Mo'Stache, Mo'Problems

I'm trying to raise some funds for Prostate Cancer along with millions of other dudes on facebook. Movember is so popular this year that the standard fare for Mustache rides has bottomed out. In October mustache rides were still going for the standard 5 cent rate, but now there are so many Mo'Bros that most men are now having to offer FREE mustache rides.

So far I have received some donations from my Mom and my Dad. I'm pretty happy with that, but Movember is far from over and I could probably get a couple more donations from some kind friends.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

Also if your a lady and want to know what you can do to show your support for Movember check out this video:

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Unstoppable

Unstoppable was a good ride. Denzel Washinton is showing Chris Pine the ropes on his first day of train conducting when something goes wrong. It's Training Day, on a train! The lesson to be learned is never give Ethan Suplee's charecter any responsibility, ever. My gripe with this movie is the constant exposition from the news coverage. At times it's actually laughable, explaining every single point of tension, simplified for a retarded television audience. The movie was worth seeing, especially at the AMC's ETX screen (it's nice and loud, but more expensive). 

Happy Birthday Nick Stormalong!

I'm blogging from the floor of Stomalongs jam space, deep beneath my brother's office, from which I'm ganking internets. I carry earplugs in my bag for just such an occasion, it is very LOUD.

The pre-jam ritual of beer and Pixies was on. Then, just before the rock began, Colin presented Nick with a gift of 12 year old Scotch on behalf of the band to wish him a happy birthday. Colin made note of the auspicious nature of their meeting, and that without Nick, the rock would cease to exist and The Stormalongs never would have been.

The Stormalongs will be playing a show at the Garrison this Thursday, November 18th. It's on Dundas just west of Ossington (1197 Dundas W). If you're in Toronto then please come out.

Happy Birthday Nick, from a huge fan of you and your band!

Skyline Sucks

I went to see Skyline with my cousin-in-law @ondre (wait, thats not a real relation, he is married to my cousin). As a parent, he doesn't get to go to the movies much, so I feel like an ass for making him see this sci-fi shit-brick.

Skyline is about some asshole douchebags who attempt to survive an alien invasion. It really sucked. It tries way too hard to be Cloverfield but misses, then tries for District 9 and totally fails. The directors have the most pretentious credit ever "A Brothers Strause Film", they previously directed AVP: Requiem and a Nickelback* video.

Skyline stars Eric Balfour, who you might remember from some episodes of the O.C. or 24, but I didn't since I've watched neither. It was about 2 minutes into the movie that I realized I hated looking at him.
The movie also has the nurse guy from Scrubs, and the cop guy from Dexter.

The more I thought about it, the more I really disliked this movie.

*the word "Nickelback" is to be read with a shudder accompanied the standard feeling of disgust.

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Hard Sell

Normally I would avoid a blatant sales pitch here on my blog but I'm making an exception for a movie I really love. This is also probably the last chance I will have to write about Scott Pilgrim, so I'm taking it.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is out now on BluRay/DVD combo pack, so you don't have to miss out if you are still rocking a dvd player (VHS users can go eat a day-old bag o' dicks). Both discs are loaded with special features, deleted scenes and commentaries. If you loved it in theatres, buy it. If you missed it in theatres BUY IT! If you trust my judgement in regards to film then please make this purchase you will not regret. Edgar Wright is a great filmmaker and has created a fantastic movie that truly is a treat for the eyes and ears, that you will enjoy for years to come.

I got mine, get yours!

Click the cover to go to Amazon and buy!

Sam The Record Man in Angel Eyes

Chicago, Illinois-The Windy City, Home of The Smashing Pumpkins, Sears Tower... Wrigley Field... Honest Eds...? Sam the Record Man...? It becomes quickly apparent to any Mel-Moose loathing Torontonian that Jennifer Lopez and Jim "Jesus" Caviezel are not in sweet home Chicago, but rather Sweet Toronto. Angel Eyes is the story of a mysterious man, drawn to a feisty female police officer, an unusual relationship ensues in which not everything is as it seems.

Jesus gets a Halo from Sam the Record Man's iconic neon 

When I worked in the video department at Sams it was a hobby of mine to take screenshots from films featuring my employer. I will continue to post more over the next few weeks. If you think you know what's coming take a guess in the comments.

Coco is back, Leno Sucks

Saw this in NYC last week

Conan O'Brien is back on late night! Very late-night. Here in Canada, Conan is on after The Colbert Report Monday to Thursday on the Comedy Network at 12am and on the main CTV Network at 1am.

I tried to stay up and watch the first episode last night. I got sleepy during Colbert and rested my eyes, I only caught fleeting glimpses of Conan as I drifted in and out of sleep. I'm going to blame the recent time change and not the quality of the show. I just watched the replay streaming off CTV's website and the show was really funny. I'm glad Coco is back and I'm looking forward to tonight's episode with Tom Hanks!

Sam The Record Man in Half-Baked

Sam's iconic records reflect in the window of the Pizza Pizza

Butterstuff, Butternuts, ButterCUP across the street from Sam the Record Man

Sam The Record Man has betrayed many Hollywood films for their Toronto location. In 1998's Half Baked set in New York City, kindergarden teacher Kenny accidentally kills a diabetic horse cop outside the Pizza Pizza, across the street from Sam the Record Man.

Although the giant neon records no longer spin we are lucky to have had them immortalized in this modern stoner classic.

Movember Rain, Mo'Stache Status: Week One

Movember is a great way to bring attention to men's health, and it's much better than my original idea: Free Amateur Prostate Exams! So far my mustache is coming in evenly, and is an excellent example of my manliness. Facebook is full of Mo'bros, trying to raise funds through facial follicles, but my superior 'stache deserves your support. Click HERE TO DONATE! 

Thanks to my mom for her generous contribution. Click here to see my Mospace page and DONATE!

The Scott Pilgrim screenplay I should not have

"You Shouldn't have this, Edgar Wright"

"Wooow! Find this scene on BluRay, Elen Wong XO"

Bryan Lee O'Mally, circles the "L-word" scene

Edgar, Ellen and Bryan at HMV Toronto

I just got back from the Scott Pilgrim signing at HMV. Creator Bryan Lee O'Mally, Director Edgar Wright,  and actress Ellen Wong were autographing items for fans to promote the BluRay release on Tuesday. Edgar recognized me and jokingly wagged his finger when I gave him a copy of the screenplay to sign, knowing that I acquired it from a mutual friend. Fans in line got a coupon to save 10$ on the disc and they also received a pass to an exclusive Q&A screening of the film that will take place at the Bloor Cinema this evening.

I met a cool film student named Andrew in line, while behind us I witnessed the most overt display of geek douchiness I have ever seen by a guy dressed as Dr. Who pontificating loudly on a variety of nerd-related subjects.

Bryan Lee O'Mally & Andrew

Melissa Auf Der Maur rocked Toronto's Tattoo

Melissa Auf Der Maur's rocking bass shook the core of all those in attendance last night at Tattoo Rock Parlour. The former Hole/Smashing Pumpkins bassist hit Toronto for the second date of the "Canadian" leg of her world tour (Canada is in quotes cause she's only doing Ontario and Quebec). She had a new band, which is inconsequential since everyone in attendance was there to see @XMadmX.

She played tracks form OOOM! and her debut self titled. She closed out the set with Black Sabbath's Paranoid. Some might remember Melissa's brief stint as the frontwoman for the Sabbath cover-band worshiping Hand of Doom.

I was rocking out pretty serious, which I'm sure annoyed the surrounding subdued hipsters, but Melissa said she appreciated the movement, so suck it up, Queen Street hipsters.

People take a lot of pictures of Melissa, she has some hardcore fans. I try to just get a few good ones and put the camera away. Some douche was holding up his camera trying to take a video (enjoy your blown out audio). I can however appreciate someone with a good camera taking interesting shots (as long as it's not for the whole show).

If you want to see some high res pics check out buying shots for bands, an local music blog that uses majestic plural pronouns so often its jarring.

Lula loves Bobs and Lolo and a Parking Garage Playset.

My cousin Treya has a beautiful little girl named Lula, and yesterday we went to Mastermind to see Bobs & Lolo. The musical act form Vancouver are quite popular among the diaper wearing set. The music was fun and the kids were really into the interactivity, although it might be early for kids to be indoctrinated into the world of mosh-pitting. A nearby Parking Garage playset seemed to be a brightly coloured distraction to a few of the children, including Lula. It was so cool to watch her interact with other children, and to see how much better behaved she seems to be. Whenever a kid would grab a car and shout "MINE!", Lula would shrug it off and play with something else.

Lula's attention span was challenged by a nearby parking garage playset

Boogying Down did occur 

This is the sour look she gave when she saw the camera,
I assure you she was having a good time 

Memere on the Mend

My trip to Washington was almost sidelined as my Memere had complications after hip replacement surgery. My aunts and uncles all came to Toronto fearing the worst. I was prepared to stay in Toronto but my dad, who came overnight from Montreal insisted I go. I'm glad I did, but I'm even happier that my Memere is on the mend.

I went to see her at Sunnybrook last night and she was so much better than when we saw her Friday morning. My Matante Fran was there with Uncle Gary (they flew in from England) and Pepere. We went back to the hotel to let her get some rest and we had some beers and chatted.

On my way back home I ran into my childhood friend Jordan (Jordie) who I haven't seen since Christmas. Then on the subway I ran into Peter, a well-known Toronto film-aficionado. We chatted about the Scott Pilgrim screening at the Bloor tomorrow and the upcoming showing of The Wizard at the Underground. I love Toronto.
 

Movember: a mustachioed plea for donations

My 'stache growth as of November 2nd

I'm growing a mustache for the month of November to raise awareness of and money for prostate cancer. Cancer sucks worse than a finger in your asshole, and I'm speaking from experience (about the cancer, not the finger). Click here to donate.

Wikipedia says "Male pogonotrophy (the growing of facial hair; i.e., beardedness) is often culturally associated with wisdom and virility." I am both wise and virile, so I think it will be a good look for me. Some may remember I once grew a 'stache as a way to get out of buying Christmas gifts, I think Movember is a much more noble cause. Why don't you just click here and donate a buck or two.

On the bus to Downtown Canada

It must be the morning after Hallowe'en, cause I'm eating a Baby Ruth for breakfast. 17 Hours on a bus has turned me into Sloth from the Goonies. The wrapper promotes the 4g of protein within so I'm not too concerned. This candy bar is good for me and it was the most appetizing thing in the Buffalo Greyhound Station. 

The bus from New York was packed,  I didn't even want to try and take out my laptop, people were sitting in the isle. I slept a little but I had bus related dreams, which was just as bad as being awake on a bus. US Customs Border Guards checked identification in Rochester which I first thought was strange, but then one Guard had to tell a passenger he had one day left on his visa and if it were tomorrow he would be under arrest.   

The bus to Toronto isn't even half full. lots of room to stretch out and catch up on my blogging. I will update these posts with pictures when I can unload my camera.

I sent off some postcards in Buffalo, I hope I used enough stamps.

This whirlwind trip was so exciting and fun I can't believe it's over. I'm glad to be back in Canada but I did have stop myself from breaking out into America the Beautiful in the Buffalo bus terminal.

The Rally To Restore Sanity and/or Fear in Washington DC

Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert know comedy but their rally organization skills leave something to be desired. If you saw any of the rally on the internet you got a much better view of the proceedings than me and I was actually there. I'm so glad I went, I had the most amazing time, but the rally itself would have been more enjoyable with a few extra speakers and an extra screen midway through the audience. One thing that was quite obvious to anyone who was there, Jon Stewart is more than "just a comedian" as he claims. He is able to mobilize hundreds of thousands of twentysomething males in a way that would make Lame Cook jealous.     

The crowd was greater than any I have ever seen before. The closer we came to the National Mall the realization we would not be seeing much became quite apparent.

Greenman, on top of a van 

monkeys in a tree,

It was really cramped, and then it became even more so as we crushed forward to let through passing ambulances. A lot of people climbed into trees to get a better view, one jackass even climbed up a streetlight.

We could sort of hear, but couldn't see the stage or the screens. I heard Jon Stewart introduce Father Guido Sarduchi who performed the benediction. I was the only one in the vicinity who knew who he was, which I shrugged off saying "It was before your time," to which a guy nearby who was older than me said "It was before my time!". True.

Then Cat Stevens played Peace Train, until he was interrupted by Colbert who wanted nothing to do with a Peace Train. We then heard the familiar call "ALL ABOARD!". Ozzy Osbourne was rocking Crazy Train, which Colbert was glad to be on. The two legends dueled until a compromise was reached and the O'jays came onstage for Love Train. Colbert was fine with a "Love" train, since love involves "heartbreak and STDs", sticking with his FEAR theme.

Free Marc Emery was the one legitimate cause I did see

Bears are threatdown #1

We decided to bail since we could neither hear nor see anything, and most of the crowd had the same idea, we walked back to the hotel amongst throngs of rally folks, with even more signs and costumes. It took a while to navigate the crowd, and cell reception was nearly impossible due to the overloaded network.

Some signs were really funny.Although many of the signs were quite clever, alot were just a waste of the paper and sharpies used to create them, and only served to obstruct peoples view. If I'm ever in the need for a sign in the future it will read "THIS SIGN IS OBSTRUCTING YOUR VIEW!!!"  

The District

So this is Washington DC? Parts of it look a lot like South Porcupine and some parts look like Rome. I'm in a Starbucks (I'm in a Starbucks!?!). It's just for the wifi, and to give myself a whores bath, although the coffee is helping support my life. I wish I had some Baileys. I walked from the bus station, it was a nice walk (26 minutes, thanks google maps) I'm not too far from the hotel we will be staying at (the Plaza).
I just met an organizer who will be working the rally, he said "God bless the Huffington Post. they are spending so much money to get people here.".

I picked up some batteries and started taking pictures, but I don't have a micro usb so I can't add any here yet.

Just talked to Matt, he was in the bathroom so we didn't chat but it means i can leave this Starbucks. My next post will be post-rally. This is going to be epic!

Sunny J vs the Various Pimps and C.h.u.d.s. of NYC

So Ben and I ended up just walking around Times Square. So much grifting going on, dudes giving directions in the bus terminal and then asking for cash. With 3 hours to kill we grabbed a slice and decided not to make a play for Lady Liberty since it was a 40$ cab ride. It was nice to walk around but super busy (on a Friday night in New York? Who could have guessed). Since it's Hallowe'en weekend there were some pretty cool costumes. I'm still on the lookout for Snow White. We ended up on an earlier bus to DC, loaded with more rally types. I'm sitting with a guy from Quebec.

Ralph Kramden, used space travel as a metaphor for beating his wife 

I typed this out with my thumb on my phone so as not to disturb the rest of the bus with the bright screen of my laptop. I can't seem to get Blogger Droid to upload, (it never works!) so I had to copy the body and paste it into the browser(which is not conducive to blogging).

Sunny J vs the Empire State

The border crossing was pretty easy considering it was by bus. Everyone has to get off the bus and get processed I told the guard I was going to the Rally To Restore Sanity, he seemed to get hung up there, "...Restore American Sanity?" he asked. I assured him it was purely satirical and that I had no political views beyond casual apathy. I overheard another passenger, Ben, tell the guard he was going to the rally so I introduced myself before we got back on the bus. It seems we are taking the same bus to Washington and back! He seems like a cool guy, I'm glad I met him.

We chatted a bit at the Buffalo bus station. I was getting hungry, but there were only vending machines and I wanted a substantial.

At the bus station in Rochester NY, the bus was boarded by customs agents. They asked passengers about their citizenship, or rather, they asked if thy were Americans. I showed the guard my passport which he just glanced at. I have never seen this happen before, although I have limited experience crossing the border by bus.  

The bus depot in Syracuse had a Subway Restaurant, so I decided to get my Jared on. I asked for parmesan oregano bread and she looked at me like I was from Mars, they have different names for the bread, apparently. She also gave me a choice of cheese, which doesn't happen in Canadian Subways.

When we got back on the bus we met some student-types going to the Rally, I really think this thing is going to be huge.

We should be in New York City soon. Ben and I have an almost 3 hour stop over before continuing on to the District of Columbia. Ben said he wants to see the Statue of Liberty, I'm down to go since I have never seen it and I can't think of anything else to do in New York at 2am.

"Of course you'll have a bad impression of New York if you only focus on the Pimps and C.H.U.D.s."-Marge Simpson

Sunny J Goes to Washington

I'm typing this from a Greyhound bus on my way from Toronto to Washington D.C. for the Daily Show Rally to Restore Sanity/Fear.

I am a huge fan of the Daily Show and it's now five-year-old spinoff Colbert Report. When Jon Stewart announced his Rally to Restore Sanity I got excited, then Stephen Colbert announced his Match to Keep Fear Alive I was even more pumped up. I knew I wanted to go, but upon contemplating logistics I figured it was probably not going to happen. 

My good friends Matt and Kubi booked their flight and hotel the day after the announcement. About 2 weeks ago while I was internet chatting with Matt about the rally he typed the only thing I needed to read "You should come!" I checked out bus tickets, and suddenly I was in.

So now I'm on the Greyhound. I could have jumped on the Torontoist bus, but it just goes to the rally and back, I want to hang out an extra day and see the Smithsonian with my friends. 

I think the bus is just getting to Niagara Falls, should be crossing the border soon. I will be updating this blog as much as possible so check back all weekend.  

The Stormalongs Riot Stance, Out...Soon

Momo rocks the background while Matt's bass rumbles in the foreground 

The Stormalongs recorded a free digital ep to be released later this week. The political set was recorded last night as Rob Ford was declared victorious in Toronto's vote for Mayor. Although Stormalong Momo Momolo stands to benefit from the repeal of the vehicle registration tax, no one in the band seemed happy about the election results. However the band did seem quite happy with the results of the recording, nabbing several good off-the-floor takes of some politically charged covers and a new tune.

The ep will be released as soon as the band decides on which takes to use. Possibly tomorrow.

Is Rob Ford against Poutine!?!

Mayor Rob Ford,
photo courtesy Miami-Dade Police Department

Owners of various Poutine trucks outside City Hall have been hoarding gravy in recent weeks worried that Rob Ford's pledge to "stop the gravy train at City Hall" was a literal move to stop the use of gravy in Poutine trucks found in front of Nathan Philips Square. Gravy, a sauce made often from the juices that run naturally from meat or vegetables during cooking is a vital component in Poutine, a French Canadian delicacy featuring fries, cheese curds, and the aforementioned sauce. The tasty delight is a favourite of many left-leaning city councilors on lunch break. 


Rob Ford, the new Mayor-Elect of Toronto assured the truck owners and worried citizens that he would indeed "stop the gravy train at city hall". When pressed as to whether gravy used in poutine would be safe, Mr. Mayor repeated his cliched rhetoric several more times until he became winded and shrugged.


Political analysts point to Mayor Ford's bizarre endorsement of the KFC Double Down, and his promise to replace bread with meat in all toronto sandwiches as proof he would never put the breaks on the flow of gravy on City Hall poutines.