TTC Subway Suicides

Ok, I don't want to be a downer but I think this is important.

I remember reading about subway suicides in Fortean Times back in the 90's. The article stated that they were surprisingly rare in most major cities around the world, except Toronto.

It happens all the time.

The Toronto Transit Commission doesn't report suicide statistics. The TTC was required to release this information in compliance with a Toronto Sun freedom of information act request.

I'm putting it here because I think people should know that that this is going on. People kill themselves by jumping in front of our subway trains. People should talk about suicide. It should not be kept secret, I think the TTC is wrong in this regard. The numbers on this chart were all people who needed help. Also, people love to bitch about TTC, but can you imagine being a subway conductor? It would just be a question of "when?". I mean how many times a year to people try to kill themselves on your shift where you work?

I'm putting this link if you want any information about suicide:

Centre For Suicide Prevention

Fox is, dare I say, Fantastic!

Fantastic Mr. Fox was excellent. One of the best films I've seen all year. George Clooney's voice talent is undeniable. Wes Anderson brings the Roald Dahl story to life with brilliant stop motion and his fine stable of talented animals, such as Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman and especially Meryl Streep as Mrs Fox.

Also out this weekend is Cooper's Camera. I saw it last year at tiff and really liked it. I would love to see it again this holiday season. The Canadian Christmas comedy stars The Daily Show's Samantha Bee and Jason Jones. It's a dysfunctional family Christmas set in 1985.

A-TEAM takes the Cake!

The A Team movie is coming in 2010 and here is an exclusive view of Sharlto Copley a.k.a. Capt. "Howling Mad" Murdock's birthday cake on set:

"Sharlto Copley's mom sent this cake to him on the set of The A-Team for his birthday!! That is totally badass and awesome!!! And his mom rocks for making that amazing cake, dreams do come true!!"

Thanks Hollywood.

Scot Card

My brother Cayen is on tour across the UK, and sent me this postcard form Scotland. He's the best and has a thing for postcards, just like me.

It's so nice to get home and find a quick note from a friend in your mailbox.

He's coming back to Canada on Monday through Toronto, so I'm looking forward to grabbing a beer with him.

WTF happend to our cat!?!

Get Well Soon Bassquarter!

Our house kitty Bassquarter's face was really swollen this morning, it looked like she had a golf ball in her left cheek. I think she might have gotten into a back ally fight and a scratch got infected or something.

Abi said he was going to take her to the vet. I would have gone with him but I had to be on time for my workshop. I got home to find Bass laying in front of Abi's room and her face was bleeding. Abi came home and told me he didn't make it to the vet with her, so the cat must have lanced it herself. I think the vet would have done the same thing but more expensive with less scarring. When it heals he is going to look like SEAL or Dube-X. She doesn't have a cone on her head so I think she's going to keep fucking with her face. I have never really cared about a cat like this before, so I was freaking out at first. now I've calmed down a bit, and I just hoping she will be fine.

Got Google Wave?

First, what the hell is Google Wave? This video explains only a fraction of what wave is:


Now you sorta know. But do you need it? Yes, you do.

I have some more Google Wave invites! I would love to hook you up, just leave a comment below expressing your interest.

Post Like An Egyptian

Sarah I sent me a postcard from Egypt! Very cool. We went to high school together, and now she lives in England with her dude. She's a smart lady getting on my good side in the postcard department. I don't just enjoy sending postcards, I also love getting them.

I'm going to pick up a big stack of cards and stamps to send some out pre-Xmas.

Back to the Future 2

Twenty years ago today Back to the Future II was released theatrically.

I remember my dad brought me to Cinema 6 to see it for my birthday. Unfortunately my birthday is in January, and Marty and Doc Brown were long gone from it's first run. I was seven and too young to see Ski School(Boobies!), so we rented The Burbs and Harry and the Hendersons, went back to dad's house and watched em.

I was so excited to see BTTF2 and was seriously let down when I couldn't. Then I totally forgot about it. That's what happens when your a kid, the most important stuff in your life disappears from existence if it's not right in front of you.

Then suddenly, it's my first Communion, and were celebrating at our house. All my family is there and I'm getting cards with cash in em. I remember getting lots of cash. Then Auntie Chris handed me a VHS tape rented from the QuickMart. It was Back To The Future II, and I was holding it in my hands. I had dreamed about watching this movie, and now I was going to get my chance. I still had to entertain the guests for a bit, but once they left Mom said I could go downstairs and watch it.

I finally got to see it, I must have watched it 10 times before it got returned to the Quickmart.

Stormalongs rock Drake

Colin looks like a devil in this shot, Diablo loco.

My best friend band The Stormalongs played a show at The Drake Hotel tonight.

People of Canada was the first opener, he is just one dude with a uke, but his songs are clever and funny. Check out his myspace for a song called Garbage Day Eve.

A poorly named band called Whaletooth opened for The Stormalongs, and we caught their soundcheck. They had a girl named Elise LeGrow for lead singer. This chick has a crazy awesome voice and the songs were pretty good. They had a wicked set and this girl was really fantastic, I would be surprised if she didn't become famous, at least here in Canada.

The Stormalongs sounded blown out in comparison. They were very loud, which is their trademark, but this time it seemed to be to their detriment. I feel like Huey Lewis in Back to the Future, but I'm afraid they're just too damn loud. Colin's vocals were unintelligible at parts. Still, not the bands fault and more the dude working the soundboard.

All around great night with my favourite band, The Stormalongs. I think this is the only shot I have of me with the whole group.

Sunday Night

Paul and I went over to Mom's place for our traditional Sunday night dinner and Simpsons. We really liked tonight's episode titled "Pranks and Greens", guest starring Superbad's Jonah Hill. Mom made us a sub when we first showed up, so we didn't have too much room for dinner, a chicken stew Mom herself admitted didn't quite turn out right. It's always good to hang out at Mom's and watch Simpsons and Howard Stern On Demand on her sweet TV.

Paul seems really high strung. I think its kind of strange how he surreptitiously began marriage plans without saying "I'm going to get married", he just sorta brought it up casual.

I'm watching some Back To The Future and then it's time for bed, I've got something to do at the CNIB tomorrow.

Twilight: New Moon

I did not see this movie, I will probably never see this movie, I would rather see a Vince Vaughn "comedy". But from the all reviews I've seen it's "The greatest movie ever" and "everyone in it is so hot". Teentards are the worst consumer group.

Don't worry people, actual good movies are on the way.

Cali in my mind

I had a dream last night that I had booked a flight to San Francisco, and then I missed it. I was jumping through the airport like Super Mario, trying to make it even though I was already hours late. My Granny Mo ran along side me with her husband Andy, both of them wanted to see me to the gate and were doing all the jumps and flips it would take to get there. The plane was still there, but I woke up before I could get on.

No Peaches,

I'm missing Peaches tonight at the Phoenix. I would love to be there, Peaches totally rocks and puts on a wicked show.

Grandma called and I went to meet her for lunch. I was in a bad mood all day and I think it really showed.

I went to the gym and it was good. I mostly listen to Howard Stern on my ipod, sometimes switching to something rocking to get me pumped like when I run. I can't listen to talking when I run, but it's fine when I'm on the bike.

I was supposed to go to the movies with my Aunt Christine, but when I called she didn't sound interested, she didn't even sound like she remembered asking me to go to the movies yesterday. I think I just hung up the phone. For some reason sometimes when I'm frustrated or upset I hang up the phone. It's one of the worst things I do. I remember doing it to a girl in high school, and she told me to never do it again, I think about that every time I do it, just after it happens, and I feel like a total dick (which I guess I am).

I went to hang out with Ian, we watched Flashpoint. He waxed intellectual on CSI:Las Vegas/Miami/New York, it was very interesting.

soon to be Santa

Whoever thought it was a good idea to leave me in a room with a Nintendo Wii, New Super Mario Brothers Wii and a bong knows nothing about productivity. I did some laundry and made some progress on some difficult levels. By the time I got to the gym it was 5pm and the place was packed, I walked in and then right out. I will set the alarm and head out first thing in the morning.

Mom and I went to Fabricland yesterday to pick out some material for my Santa suit. She dropped some serious cash, so it looks like this thing is going to be my Christmas gift. I'm going to have to get a lot of use out of it, so don't be surprised to see me rocking a festive look this holiday season.

New Super Mario Brothers Wii

A lot can change in 20 years, some things never do. I submit as evidence, this photo of Paul and I at Mom's house playing New Super Mario Brothers Wii. It was taken yesterday, but easily could have been taken in 1989 playing Super Mario Bros. on NES.

Super Mario was one of the biggest icons of the 80's, and unlike Michael Jackson, he was never accused of improprieties with a child (although he may have been responsible for a few flashing-light-induced epileptic fits). My two brothers and I freaked out when we got a Nintendo for Christmas from Dad (Chloe's reaction could be described as "utter disappointment"). We played all the time, with everyone from the neighborhood. A vast network of players traded games in order to avoid boredom. We would play until Mom booted us outside, and if our NES had the capability to display that days playtime like the current Wii system, Mom would have kicked us out a lot sooner.

New Super Mario Brothers Wii is really fun. Paul and I played with Auntie Chrissy, 3 player co-op at the same time (With one more controller Mom could have helped out too). It was cool, because you could help or hinder your fellow player. We played all night only taking a break to watch the new episode of The Simpsons. We didn't get too far, the multiplayer aspect mostly hindered our progress(PAUL!). It's harder that any other Mario game but you can continue as many times as you need, so it's still a good time. Now I'm getting into playing it solo and it's freaking excellent, I have to stop cause my thumb is sore. If you have a Wii you need this game.

Cameron Diaz's Box

Mom is going to put together a Santa suit for Santarchy (the Toronto Santacon). I wanted to go over to her place today and shop for materials but I couldn't get a hold of her. So I went to the gym and then picked up dinner at Metro. Sausages! Sausages! Sausages!

Ian and I saw The Box, the new Richard Kelly thriller starring Cameron Diaz. It was pretty crazy. I liked it.

New Super Mario Brothers Wii is out tomorrow. I'm going to put my Plumbers Cap on and play all day!

Baby in a box

I just read about the new show from the guys formerly known as the Trailer Park Boys. The Drunk and on Drugs Happy Funtime Hour will air on Showcase sometime next year. The guys will play all of the roles, under tons of makeup. I'm really looking forward to seeing them try something new and I hope the audience will accept them as different characters.

I just found this pic my friend San took earlier this year in San Francisco. We were walking Kosmo towards Delores Park and saw this on the street. Passers by stopped to look in horror just like us, till they realized it was a doll. Now what I ask you:

Is this a piece of urban art, perhaps a statement about the homeless or maybe abortion?

OR

Is someone just trying to throw out a doll?

1 in 4 Stormalongs can't string a guitar

Drum Beatin'

Bass Slappin'

Song Singin'

String Breakin'

The Stormalongs hit the Marley Room for a rehearsal last night and Paul and I joined them. The gang ran through the "A" set, stopping only for Momar to replace a broken string. Oft jested for his love of Brio and Pitzels, MoMo is also one of the most-loved Stormalongs (we kid because we love).

Paul at home in the Marley Room

Getting down to business, the real purpose of this rehearsal was working on the new songs. The Stormies are going back to the Island early next year to record the second album, but before that can happen, they need to bring the new music up to snuff.

The guys only had enough time to work on Effortless and another song called Beggars. Both have that distinct Stormalongs sound, but are defiantly new and a great direction for the group. The band eased through Effortless, Beggars was a bit more complicated in it's format and wasn't played all the way through.

If you haven't already purchased Fell Like Bricks, you should do so now on iTunes (just click here).

Postcard Fail

Mike sent me a postcard from Japan, but for some reason guessed my address, he got the street correct but messed up the number. This approach is new to me, normally people ask me for my address of which I will freely give. Unfortunately the woman at the house where the card was sent to speaks no English, so getting the card looks to be impossible.

Pom-gasm & a Postcard from Japan

Pomegranates are in season (and on sale at Metro 4 for 3$)! I picked some up after the gym today. That's right! I went to the gym today for the first time in 2 weeks (I was in Montreal for a little bit). Pomegranates were my Uncle Paul's favourite. He taught me that the difficulty of getting to the sweet fruit was worth the effort. Hard work has its reward. I spent some time emptying out the four poms, now I have a whole big bowlful and can grab a handful whenever I want.

Here is a vidoe explaining how to open the Pomegranate,

I did pretty much the same thing, except didn't take it appart under water. My sticky shoes and red stained floors are proof.

I got a postcard from Charlie and Rebecka from their trip to Japan, two of the coolest people in the world. I met them at Burning Man and my life is better because of it. Charlie is an awesome Australian and Rebecka is a doctor in San Francisco. I want to cash in my Aeroplan points and visit them in California tomorrow, but my jetsetting days are over (for now). This postcard made my day/week:
Jagger called and we talked about the corporate entity known as Weezer, and their latest product, a 4 cent piece of plastic disc called Raditude. He seemed just as disappointed as I was. We caught up a bit, having not spoken since his nuptials in Forest Ontario last month. Colin and I had a great time, although I haven't finished or posted a blog entry about it yet(1 month ago? I suck at this!). The newlyweds are going to se Auf Der Maur open for STP a the John Labbat Centre in London next week, I'm super jealous and want to hear all about it. Jagger's beautiful wife Ashlie is a regular reader of my blog and I thank her for her patronage. lurkers should take a cue from her and post comments once in a while!

OOOM MADM getting close

Mellisa Auf Der Maur's long awaited second album is approaching the light of day. You can now download the first track Out Of Our Minds for free at her website here. It's cool. She has some shows coming up with STP, but nothing in Toronto. I love this woman, she is brilliant and beautiful and rocks.
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Matt Returns Superman Returns

I felt like I needed to connect with some human beings, so I called some friends. No one answered. Sometimes when I call people and no one answers, I start to think I'm the only person in existence. Like all the actors who play roles in my life are not in that episode.
Matt called me back and invited me over to his new place. He and Anna have a nice little place near Clinton's, which could be cool for the next Stormalongs show there. We hung out and listened to tunes while Anna got groceries. He returned my copy of Superman Returns, which I wasn't in a hurry to get back but am glad I did. Anna came home and we all had some tasty souvlaki for dinner. It was nice to see them both again. Matt had to go to a Stormalongs strategy session. I missed a show on Thursday, I guess I'm not on the inside anymore. I got a great idea for a music video for the boys, I will run it by them at the next rehearsal which is on Monday (I think).

Already Dead

I had a dream my whole family was together because someone was dying. It was either my Pepere who passed last Christmas, or my uncle Paul, who passed away about 15 years ago. It was weird to be worrying about losing someone you have already lost. I think the weirdest part was when my Mom handed me a fist full of pills, telling me it was the only way I could get any sleep. My mom is a nurse and knows her pills, so I took em. I guess when you take sleeping pills in a dream, they cause you to wake up.

What the fuck. I could read into this shit all day.

Boondock Saints 2: All Saints Day

First watch this trailer for Overnight:



Ian and I saw an advance screening of Boondock Saints 2: All Saints Day at the AMC.

Director Troy Duffy introduced his film by saying roughy "People on the internet like to trash Boondock Saints and they always say "I went to Film School, and Boondock Saints sucks because a), b), c)." and then Boondock fans scream FUCK YOU!"

He's kind of an asshole.

But Troy Duffy does know Boondock fans, and Boondock 2 is definitely for the fans. It delivers all the guns and vengeance required of the sequel to the 1999 cult direct to dvd crime thriller. Sure some of the dialog sucks, and it runs long, some shots are awkward, and parts don't make sense, but cut the guy a break, it's only his second film, he was in movie jail for 10 years.

So if your a boondock fan, more of the same isn't a bad thing.

Boondock Saints 2 is fun popcorn. Lots of shooting and guys getting shot. Like the first film, Toronto is Boston. But the best part for Canadians will be seeing Rob Welles, (aka Ricky) he has a fantastic cameo that proves he will find life beyond the Trailer Park Boys.

And Troy, if your reading this, I didn't go to film school.

Say it Aint So, Weezer's Raditude sucks

It hurts when someone you love lets you down. Weezer lets us all down with this so called album. True Weezer fans can be a fickle bunch. Maybe I'm asking for too much from Rivers, I want a real personal record from one of rock music's best, but instead get a mishmash of songs of varying quality and overproduction. From track to track it's hard to tell if your listening to the same record. I would rather listen to the red album (which now sucks less thanks to Raditude). A total letdown.

A Serious Man

Ian and I saw the latest Cohen Brothers film A Serious Man. Wow, a great movie, very dark. It gave me a ton to think about. I would have to see it again to really "get" it.

We stopped by Queen Video cause I wanted to rent The Last of The Mohicans. I've never seen it and I love Daniel Day Lewis, so I'm excited to check it out when I'm done this post. I also picked up Observe and Report (the Serious Man version of Paul Blart).

Rogers Sucks

Holy crap! The internet in my house got slow the day the CRTC said Rogers was allowed to throttle it's customers, selling them "High-Speed" while bending the kink in the hose. I know the corpse of Ted Rogers is already rotting in the ground, but there are still a whole bunch of greasy corporate pricks that need to fuck off and die. Rogers fucking sucks (so does Bell). It really pisses me off cause I use Rapidshare to download TV shows, and what used to take 5 minutes now takes 40.

10 cents

Wow. Glad to be back home, but still pissed at barky the dog across the ally.

I made a lot of blog posts in October, but most sucked. I didn't get many visitors and thus, no revenue (These ads are not here for my health). I guess I need to make more interesting posts.

I sent off 2 postcards today. One to Dad and one to Sarah I. I love sending em cause I love getting em.

I watched Paul Blart: Mall Cop with Ian. It was everything we expected.