they didn't get to design it, b) they have conservative Canadian taste, c) the building is actually kinda crappy.
I actually like the thing from the outside, which is the only view I had ever seen. From what I had heard, the interior is where the thing doesn't hold up. Having finally made it inside, I have to say I sort of agree. The interior is pretty underwhelming. Also, the place was filled with one million people which, to be fair, is probably not the best scenario for evaluating the space.
Anyway - for such a crazy building, the inside is a little boring. The walls are mostly large expanses of white drywall and aluminum, which at times seem somehow unfinished. Worst of all (in my opinion) is the lack of grandness. The huge crazy shards don't really translate into any huge crazy interior spaces, and when I found my way into the old entryway (which is now just an emergency exit, I guess), I couldn't help but prefer the scale (and richness) of it. (I also like that quote in the ceiling.)
I also way preferred the old dark dinosaur hallway, with the fake environments and dramatic lighting. Now the dinos all hang from oddly inclined white surfaces, like pieces of art in a 'neutral' (although not neutral, 'cause there are no right angles anywhere) field. I realize this is probably not a 'new ROM' thing, and likely reflects the latest in Museum Curatorial Theory - but I liked the drama of the old setup.
Anyway - the Pecha Kucha. The theme was Sacred Spaces, which I thought would be interesting. Most of the presenters were architects, and most took the opportunity to just show their own work, with a brief introduction to shoe-horn it into the theme of the night... 'Sustainability is the new religion', 'Healthcare (architecture) is sacred', 'Here's some of my (sacred) work!'. To be fair, some of these presentations (like the healthcare one) were pretty cool... but I was hoping for a bit more creativity, and a deeper exploration of the idea of the sacred.
My favorites were maybe this guy (his presentation was kinda terrible - but I just like his paintings!)... and this church, by Larkin (the coloured light on the concrete is amazing - like modern stained glass)
-----
And on with the weekend...
Saturday, I cleaned up the front yard and scattered some wild-flower seeds. I hope they can grow in gravelly dirt and bus fumes...
We also went to the Dufferin Mall and Leah bought a dress. We ran into the Cumby's and friends in a random alley on the way home, so we hung out with them briefly on a rooftop deck.
Sunday - I did laundry. That afternoon we went down to Queen street to find shoes to go with Leah's dress. After looking at a LOT of shoes, Leah bought some crazy nice Camper shoes...
We skipped church and watched Shaun of the Dead!
The new ROM addition, for those who don't know, is Toronto's version of a Daniel Liebeskind building... which, for those who don't know, means a bunch of jagged forms smashed together to make architecture. This building was supposedly inspired by the ROM's crystal collection, which is a joke because it looks pretty much like all of his other buildings. From my perspective within the architecture industry, Toronto's local architects don't think much of this building. This could be for a number of reasons: a) they didn't get to design it, b) they have conservative Canadian taste, c) the building is actually kinda crappy.
I actually like the thing from the outside, which is the only view I had ever seen. From what I had heard, the interior is where the thing doesn't hold up. Having finally made it inside, I have to say I sort of agree. The interior is pretty underwhelming. Also, the place was filled with one million people which, to be fair, is probably not the best scenario for evaluating the space.
Anyway - for such a crazy building, the inside is a little boring. The walls are mostly large expanses of white drywall and aluminum, which at times seem somehow unfinished. Worst of all (in my opinion) is the lack of grandness. The huge crazy shards don't really translate into any huge crazy interior spaces, and when I found my way into the old entryway (which is now just an emergency exit, I guess), I couldn't help but prefer the scale (and richness) of it. (I also like that quote in the ceiling.)
I also way preferred the old dark dinosaur hallway, with the fake environments and dramatic lighting. Now the dinos all hang from oddly inclined white surfaces, like pieces of art in a 'neutral' (although not neutral, 'cause there are no right angles anywhere) field. I realize this is probably not a 'new ROM' thing, and likely reflects the latest in Museum Curatorial Theory - but I liked the drama of the old setup.
Anyway - the Pecha Kucha. The theme was Sacred Spaces, which I thought would be interesting. Most of the presenters were architects, and most took the opportunity to just show their own work, with a brief introduction to shoe-horn it into the theme of the night... 'Sustainability is the new religion', 'Healthcare (architecture) is sacred', 'Here's some of my (sacred) work!'. To be fair, some of these presentations (like the healthcare one) were pretty cool... but I was hoping for a bit more creativity, and a deeper exploration of the idea of the sacred.
My favorites were maybe this guy (his presentation was kinda terrible - but I just like his paintings!)... and this church, by Larkin (the coloured light on the concrete is amazing - like modern stained glass)
-----
And on with the weekend...
Saturday, I cleaned up the front yard and scattered some wild-flower seeds. I hope they can grow in gravelly dirt and bus fumes...
We also went to the Dufferin Mall and Leah bought a dress. We ran into the Cumby's and friends in a random alley on the way home, so we hung out with them briefly on a rooftop deck.
Sunday - I did laundry. That afternoon we went down to Queen street to find shoes to go with Leah's dress. After looking at a LOT of shoes, Leah bought some crazy nice Camper shoes...
We skipped church and watched Shaun of the Dead!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Slugging
I just found out about slugging - essentially a form of commuter hitchhiking in which the 'slug' gets a free ride, and the driver gets a quicker commute (by accessing HOV lanes). It's anonymous carpooling.
This is pretty interesting... The American landscape (physically and culturally) has evolved in the context of large space. In this environment, the automobile became the ideal form of transportation - it is an effective means to navigate the distances involved, and it also enables a very high level of independence.
Slugging maintains the geographic distances, but the independence of driving your own car is traded in for a 'free ride'.
---
Ironically, the independence once offered by the automobile has been replaced by a kind of slavery. As gas prices rise, people realize that they have no real alternatives to driving. The form of our landscape (outside of very few urban centres) offers little to those without a car. (This has long been known by bored suburban kids, trapped elderly populations, and the very poor - but these are easy groups to ignore).
Hopefully our geography can be retrofitted to allow for alternative means of getting around. Until then I will try to remember that it is a luxury for me to NOT have a car.
This is pretty interesting... The American landscape (physically and culturally) has evolved in the context of large space. In this environment, the automobile became the ideal form of transportation - it is an effective means to navigate the distances involved, and it also enables a very high level of independence.
Slugging maintains the geographic distances, but the independence of driving your own car is traded in for a 'free ride'.
---
Ironically, the independence once offered by the automobile has been replaced by a kind of slavery. As gas prices rise, people realize that they have no real alternatives to driving. The form of our landscape (outside of very few urban centres) offers little to those without a car. (This has long been known by bored suburban kids, trapped elderly populations, and the very poor - but these are easy groups to ignore).
Hopefully our geography can be retrofitted to allow for alternative means of getting around. Until then I will try to remember that it is a luxury for me to NOT have a car.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
weekender
It was a long weekend, with the crappiest cold, wet weather...
I watched quite a few movies... we rented The Graduate and The Sixth Sense (which I never bothered to watch when it came out, since somebody ruined the ending for me). I also went to the new AMC theatre yesterday to watch Iron Man. Generally I like the whole superhero genre, and I thought this one was pretty decent. It was also something to do that involved not being out in the cold.
We also did the usual weekend laundry and grocery shopping.
Leah starts working today at the Yonge Street Mission.
I watched quite a few movies... we rented The Graduate and The Sixth Sense (which I never bothered to watch when it came out, since somebody ruined the ending for me). I also went to the new AMC theatre yesterday to watch Iron Man. Generally I like the whole superhero genre, and I thought this one was pretty decent. It was also something to do that involved not being out in the cold.
We also did the usual weekend laundry and grocery shopping.
Leah starts working today at the Yonge Street Mission.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Giger
I was talking to mom and dad on the phone last night, about their recent trip to Switzerland and Siberia.
Dad was telling me about visiting the tiny village of Gruyères, Switzerland. Apparantly there is an art museum in the village, and dad told me about a large sculpture of a gun loaded with little metal people instead of bullets.
So I looked it up. Turns out the museum they saw is the H.R.Giger museum! I had no idea that he was Swiss, and would never have guessed that the museum would be in a tiny mountain village. This would explain the black clothed pierced kids that mom says were hanging around the place - this is probably an international mecca for nightmare obsessed goth kids!
You of course know him best for his Alien movie sets... but check out that gun sculpture - it's actually pretty cool...
Thursday, May 15, 2008
On Monday, Leah went to Guelph... After work, I randomly went to the Free Times Cafe for their open mic night. This is where Leah used to play each week, a long time ago. It was pretty much the same thing as I'm sure it has always been... a range of pretty good to pretty awful random people (many of whom have CDs to sell, for some reason) playing 2 songs each. My favorite is usually some old guy who can play guitar well, and isn't interested in 'making it'...
This time, my favorite was a vaguely Coldplayish sounding guy, who played keyboard, and covered Video Killed the Radio Star.
On Tuesday, we went to Supermarket for Karl's short film screenings. The best part of this, aside from the joy of watching Karl bring his creations to the public, was seeing Lisa on the big screen! The other best part was Pants' HILARIOUS set after the films. And then the other best was seeing Leah and the rest of Glory Glory Hallelujah perform a set of hymns afterwards (on stage at Supermarket)...
This time, my favorite was a vaguely Coldplayish sounding guy, who played keyboard, and covered Video Killed the Radio Star.
On Tuesday, we went to Supermarket for Karl's short film screenings. The best part of this, aside from the joy of watching Karl bring his creations to the public, was seeing Lisa on the big screen! The other best part was Pants' HILARIOUS set after the films. And then the other best was seeing Leah and the rest of Glory Glory Hallelujah perform a set of hymns afterwards (on stage at Supermarket)...
Monday, May 12, 2008
wknd
Friday - we rented and watched The French Connection
Saturday - we made sunchoke pancakes for breakfast, and then did laundry. That afternoon, we went to a barbecue birthday party at Anne and Joel's.
Sunday - Leah played music at an Anglican church in the morning, and I went grocery shopping. In the afternoon, I stopped by the OCAD grad show on my way to church. Check out some of /dr.'s thesis work... (more to come later)
Saturday - we made sunchoke pancakes for breakfast, and then did laundry. That afternoon, we went to a barbecue birthday party at Anne and Joel's.
Sunday - Leah played music at an Anglican church in the morning, and I went grocery shopping. In the afternoon, I stopped by the OCAD grad show on my way to church. Check out some of /dr.'s thesis work... (more to come later)
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Reading
At 'church' last night, Adrienne lent me the 4th Scott Pilgrim book... I started reading it on the subway this morning, and almost missed my stop.
Monday, May 05, 2008
...
On Friday night we went to the Jays game... we were in about the 6th row, behind the first base, which was pretty fun.
Saturday was all about chores. I finished doing the taxes, and then filed this year's and last year's US taxes... Since we exempt all of our income as foreign, US taxes are mostly just an exercise in beaurocracy, with no money actually changing hands.
Afterwards, we celebrated by going to the laundromat!
On Sunday, I woke up at 5 and took various buses to Yonge and Eglinton. Luckily for me, one of the buses never showed up. I had to wait at Eglinton and Marlee for about 45 mins. When the next bus came, it was crammed with runners and pissed off shift workers who were late for work.
After that, I ran 10 kilometres... It was cool to see the endless river of runners down Yonge street, as far as you could see. I finished with a time of 50.56, which I think is pretty good considering I went running all of 3 times to train... I came in number 3450.
We were on setup for church, and I ran sound... so by the end of the day, I was pretty much wiped out.
Saturday was all about chores. I finished doing the taxes, and then filed this year's and last year's US taxes... Since we exempt all of our income as foreign, US taxes are mostly just an exercise in beaurocracy, with no money actually changing hands.
Afterwards, we celebrated by going to the laundromat!
On Sunday, I woke up at 5 and took various buses to Yonge and Eglinton. Luckily for me, one of the buses never showed up. I had to wait at Eglinton and Marlee for about 45 mins. When the next bus came, it was crammed with runners and pissed off shift workers who were late for work.
After that, I ran 10 kilometres... It was cool to see the endless river of runners down Yonge street, as far as you could see. I finished with a time of 50.56, which I think is pretty good considering I went running all of 3 times to train... I came in number 3450.
We were on setup for church, and I ran sound... so by the end of the day, I was pretty much wiped out.
Friday, May 02, 2008
weekend preview
Tonight Leah and I are going to a Jays game...
And on Sunday I will be waking up super-early for the 10k run.
And on Sunday I will be waking up super-early for the 10k run.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Run like crazy
I'm running a race on Sunday - I found out you can sponsor me...
(the money goes to kids camps for kids affected by childhood cancer)
(the money goes to kids camps for kids affected by childhood cancer)
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
AM
Karl Blau rocks Winnie the Pooh like no other...
Give me work to do. Give me health. Give me joy in simple things. Give me an eye for beauty, a tongue for truth, a heart that loves, a mind that reasons, a sympathy that understands. Give me neither malice nor envy, but a true kindness and a noble common sense... at the close of each day, give me a book and a friend with whom I can be silent.
Give me work to do. Give me health. Give me joy in simple things. Give me an eye for beauty, a tongue for truth, a heart that loves, a mind that reasons, a sympathy that understands. Give me neither malice nor envy, but a true kindness and a noble common sense... at the close of each day, give me a book and a friend with whom I can be silent.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Corn Nuts
Also...
Since Leah had never seen it, and I hadn't seen it in probably 10 years... we watched Heathers this weekend.
I remember liking this movie back in the day, and was interested to see whether it held up.
I also remembered the movie being pretty dark, and that it skewers all kinds of (80s versions of) highschool stereotypes. What I didn't remember was just how mercilessly and indiscriminately it mocks... and how unflinchingly brutal it is.
There are a few things that make me still like the movie, despite the unexpected coarseness, violence, and general anarchy...
Firstly, this might have been one of the first movies I saw that so forcefully throws (at least chapters of) the standard hollywood rulebook out the window. Characters that would typically be set up as outsider heroes end up being straight up psychotic... And the rules are broken without pulling any punches. Standard high-school movie stereotype mocking is dialed all the way up to cold-blooded murder. I think I will ALWAYS like movies that bend the rules...
Secondly, some of the dialogue is actually funny... albeit a LOT less of it than intended.
And thirdly, Winona Ryder's protagonist adds a hint of hope to an otherwise dark world. The movie basically sets her up in the (now) stereotypically clique-filled highschool movie world... which she rejects with the help of the cool outsider guy (who in this version is unexpectedly NOT the good guy, but a crazy murderous anarchist)...
Given two messed up approaches to life, she somehow rejects BOTH, opting for a much more complicated third route than is unusual for a highschool movie...
I am very glad that the producers didn't follow the original screenplay - which ended with suicide as the third option... and would have made for a pretty hopeless movie.
Your thoughts???
Since Leah had never seen it, and I hadn't seen it in probably 10 years... we watched Heathers this weekend.
I remember liking this movie back in the day, and was interested to see whether it held up.
I also remembered the movie being pretty dark, and that it skewers all kinds of (80s versions of) highschool stereotypes. What I didn't remember was just how mercilessly and indiscriminately it mocks... and how unflinchingly brutal it is.
There are a few things that make me still like the movie, despite the unexpected coarseness, violence, and general anarchy...
Firstly, this might have been one of the first movies I saw that so forcefully throws (at least chapters of) the standard hollywood rulebook out the window. Characters that would typically be set up as outsider heroes end up being straight up psychotic... And the rules are broken without pulling any punches. Standard high-school movie stereotype mocking is dialed all the way up to cold-blooded murder. I think I will ALWAYS like movies that bend the rules...
Secondly, some of the dialogue is actually funny... albeit a LOT less of it than intended.
And thirdly, Winona Ryder's protagonist adds a hint of hope to an otherwise dark world. The movie basically sets her up in the (now) stereotypically clique-filled highschool movie world... which she rejects with the help of the cool outsider guy (who in this version is unexpectedly NOT the good guy, but a crazy murderous anarchist)...
Given two messed up approaches to life, she somehow rejects BOTH, opting for a much more complicated third route than is unusual for a highschool movie...
I am very glad that the producers didn't follow the original screenplay - which ended with suicide as the third option... and would have made for a pretty hopeless movie.
Your thoughts???
weekender
The big news from the weekend is of course the TTC strike... I still don't fully understand the political strategy behind losing any public support that you might have had by not giving any (previously promised) notice... and then purposefully leaving people stranded by shutting down at midnight rather than at the end of the night shift... Also, doesn't being ordered back to work by the government take away any political power that striking gave you?? I guess being considered an 'essential service' maybe gives you more political power, at the end of the day..?
In other news, we continued to rip pieces off of the front of our house. We tore off the frame and transom from the old sliding doors that were added (badly) to enclose the porch...
We also (finally) got a new oven! The landlord had somebody disconnect the old one, install an outlet in the wall, and then had a new oven delivered! I roasted some vegetables, and then baked cookies...
In other news, we continued to rip pieces off of the front of our house. We tore off the frame and transom from the old sliding doors that were added (badly) to enclose the porch...
We also (finally) got a new oven! The landlord had somebody disconnect the old one, install an outlet in the wall, and then had a new oven delivered! I roasted some vegetables, and then baked cookies...
Monday, April 21, 2008
weekend
Friday night we went to see Second Sight, at hotdocs. It was pretty cool, especially if you like awesome old people, or Scotland, or just oldness in general. You can check out the trailer here, and read about it here, if you want to...
On Saturday we went up to St Clair to get some cat food and other stuff. When we got back we attacked the front deck, which has been full of our landlords stuff pretty much since we moved in. He finally told us we could get rid of the old metal screen doors that he had been saving with the hopes of making a couple of bucks...
Brad and Jeremy came over for dinner.
On Sunday we did laundry... and then in the afternoon, I cleaned my bike. I still need to fix the brakes, but don't have the right set of wrenches... If you or somebody you know wants to buy a pretty sweet low-rider bike for a pretty good price, let me know...
After church we watched Marion Bridge. It is a Canadian movie, so it pretty much had to involve some pretty messed up stuff (I think it is a requirement to get grants or something). But overall, I thought it was pretty excellent, and unusually redemptive for CanCon... (I would rate it as even better than Nickelback)
On Saturday we went up to St Clair to get some cat food and other stuff. When we got back we attacked the front deck, which has been full of our landlords stuff pretty much since we moved in. He finally told us we could get rid of the old metal screen doors that he had been saving with the hopes of making a couple of bucks...
Brad and Jeremy came over for dinner.
On Sunday we did laundry... and then in the afternoon, I cleaned my bike. I still need to fix the brakes, but don't have the right set of wrenches... If you or somebody you know wants to buy a pretty sweet low-rider bike for a pretty good price, let me know...
After church we watched Marion Bridge. It is a Canadian movie, so it pretty much had to involve some pretty messed up stuff (I think it is a requirement to get grants or something). But overall, I thought it was pretty excellent, and unusually redemptive for CanCon... (I would rate it as even better than Nickelback)
Friday, April 18, 2008
weekend
The weather is finally warm enough to go outside in a t-shirt, at least in the afternoon.
Tonight we are hoping to go and see a hotdocs movie about some old people (and ghosts) on the Isle of Skye.
Tomorrow is record store day. Like earth day, it is an attempt to save something that is meaningful to some people.
Tonight we are hoping to go and see a hotdocs movie about some old people (and ghosts) on the Isle of Skye.
Tomorrow is record store day. Like earth day, it is an attempt to save something that is meaningful to some people.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Drake You Ho
Here is a fairly good article on the appropriation of counter-culture into the mainstream, with specific focus on advertising... Nothing new, but always an interesting topic to think about.
Monday, April 14, 2008
etc...
Today I signed up for a 10k run, which takes place in less than 3 weeks... I should start running, I think.
I also posted some songs, for your listening pleasure, at immigrant design.
I also posted some songs, for your listening pleasure, at immigrant design.
weekend
On Friday night we went to the wood's place to hang out with them and the Cumbys, which was fun.
On Saturday we made a trip to the dentist... and then went to Bradley's for a thesis practice. His thesis presentation is tonight, at 7, at the Music Gallery/church at Grange park.
We also did loads of laundry.
Last night after church we watched Hot Fuzz. I had heard a lot of hype about it, so I was nervous that it might disappoint.
It did not. That movie is hilarious.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Weather
Today is dreary and grey. It is also rainy and blustery and cold... It is supposed to be this way for most of the weekend.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Mulholland Drive
Leah and I watched Mulholland Drive on Monday.
It's been a long time since I last watched a Lynch movie, and I'm never quite sure what to make of them... His ability to blur the line between everyday banality and freaking insanity is definitely compelling! As is his incredible tight-rope walking between making sense (at least in this movie!) and not making sense.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Weakened
Don and Jessica came over for dinner on Friday night...
Saturday was a day of thesis and church related meetings.
Sunday - Leah played at an Anglican church in the morning. I went to BMV and sold them some old books. And then we went to church in the evening, as per usual.
In other news, it is finally getting a bit warmer...
Saturday was a day of thesis and church related meetings.
Sunday - Leah played at an Anglican church in the morning. I went to BMV and sold them some old books. And then we went to church in the evening, as per usual.
In other news, it is finally getting a bit warmer...
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Weekender
The rundown...
Friday night we went to JFL for dinner, and then to the Freedomize coffee house...
Saturday I went to Bradley's to work on his thesis project for a bit. Afterwards I went with Leah to a Presbyterian youth gathering in Etobicoke. This was the first in a continuing series of youth services organized by Andrew Rennie and some district Presbytery that has realized that young people don't go to church anymore. The FT band supplied the music, the Presbyterians provided the pizza...
That night we went to Lee's Palace to see Basia Bulat. She and her band are fresh off of a US tour, and it is very evident in how much tighter they are. She seemed delighted to be playing to a very enthusiastic crowd - and it must have been a great thing to come home to. There was also a guest appearance by the Mecija sisters, who sang backup on the first song.
Sunday - Leah and the FT band played music at an Anglican church in High Park. I did laundry... and skipped both the Anglican church service, and the evening FT service. I ended up going for a walk, purchasing the live Mark Kozelek album, and renting A Scanner Darkly (which was average).
Yesterday I had a pretty sweet headache, so I didn't go to work. I slept on the couch all day.
Friday night we went to JFL for dinner, and then to the Freedomize coffee house...
Saturday I went to Bradley's to work on his thesis project for a bit. Afterwards I went with Leah to a Presbyterian youth gathering in Etobicoke. This was the first in a continuing series of youth services organized by Andrew Rennie and some district Presbytery that has realized that young people don't go to church anymore. The FT band supplied the music, the Presbyterians provided the pizza...
That night we went to Lee's Palace to see Basia Bulat. She and her band are fresh off of a US tour, and it is very evident in how much tighter they are. She seemed delighted to be playing to a very enthusiastic crowd - and it must have been a great thing to come home to. There was also a guest appearance by the Mecija sisters, who sang backup on the first song.
Sunday - Leah and the FT band played music at an Anglican church in High Park. I did laundry... and skipped both the Anglican church service, and the evening FT service. I ended up going for a walk, purchasing the live Mark Kozelek album, and renting A Scanner Darkly (which was average).
Yesterday I had a pretty sweet headache, so I didn't go to work. I slept on the couch all day.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Across the Universe
We watched Across the Universe last night... by which I mean I watched, and Leah half watched and then fell asleep.
Overall it was pretty bad, and sort of Leah's worst nightmare (she generally hates musicals that aren't Annie). I actually enjoyed it!
I couldn't help but wonder how the generally dangerous idea of writing a story around pre-existing songs might actually be pretty amazing, in the hands of a Tom Stoppard/Umberto Eco level genius. Of course, these guys generally busy themselves wrapping stories around things like Shakespeare's entire canon, or the history of western civilization...
It also seems like the (quite profitable, I assume) trend of turning much-loved music into musical theatre is probably going to continue... and that begs the question: Which music from my generation is destined for the stage/screen treatment?
This question is sort of frightening.
Overall it was pretty bad, and sort of Leah's worst nightmare (she generally hates musicals that aren't Annie). I actually enjoyed it!
I couldn't help but wonder how the generally dangerous idea of writing a story around pre-existing songs might actually be pretty amazing, in the hands of a Tom Stoppard/Umberto Eco level genius. Of course, these guys generally busy themselves wrapping stories around things like Shakespeare's entire canon, or the history of western civilization...
It also seems like the (quite profitable, I assume) trend of turning much-loved music into musical theatre is probably going to continue... and that begs the question: Which music from my generation is destined for the stage/screen treatment?
This question is sort of frightening.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Happy Easter
Indeed.
The weekend was not too eventful...
Friday we pretty much did nothing all day. That night we went to watch Persepolis (one of the good things about living in a big city is that you get the chance to see pretty much any movie in a theatre if you want to). The movie was good, although Leah was a bit bored, having just read the books. I have only read the first book, and that was a few years ago. The story is crazy, and a lot of bad things happen... but there is also a sense that some people are able to remain human and civil in spite of ridiculous circumstances - and this adds a bit of hopefulness to an otherwise sad movie. And the drawing is great.
On Saturday we went to Brad's, and played a couple of his thesis songs. Afterwards, Leah had a rehearsal for Sunday, and I bought groceries and wasted time. That night we did laundry.
On Sunday I ran sound at church, so I had to be there pretty early. It was kinda fun, although it always feels like I am observing church, rather than participating. It was a crazy Easter service, with ridiculous decorations, chocolate, and a large, large band. Working the sound board was a little like trying to control a wild beast - but I think it sounded pretty good.
Afterwards, we attended the annual Easter Feaster, and ate our heads off.
The weekend was not too eventful...
Friday we pretty much did nothing all day. That night we went to watch Persepolis (one of the good things about living in a big city is that you get the chance to see pretty much any movie in a theatre if you want to). The movie was good, although Leah was a bit bored, having just read the books. I have only read the first book, and that was a few years ago. The story is crazy, and a lot of bad things happen... but there is also a sense that some people are able to remain human and civil in spite of ridiculous circumstances - and this adds a bit of hopefulness to an otherwise sad movie. And the drawing is great.
On Saturday we went to Brad's, and played a couple of his thesis songs. Afterwards, Leah had a rehearsal for Sunday, and I bought groceries and wasted time. That night we did laundry.
On Sunday I ran sound at church, so I had to be there pretty early. It was kinda fun, although it always feels like I am observing church, rather than participating. It was a crazy Easter service, with ridiculous decorations, chocolate, and a large, large band. Working the sound board was a little like trying to control a wild beast - but I think it sounded pretty good.
Afterwards, we attended the annual Easter Feaster, and ate our heads off.
Monday, March 17, 2008
People Don't Blog No More
It's true...
The weekend was OK. On Friday night we went to watch Persepolis - except the theatre was having power outages, so we ended up NOT watching it...
On Saturday, we went to Brad's for the afternoon, and then Katherine's that night. It was fun, but we ended up going to bed some time around 3 or 4... (Luckily, we had a pretty decent nap before we went).
On Sunday, I bought some groceries, and then there was church...
Afterwards we went to Hosu, where Leah and Andrew had a meeting with a guy from a church they are going to play at...
Oh yeah - it's St Patrick's Day. Better drink green beer and hunt for leprechauns.
The weekend was OK. On Friday night we went to watch Persepolis - except the theatre was having power outages, so we ended up NOT watching it...
On Saturday, we went to Brad's for the afternoon, and then Katherine's that night. It was fun, but we ended up going to bed some time around 3 or 4... (Luckily, we had a pretty decent nap before we went).
On Sunday, I bought some groceries, and then there was church...
Afterwards we went to Hosu, where Leah and Andrew had a meeting with a guy from a church they are going to play at...
Oh yeah - it's St Patrick's Day. Better drink green beer and hunt for leprechauns.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Weekend
Leah spent the weekend sick and on the couch.
The weather spent the weekend snowing some more. I was at the laundromat and noticed an article in the paper about how the last time there was this much snow in Toronto was some time in the 1930's.
It was also Canadian Music Week, which means pretty much nothing to most people, as far as I know. I did make it out to a free in-store appearance at (the other) Criminal Records, to see Julie Doiron, Canada's leading lady of nineties alternative music, play some of her solo songs. Opening acts where Calm Down Its Monday (with Julie on drums), and the Superfantastics. I left before the last band (Dog Day). Overall it was pretty fun - and I couldn't help but notice that even the kids were sounding kinda 90's. Some guy took some pictures...
On Saturday evening I hiked through blizzard conditions to support friend Kate, and her ongoing efforts with DreamNorth... her friends' theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare plays to parts of Canada that I hope to never experience (at least not in the winter). The event was a fundraiser at Fort York, and the snow seemed somehow appropriate...
Sunday was church - where I got to try my hand behind the sound-board. I hadn't run sound for quite a while, and it was a bit frustrating at first. Once everything was finally working, those in attendance where at my mercy, as I aligned levels to my own personal preferences...
Today I am a bit sluggish, given that it is Monday, and that the time change means waking up in the dark again. Luckily, Delvyn (I miss my family), sent through the pre-release version of the Sparrow Love Crew EP, for my listening pleasure.
The weather spent the weekend snowing some more. I was at the laundromat and noticed an article in the paper about how the last time there was this much snow in Toronto was some time in the 1930's.
It was also Canadian Music Week, which means pretty much nothing to most people, as far as I know. I did make it out to a free in-store appearance at (the other) Criminal Records, to see Julie Doiron, Canada's leading lady of nineties alternative music, play some of her solo songs. Opening acts where Calm Down Its Monday (with Julie on drums), and the Superfantastics. I left before the last band (Dog Day). Overall it was pretty fun - and I couldn't help but notice that even the kids were sounding kinda 90's. Some guy took some pictures...
On Saturday evening I hiked through blizzard conditions to support friend Kate, and her ongoing efforts with DreamNorth... her friends' theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare plays to parts of Canada that I hope to never experience (at least not in the winter). The event was a fundraiser at Fort York, and the snow seemed somehow appropriate...
Sunday was church - where I got to try my hand behind the sound-board. I hadn't run sound for quite a while, and it was a bit frustrating at first. Once everything was finally working, those in attendance where at my mercy, as I aligned levels to my own personal preferences...
Today I am a bit sluggish, given that it is Monday, and that the time change means waking up in the dark again. Luckily, Delvyn (I miss my family), sent through the pre-release version of the Sparrow Love Crew EP, for my listening pleasure.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Frozen
The weather people say we have more snow coming this weekend.
Check out this video (I'm not sure how old it is, so you may have seen it before) of the coolest thing ever.
Check out this video (I'm not sure how old it is, so you may have seen it before) of the coolest thing ever.
Monday, March 03, 2008
The weekend...
...was fairly action-packed.
Leah and I rented Stalker, and managed to watch about 15min of it on Friday night. If you're kinda tired - don't rent a 2 1/2 hour long Russian movie.
On Saturday - I went to Bradley and Andrew's for most of the day, to work a little on Brad's OCAD thesis. Afterwards, Brad and Leah and I went to Tim Horton's.
On Sunday, we went to Marche (or whatever its called now) for Evelyn's birthday. We hadn't really hung out with folks from the church that we used to go to for about the last 4 years or so - it was fun.
This morning, I found this PSA type campaign, which informs parents about spotting delinquent graffiti related lifestyle signifiers.
I am also having a hard time this morning downloading the free portion of the new NIN album. Generally, I can't stand NIN - but I suspect that an instrumental album might actually be totally sweet. Also - I like the idea of publishing music with a creative commons license.
Leah and I rented Stalker, and managed to watch about 15min of it on Friday night. If you're kinda tired - don't rent a 2 1/2 hour long Russian movie.
On Saturday - I went to Bradley and Andrew's for most of the day, to work a little on Brad's OCAD thesis. Afterwards, Brad and Leah and I went to Tim Horton's.
On Sunday, we went to Marche (or whatever its called now) for Evelyn's birthday. We hadn't really hung out with folks from the church that we used to go to for about the last 4 years or so - it was fun.
This morning, I found this PSA type campaign, which informs parents about spotting delinquent graffiti related lifestyle signifiers.
I am also having a hard time this morning downloading the free portion of the new NIN album. Generally, I can't stand NIN - but I suspect that an instrumental album might actually be totally sweet. Also - I like the idea of publishing music with a creative commons license.
Friday, February 29, 2008
friday
Last night, Leah and I went to the Eaton Centre... for no real reason other than a combination of boredom, and a resolution to finally procure a copy of the 'new' Radiohead album...
We just kinda ambled around the mall sort of aimlessly, and picked up the CD at HMV... They were out of the Once soundtrack (I think maybe the Oscar win caught their stockers by surprise), so that is all we got.
We also went in a couple of shoe stores, since I will need some new dress shoes pretty soon (I still rock the ones I bought for our wedding..!), and realized that the mall is where you go for totally boring shoes.
Also - Leah tried on a couple of bathing suits... The whole time we were in the store, some idiot was sitting outside on one of the benches and periodically whistling at girls walking by. I asked the (visibly annoyed) staff if there was some mall security they could call, which they seemed more than happy to do once I suggested it...
Also, we went in the Apple store. Surprisingly, I have never been in an Apple store before. For someone who is not exactly a gadget-phile, I thought the new skinny metal laptops were pretty sweet... also, the touch iPods are cool too, if only for the stupidly impressive ability to pinch-zoom pictures.
In other news, if it isn't freezing... it's snowing. My mood with regards to winter is currently defiant. Yesterday I went for an hour long (-17ish) walk at lunch... I'm sure this will change to defeat soon enough!
We just kinda ambled around the mall sort of aimlessly, and picked up the CD at HMV... They were out of the Once soundtrack (I think maybe the Oscar win caught their stockers by surprise), so that is all we got.
We also went in a couple of shoe stores, since I will need some new dress shoes pretty soon (I still rock the ones I bought for our wedding..!), and realized that the mall is where you go for totally boring shoes.
Also - Leah tried on a couple of bathing suits... The whole time we were in the store, some idiot was sitting outside on one of the benches and periodically whistling at girls walking by. I asked the (visibly annoyed) staff if there was some mall security they could call, which they seemed more than happy to do once I suggested it...
Also, we went in the Apple store. Surprisingly, I have never been in an Apple store before. For someone who is not exactly a gadget-phile, I thought the new skinny metal laptops were pretty sweet... also, the touch iPods are cool too, if only for the stupidly impressive ability to pinch-zoom pictures.
In other news, if it isn't freezing... it's snowing. My mood with regards to winter is currently defiant. Yesterday I went for an hour long (-17ish) walk at lunch... I'm sure this will change to defeat soon enough!
Monday, February 25, 2008
weekend
On Friday, Leah and I met Jeremy for dinner in Koreatown.
On Saturday, we went to an elders' meeting for church - we also had dinner with the Cumbys.
On Sunday, I went grocery shopping, and then went to church early for super-setup.
After church, we had pancakes for dinner.
On Saturday, we went to an elders' meeting for church - we also had dinner with the Cumbys.
On Sunday, I went grocery shopping, and then went to church early for super-setup.
After church, we had pancakes for dinner.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
update
FAITH
HOPE
LOVE
I have been thinking a little recently about how these three things will remain. This implies that nothing else will remain, which is a pretty crazy idea.
That means that all the things that you do each day that are not about faith, hope, or love, are ultimately insignificant - they will pass away.
Last night I went to meet with the pastor at the Salvation Army, and I noticed that these words were hanging on the wall... which is funny, 'cause I had just come up with the idea of hanging them on the wall at home.
In other news, I am losing most of my faith, hope, and definitely love for the TTC. I know that the weather hasn't been helping, but this IS Canada... so snow shouldn't take anybody by surprise.
And speaking of snow... I had just finished showering this morning when I noticed that the guy that parks behind our apartment was totally stuck. Since he was still there by the time I got dressed, I figured I'd go out and help. It took at least 20 minutes to get him going - every time we managed to move his car a few inches, it immediately got stuck again. We took turns at pushing and driving, and eventually got the car going while I was driving. I managed to get all the way down the alley... at which point he promised to buy me beer - and then took of to go to work.
HOPE
LOVE
I have been thinking a little recently about how these three things will remain. This implies that nothing else will remain, which is a pretty crazy idea.
That means that all the things that you do each day that are not about faith, hope, or love, are ultimately insignificant - they will pass away.
Last night I went to meet with the pastor at the Salvation Army, and I noticed that these words were hanging on the wall... which is funny, 'cause I had just come up with the idea of hanging them on the wall at home.
In other news, I am losing most of my faith, hope, and definitely love for the TTC. I know that the weather hasn't been helping, but this IS Canada... so snow shouldn't take anybody by surprise.
And speaking of snow... I had just finished showering this morning when I noticed that the guy that parks behind our apartment was totally stuck. Since he was still there by the time I got dressed, I figured I'd go out and help. It took at least 20 minutes to get him going - every time we managed to move his car a few inches, it immediately got stuck again. We took turns at pushing and driving, and eventually got the car going while I was driving. I managed to get all the way down the alley... at which point he promised to buy me beer - and then took of to go to work.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Poor people can be bad for the environment...
Check out this article about the Nano - the poor man's car coming to India...
It's interesting that a pretty ecology efficient vehicle could have a really negative impact, simply be meaning more cars on the road... Meanwhile, if the rich drive expensive gas-hogs, the limits of privilege mean that the overall damage to the earth is not as severe...
It's interesting that a pretty ecology efficient vehicle could have a really negative impact, simply be meaning more cars on the road... Meanwhile, if the rich drive expensive gas-hogs, the limits of privilege mean that the overall damage to the earth is not as severe...
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Superserious
I know nobody really cares too much about R.E.M. - but just in case, you can hear a new song of their's here.
I haven't listened to it much, but my initial response is kinda whatever... That being said, I kinda feel that way about all music right now. Perhaps I am getting too old..?
In other news, we watched Jesus of Montreal over the weekend. I liked it a good bit.
I haven't listened to it much, but my initial response is kinda whatever... That being said, I kinda feel that way about all music right now. Perhaps I am getting too old..?
In other news, we watched Jesus of Montreal over the weekend. I liked it a good bit.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Long time...
I recorded a version of an REM song, just for kicks. Due to my technical constraints and lack of good software, I was able to use ALL of the following in the making of one song:
Audacity
Goldwave
Ableton Live (demo version)
Sony Soundforge (demo version)
And CDEx, to mp3 it, for your listening pleasure...
Luckily, the original song is good enough to withstand my abuse.
Audacity
Goldwave
Ableton Live (demo version)
Sony Soundforge (demo version)
And CDEx, to mp3 it, for your listening pleasure...
Luckily, the original song is good enough to withstand my abuse.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Colin Munroe
Local hero and hardest working man in showbiz, Colin Munroe, surprised me by showing up on Pitchfork today - for his reworking of Kanye's Flashing Lights...
If you want, you can see him play tonight at Clinton's.
If you want, you can see him play tonight at Clinton's.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
With the lights out
Leah is in Guelph at the Jesuit retreat centre, for a week+. I have been busy at work, and also doing computer training on Saturdays...
Tonight I went to see Kurt Cobain - About a Son. It was a pretty nicely made movie about a very sad subject matter. If you haven't heard, the dialogue is all audio interviews with Kurt Cobain up to a year before his death, matched to images of places he lived and music of bands that he loved.
Monday, January 14, 2008
John Maeda moves to RISD
For one reason or another, I have been following the work (and blogs) of John Maeda for the last few years. I even went so far as to order one of his books from the Toronto Public Library some time last year (which I can't say about too many artists/designers). His work falls in the small region where art, programming, computer engineering, teaching and management all overlap. His recent writing on simplicity is both reflective of current trends, and will continue to influence the way organizations both design and manage.
Anyway - I just found out that the guy recently got the job of new RISD president... if there is any way at all to move UP from working at MIT's Media Lab, I guess this would be it. It will be interisting to see what happens next...
Here is a mini-sample of some work... or you can read blogcontent here.
Anyway - I just found out that the guy recently got the job of new RISD president... if there is any way at all to move UP from working at MIT's Media Lab, I guess this would be it. It will be interisting to see what happens next...
Here is a mini-sample of some work... or you can read blogcontent here.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Changes
Hello world.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and new year. Leah and I are freshly back in Toronto from our journey to the South. I will update with some pictures once they are developed...
It was great to see the family, and lots of people that I haven't seen for a long time at the wedding... although there were others that I hoped to see and didn't get to... which is unfortunately the way it goes at weddings.
Reeve and Jessie were successfully married - it was a wonderful wedding and a very happy occasion. I am lucky to have yet another kickass sister-in-law.
In other news... I think this here blog is in for some changes. I am tired of it, and I think it might become more of a photo blog soon. Wait and see.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and new year. Leah and I are freshly back in Toronto from our journey to the South. I will update with some pictures once they are developed...
It was great to see the family, and lots of people that I haven't seen for a long time at the wedding... although there were others that I hoped to see and didn't get to... which is unfortunately the way it goes at weddings.
Reeve and Jessie were successfully married - it was a wonderful wedding and a very happy occasion. I am lucky to have yet another kickass sister-in-law.
In other news... I think this here blog is in for some changes. I am tired of it, and I think it might become more of a photo blog soon. Wait and see.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
weekend
I have to include a story from Friday...
At lunch I went to Criminal Records, to buy a CD that I've been wanting to get for a while - Wayne Petti (lead singer for Cuff the Duke)'s solo record. When I walked into the store, I looked over to the cash, and Wayne Petti was himself working there. Hilariously, a Cuff the Duke song was also playing on the store stereo. And then I walked up to the cash with his record in my hand. It was like three Wayne Petti lines randomly intersected in a single point.
The CD is good, by the way...
On Saturday, I took the long ride to spiritual direction. That afternoon/evening, we collected money for the Salvation Army outside of Holts, on Bloor. It was pretty cold (for a 3.5 hour shift)...
During the shift, and continuing through the night, and most of Sunday, it snowed. On Sunday morning, we trudged through a foot or so of snow to the laundromat (we pretty much had no clean clothes, or we would have postponed the outing...)
Church was pretty empty, and I played melodica. There was this one pretty cool part in the second last song where I totally screwed up... and Leah couldn't stop laughing.
In other news, we kept Mabel drugged all weekend, after her dental surgery on Friday. Luckily, she didn't seem to respond to the codeine in the same way she had to the morphine which the vet gave her (she was growling and woozy and violent when Leah picked her up!). She seems to be pretty much back to normal...
At lunch I went to Criminal Records, to buy a CD that I've been wanting to get for a while - Wayne Petti (lead singer for Cuff the Duke)'s solo record. When I walked into the store, I looked over to the cash, and Wayne Petti was himself working there. Hilariously, a Cuff the Duke song was also playing on the store stereo. And then I walked up to the cash with his record in my hand. It was like three Wayne Petti lines randomly intersected in a single point.
The CD is good, by the way...
On Saturday, I took the long ride to spiritual direction. That afternoon/evening, we collected money for the Salvation Army outside of Holts, on Bloor. It was pretty cold (for a 3.5 hour shift)...
During the shift, and continuing through the night, and most of Sunday, it snowed. On Sunday morning, we trudged through a foot or so of snow to the laundromat (we pretty much had no clean clothes, or we would have postponed the outing...)
Church was pretty empty, and I played melodica. There was this one pretty cool part in the second last song where I totally screwed up... and Leah couldn't stop laughing.
In other news, we kept Mabel drugged all weekend, after her dental surgery on Friday. Luckily, she didn't seem to respond to the codeine in the same way she had to the morphine which the vet gave her (she was growling and woozy and violent when Leah picked her up!). She seems to be pretty much back to normal...
Monday, December 10, 2007
Where was I ?
So...
My new job is keeping me pretty busy, as you can tell from the lack of blogging (also, I'm not really feeling the blog recently, but I will try to keep it up for all the fans...) I am working on a film post-production facility, and an office building. Last week we had our client Christmas party at the Panarama.
So, what about the weekend?.. Leah and I rocked the Salvation Army collection kettle at Yonge and Bloor on Saturday. By which I mean we sat at one of those things for about 3 hours as people put money into it.
Also, we hung out with Bradley on Saturday night, and the Cumbys for brunch on Sunday. Groceries. Church.
My new job is keeping me pretty busy, as you can tell from the lack of blogging (also, I'm not really feeling the blog recently, but I will try to keep it up for all the fans...) I am working on a film post-production facility, and an office building. Last week we had our client Christmas party at the Panarama.
So, what about the weekend?.. Leah and I rocked the Salvation Army collection kettle at Yonge and Bloor on Saturday. By which I mean we sat at one of those things for about 3 hours as people put money into it.
Also, we hung out with Bradley on Saturday night, and the Cumbys for brunch on Sunday. Groceries. Church.
Monday, November 26, 2007
weekend
went to Montreal
came back...
That was pretty much the weekend, aside from marking some assignments on Friday night. And the trip to Montreal was more about hanging out with the McG's than seeing the city, since all we really had time to do was eat a few meals and log some highway miles.
We did walk around old Montreal for a little while, stopped in at Notre Dame and the fishermen's church, and met up with Rob W and his girlfriend for brunch on Sunday.
came back...
That was pretty much the weekend, aside from marking some assignments on Friday night. And the trip to Montreal was more about hanging out with the McG's than seeing the city, since all we really had time to do was eat a few meals and log some highway miles.
We did walk around old Montreal for a little while, stopped in at Notre Dame and the fishermen's church, and met up with Rob W and his girlfriend for brunch on Sunday.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
I live still
Seems I skipped a weekend update...
My new job started this week - and seems to be going OK. I have been working on a commercial office building development, which is certainly different.
Last night Clayton Park played a show at the Kathedral - they sounded great and a good few people were there despite the rain.
Today it is snowing.
On Saturday we will be driving to Montreal with David and Jen McG.
My new job started this week - and seems to be going OK. I have been working on a commercial office building development, which is certainly different.
Last night Clayton Park played a show at the Kathedral - they sounded great and a good few people were there despite the rain.
Today it is snowing.
On Saturday we will be driving to Montreal with David and Jen McG.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Last Days
For those who haven't heard - today is my last day of work before starting a new job on Monday.
I have been spending the last week trying to wrap things up, and all of today handing off project folders to other people.
I have been spending the last week trying to wrap things up, and all of today handing off project folders to other people.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
decalogue 2
We have a lot of work to do if we are going to get through the next eight of these before Sunday!
Monday, November 12, 2007
w__k_nd _pd_t_
On Friday we went over to Andrew and Bradley's for dinner, and to play some music.
On Saturday we went to a church meeting, and then we went and bought me some clothes.
On Sunday I met up with Nolan (who used to work with me) for lunch, and then went to an exhibit at the Design Exchange. After church we watched part one of Krzysztof Kieślowski's The Decalogue.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Weekender
Friday night - Leah went out with the DR grrrls - for dinner, and then to 'cause trouble around town. I stayed home and took the opportunity to watch Batman Begins. I (generally) <3 superhero movies, at least in theory (in practice, they tend to kinda suck). This one was pretty sweet.
Afterwards, I cleaned and set up the drums underneath the bed. It is kinda ridiculous, but it works.
Saturday - Leah had a rehearsal at the house - so people showed up with instruments and learned a few of her songs for the show on Tuesday. That evening, we went to the gluten/dairy-free fish and chips blace on Broadview.
Sunday - we hit up the always exciting Dufferin Mall. We had to buy some random Wal-Mart things, as well as some groceries. I hate even going in to Wal-Mart, but we generally end up there a couple of times a year. Church was good, and afterwards we went to Hosu Bistro with the bound-for-NYC Sue.
Afterwards, I cleaned and set up the drums underneath the bed. It is kinda ridiculous, but it works.
Saturday - Leah had a rehearsal at the house - so people showed up with instruments and learned a few of her songs for the show on Tuesday. That evening, we went to the gluten/dairy-free fish and chips blace on Broadview.
Sunday - we hit up the always exciting Dufferin Mall. We had to buy some random Wal-Mart things, as well as some groceries. I hate even going in to Wal-Mart, but we generally end up there a couple of times a year. Church was good, and afterwards we went to Hosu Bistro with the bound-for-NYC Sue.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
weekend
The last few days have been a little hectic - but things are calming down now, which is good.
We went to a couple of shows over the weekend... one for Don's CD release at the Rex. It was pretty rammed, and the music was of course amazing.
On Sunday night we went to Mitzi's Sister, where Jessica was playing a show. Leah was rocking the flute/vox on a couple of songs. The show got pushed back at the last minute, so we ended up unwittingly arriving an hour early, which was kinda neat 'cause we got to hang out with the violin player and her husband.
Last night, after getting back from Humber, I went down to Paul and Becky's to borrow Dan's truck. We then proceeded to move all of our stuff out of the studio and into our apartment. There is currently (among other things) an entire drum kit scattered around the living room, and a little air organ in the kitchen. Somewhere in the move, my table broke, so I will have to rewire it at some point. We also hauled Jen's desk and Mae's backdrop rolls over to their house before returning the truck, gratefully filled with gas and beer.
That's it for now...
We went to a couple of shows over the weekend... one for Don's CD release at the Rex. It was pretty rammed, and the music was of course amazing.
On Sunday night we went to Mitzi's Sister, where Jessica was playing a show. Leah was rocking the flute/vox on a couple of songs. The show got pushed back at the last minute, so we ended up unwittingly arriving an hour early, which was kinda neat 'cause we got to hang out with the violin player and her husband.
Last night, after getting back from Humber, I went down to Paul and Becky's to borrow Dan's truck. We then proceeded to move all of our stuff out of the studio and into our apartment. There is currently (among other things) an entire drum kit scattered around the living room, and a little air organ in the kitchen. Somewhere in the move, my table broke, so I will have to rewire it at some point. We also hauled Jen's desk and Mae's backdrop rolls over to their house before returning the truck, gratefully filled with gas and beer.
That's it for now...
Thursday, October 25, 2007
The Immigrant
Immigrant Design has been getting some much needed updating of late, with a couple of older projects finally reformatted for the site...
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
The Weekend
You know the deal:
Friday - we went out for Korean food for dinner, and then rented the Color Purple... old school, featuring, among others, Oprah Winfrey. Despite that, it is a pretty good story... I hadn't watched it since high-school, and I didn't realize how overly dramatic some of the scenes are (in my opinion, at least)
Saturday was the church annual general meeting. It was a good meeting, but too long.
I sort of hoped to watch the world cup rugby final afterwards, but instead I went in to the office and prepared lecture material for today's classes. Turns out South Africa won the world cup - not that I care about rugby, but it would have been kinda fun to watch.
Sunday was church - afterwards Jeremy and Bradley came over, and we ate sushi from Hosu bistro. That place is killer, btw. Then we stayed up a bit too late for having to get up at 6. Not that people had to get up at 6. Except for me.
Turns out students don't particularly mind if their 3 hour class doesn't go for the full 3 hours (at least, those that mind are pretty quiet about it...) Today we talked about both metal and glass, all in just over an hour.
Friday - we went out for Korean food for dinner, and then rented the Color Purple... old school, featuring, among others, Oprah Winfrey. Despite that, it is a pretty good story... I hadn't watched it since high-school, and I didn't realize how overly dramatic some of the scenes are (in my opinion, at least)
Saturday was the church annual general meeting. It was a good meeting, but too long.
I sort of hoped to watch the world cup rugby final afterwards, but instead I went in to the office and prepared lecture material for today's classes. Turns out South Africa won the world cup - not that I care about rugby, but it would have been kinda fun to watch.
Sunday was church - afterwards Jeremy and Bradley came over, and we ate sushi from Hosu bistro. That place is killer, btw. Then we stayed up a bit too late for having to get up at 6. Not that people had to get up at 6. Except for me.
Turns out students don't particularly mind if their 3 hour class doesn't go for the full 3 hours (at least, those that mind are pretty quiet about it...) Today we talked about both metal and glass, all in just over an hour.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Hamlet
If you don't listen to This American Life, you haven't heard this episode on prisoners performing Hamlet...
I highly recommend the show (podcast it), and this episode in particular.
I highly recommend the show (podcast it), and this episode in particular.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Late Update
So - I'm a little late at the old weekend update, but here goes...
On Friday night, Leah was playing a show (of the CD release variety) with the Loitering Heroes. It was at the Tranzac, which is a great place for shows, and the first time that I saw them play with new drummer, Nico (I might end up taking drum lessons from him, once the drums are set up in our apartment!) Some new songs too, which are pretty sweet.
Afterwards, we hung out (sushi, Starbucks) with Bradley. Among other things, we talked about how his thesis is freaking him out, and his plans to take the bus out to California to record with Jason Martin (and Leah and I, if we're up for it).
The rest of the weekend pretty much saw me working on lesson-planning and putting together assignments for Humber kids. Seriously, the rest of the weekend, except for Kevin and Jenn's housewarming, and church.
Yesterday I was at Humber, dispensing quizzes, assignments, and my own precious knowledge! Afterwards I went grocery shopping and made dinner, and then went to bed before my migraine headache kicked in too hard.
And today I am back at the office... and listening to the recently (at lunch) purchased R.E.M. live album(s). So far I am actually pleasantly pleased (I was worried, to be honest). I am hoping (against the odds, I fear) for their new album next year to be HUGE...
I am old.
On Friday night, Leah was playing a show (of the CD release variety) with the Loitering Heroes. It was at the Tranzac, which is a great place for shows, and the first time that I saw them play with new drummer, Nico (I might end up taking drum lessons from him, once the drums are set up in our apartment!) Some new songs too, which are pretty sweet.
Afterwards, we hung out (sushi, Starbucks) with Bradley. Among other things, we talked about how his thesis is freaking him out, and his plans to take the bus out to California to record with Jason Martin (and Leah and I, if we're up for it).
The rest of the weekend pretty much saw me working on lesson-planning and putting together assignments for Humber kids. Seriously, the rest of the weekend, except for Kevin and Jenn's housewarming, and church.
Yesterday I was at Humber, dispensing quizzes, assignments, and my own precious knowledge! Afterwards I went grocery shopping and made dinner, and then went to bed before my migraine headache kicked in too hard.
And today I am back at the office... and listening to the recently (at lunch) purchased R.E.M. live album(s). So far I am actually pleasantly pleased (I was worried, to be honest). I am hoping (against the odds, I fear) for their new album next year to be HUGE...
I am old.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Long Weekend
Mostly we had a couple of Thanksgiving meals - so we made a few pies.
Also - I ran sound at church, for the first time in a while, since everyone was away for the weekend.
Also - I ran sound at church, for the first time in a while, since everyone was away for the weekend.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Football
Yesterday after work, some people from the office played soccer against folks from the architecture office that's a floor above ours.
I signed up, expecting a friendly game at Trinity Bellwoods or something. The next thing I knew, I was given a black Umbro team shirt, and told that we were playing here.
The guys from upstairs seemed kinda shocked when we didn't all show up wearing cleats and shin guards, and that our goalie didn't have gloves... and I couldn't help overhearing conversation about where and when there next game was...
Needless to say, we kinda got schooled - although not as badly as I suspected we might be. I learned that my soccer skills are pretty weak - turns out if you don't play for, like, 20 years - you lose most of whatever ability you had (which probably wasn't all that much anyway - 'cause you were 10!) By the second half though, things were getting better - the mostly forgotten soccer area of my brain was starting to wake up (even though my body was perhaps still a little behind.)
Another thing I learned is that, even with the occasional subbing out for breaks on the sidelines, a full-on 90 minute game on a full-on official size field is absolutely killer. In the last few minutes I was fighting off cramps in my calf muscles (and then had to bike home, too!)
Unfortunately, one guy fell during the game and landed nastily. He ended up going to the hospital, 'cause his collarbone was, um, definitely not in a normal position anymore. It sucked - I was talking to him while people were off getting the security folks and looking for someone with a car - and I had no idea what to do or say to help. I haven't heard if it was broken, or just out of place...
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Check out these lyrics...
I saw the Devil in the Garden, he was bringing Good News
I saw the Devil in the Garden, he was bringing Good News
He told me I could be in charge and then he brought me a noose
I put it right around my neck, I thought I'd wear it (just loose)
I saw the Devil in the Garden, he was bringing Good News
He told me I could be in charge and then he brought me a noose
I put it right around my neck, I thought I'd wear it (just loose)
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
DriveXV
For those interested, Stereogum organized a 15 year anniversary tribute to Automatic for the People... download/read about that junk here.
(In case you didn't hear, they also did a 10 year anniversary tribute to OK Computer a few months back.)
Both bands have albums out in a couple of weeks...
(In case you didn't hear, they also did a 10 year anniversary tribute to OK Computer a few months back.)
Both bands have albums out in a couple of weeks...
Backwards
It is rainy and grey, so I rode the rocket in to work, rather than my bike. I was listening to Endtroducing, and that, together with the grey, made me want to keep walking, past the office, and down to the Gardiner and the train tracks. Somehow the trash and graffiti and concrete of the 'terrain vague' can be more comforting than the office.
Last night we went to see Douglas Coupland read from his new book. It was the first time I have ever been to a reading, and it was pretty neat. I will say that I preferred the times when he was just talking about stuff, in between chunks of the Gum Thief (which I haven't read, but probably will once the winter forces me onto the subway every day). Afterwards people lined up for him to sign their copies of his books.
I also went to Humber and taught a class on Flooring. It was very exciting, and afterwards people lined up and I signed copies of their Interior Detailing textbooks.
On Sunday, I was going to play drums at church. After setting up the whole kit, I discovered that the kick pedal was missing - turns out it was left out last week and the folks at St Andrew's locked it up for us. So I didn't play drums.
On Saturday I spent the day putting together Powerpoint slides for my lecture on Flooring. That evening, one of Leah's friends from highschool came over to visit. After dinner in Koreatown, we strolled around the Nuit Blanche festivities. This mostly meant walking through frustratingly dense crowds, and seeing almost nothing of the exhibits. Basically we went for a long walk. It was good.
On Friday, Leah went to the Rivoli to sing backup for everybody's favourite country duo. I went to a long church meeting at the pastors' house.
Last night we went to see Douglas Coupland read from his new book. It was the first time I have ever been to a reading, and it was pretty neat. I will say that I preferred the times when he was just talking about stuff, in between chunks of the Gum Thief (which I haven't read, but probably will once the winter forces me onto the subway every day). Afterwards people lined up for him to sign their copies of his books.
I also went to Humber and taught a class on Flooring. It was very exciting, and afterwards people lined up and I signed copies of their Interior Detailing textbooks.
On Sunday, I was going to play drums at church. After setting up the whole kit, I discovered that the kick pedal was missing - turns out it was left out last week and the folks at St Andrew's locked it up for us. So I didn't play drums.
On Saturday I spent the day putting together Powerpoint slides for my lecture on Flooring. That evening, one of Leah's friends from highschool came over to visit. After dinner in Koreatown, we strolled around the Nuit Blanche festivities. This mostly meant walking through frustratingly dense crowds, and seeing almost nothing of the exhibits. Basically we went for a long walk. It was good.
On Friday, Leah went to the Rivoli to sing backup for everybody's favourite country duo. I went to a long church meeting at the pastors' house.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
I <3 Processing
(nerd post warning)
I wrote my first Processing script last Friday...
I don't know if I will have the time to learn how to use it, but the 3D engine makes me want to try.
For example, I could never do this in Flash...
I wrote my first Processing script last Friday...
I don't know if I will have the time to learn how to use it, but the 3D engine makes me want to try.
For example, I could never do this in Flash...
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Cellulose + Science -> Fuel + Water
There is a pretty interesting article over in Wired about the efforts of various researchers to find a cost-effective way of converting cellulose to usable fuel.
Could this be the future?
I propose a car with four stomachs.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Weekend
Friday afternoon - The office had their big grand opening... the CEO showed up, as did king-of-town, David Miller. That night we watched the Departed (all the stars, but I didn't care for it).
Saturday - we went grocery shopping, and then trekked up to the old hood to see the ArtStarts art house. They basically took an old beat-up house which is scheduled for demolition, and painted it up. There is a giant octopus-beast with his tentacles wrapped around the thing, and pretty hilarious quotes everywhere. There was also a band playing covers of everything from Dylan to the Beastie Boys, and a massive tire sized bowl of donuts.
Later we went to see Basia Bulat at the Music Gallery, after randomly reading the article in Now. It was pretty good, although we were both expecting a more polished band... instead there was a definite this-is-one-of-our-first-shows-ever kinda vibe. It was fun.
Sunday - I stepped outside to Salvation Army church in the morning (787 Dovercourt... we're at 781) - it turns out the pastors' family spent a lot of time in South Africa. They were disappointed to discover that I am not much of a rugby fan. Church featured uniforms and a brass band, and a lot of older folks, mostly... but is was pretty cool.
Church at night featured no uniforms, Leah and Anne, and a lot of kids, mostly...
Afterwards we went to Jonathan Bluks & Co's place.
Saturday - we went grocery shopping, and then trekked up to the old hood to see the ArtStarts art house. They basically took an old beat-up house which is scheduled for demolition, and painted it up. There is a giant octopus-beast with his tentacles wrapped around the thing, and pretty hilarious quotes everywhere. There was also a band playing covers of everything from Dylan to the Beastie Boys, and a massive tire sized bowl of donuts.
Later we went to see Basia Bulat at the Music Gallery, after randomly reading the article in Now. It was pretty good, although we were both expecting a more polished band... instead there was a definite this-is-one-of-our-first-shows-ever kinda vibe. It was fun.
Sunday - I stepped outside to Salvation Army church in the morning (787 Dovercourt... we're at 781) - it turns out the pastors' family spent a lot of time in South Africa. They were disappointed to discover that I am not much of a rugby fan. Church featured uniforms and a brass band, and a lot of older folks, mostly... but is was pretty cool.
Church at night featured no uniforms, Leah and Anne, and a lot of kids, mostly...
Afterwards we went to Jonathan Bluks & Co's place.
Friday, September 21, 2007
talk20
A while back Zellyn sent me a link about Pecha Kucha; 20 powerpoint slides, 20 seconds per slide, 6 mins and 40 seconds of presentation, total.
Yesterday I found out about talk20 - it was free, it was at the Drake... so I decided to check it out.
Turns out it was really cool. There were presentations from a number of groups whose work I had already seen online (thanks to core77 and archinect)... as well as a bunch of others. The work ranged from spatial design to furniture to glitch-art to fixtures to urban exploration to landscape to straight-up hipster-art.
If you haven't seen this guys site yet, check out some sweet pics of the sewers of Toronto (and other places)...
These guys were funny.
And this site is something I need to check out when I have some time (since I ran my first ever Processing script yesterday).
Here are links to all of the participants... all in all it was pretty inspiring.
There is another round coming up Nov 1, if anyone wants to go with me...
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
Weekend Summary
Rehearsal on Friday night... Leah, Bradley and I ran through the songs for church. Went to bed too late.
Saturday... I ran around town and bought some pants and shoes. On Saturday night, we watched God Grew Tired of Us, which I highly recommend. The movie documents some Sudanese refugees (the lost boys of Sudan) as they move to the US... It is pretty amazing.
Sunday... laundry and church.
Saturday... I ran around town and bought some pants and shoes. On Saturday night, we watched God Grew Tired of Us, which I highly recommend. The movie documents some Sudanese refugees (the lost boys of Sudan) as they move to the US... It is pretty amazing.
Sunday... laundry and church.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Nothing
I don't have anything to say here these days.
Here is a neat post from a blog, about why we write...
It reminds me of my scribble.nu days (almost 8 years ago?!) - when my online presence was creative and energetic and personal. Is it possible to recreate/discover an environment that is as creatively inspiring as that one was?
Last night I went to the Welobike fundraiser. Like all events, it didn't really get going until after my bedtime. I rode a bike and lit up an LED screen. And then I rode a bike home... as the bands were taking to the stage.
Tonight I will be playing the drums, practicing for church on Sunday. It's been a while since thumping on them tubs... I hope it works out.
Oh - and I had coffee this morning with somebody I went to Georgia Tech with. She is in town for a wedding, and I swear I haven't seen or talked to her in maybe 8 years. It was really good - like having my mind shoved through space and time. I miss people and places but I don't even know it.
Here is a neat post from a blog, about why we write...
It reminds me of my scribble.nu days (almost 8 years ago?!) - when my online presence was creative and energetic and personal. Is it possible to recreate/discover an environment that is as creatively inspiring as that one was?
Last night I went to the Welobike fundraiser. Like all events, it didn't really get going until after my bedtime. I rode a bike and lit up an LED screen. And then I rode a bike home... as the bands were taking to the stage.
Tonight I will be playing the drums, practicing for church on Sunday. It's been a while since thumping on them tubs... I hope it works out.
Oh - and I had coffee this morning with somebody I went to Georgia Tech with. She is in town for a wedding, and I swear I haven't seen or talked to her in maybe 8 years. It was really good - like having my mind shoved through space and time. I miss people and places but I don't even know it.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
In the News
A couple of articles for your reading pleasure...
Welobike gets some love from the Star.
And the Global Warming Chess Team gets props in Now.
Welobike gets some love from the Star.
And the Global Warming Chess Team gets props in Now.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Crazy Weekend Update
It was indeed a crazy weekend.
Friday was Leah's birthday. 3-0!. It was also Lisa's last day staying with us, and the end of a 5 night run of house guests. And it was also Dylan's welcome back to Toronto party. Crazy, busy, fun times.
On Saturday, I headed down to the islands for the Virgin music festival. I had signed up to volunteer with Global Inheritance - I am on their email list and was happy to see they were coming to Toronto. I didn't really know what I was in for, other than it involved human global warming chess. I spent the morning helping to finish the giant chess-boards, and then went on to help with the final touches (emergency measures!) on assembling a giant wind-turbine costume (and pretty much covering my hands in spray-insulation and spray-paint).
Just before the first game started, I was assigned the role of playing a solar panel - this is pretty much like a bishop, in traditional chess, but with a sandwich board of solar panels, a mask and a bright orange wig...
AND woman's American Apparel GOLD TIGHTS.
After a quick run to the washroom to change into my leggings, I was ready to do battle against the forces of pollution and destruction. We managed to draw a decent crowd, but we lost the two first games, with major havoc wreaked by the black queen (a factory, with smoke billowing from her chimney). The final game of the evening was an epic battle, with Hugh of the Wildbirds leading us to our first victory of the day!!
It was RIDICULOUS. And lots of fun. I got more than a few 'nice tights' comments, and a number of requests for pictures.
After about 7, we were free to roam the festival grounds. I saw most of Mute Math's set, with Felicity and Marty (MM's biggest fans). After that, I saw the first two songs of Bjork's set, which was AMAZING! I then left to go and catch the ferry, and heard another couple of songs on my way there. It was magical riding towards downtown on the ferry, on a clear cool night, with Bjork and her 12 piece brass section soundtracking the whole thing.
I left before the end in order to book it up to the Concord, to see Jessica play. The set included a couple of guest appearances... Leah on flute and backup vocals, for a couple of songs (including a Feist cover), and a crazy, not-altogether-sober lady who requested to get on the mic for a minute... and proceeded to bust out some not-all-that-bad-sounding freestyles (although the actual words were mostly incomprehensible). Jessica and the band were pretty freaking awesome - it is crazy watching jazz musicians who are so good they can kill, without even putting forth any effort.
On Sunday I frantically tried to prepare for Monday's classes at Humber. I had to give two lectures, and had not managed to even get my hands on the textbook yet. It was stressful, to say the least. Church was good, although I was feeling pretty burnt. Pat prayed for me in the back, which was cool. I managed to slip my volunteer bracelet off, and gave it to Leah... so she skipped out early to go and watch the Killers and the Smashing Pumpkins (who totally blew her mind, by the way). I went home and threw together a presentation on Sustainable Practices.
I couldn't sleep. Leah came home at 1 or something. I think I fell asleep around 2. I woke up at 5 yesterday and trekked out to Humber for an 8 oclock lecture. The rest of the day was spent scrambling to prepare for a 2.30 lecture on Residential Framing... hectic. I got home, exhausted. Leah had made a delicious dinner, and then we watched the Goonies...
And that was the weekend...
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Extra Long Weekend Update
Leah's brother Matt, and his girfriend, Darcy, stayed with us this weekend. They are moving to Winnipeg, and stopped in TO for a couple of days.
So... we all went to Canada's Wonderland on Monday. We had close to perfect weather, and hit up a number of rollercoasters and waterslides. Aside from Leah kinda hurting her neck on what must be the jerkiest old wooden rollercoaster anywhere, we had a good time. I haven't really been to any amusement park type places since the proliferation of the unusual-position-ride - so riding Top Gun (the seats are suspended, with your legs hanging over nothing) and Tomb Raider (suspended on your belly - like Superman) was pretty rad.
On Tuesday, I took the day off, and we roamed around Queen Street and the Eaton Centre.
Other highlights of the weekend included:
Visiting the Pastoral Residence, to help paint.
Having (Dr!) Lisa around town, and in the neighbourhood, and coming over to eat!
Doing a whole lot of grocery shopping and laundry.
and, having Dylan back in town... even though we haven't seen him yet.
So... we all went to Canada's Wonderland on Monday. We had close to perfect weather, and hit up a number of rollercoasters and waterslides. Aside from Leah kinda hurting her neck on what must be the jerkiest old wooden rollercoaster anywhere, we had a good time. I haven't really been to any amusement park type places since the proliferation of the unusual-position-ride - so riding Top Gun (the seats are suspended, with your legs hanging over nothing) and Tomb Raider (suspended on your belly - like Superman) was pretty rad.
On Tuesday, I took the day off, and we roamed around Queen Street and the Eaton Centre.
Other highlights of the weekend included:
Visiting the Pastoral Residence, to help paint.
Having (Dr!) Lisa around town, and in the neighbourhood, and coming over to eat!
Doing a whole lot of grocery shopping and laundry.
and, having Dylan back in town... even though we haven't seen him yet.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
The Concord
Last night we went to the Concord, to see Indio Saravanja... Since Dylan gave me the heads up about this guy (who he saw play in Yellowknife last summer), and since the Concord is a) rad and b) 5 mins from our house, I figured we should check it out.
It was a pretty good show, of the Freetimes/one guitar and one mic variety - although I was a bit tired. Also, the key to a lot of Indio's songs seems to be in the storys that he is telling... which can be hard to catch, especially in some of his more wordy songs.
My faves seemed to be the ones that were about living in small Northern towns... something universal, yet super-Canadian going on (at least in my mind - see Daniel Howlett if you want more examples).
Pretty sweet though, especially since we are old and boring now, and never see any live shows any more.
It was a pretty good show, of the Freetimes/one guitar and one mic variety - although I was a bit tired. Also, the key to a lot of Indio's songs seems to be in the storys that he is telling... which can be hard to catch, especially in some of his more wordy songs.
My faves seemed to be the ones that were about living in small Northern towns... something universal, yet super-Canadian going on (at least in my mind - see Daniel Howlett if you want more examples).
Pretty sweet though, especially since we are old and boring now, and never see any live shows any more.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Weekend update
On Friday afternoon, Leah and I went to the scary yellow and blue world of Ikea. We spent loads of money.
On Saturday, I wrestled with an Ikea flåren. Some underpaid factory slave in the abused world had drilled some holes in the wrong spots, and I refused to spend the 3 or so hours it would take to go back to Ikea to return one piece of wood. Instead I used my limited tool-set to beat the shelf into submission. This was more successful than hanging the thing on the wall, which took a few tries. I eventually added an extra bracket, 'cause that thing is pretty heavy, and hangs directly above the toilet. Leah suggested that we leave a bike helmet in the bathroom.
Later that day our new mattress showed up. After sleeping on a futon for the last forever (one that Leah bought about 6 years ago or something) this is a new development for us. Unfortunately, the mattress is a lot thicker than a futon, which brings our previously high-but-comfortable bed to a high-and-a-bit-too-close-to-the-ceiling level. I am seriously considering chopping a few inches off the legs.
That evening we met Jen at Bradbucks. Unfortunately, Bradley was not working. We also checked out BMV, the big cheap blue book/DVD store. I don't buy DVDs, generally, but this time I did purchase Joe vs the Volcano. I couldn't find it at any rental places, so this was pretty much my only option if I wanted to see it. Which I did. I used to list it as one of my top favorite movies, and I wanted to see if it is actually any good. Turns out it is! (although I'm not sure Leah would agree). When was the last time someone (other than small indie film-makers - this thing stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan) went out on such a long limb to make something that whacky and creative? Leah also bought one of those Rolling Stones books, showing the first 1000 covers of the magazine.
On Sunday we went to Billy's for breakfast.
Church involved Leah on guitar, Bradley on bass, and 3 to 4 guys (myself included, for a few songs) on various percussive instruments ranging from the didgeridoo, to the cajon. The potential for hippie-drum-circle chaos was somehow avoided, and it ended up sounding hippie-drum-circle kinda cool.
On Saturday, I wrestled with an Ikea flåren. Some underpaid factory slave in the abused world had drilled some holes in the wrong spots, and I refused to spend the 3 or so hours it would take to go back to Ikea to return one piece of wood. Instead I used my limited tool-set to beat the shelf into submission. This was more successful than hanging the thing on the wall, which took a few tries. I eventually added an extra bracket, 'cause that thing is pretty heavy, and hangs directly above the toilet. Leah suggested that we leave a bike helmet in the bathroom.
Later that day our new mattress showed up. After sleeping on a futon for the last forever (one that Leah bought about 6 years ago or something) this is a new development for us. Unfortunately, the mattress is a lot thicker than a futon, which brings our previously high-but-comfortable bed to a high-and-a-bit-too-close-to-the-ceiling level. I am seriously considering chopping a few inches off the legs.
That evening we met Jen at Bradbucks. Unfortunately, Bradley was not working. We also checked out BMV, the big cheap blue book/DVD store. I don't buy DVDs, generally, but this time I did purchase Joe vs the Volcano. I couldn't find it at any rental places, so this was pretty much my only option if I wanted to see it. Which I did. I used to list it as one of my top favorite movies, and I wanted to see if it is actually any good. Turns out it is! (although I'm not sure Leah would agree). When was the last time someone (other than small indie film-makers - this thing stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan) went out on such a long limb to make something that whacky and creative? Leah also bought one of those Rolling Stones books, showing the first 1000 covers of the magazine.
On Sunday we went to Billy's for breakfast.
Church involved Leah on guitar, Bradley on bass, and 3 to 4 guys (myself included, for a few songs) on various percussive instruments ranging from the didgeridoo, to the cajon. The potential for hippie-drum-circle chaos was somehow avoided, and it ended up sounding hippie-drum-circle kinda cool.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Radiant City
Last night we rented Radiant City - I've been wanting to see it for a while (it's all about the suburbs, and why/how they are killing us). It was OK, although the ending was a bit odd. I think I will like it more the more I think about it though...
Check it out if you're too lazy to read Kunstler's books (he's in the movie... and I must admit that I still haven't made it through the Geography of Nowhere despite a number of attempts), or for a more 'emergent' perspective, if you roll like that, Sidewalks in the Kingdom (which I actually thought was pretty good... I finished it at least!)
Monday, August 20, 2007
The Update
On Friday evening some folks came over to our place for a barbecue. It was fun times (even though the Hubbles didn't show!)
Afterwards, Leah and I went to a late night showing of Dark Side of the Rainbow, at the Bloor cinema. This is basically The Wizard of Oz with the audio switched out for Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. Supposedly, the album audio lines up with the film in all sorts of crazy ways - I had never seen it before, and was pretty interested to see how it works.
Given the merging of Pink Floyd with the freakiness of Oz, we fully expected a high number of stoners in the crowd. What we did not expect was for the ENTIRE audience to pretty much light up IN THE THEATRE as soon as they got through the doors. The kids in front of us even pulled a home-made bong out of their bag. Canada. The stench of weed, coupled with the precocious idiotic babble coming out of their mouths convinced us to move over to the far side of the theatre.
The movie/soundtrack thing was a bit of a let-down, in my opinion. Leah disagrees, but aside from the odd (admittedly pretty cool) synchronicity, the main highlights for me were seeing the OZ movie (I don't think I'd ever seen it all, and frankly, if you more or less know the story, you don't need the audio), and listening to the album through cinema speakers.
We got home too late.
On Saturday I went to the furniture bank, for their monthly sale. I scored a fairly nice (albeit huge) coffee table for $31 (which included a $6 delivery fee!). That evening we watched Looking for Leonard, a kinda not-great indie Canadian film, which I plucked at random from the shelves of Blockbuster, and which turned out to be more enjoyable and better than your average non indie/foreign movie.
On Sunday, I took a fairly major nap before church, and then we some how ended up at Rice Bar. Again! (On the way there, we drove past a crazy man skipping energetically up Spadina with his pants pulled down...)
Afterwards, Leah and I went to a late night showing of Dark Side of the Rainbow, at the Bloor cinema. This is basically The Wizard of Oz with the audio switched out for Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. Supposedly, the album audio lines up with the film in all sorts of crazy ways - I had never seen it before, and was pretty interested to see how it works.
Given the merging of Pink Floyd with the freakiness of Oz, we fully expected a high number of stoners in the crowd. What we did not expect was for the ENTIRE audience to pretty much light up IN THE THEATRE as soon as they got through the doors. The kids in front of us even pulled a home-made bong out of their bag. Canada. The stench of weed, coupled with the precocious idiotic babble coming out of their mouths convinced us to move over to the far side of the theatre.
The movie/soundtrack thing was a bit of a let-down, in my opinion. Leah disagrees, but aside from the odd (admittedly pretty cool) synchronicity, the main highlights for me were seeing the OZ movie (I don't think I'd ever seen it all, and frankly, if you more or less know the story, you don't need the audio), and listening to the album through cinema speakers.
We got home too late.
On Saturday I went to the furniture bank, for their monthly sale. I scored a fairly nice (albeit huge) coffee table for $31 (which included a $6 delivery fee!). That evening we watched Looking for Leonard, a kinda not-great indie Canadian film, which I plucked at random from the shelves of Blockbuster, and which turned out to be more enjoyable and better than your average non indie/foreign movie.
On Sunday, I took a fairly major nap before church, and then we some how ended up at Rice Bar. Again! (On the way there, we drove past a crazy man skipping energetically up Spadina with his pants pulled down...)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Weekender
Friday - we hit the kitchen with a coat of paint. Turns out the old paint was oil-based, so the new stuff kinda slides on. That evening we went to a church elders meeting.
Saturday - I cruised up to the old neighbourhood with Don, and sold him my old drum kit. Afterwards I finished off the last details of the frustrating getting-any-service-from-Bell-Canada-to-actually-work process of having a functioning internet connection. I went for a long walk, and then went to buy a few groceries at the Duff. Whilst there I purchased the latest Drive-by Truckers CD, and the first Lynrd Skynrd album. Yes. That is correct.
That night we went to the Bloor to see Knocked Up. The Bloor is cool, but the movie was... not great.
Sunday - we had breakfast with The Guerette trio (although Dominic didn't get anything) at Billy's. Afterwards, I added another coat of paint to the kitchen.
Church.
Pancakes for dinner.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Week Update
It seems like its been a busy week - we had an old-school church prayer-meeting on Wednesday night. It was really good, although it ended a bit late. And then last night we went to Two by Two. It was fun, and we wanted to stick around to see the fashion show segment... which is pretty much the highlight of the evening! It is hilarious to see people you know wearing clothes made by people you know doing their hilarious versions of runway strutting. The Freedom gang has a really fun style all around, and the models always seem to have fun too, making for a great show. Highlights incuded the series of sweaters converted to pants and held up by suspenders (!), a couple of really sweet dresses, and of course Luke M, with his odd gyrations and Zoolander attitude. Again, a late night!
Today we will begin to paint.
Today we will begin to paint.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Weekender
It was a long one... and I worked like a pack-mule.
On Friday we hit up New Canadian for some wood. I built version two of our bed, and this time it is six feet off the ground. It is pretty sweet 'cause the desk fits underneath it. Yesterday I went back for some wood for a ladder, 'cause the chair to dresser to milkcrate-on-dresser seemed pretty sketchy. I notched the posts at every rung of the ladder, and it took FOREVER (using an XActo saw and a $2.99 hacksaw - it wasn't pretty).
We also finished converting the kitchen to a reasonable state of cleanliness (the bathroom is still kinda grisly), and we managed to get most of our stuff unpacked. Once we paint (next weekend?), we can put up a few more shelves and get the rest of our stuff sorted out.
I also got the internet sort of set up... running a 25' cable from the phone jack, getting everything plugged in, sitting on the phone with tech-support for 20-30 minutes... only to be told that someone would contact us within 24 to 48 hours, once Bell fixes whatever the problem is that makes things not work!
Also set up and tore down church on sunday, and played the melodica... afterwards we hit up RiceBar (again) with Jamie and Bradley. Bradley came over and we stayed up too late.
Other highlights included being visited by Esther Parry, riding the bike with two 10' long pieces of wood on my shoulder, and rocking the new Tegan and Sara album...
On Friday we hit up New Canadian for some wood. I built version two of our bed, and this time it is six feet off the ground. It is pretty sweet 'cause the desk fits underneath it. Yesterday I went back for some wood for a ladder, 'cause the chair to dresser to milkcrate-on-dresser seemed pretty sketchy. I notched the posts at every rung of the ladder, and it took FOREVER (using an XActo saw and a $2.99 hacksaw - it wasn't pretty).
We also finished converting the kitchen to a reasonable state of cleanliness (the bathroom is still kinda grisly), and we managed to get most of our stuff unpacked. Once we paint (next weekend?), we can put up a few more shelves and get the rest of our stuff sorted out.
I also got the internet sort of set up... running a 25' cable from the phone jack, getting everything plugged in, sitting on the phone with tech-support for 20-30 minutes... only to be told that someone would contact us within 24 to 48 hours, once Bell fixes whatever the problem is that makes things not work!
Also set up and tore down church on sunday, and played the melodica... afterwards we hit up RiceBar (again) with Jamie and Bradley. Bradley came over and we stayed up too late.
Other highlights included being visited by Esther Parry, riding the bike with two 10' long pieces of wood on my shoulder, and rocking the new Tegan and Sara album...
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Dos por Dos
If Leah and I didn't have to unpack and organize our apartment tonight, I would totally be at the WETBACK screening tonight.
Do you have to unpack and organize all your worldly possessions tonight? No? So go already...
Do you have to unpack and organize all your worldly possessions tonight? No? So go already...
Moved
So we moved yesterday. We picked up the van at 7:30am, and I dropped it off around 11:30 last night. We moved all of our stuff, and a lot of Jessica's, and somehow in there ended up moving about 4 couches... 2 of which were sleeper couches (=heavy) and pretty much all of which had to fit through ridiculously small doorways.
I don't know if we will ever get our new couch out of our apartment if we ever move again (which we're not ever doing, by the way!) - highlights included dropping off the gross 'free' couch that we decided we didn't want at Value Village (it was so easy...) and also scoring an actually nice couch for $40 after randomly spotting it in someone's driveway.
We 'slept' for about 4-5 hours on the living room floor, between the desk and the couch... and for some reason, at about 3am, the cats decided to go freaking mental. Petrie was racing back and forth from the bedroom, through the living room, and into the kitchen, the full length of the house (the typical long skinny Toronto floorplan is a new thing for him, I guess). This of course means that he was racing back and forth across our heads! Eventually I got up and locked them both in the bathroom. They are seriously mental.
This morning I got up and scavenged the chaos of boxes for food, clothing etc. and then rode my bike in to work. I called up Bell, and they are sending a technician by our house sometime today. Maybe I should phone Leah and let her know... oh wait, I can't, the phone doesn't work.
[update] 537 7469... or 416 53-SPINY... or 416 LESS?-HOW?..
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