Meeting Koji at SFO

I just called ahead to Sweet Chinito, they are working on my egg/ham/swiss croissant and I will go pick it up after typing this paragraph. They can get busy in the morning and can run out of croissants so it's always a good idea to call and save yourself the disappointment.

These keys i got from Matt are not for the front door so I was locked out and had to eat my croissant in the street like a hobo while people caught the bus in front of me. Eventually I was let in by the neighbour walking his dog.

Koji gets in at 1:30pm, I'm going to meet him at the airport and we will take BART back into the City. I can't wait to see my friend and show him around. It's going to be so much fun.

I still have to go to City Hall with Mike and get the license/paperwork completed for the wedding on Saturday. Oh, I also have to finalize what I'm going to say during the ceremony.

I have a Nexus One Google phone Kubi gave me to use while I'm here. It has a crack in the screen but it's hardly noticable, and it's an amazing phone to be certain. It's nice to have data cause I can tweet and upload photos to facebook. You don't have to sign up yo read my twitter either, just click here.

San just skyped me, he gets in on Friday.

YYZ to SFO

Once again  I'm blogging from the Air Canada lounge, drinking a Crown Royal and Ginger Ale (Canada Dry, of course) waiting for my flight to San Francisco. You know for an unemployed guy I sure do get to do a lot of traveling. My reason this time is noble, I will be performing the ceremony for my best friend Mike and Vanessa's wedding. I am starting to feel the pressure. I have to write the entire thing and I'm not done yet. It will be ready, I'm just feeling the stress.

Today was very busy trying to get all my shit together before my flight.

I went to the gym this morning to try and suspend my membership for two weeks which I thought I could do, but can't. I wish I had called first to find out if it was possible cause I wasted some precious time.

On the way back from the gym I picked up a special gift for Koji, my good friend from Japan who will also be attending the wedding. Mike and V both met Koji in Japan at my insistence and had a great time with him in Tokyo. I'm so excited to see him and show him around my favourite place in the world, San Francisco.

I finished packing up my bags and went to the bank to get some American currency. The line up was a little long and the time spent got me panicked enough I took a cab to the airport instead of the TTC. I wish Toronto had a direct train from downtown to Pearson, IT'S 2010! Get with the new millennium. 

I really can't stress how excellent Air Canada's service is, and the lounge provides both comfort and class. I'm the luckiest unemployed guy in the world. Now I must close up my computer because I think the soup is coming out soon and I want to have a bowl before my flight.

Back from the Shack, Tabarnac

Ok, so the Shack was a lot more fun than I could have guessed. The Shack belongs to an old friend of my Dad's from high school, Dapila. Hanging out with Dad and Dap was so cool. The surroundings were absolutely beautiful. I will post some pictures when I get them from Dad. I really enjoyed my weekend, and I spoke french the whole time. I was worried I would sound like an idiot but as it turns out I'm totally fluent once I'm warmed up.

Now I get to return home, all the fascist Schwarzer Bloc are gone back to their parents basements.

Shack in the Morning

So one more night at Dad's before an early morning trip out to Dapila's shack in the Quebec wilderness. My hopes are high that the atmosphere will be pleasant and and I will not run low on refreshments. It would be really nice to be home, but it's currently over-run with cops and anarchists. I'm looking forward to the frantic fast pace I will soon be facing, so it makes sense to charge the batteries beforehand. I will be back in Montreal on Sunday and then I'm taking a bus back to Toronto the next day.    

G(String)12

I took these photos on my way out of Toronto. There are no garbage cans and the fence is huge and intimidating.

I have been in Montreal for about a week. I was concerned about my sweet Toronto starting to look like a concentration camp.  The true purpose of my trip was my best friend Mike's bachelor party, which I did not report here because of it's secretive nature. I left Toronto a week early to avoid the entire G20 security bullshit and I'm glad I did. Friends who travelled on the weekend of the party were faced with enhanced security procedures. My American friends traveling from San Francisco were asked if they had ever appeared in front of a judge, one guy was searched at a bus station in Ottawa en route from Toronto. Not that I had anything in my bag that would cause me to fear search. Our summit, known as the G-String 12 was a great success, and began with the kidnapping of Mike in San Francisco. He was caught unaware of the trip, but had grown suspicious after noticing his missing passport that morning. I will not provide any details for the record, except to say paintball is awesome and that bestiality and zoophilia are not the same thing (Thanks Matt!).

I'm wishing I could be back in Toronto now. I'm not afraid of the G20 I just hate to be inconvenienced.  It was sad to see the guys all go home, and the trip seemed to die off after that, but here I am. Dad's place is cool, it's giving me a chance to write Mike and V's wedding. I miss the gym and I will only have a few days in Toronto before I have to go to San Francisco. Dad is taking me to his friend Dapila's shack somewhere in rural Quebec for some camping so I won't blog again till Monday. I plan on blogging every day in July I swear, it's a goal I've set along with some other writing tasks.

Boomstick!

The Toronto Underground Cinema is awesome! I went to check out Army of Darkness last night. It's one of my favourite movies, and it was great to get to see Toronto's newest and coolest Rep Cinema. I don't know how they got rid of the Chinatown smell, but it is well covered by buttery popcorn. The Programers are really into some cool stuff so they should have some interesting films and I will be hyping them a lot since I'm on the street team.

I booked a flight to San Francisco in July. Mike and Vanessa's wedding is only a month away. I got measured for a tux, I'm going to look pretty slick. I'm writing and performing the wedding ceremony, and starting to get a little nervous, which is a good sign. I work best under pressure. Im excited about the possibilities, Is a Schwarzenegger impression tasteful in a wedding ceremony? 

There is a lot of pressure here in Toronto. I'm getting out of Toronto, going to Montreal to visit Dad on Monday. I got a bus ticket on www.Megabus.ca (It's never 1$,  Mine was 60$) but I do recommend it. They have internet and lots of places to plug-in.

Kevin Smith is the nicest guy ever.

I woke up early to go see Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier on the Dean Blundell show at The Egde 102.1. They did about an hour on the radio pimping the Live Smodcast in Brantford tomorrow. I showed up and waited about 25 minutes before Kevin and Scott walked up. They said hi, Kev remembered me from last time. The Interview was funny as hell, Kev dropped the f bomb at one point. You can get the whole thing by clicking here.  They were really nice and autographed a few things after the interview. Kev signed my Batman Widening Gyre #1 and they both personalized my Clerks DVD. I got a great picture with him and asked about releasing the Zack & Miri Make a Porno screenplay as a Pdf. He said he would post it, which is awesome cause I love to read his work as well as see it onscreen. It's so cool to meet your idol and he's a nice guy, Kevin is the nicest guy.

Afterwards i was so pumped I went to the gym and then checked out an early show at AMC. If you go before noon it's only 6 bucks. I saw Killers. Ashton Kucher and Katherine Heigl were so hot it was almost hard to look at, but in a good way. It was very funny, Catherine O'hera and Tom Seleck's Mustache gave great performances, and I must give a special shout out to Riggles. I wasn't expecting it to be so good, but it was. I fully indorse Killers.

So tomorrow Ian and I will be going to Brantford for the last game and then go see the live Smodcast for the second year. it's going to be so much fun I cant wait!

Me and Kevin Smith

I've finally uploaded the video of my interview with Kevin Smith from back in March. I don't know what took me so long. My camera is shitty and I wasn't prepared at all, I had to ask a dude nearby from Fazer Magazine to hold my camera. In the video, Kevin explains why all stoners should get a team together for the Walter Gretzky street hockey tournament (held this weekend in Brantford).

Kevin will be at the Edge tomorrow with Scott Mosier, I'm planning on going and taking a few pictures.

I am not Willie Nelson or Pee Wee Herman

I took the Go bus back into town so I can finally sleep in my bed again. I don't sleep well on the futon in Moms basement. I had two crazy dreams last night:

In the one dream I was Willie Nelson, at first I was watching the events unfold from a third person view but I wasn't in it I was just seeing it happen, but quickly it became first person and I was WILLIE NELSON! Sheriffs were going though my house and found a marijuana roach in the backyard. I think I was kind of shocked that was all they found, being Willie Nelson. 

The I woke up and went right back to sleep for the next dream:

I'm backstage at Pee Wee Herman's Broadway show, and I have agreed to be Pee-Wee's understudy, but I don't know my lines and just before going on I panic.


The new Scott Pillgrim trailer is out:

It's a better cut than the first trailer, more actioney.

better than text

I normally don't blog from Moms house unless I have my laptop (any excuse I can find I guess). I decided to use Moms computer since someone called me out on the lazy carpet. This keyboard is black and sucks for a blind guy to see (yes, I type like that). I'm looking at a nice 42 inch display, but I still prefer my sweet Macintosh, this Windows 7 bullshit was not "my idea".

Yesterday Auntie Chrissy took Marc and I to see the Harry Potter Exhibit at the Ontario Science Centre. We went to pick up Granny Mo at her condo, but never one for understanding a plan she had already taken the short bus ride over and was waiting for us in the parking lot. Now I have never been a big fan of the boy wizard (in fact I used to loathe the magical bastard), but I will take any excuse to hang out with such cool folks as Marc Gmo n' Crissy. It was a great time, the exhibit was interesting and made me want to watch the movies(but not read the books). I thought it was funny how the staff would refer to the props as "artifacts". The actual Science Centre stuff was quite cool, they had some crazy stuff from York University's Augmented Reality Lab. We went to a Chinese restaurant after. I was going to go home, but Auntie Chris convinced me to stay one more night so we could see a movie.

I stayed up really late watching Nurse Jackie and a new show called Gravity (it's about suicide, and it was enjoyable despite the freshness of the subject matter).

Marc and I hung out all day around the house, I played a little Spore. Marc made peroggies for dinner and then we went to the movies.


We went to the Courtney Commons AMC. Prince of Persia was fucking awesome. It should be called the Prince of Parkour. I'm going to try and find a copy of the Gamecube version of the game, I've wanted to play it for a while and even more so now. Auntie Chrissy stopped to get us McFlurrys on the way home. Marc and I both went for the mint Aero, not as good as I had hoped.

It's 3AM, time to pooch. I need to shave so bad, my face is itchy, going back to the city when I wake up.I can't wait to get back to the city and even more so, the gym.

I've added some Amazon links, use them to buy stuff:
 

a friend wants pot, can't leave me alone

 Hey Dude, sorry I couldn't help you find marijuana today, but as I have mentioned repeatedly, I am not a drug dealer. I know you have been confused about this in the past, hence your repeated texts & phone calls. 
 Remember a few weeks ago when you thought I had blocked your number for asking for weed? I should only be so lucky, but your calls still connect.

 Yes, I did hang up on you today while you persisted to pester me about purchasing pot. Even after that, I'm sure you are still not clear why I would hang up on you. I am fully expecting to be harassed in the near future.

 Yes, friends do favours for friends, and I could find a guy to help you out. But I respect my guy too much to introduce you to him.
 I'm sure you will have no trouble finding someone. Drug Dealers are always looking for clients who only want a small amount, infrequently, while at the same time complaining about quality. They also love to talk about illegal activity on cellular telephones, so keep it up buddy.

Blogging for better health & mental wellness

I can still turn 2010 around as a shitty year for my blog. I have a backlog of posts to finish, recent events in my life have stalled my creativity. I hate lazy days, I want to be productive. I really think the blog helps with my mental state, they are connected. If I'm not blogging, something is wrong so ask questions. I swear I'm going to work harder, so please check back often and I think you will be surprised.

Going to see the Stormalongs tonight for the first time in a while. Nim sent me this video he did, which is awesome, but wont be around long since some of the guys have government jobs.

Iron Man 2

Ian and I had to see the sequel to Iron Man on opening weekend. It's what we do, and a great distraction from suicides and funerals.

I love the AMC24 at Yonge & Dundas Square. The Moviewatcher Rewards program is so much cooler than Cineplex's Scene Card. With the AMC Moviewatcher card you save money at the box office and get more rewards faster than Scene. I'm going to try and get a job at AMC.

The movie was Fanboy Popcorn at it's finest. Robert Downey Jr is excellent, Gweneth Paltrow is great and *ahem*, Scarlett Johanssen, so fine! Samuel L Jackson is badass as Nick Fury. Lot's of easter eggs for the geeky. I'm happy with the way these films are being handled. The anticipation for Thor(2011), and The Avengers(2012) is building!

Racicot, Lewis Alan 1962-2010

Lewis Alan Racicot died suddenly at the age of 47 in Toronto.

Born on June 7th, 1962 at St Mary's Hospital in Timmins, Lewis grew up in Schumacher, and graduated from École Secondaire Thériault. He earned a Masters degree in Library & Information Science from the University of Western Ontario. His career started at the Metro Toronto Reference Library, and later he became the Chief Information Officer at the University of West Indies in Jamaica. A brilliant linguist who spoke five languages, he traveled the world and loved to share his wisdom and knowledge with his family.  
Survived by his mother Maureen Morris, his sisters Bernadet, Rachèle & Christine Racicot, his stepfather Andrew Weishar, his stepmother Frances (Bertrand) Racicot, stepbrothers and sisters Catherine, Robert, David & Nancy, Gerald & Fran, Micheal & Lori Weishar, Marcel Bertrand, Margaret Adam, Elizabeth & Dale Charboneau, Angela & Devor Dicmik, numerous cousins, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews including Chloé, Julien, Paul & Marc Chabot, along with Laura and Jeannine Proudfoot.
Predeceased by his beloved brother Paul Racicot, his stepbrother Andre Bertrand, and his father Gerald Racicot.

Services will be held at Rosar - Morrison Funeral Home in Toronto on Saturday, May 8, from 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Worst 4/20 ever

Last year I was in Golden Gate Park with my friends, this year I'm home alone. Kind of a step down. Paul came over after work and we celebrated for a little bit. A low key affair.

I once again avoided the 4/20 gathering at Yonge/Dundas. I'm glad I didn't go, since some douchebag brought a gun. Way to help out the movement.

Next year I'm either going all out on 4/20 or not even going to acknowledge it.

 My Aunt Chris drove me back into town from Mom's. We picked up Granny Mo & Andy and went to my favourite place in the whole world Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill. Grandma asked about my blog so I feel obliged to make a post. I have a backlog to go through and post this week but I figured I would start here.

I just watched episode 13 of Spartacus Blood and Sand. This show is fucking epic, you have to see it. Watch the trailer then get buy it through this handy Amazon link.


I really want to see a Jays game but I'm busted out for cash right now, I got into the sub-prime mortgages way too late. I gotta find a job, tomorrow.

New album from Melissa Auf Der Maur, Out Of Our Minds! Out Now!!!

Support Canadian Bass Chicks-Buy OOOM!

It's taken a few years, but Melissa Auf Der Maur's second album is finally available, and it rocks!  The record/comic/short-film project brings the former Hole/Pumpkins bassist back to the art school roots she abandoned for a 90's alt-rock roller-coaster. She is also no longer a slave to a label (Capitol) and though she is using EMI's distribution arm to get the records in stores, this project is as indie as it gets. I recommend buying the cd/dvd, cause the short film really is excellent. If you can afford the whole package, go for it, but at the very least pick up the album, cheapskate.

BUY OUT OF OUR MINDS! CLICK HERE!!!

I managed to get on the list to the album release party through sheer vigilance and twitter.

It was being held just down Queen W. at the gallery beside the Great Hall.

I ran into Andrew and some other superfans and stuck with them most of the event. The conversation was quite heavy on talk of the Them Crooked Vultures show coming up. I'm a fan but didn't get tickets cause I can't afford em.

I tested the free beer theory by walking up to the bar, asking for a beer and getting one without having to pay. I walked back to my group and savored the taste of Steam Whistle for a moment before confirming to everyone it was gratis. That was nice cause I could now afford to buy the LP (and I did!). Melissa knows Andrew well and came to talk to our group. I had a feeling she wasn't going to play because she was dressed up so nice. She thanked us for our support, and autographed my LP. Melissa is the most accessible rock stars ever, she always has time for her fans.  

Melissa then gave a speech and then we watched the OOOM trailer and the music video. She did not play a set, but promised to return soon (she did just rock the Horseshoe last month).

kitty is fine

People have asked about the health of Bassquarter. Her face has healed fine. She spent all winter on this spot, she made the occasional attempt to go outside but was quickly foiled by the snow.

Now that it's nice out she heads outside often. I usually find her laying in front of my door in the morning. Although I have been assured that she loves me, I have a feeling she has knowledge of my can opening skills and is just using me. I'm glad her face healed and hope she can stay out of fights this summer (not likely since she's so fiercely territorial). I gave her milk today and she lapped it up like crazy.

I stopped into Valhalla on the way home from the gym, it's the best card shop in Toronto. They have a wall of postcards, with a lot of really cool Canadian postcards. You can see the card I picked out on my postcard blog soon (I want it to be a surprise to the person who gets it *cough* Chloe).

Scott Pilgrim Trailer

The trailer for the new Edgar Wright movie Scott Pilgrim VS The World is now on Itunes, you can CLICK HERE to check it out. This is going to be epic.

Marky Mark has funky acting chops

I went to  the Bloor Cinema this afternoon to see The Lovely Bones, the Peter Jackson film I missed last month. It was pretty cool, Mark Wahlberg did some real acting (he can be so cool sometimes, like in I heart Huckabees or Three Kings). I'm glad Peter Jackson can do smaller movies like this in-between epics.

I called up Mo-Mo since I was in the area, he was about to go to the rehearsal space. I caught a ride with him. The Stormalongs worked on the new songs. It's getting down to the wire, the guys are going into the studio at the end of the month. I can't wait to go out to the Island, the songs sound great. It's going to be a lot of fun.

I added these links so you can buy stuff: