Thursday, July 24, 2008
Bikes
Hopefully the more bikes they find, the more chance there is of this guy never having the chance to sell another bike again.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Fact #4
I like walking. It's sort of hard for me to think of things that I like doing. Watching good movies is pretty high on my list.
I have a hard time doing nothing - just relaxing - sitting around. I am much better off doing something - although this can result in the feeling of being constantly busy. Unable to rest.
Walking forces you to do pretty much nothing, but at the same time, you're not doing nothing. Sometimes it can fool me into relaxing.
As an added bonus, it's kinda good for you, and it's pretty cheap...
Walking also seems to give my brain more space to work.
I have a hard time doing nothing - just relaxing - sitting around. I am much better off doing something - although this can result in the feeling of being constantly busy. Unable to rest.
Walking forces you to do pretty much nothing, but at the same time, you're not doing nothing. Sometimes it can fool me into relaxing.
As an added bonus, it's kinda good for you, and it's pretty cheap...
Walking also seems to give my brain more space to work.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Fact #3
These are a few books that I have read more than once:
Kitchen
A Separate Peace
Life After God
Perelandra
A Canticle for Liebowitz
The Chosen
Lilith
Riddley Walker
Kitchen
A Separate Peace
Life After God
Perelandra
A Canticle for Liebowitz
The Chosen
Lilith
Riddley Walker
Monday, July 21, 2008
Fact #2
During my last few weeks of high-school, I was taking some pinhole camera photographs for an art class, and was given free reign to roam around the building and premises. On one occasion, I grabbed two of my friends out of their class, and we took some pictures together.
This wasn't remarkable, but I remember being amazed that nobody questioned us. We were all decent students, and I suppose that the staff assumed (correctly, I guess, at least in my case) that we were supposed to be roaming around. And we certainly were not missing anything by not being in class.
I also took a few weeks off of school right before graduation, to go to Hawaii with my dad. I took my Calculus book, and the work that my teacher had assigned. I flew a few days before my father (frequent flyers can't be chosers), and had to navigate all kinds of screwed up flights and airline sponsored hotel accommodations on my own. While I was there, my dad was working. I would integrate and derive for a few hours each morning, and then bike to, and hike down into, this great Hawaiian valley. Or I would get a ride into town, and hang around on my own all day. When I got back to Georgia, I found out that my classmates had only covered a fraction of the material that I did.
I sort of wish that I had skipped a lot more of high-school.
This wasn't remarkable, but I remember being amazed that nobody questioned us. We were all decent students, and I suppose that the staff assumed (correctly, I guess, at least in my case) that we were supposed to be roaming around. And we certainly were not missing anything by not being in class.
I also took a few weeks off of school right before graduation, to go to Hawaii with my dad. I took my Calculus book, and the work that my teacher had assigned. I flew a few days before my father (frequent flyers can't be chosers), and had to navigate all kinds of screwed up flights and airline sponsored hotel accommodations on my own. While I was there, my dad was working. I would integrate and derive for a few hours each morning, and then bike to, and hike down into, this great Hawaiian valley. Or I would get a ride into town, and hang around on my own all day. When I got back to Georgia, I found out that my classmates had only covered a fraction of the material that I did.
I sort of wish that I had skipped a lot more of high-school.
Meme
I don't really like the term meme. I suspect that this is maybe because it sounds like a madeup word. Or maybe it is because it could usually be replaced by any number of much less fancy sounding words ('idea' for example). It sounds like it was cooked up by a PhD student.
Anyway, it seems that Felicity tagged me in a blog-meme of sorts... which is basically a blog-based chain-letter. I am supposed to list seven odd facts about myself, and then get seven other bloggers to do likewise... This continues until the world runs out of bloggers, or until enough lazy people like myself don't follow the rules.
So FACT #1 of the Seven Factoid Meme goes like this:
Anybody who knows me at all knows that I grew up in South Africa, and that my family left at some point and moved to the USA, before I ended up in Canada. What people might not know is what a big deal this ended up being for my parents and my brothers and for myself. It seems obvious to say that the move changed our lives... but I didn't really expect it too. Silly me!
Another related part of Factoid One is that my memory is horrible. I forget almost everything I ever learn.
I sometimes enjoy the use of amnesia/memory loss as a literary device.
Let's wrap up fact #1 with some related quotes that I like:
There's so much I want to tell you about the way I'm disappearing. - The Prayers and Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers
I think there is something we were supposed to do before we lost our memories. - Michael Grace Jr
Anyway, it seems that Felicity tagged me in a blog-meme of sorts... which is basically a blog-based chain-letter. I am supposed to list seven odd facts about myself, and then get seven other bloggers to do likewise... This continues until the world runs out of bloggers, or until enough lazy people like myself don't follow the rules.
So FACT #1 of the Seven Factoid Meme goes like this:
Anybody who knows me at all knows that I grew up in South Africa, and that my family left at some point and moved to the USA, before I ended up in Canada. What people might not know is what a big deal this ended up being for my parents and my brothers and for myself. It seems obvious to say that the move changed our lives... but I didn't really expect it too. Silly me!
Another related part of Factoid One is that my memory is horrible. I forget almost everything I ever learn.
I sometimes enjoy the use of amnesia/memory loss as a literary device.
Let's wrap up fact #1 with some related quotes that I like:
There's so much I want to tell you about the way I'm disappearing. - The Prayers and Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers
I think there is something we were supposed to do before we lost our memories. - Michael Grace Jr
Weekend Update
It's Monday - and I feel somewhat sluggish.
Saturday - I did laundry while Leah went and bought some stuff that she needed for her trip to Cape Breton. In the afternoon we went to Andrew's to record some singing for the Their Shallow Valley record. There were quite a few people there for some singalong anthems. It was ridiculously hot, with the airconditioning/fans off (too noisy) and a bunch of people in a little room near the top of the house.
Afterwards we went to Anne and Joel's for dinner.
On Sunday we got up really early to go to the airport. It was rainy and grey. After a cab ride there (expensive and fast) and a TTC ride home (slow and cheap) , I took a nap for a couple of hours. Afterwards I went to the Green Room for breakfast. If that place has one thing going for it (and it does), it is the insanely low price of breakfast.
After church I stopped by Blockbuster on the way home. I randomly rented The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, knowing absolutely nothing about it. Turns out it is the true story of a guy who had a stroke and ended up being able to move nothing but one eye. He wrote about it, dictating by blinking to an interpreter who would recite the letters of the alphabet, in order of frequency of use.
The book he wrote was the basis for the movie.
Saturday - I did laundry while Leah went and bought some stuff that she needed for her trip to Cape Breton. In the afternoon we went to Andrew's to record some singing for the Their Shallow Valley record. There were quite a few people there for some singalong anthems. It was ridiculously hot, with the airconditioning/fans off (too noisy) and a bunch of people in a little room near the top of the house.
Afterwards we went to Anne and Joel's for dinner.
On Sunday we got up really early to go to the airport. It was rainy and grey. After a cab ride there (expensive and fast) and a TTC ride home (slow and cheap) , I took a nap for a couple of hours. Afterwards I went to the Green Room for breakfast. If that place has one thing going for it (and it does), it is the insanely low price of breakfast.
After church I stopped by Blockbuster on the way home. I randomly rented The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, knowing absolutely nothing about it. Turns out it is the true story of a guy who had a stroke and ended up being able to move nothing but one eye. He wrote about it, dictating by blinking to an interpreter who would recite the letters of the alphabet, in order of frequency of use.
The book he wrote was the basis for the movie.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Weekend
Friday - We didn't do much... went for a walk after dinner.
Saturday - I went to the outdoor art show with Jen. Leah stayed home to work on some music for Sunday. We went to see Joy's new paintings, which are always pretty amazing.
That evening we went to Joel and Anne's for dinner.
Sunday - Leah played at church in the morning and the evening. In between, I went grocery shopping.
Saturday - I went to the outdoor art show with Jen. Leah stayed home to work on some music for Sunday. We went to see Joy's new paintings, which are always pretty amazing.
That evening we went to Joel and Anne's for dinner.
Sunday - Leah played at church in the morning and the evening. In between, I went grocery shopping.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Chameleons
Last night we walked up to the Reptile and Hand Carved Walking Sticks store, to see the chameleons. We happened to meet the owner of the store, Paul, who told us all about them, and about bearded lizard creatures too. He brought one of these out to run around on Leah, and then showed us the full grown parents and the babies.
Turns out the baby chameleons were just hatched over the weekend. They were having their first ever meal yesterday. This explains why they are so freaking small.
Also, the full grown male chameleon that he has is HUGE. It is proabably over 18 inches long! Check out more pics on the website...
Monday, July 07, 2008
Are You Flying?
I don't have much sympathy for your fear
What is so hard to grasp about the idea
That everyone goes away in their time?
You have yours, you do, as I have mine
And do you cry every time a baby is born?
Yes, do you cry every time a baby is born?
I bought a CD this last weekend (influenced by Mary) - Fear of Flying, by David Karsten Daniels. I have listened to it a couple of times - and am not sure what to think yet. The songs don't shy away from difficult questions, and it seems to make for a difficult listen. I'm not sure I would say I am enjoying it exactly, but it is pretty sweet.
What is so hard to grasp about the idea
That everyone goes away in their time?
You have yours, you do, as I have mine
And do you cry every time a baby is born?
Yes, do you cry every time a baby is born?
I bought a CD this last weekend (influenced by Mary) - Fear of Flying, by David Karsten Daniels. I have listened to it a couple of times - and am not sure what to think yet. The songs don't shy away from difficult questions, and it seems to make for a difficult listen. I'm not sure I would say I am enjoying it exactly, but it is pretty sweet.
Weekend
On Friday I went out to Orangeville for work, to visit a doctors' clinic.
When I got back, I headed straight to Evergreen for the Summer Team Fundraiser. Leah played some songs with Rachel and Mike (from church). Some other people played some other songs, and one guy read a story. Evergreen was unable to get as much government funding as they have in the past, so the summer team volunteers are kind of on their own in terms of raising support.
Speaking of which, it was interesting to learn from Leah that Yonge Street Mission relies on corporate and private funding more than the government. Otherwise one election can end in all of your programs being suspended...
It was also interesting to listen to This American Life last week - with a story about two guys that decided to live on the streets in NYC. They said that nobody needs to go hungry, and that it is the churches that keep people fed. The government run places are apparently stingy, and their food sucks too..!
On Saturday, Leah went to the recording studio (Andrew's house). I stayed home and got sun-burned planting flowers in front of the house. I hope they can thrive on gravel and bus fumes.
On Sunday I did the laundry. I also bought a knitted bag at a one-woman yardsale.
She was ten, and was selling bags that she had made, lemonade, and barbies!
On the way back from the grocery store I saw baby chameleons in the window of the weird-reptiles store. They were maybe 2 inches long!
I played drums at church. I haven't played in months, so it was... interesting.
When I got back, I headed straight to Evergreen for the Summer Team Fundraiser. Leah played some songs with Rachel and Mike (from church). Some other people played some other songs, and one guy read a story. Evergreen was unable to get as much government funding as they have in the past, so the summer team volunteers are kind of on their own in terms of raising support.
Speaking of which, it was interesting to learn from Leah that Yonge Street Mission relies on corporate and private funding more than the government. Otherwise one election can end in all of your programs being suspended...
It was also interesting to listen to This American Life last week - with a story about two guys that decided to live on the streets in NYC. They said that nobody needs to go hungry, and that it is the churches that keep people fed. The government run places are apparently stingy, and their food sucks too..!
On Saturday, Leah went to the recording studio (Andrew's house). I stayed home and got sun-burned planting flowers in front of the house. I hope they can thrive on gravel and bus fumes.
On Sunday I did the laundry. I also bought a knitted bag at a one-woman yardsale.
She was ten, and was selling bags that she had made, lemonade, and barbies!
On the way back from the grocery store I saw baby chameleons in the window of the weird-reptiles store. They were maybe 2 inches long!
I played drums at church. I haven't played in months, so it was... interesting.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Speaking of shoes...
...Happy Independence Day!!!
Hopefully you're not at work =(
(although I guess I can't complain... I got 2 days off)
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Weekender
In Canada, we like to celebrate things before they happen in the USA. Thanksgiving comes way earlier, and Canada day comes before the 4th of July.
And Christmas happens on December 21st, to coincide with the solstice.
This weekend was a long one, in order to celebrate our home and native land. With the holiday landing on a Tuesday, some people were lucky enough to get Monday off too. I was one of those lucky people.
On Friday evening, Anne and Joel stopped by for a barbecue, and to practice some music with Leah.
On Saturday, we (mostly Leah) did the laundry, and then went to Anne's birthday party. For some reason it was themed (cowboys), and it featured a living room performance by Their Shallow Valley. Actually, half the performance took place in the living room, and then it moved out to the UHaul parking lot on Queen Street. It was quite the spectacle, since most of the band were ridiculously dressed due to the cowboy theme.
It was interesting to see who stopped to listen, and which nervous hipsters walked right past. I think maybe they were unsure how to interpret the situation (actually cool? / ironic cool? / actually lame ?... somebody please tell me if I am allowed to enjoy this music!)
On Sunday we had church at St George the Martyr (one of my fave Toronto churches). Afterwards we had a picnic in the park.
On Monday Leah had to work. I did perhaps the biggest/most expensive visit to the grocery store of my life so far. I also made the long trek out to Ikea, to buy a shelf that they were sold out of. Thinking quickly, I bought some random other piece of a bookshelf unit, which was actually a better size. I also bought a much needed fan at Canadian Tire. That night we went to the Cameron House for a rousing country extravaganza. Leah played bass and pretty much killed it. Anne and Joel were their usual engaging selves. And Chuck Diesel was in fine form. Among other things, he managed to strip down to his wife-beater mid song.
Yesterday we went to see the Visitor. I didn't know anything about it, other than the fact that it was written by the guy who wrote the Station Agent. I love watching good movies.
And Christmas happens on December 21st, to coincide with the solstice.
This weekend was a long one, in order to celebrate our home and native land. With the holiday landing on a Tuesday, some people were lucky enough to get Monday off too. I was one of those lucky people.
On Friday evening, Anne and Joel stopped by for a barbecue, and to practice some music with Leah.
On Saturday, we (mostly Leah) did the laundry, and then went to Anne's birthday party. For some reason it was themed (cowboys), and it featured a living room performance by Their Shallow Valley. Actually, half the performance took place in the living room, and then it moved out to the UHaul parking lot on Queen Street. It was quite the spectacle, since most of the band were ridiculously dressed due to the cowboy theme.
It was interesting to see who stopped to listen, and which nervous hipsters walked right past. I think maybe they were unsure how to interpret the situation (actually cool? / ironic cool? / actually lame ?... somebody please tell me if I am allowed to enjoy this music!)
On Sunday we had church at St George the Martyr (one of my fave Toronto churches). Afterwards we had a picnic in the park.
On Monday Leah had to work. I did perhaps the biggest/most expensive visit to the grocery store of my life so far. I also made the long trek out to Ikea, to buy a shelf that they were sold out of. Thinking quickly, I bought some random other piece of a bookshelf unit, which was actually a better size. I also bought a much needed fan at Canadian Tire. That night we went to the Cameron House for a rousing country extravaganza. Leah played bass and pretty much killed it. Anne and Joel were their usual engaging selves. And Chuck Diesel was in fine form. Among other things, he managed to strip down to his wife-beater mid song.
Yesterday we went to see the Visitor. I didn't know anything about it, other than the fact that it was written by the guy who wrote the Station Agent. I love watching good movies.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Keep Voting
You can vote every 24 hours! I know there is no chance of winning, but I kinda want to see if I can make the top 500.
Monday, June 23, 2008
The Update
On Friday we went to Kensington for dinner, and then afterwards were thinking of going to see Dave Binney at the Rex. Instead we ran into some folks from church and ended up in borrowed bathing suits, swimming in the Delta Chelsea pool on the 20-somethingth floor, with some Fennels, Rob F., Kate and Adrienne. It was strange and fun.
On Saturday, Bloor street shut down from Christie to Lansdowne, for a BIG Street Festival... (BIG as in Bloor Improvement Group, although it was pretty large too). We walked around to check it out. I signed up for a Spacing subscription, and we saw a lot of silk-screened tshirts for sale.
We also stopped in at Long & McQuade for a few hours. Leah played a bunch of guitars and we ended up buying a really nice one. We aren't used to spending a lot of money on things, but figured that it was worth getting one that she really liked, since we will likely have it forever.
We met Michael at the Moon Bean on Sunday. I asked him quite a few questions about mixing and mastering an album, and it was super helpful. Afterwards, we went to church - Leah played music with a pretty small band (guitar, drums, bass), and I ran sound so that Bradley could play bass.
Also, Leah played her new guitar and it sounded pretty amazing. I have little to no clue about EQing things, but it didn't matter.
Afterwards, we watched My Architect.
Turns out Louis Kahn was a jerk.
On Saturday, Bloor street shut down from Christie to Lansdowne, for a BIG Street Festival... (BIG as in Bloor Improvement Group, although it was pretty large too). We walked around to check it out. I signed up for a Spacing subscription, and we saw a lot of silk-screened tshirts for sale.
We also stopped in at Long & McQuade for a few hours. Leah played a bunch of guitars and we ended up buying a really nice one. We aren't used to spending a lot of money on things, but figured that it was worth getting one that she really liked, since we will likely have it forever.
We met Michael at the Moon Bean on Sunday. I asked him quite a few questions about mixing and mastering an album, and it was super helpful. Afterwards, we went to church - Leah played music with a pretty small band (guitar, drums, bass), and I ran sound so that Bradley could play bass.
Also, Leah played her new guitar and it sounded pretty amazing. I have little to no clue about EQing things, but it didn't matter.
Afterwards, we watched My Architect.
Turns out Louis Kahn was a jerk.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Weakened
I'm not sure what happened this weekend.
Leah worked a lot... for Evergreen on Saturday, and then playing at two churches on Sunday.
I did groceries on Friday, house-cleaning on Saturday, and laundry on Sunday.
Somewhere in between, I also walked to The Common for coffee, and on the way stopped at a yard sale, where I purchased a copy of Wyclef's The Carnival.
In my last year at Georgia Tech, I discovered the Music Listening Room. Since I was living on the opposite side of campus from all of my classes (and most of my friends), I would often hang out in the listening room if I had an hour between lectures. I'm not sure who ran the place (WREK geeks?, and by geeks I mean music nerds who were 1000% cooler than pretty much all the Tech geeks), or why I didn't know about it sooner. Anyway - one of the albums that I steady rocked in the MLR was the Carnival... (another one, btw, was Guru's first Jazzmatazz record.)
On Saturday, we were walking around and ran into Katherine, which was cool.
And on Sunday, we hung out with Joel and Anne after church, which was also cool.
The End.
Leah worked a lot... for Evergreen on Saturday, and then playing at two churches on Sunday.
I did groceries on Friday, house-cleaning on Saturday, and laundry on Sunday.
Somewhere in between, I also walked to The Common for coffee, and on the way stopped at a yard sale, where I purchased a copy of Wyclef's The Carnival.
In my last year at Georgia Tech, I discovered the Music Listening Room. Since I was living on the opposite side of campus from all of my classes (and most of my friends), I would often hang out in the listening room if I had an hour between lectures. I'm not sure who ran the place (WREK geeks?, and by geeks I mean music nerds who were 1000% cooler than pretty much all the Tech geeks), or why I didn't know about it sooner. Anyway - one of the albums that I steady rocked in the MLR was the Carnival... (another one, btw, was Guru's first Jazzmatazz record.)
On Saturday, we were walking around and ran into Katherine, which was cool.
And on Sunday, we hung out with Joel and Anne after church, which was also cool.
The End.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Geography
The other day I was listening to an All Songs Considered episode exploring the idea of the music of a generation.
The show naturally kicks off with Nirvana... and then looks backward to hippie-era rock, hip-hop, and punk, before tackling the question of the current crop of music listening kiddies. Interestingly enough, there doesn't seem to be a clear voice for Generation Whatever You Want To Call It. There is even some discussion on the show about whether the concept of music that 'defines a generation' is even applicable, or whether the topic of discussion itself is characteristic of other generations.
Sadly, the show ended off with some American Idol references, and talk about 'new distribution' (Soulja Boy ringtones).
Anyway - the other day at work we were talking about CANADIAN MUSIC, and more specifically, Blue Rodeo. I can't really think about a band that fits more comfortably into the CanCon category. Somebody asked what the equivalent would be in the US, and I couldn't really come up with a clear answer. I think the question there might be more regional (the South doesn't 'sound like' New York). Furthermore, it is difficult not to approach the discussion with some regard to time periods. I associate Beck with Los Angeles, but LA at a certain point in time.
Your thoughts ???
The show naturally kicks off with Nirvana... and then looks backward to hippie-era rock, hip-hop, and punk, before tackling the question of the current crop of music listening kiddies. Interestingly enough, there doesn't seem to be a clear voice for Generation Whatever You Want To Call It. There is even some discussion on the show about whether the concept of music that 'defines a generation' is even applicable, or whether the topic of discussion itself is characteristic of other generations.
Sadly, the show ended off with some American Idol references, and talk about 'new distribution' (Soulja Boy ringtones).
Anyway - the other day at work we were talking about CANADIAN MUSIC, and more specifically, Blue Rodeo. I can't really think about a band that fits more comfortably into the CanCon category. Somebody asked what the equivalent would be in the US, and I couldn't really come up with a clear answer. I think the question there might be more regional (the South doesn't 'sound like' New York). Furthermore, it is difficult not to approach the discussion with some regard to time periods. I associate Beck with Los Angeles, but LA at a certain point in time.
Your thoughts ???
Monday, June 09, 2008
unusual weekend
Leah was 'working' this weekend. As part of her job at the Evergreen Centre for street youth, she and the other volunteers got to 'simulate' homelessness by spending two nights and a day living on the street.
I ended up buying groceries on Friday night, and then renting Thumbsucker. I'm not sure why I picked that one... but it ended up being a whole lot better than I expected. And it isn't often you can say that about a movie with Keanu Reeves in it.
On Saturday I went to an elders' meeting, and then that night went to Sound Ministry, at Sanctuary.
On Sunday I went to meet Leah at Evergreen, where everyone was meeting for breakfast. I took some gluten-free pancakes so that she could eat. Afterwards we went home, and she slept while I did laundry. I also stopped by a Pedestrian Sunday event in Mirvish Village (does anyone actually call it that?!) to see the Don Scott Quartet. It was good to see a bunch of people that I haven't seen in FOREVER, even if it was only very briefly.
And then last night we went to see R.E.M. We had lawn seats in the back, which was a bit of a bummer, 'cause when it rains you get wet. Luckily it didn't rain much (despite the thunderstorm predictions), and the sky cleared up after the (surprisingly boring) opening sets by The National and Modest Mouse. It was fun to see R.E.M. live... Towards the end of the show we moved down to the back of the seated area, which we should have done much earlier.
The band is (unsurprisingly) very good live... they have been doing this for a while. They pretty much nail their songs, mostly sounding as good as they do on record. Funnily enough, this is also one of my main criticisms... there was very little reformatting of arrangements, or reinventing of songs for a live setting. If you watch the R.E.M. Live DVD, you pretty much know EXACTLY what to expect. The only surprises are which songs are going to be on the setlist. There are quite a few older songs getting played on this tour, which is neat, as well as most of the new album, and a handful of required hits...
Michael Stipe mentioned that this is the first show of the tour where he was sweating on stage, and that, as a Georgian, he was !$#%ing loving it. I AGREE.
All in all it was fun...
I ended up buying groceries on Friday night, and then renting Thumbsucker. I'm not sure why I picked that one... but it ended up being a whole lot better than I expected. And it isn't often you can say that about a movie with Keanu Reeves in it.
On Saturday I went to an elders' meeting, and then that night went to Sound Ministry, at Sanctuary.
On Sunday I went to meet Leah at Evergreen, where everyone was meeting for breakfast. I took some gluten-free pancakes so that she could eat. Afterwards we went home, and she slept while I did laundry. I also stopped by a Pedestrian Sunday event in Mirvish Village (does anyone actually call it that?!) to see the Don Scott Quartet. It was good to see a bunch of people that I haven't seen in FOREVER, even if it was only very briefly.
And then last night we went to see R.E.M. We had lawn seats in the back, which was a bit of a bummer, 'cause when it rains you get wet. Luckily it didn't rain much (despite the thunderstorm predictions), and the sky cleared up after the (surprisingly boring) opening sets by The National and Modest Mouse. It was fun to see R.E.M. live... Towards the end of the show we moved down to the back of the seated area, which we should have done much earlier.
The band is (unsurprisingly) very good live... they have been doing this for a while. They pretty much nail their songs, mostly sounding as good as they do on record. Funnily enough, this is also one of my main criticisms... there was very little reformatting of arrangements, or reinventing of songs for a live setting. If you watch the R.E.M. Live DVD, you pretty much know EXACTLY what to expect. The only surprises are which songs are going to be on the setlist. There are quite a few older songs getting played on this tour, which is neat, as well as most of the new album, and a handful of required hits...
Michael Stipe mentioned that this is the first show of the tour where he was sweating on stage, and that, as a Georgian, he was !$#%ing loving it. I AGREE.
All in all it was fun...
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.
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