The truth is in the details

Holidays / Year End

2011-12-21T09:54:00.000-05:00

2011 has been a year of change. Over the course of the year, I started a computer certificate program but was unable to complete because the final two parts were cancelled. Instead, I took an additional teaching qualification course online and finished it (won't know if I passed until the new year but it's likely I did). I started the year working at the bookstore and finished the year working as an adult education instructor in numeracy and digital technology (a.k.a. math & computers), with a brief stop at an after-school program. These changes have all been positive and have all be steps in the right direction.

I turned 30, went to Chicago (all things go, all things go) for C2E2 / birthday celebrations, Calgary for my cousin's wedding, and Detroit, the city where my vegetarian girlfriend's favourite restaurant is a BBQ joint that has exactly one veggie option but she LOVES that one option. This year has also been about reconnecting and keeping in touch with friends, not always the easiest thing. Social networks make easy to superficially connect with people but actually seeing them and talking in person is difficult if you don't put the time and effort into it.

Now to the "Best of" lists. (I apologize in advance for rambling.)

I've had a difficult time remember what movies were release this year that I'd say were "the best." This summer's crop of comic book movies were surprisingly good, aside from the Green Lantern which was awful. Marvel has stepped up their game with Thor and Captain America. I'm excited for next year's Avengers movie. Also, the final Batman movie looks pretty good as well. I liked Moneyball, Drive, and Bridesmaids but overall it was a pretty forgettable year for me.

This year's music scene, for me, was dominated by late entries. And by late I mean I discovered them while reading through / listening to critic's year end lists. This has been my practice for years, going all the way back to high school. I do discover music during the year, it's usually around this time of year that I discover my "new" favourites. During the year I liked Fucked Up's David Comes to Life, Adele's 21, Rural Alberta Advantage's Departing, and Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi's Rome. These albums were good, and I've listened to them several times but they didn't excite me. Wilco's The Whole Love took me a little while to warm up to but it's as good as the last two. The Whole Love had more layers than the last Wilco record and they just seem to be getting better has a band these days. Watch the Throne was good, as was Drake's Take Care. The latest entry into this list was the Welsh band the Joy Formidable. Only discovered them last week, but I can't get enough of them. They're pretty awesome. I heard a couple of tracks by The Men but haven't heard the entire album yet but I like what I heard so far.

My favourite podcast discovery this year was the Nerdist. I don't know what to say, but this podcast has opened up my inner nerd and I just can't get enough. NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour was a close second, with its great discussions and the fantastic Mr. Glen Weldon.

As for comic books, the DC's relaunch has been the big story. I'm only reading a couple of titles (Justice League, Action Comics, Grifter, Animal Man, Justice League Dark) but that's more DC comics than I was reading before. They've only released 4 issues so far and I have say most of the stories are taking their sweet time getting going. Animal Man has moved along the best so far but I have high hopes for Justice League. Brian Michael Bendis' Avengers titles comics have been excellent like always but Warren Ellis' run on Secret Avengers has been fantastic. Each issue is a one-and-done story and they've been inventive, smart, and a little funny. Sad to see him leave the title. Criminal: Last of the Innocent was probably my favourite mini-series. At C2E2 I made two major discoveries: Mouse Guard and the Sixth Gun.Both are independent titles that were new and interesting. While I won't be picking the single issues (for space reasons), I'm definitely getting the trades. As for my first comic love, the X-Men books, I didn't like the renumbering of Uncanny X-Men but otherwise it was an okay year. The new title, Wolverine and the X-Men, looks good that's tough to say with only two issues released. Uncanny X-Force, on the other hand, seem to coming out every week this year. It was good but so books was a little overkill for me. Overall, a pretty good year.

Finally, television. So I think it's safe to say I've watched a lot TV this year. I don't believe it was anymore than I had previously watched. In 2010, I started watching The Wire and this year I finished the series. It is good and does probably rate as one of the best shows ever made. I really liked Game of Thrones. Haven't seen a well made fantasy show in a long time / ever. Community was as good as ever and I'm sad to see it go. Walking Dead and Boardwalk Empire battle for viewing time on Sunday nights because they're both worth watching when they air, a concept that's becoming more out dated every year. Friday Night Lights and Justified were highly enjoyable discoveries this year that I wish I had knew about before. High Definition television became apart of my life this year and it is good, especially for watching hockey. The puck has never been easier to follow. And then there's Doctor Who... what can I say except that it was fantastic like always, even if the two episodes were the strongest.

My girlfriend says her favourite of the year were:
Movies: Blue Valentine, Midnight in Paris (would have liked Thor but refused to see it)
TV: Oprah saying goodbye, Community, Walking Dead, Geek Love, Fanboy Confidential
Comic: Scenes from an Impending Marriage, Hark! A Vagrant
Music: She likes podcasts - I Like You, Stuff You Missed in History Class, Pop Culture Happy Hour

All in One Day

2011-12-15T17:17:00.001-05:00

Finished all my holiday shopping yesterday. Don't have many people to buy for so that makes it easier. Now all I've got is nothing but "free time."

EDIT (12/21/2011): Used the Blogger iPhone app to write this post and like most things written on a smartphone there were tons of mistakes. As is my policy, I corrected the grammar so that it makes sense. There should be more of these small updates, almost like another form of social media.

On Demand

2011-11-20T20:39:00.001-05:00

I've been watching a lot of television on demand rather than broadcast. I know this is the trend for young people but this month is first time it's happened to me. Usually I'd watch the west coast feed but with my new job I fall asleep too early, so to the on demand services I go.

Police Academy

2011-10-29T10:56:00.002-04:00

So the original Police Academy was on television this morning. The movie is almost 30 years old (released in 1984) it was shot in Toronto. I noticed this mostly in the climatic riot scene at the end of the movie. The riot scenes were shot in Kensington Market. The place still looks the same. I find a little bit of comfort in this. The movie, however, hasn't aged well. I remember liking this series as a kid but not so much anymore. It's pretty crazy.

Also, the Blue Oyster bar was the Silver Dollar Room. That's strange.

GBV

2011-10-25T21:28:00.002-04:00

The Unsinkable Fats Domino is awesome (streaming off Robert Pollard's website). I know how it sounds but I'm going to say it anyways - Why don't they make music like this anymore?

So why haven't I blogged in a while?

2011-09-28T08:39:00.003-04:00

1. I started a new job. For the last three years I've at an amazing bookstore and while it was a great learning experience it wasn't a teaching position. I spent more time working with teachers than kids. So now I'm working for a foundation that provides after school programs in at-risk communities in Toronto's East & West Ends. My job is help with academic support (tutoring), lead discussion groups, run a graphic novel book club, and teach a babysitting course. Yes, along with first aid and recreation training, I was certified as babysitting instructor. I'm three weeks in (discounting two weeks training)

2. I spent most of the summer trying to start a podcast. Unfortunately, I didn't get as far as I would have liked. I'm not giving up on the project but I think I need time to adjust. I put a lot of effort into it and I just need more time...

3. ... but time isn't something I'll have a lot of. My new job is part-time but I'm also taking an online Additional Qualification for my teaching certificate. It's a Special Education (Secondary Focus) course. Along with my previous and currrent employment I'm hoping it'll lead to a full-time teaching position.

4. And no, I haven't forgotten about my computer course. After I finish the online course, in the new year I'm going to focus on it. Get my certification and go forward with that.

So, I don't know how much blogging I'll be doing in the near future.

first l.p., first track

2011-07-31T11:25:00.004-04:00

One of the news groups I belong to started a tread last week about what's the best first album, first track? An obvious variation on the classic question from High Fidelity, I plunged right into my record collection to enter the fray. But I didn't start with my shelves and shelves of Compact Discs and Vinyl Records. Nope, I started digitally on my computer, searching through folders. I didn't even use iTunes (which I usually do).

All the tracks I could think of were from at least a decade ago. Things like:

Weezer - My Name is Jonas (Blue Album)
Operation Ivy - Knowledge (Energy)
Tom Waits - Ol'55 (Closing Time)
Roxy Music - Re-Make, Re-Model (Roxy Music)
The Streets - Turn the Page (Original Pirate Material)
Rural Alberta Advantage - The Ballad of RAA (Hometowns)

Now, technically Ryan Adam's Heartbreaker's first track is A Conversation with David Rawlings Concerning Morrissey but the first song is To Be Young (Is to Be Sad, Is to Be High). Talking is fun and does wonders for the skin but it isn't music.

Google +

2011-07-11T19:56:00.001-04:00

So far it's neat but since there aren't lots and lots of people on it yet there's not much to do (unless you want to upload your own content for your three other friends to see).

Hmmm... I wonder when blogger will be integrated into it like all the other services....

fffffffffffffffff

2011-07-03T14:32:00.000-04:00

So far my summer has been kind of a let down. The final two parts of my computer course were cancelled due to low enrollment. I was very excited about the classes because I found them incredibly motiavting and interesting. Now I've got to teach myself the final half of this certification (troubleshooting and basic networking) before taking the exam, which I'm hoping to do in the fall. I've got a handle on most of this stuff but it's taken some time to get everything together. That and the memorization.

I have, however, had the time get working on my podcasts. So far I've finished three of them and they're pretty good. My simple idea (and this might change) is to use a song has the theme of a ten minute podcast. So far I've got a short history of a band, my own personal connection, and how this particular song influences/is influenced by culture. There's still a lot of work to be done. Storytelling is difficult for me as is ending it but I've notice the podcast get significantly better with each try.

Hopefully I'll having something more to discuss in the coming weeks.

Cover the event in style

2011-05-31T11:31:00.003-04:00

I've got a huge learning curve ahead of me when it comes to troubleshooting computer problems. There's just so much to learn when you next to nothing. So many little things to keep track of. Got to start taking notes / keeping excellent records. Can't always remember what's been done. I'm slowly getting the hang of it. Lots of mistakes but I'm correcting them as i notice them. It's slow learning but I thinking I'm starting to get the hang of it.

Jump down instead of up

2011-05-25T20:15:00.002-04:00

So instead of trying to solve all the problems in my life I've started sorting and organizing stuff (yet again). Seems like I'm always doing this. Life was so much easier when I accepted my messy habits and just left things in piles. I realize that if I had less stuff I won't have the mess issue. But I like my stuff. I probably don't NEED any of it but I do like it. It isn't harming me at the moment so I'll just let it be.

Time after time

2011-05-17T15:16:00.005-04:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about change, mostly in my professional life. That was the reasoning behind taking my currently cancelled computer courses. Something to make things a little better. Can't continue doing the same thing over and over again expecting the results to change. Is time off the solution? Should I consider a project - something to help me "find my bliss"?

These are all grand ideas. More likely I'll just sit around watching bad tv, playing video games, making semi-awesome meals, and reading the news feed on my twitter account (@ryansenseless).

Motivation worries me. Then again, I haven't been unemployed. I've been underemployed several times (like right now) but never unemployed for more than a couple of weeks between jobs discounting one summer after university.

May Day Election

2011-05-03T00:36:00.005-04:00

Tonight is election night here in Canada. The Conservative Party has just won its first majority in over twenty years. The New Democratic Party (NDP) has made huge gains in Quebec at the expense of Bloc Quebecois and everywhere else at the expense of the Liberal Party. In British Columbia, the Green Party has finally won a seat so they can't be excluded from debates. It was a pretty historic night.

And I feel sad.

Canada has changed. Its population has changed and we're slowly becoming a distance copy of our previous national identities. We're no longer the polite, centrists who prize a common sense approach to our collective good. Regionalism, French / English relations, or wilderness pioneer spirit don't define us anymore either. We're now caught between "extremes" without a direction for the people in the middle. Yes, nothing is ever perfect. Yes, current political systems exclude large portions of the people its meant to serve, but I don't think it'll get better.

Maybe this is just a sleepless rant that I'll regret in the morning. Maybe I'm just upset at the Conservative majority. Maybe I'm just dreading going to work tomorrow with people who may just be happy with the election results. Yeah, maybe it's all personal and not about the direction the country's heading it. I'm hoping that's the case because otherwise it's going to be a long five years.

Smell Like Teenage Dream

2011-04-11T08:30:00.003-04:00

I was reading an article about how David Gohl is the perfect rock star and found a link to another article which I pulled this long quote from:

"You think I'm pretty without any makeup on," Perry whispers incredulously in the first line of "Teenage Dream," her voice leaning slightly stunned against a latticework-privacy-fence of kick drum. The plucked way Perry sings the lyric—as if what she's saying is just impossible—says so much about how far we all feel we've strayed from our genuine selves. That line is the most important one to make the Top 10 this year, I think: its tragic nostalgia, playing out the new version of the hard-soft dynamic that made 1990s alt-rock so shocking—yeah, that Nirvana sound—except now what this jarring contrast expresses is a woman finding her power, a woman not knowing if that power is going to cost her everything and certainly not whether it will be worth it, instead of a boy-man like Kurt Cobain getting in touch with his feminine side.

I think this was a very good example of all the issues surrounding the entire state of pop music

interviews, bloggers, and podcasts

2011-04-01T15:59:00.005-04:00

So my attempts at starting a podcast has stalled a bit. Seems creating content is difficult. I didn't think it would be easy but finding something I'd like to discuss week and week has been proven hard. Also, most of my ideas aren't very original and it seems there's already someone doing it. Now my project could end up better than theirs but my confidence at this moment isn't too high so I'm just going to continue working on the basics (writing scripts, editing, storytelling, diction, etc.). Thank goodness I'm not looking at this as a business proposal because I wouldn't be making any money.

I've also just installed a dual boot virtual PC on my laptop. Learning more everyday.

Firefox 4

2011-03-26T16:23:00.000-04:00

Just updated to the new version and... I think it's great. Small tweaks that make the browser better. Also seems to be loading faster, which is nice. Firefox has always been a little slow but i accepted that as the price for everything you could do with it.

30

2011-03-25T09:59:00.008-04:00

Lots of things happened in a couple of days.

I recently turned 30. To avoid thinking about this milestone too much I decided to take a trip to Chicago. Spent the day driving and after checking into our hotel, we went to see WBEZ (home of This American Life and Sound Opinions). Later that night, we went for drinks with my college roommate who randomly happened to be on vacation in Chicago as well. I had celebrated my 20th birthday with him at a hardcore show in Toronto while we were both undergrads and he was still underage. This time we went to a jazz show and drank cocktails. Now he's working on his doctorate in Austin. It was great seeing him. Excellent way to spend a birthday.

Went to C2E2 on Saturday. Meet Garth Ennis, writer of Preacher and, in my opinion, the definitive run on the Punisher. I hadn't really been to a comic book convention in years and they've really changed. Wearing costumes, or cosplay, didn't really exist back then (iFanboy has a pretty good gallery from the convention). It was mostly just dealers selling their back issues and artists selling their original art work. Now it's a huge deal. Probably going to go to the Toronto convention in August.

After getting home, I've decided to go vegan for a week. Didn't realize that Oprah had already done this. Either way, it's day four into the week and I'm doing well. Don't know what the health benefits have been for me yet but still... I know lots of people who are vegans so they've been telling me what's good and giving me lots of ideas. And I'll be honest, there's this bakery that makes fantastic vegan cupcakes and I've had a couple already.

Overall it's been an exciting couple of days. I'm listening to a Bikini Kills record and it's awesome.

I just don't understand

2011-03-19T13:44:00.000-04:00

Drove to Chicago

2011-03-16T18:06:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow I'm driving to Chicago for a long weekend. I've talked to a couple of people who've been there and my old roommate from university is also randomly in town. Seems like a great way to usher in a new decade of life.

And then on Saturday I'm going to meet (or at least try) the author of my favourite comic book series of all-time. I'll update when I know more.

Oh, and if you're not already following me on twitter I'm @ryansenseless.

Turning Japanese

2011-03-13T10:43:00.002-04:00

The last couple of days have been nothing short of horrible for the people of Japan. Just when you think things can't worse, it does. There's little else to say. I had the same reaction when the protests in the Middle East happened. There's very little constructive I can add to conversation. The Middle East protests, even with the violence in Libya, makes you feel that people can change the world. While I've lived through several "historic" moments in my life, that was the most positive.

But back to Japan. I can't believe there are people saying that the tsunami was "payback" for Pearl Harbour. Honestly, what the fuck. Really? Then again, people said the same thing about hurricane Katrina. ARGH! One of my friends said stuff like this is the reason I need to teach. They have a point.

Success!

2011-03-05T22:56:00.003-05:00

How I spent my Saturday night:

watched the hockey game (Leafs finally lost in regulation. Playoffs are still possible)
played a little Fallout 3 (very addictive)
Update the audio driver on my eight year old desktop, plugged some headphones in, and I've got audio input and output.
Played around with Audacity (very cool free program)
drank a beer in celebration

Yeah, I might have taken a computer course just so I could finally start podcasting. It's worth it. Now I've got to think of stuff to talk about. I'm not a journalist or even a writer so it might take a little time to sort all that out. Also need to work on my editing skills. And I need to re-arrange my work area so I can look at the screen while speaking into the microphone.

Reviews and boing boing

2011-03-04T14:36:00.002-05:00

This is an excellent review of Cory Doctrow's newest book For the Win. Doctrow is one of the founding editors of boing boing, a truely fantastic blog if there ever was one.

That's all for now.

Soon I'll be a creator

2011-02-28T19:16:00.002-05:00

Sound card is hooked up. Mic is working. Downloaded Audacity. Now it's time to start creating the content. So exciting.

social media dance party

2011-02-26T23:25:00.003-05:00

Today I went to Podcamp Toronto. It was informative, interesting, and interactive. I didn't network with anyone and also left at lunch. I was just testing the waters. Seeing what was out there and what ideas people are sharing. Still can't believe people make a living from blogging. Here's the basics: blogger is dead and I should totally buy a domain name, pay for a hosting service, and use wordpress. Guess after ten years I've been doing this all wrong. ALL wrong.

In other news, next time I'm looking for a topic for my blog, I'll check out the google's hot trends.

Also, working creating my own standing desk.

Plumber and Stuff

2011-02-23T19:55:00.002-05:00

Today I fixed our slow draining toilet. I assume that there's either a small child or some college students living above me 'cause that's the only way what I found blocking my pipes got there.

In other news, I got my old computer up and running. Unfortunately the recording component I bought a month or two ago isn't working as well as I thought it would. Live and learn I guess. Can't get the money back and it would be difficult sell again since I don't know if it works. Someone told me to buy a portable record and use it for everything. I think they have the right idea.

11 things

2011-02-12T08:29:00.000-05:00

1. Someone told me I should start writing down all the books I read. This suggestion was followed by another to read a book a week. Both are good ideas but doubtful I'll follow through.
2. Going to see my first professional hockey game next week. Can't afford the NHL so the AHL will have to do.
3. I'm helping someone at work start a young adult book club at the store. First book? This year's Newbery Medal winner When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. I'm really excited to read it.
4. Video games are addictive . Whether Angry Birds or Fallout 3, they suck you in for hours and hours of unproductive fun.
5. My night school classes are already paying for themselves.
6. The more I listen to the Florence + the Machine record, the more I like it.
7. Gave my Valentine all her gifts before hand because flowers and truffles hold last long.
8. I should update the design of the blog. I'll get around to it one of these days.
9. The Grammys suck. Started by people who didn't like rock n' roll. Just look back at the history of who wins. The Grammy voters seem to hate good music.
10. I've So much been reading lots of articles about the Huffington Post / AOL merger. Don't know if really affects me and my news consumption because I rarely read the Huffington Post.
11. Finally, what can be said about Eygpt that hasn't already been said. It's unbelievable and probably the greatest democratic event in the last five years. Let's see if it can be sustained. I have faith.

Computers

2011-02-10T12:12:00.000-05:00

There's always been a computer in my house, even growing up. I realize this statement isn't as strange as it once was, but we had a Commodore 64 in the mid-80s. I learned simple computer commands before I could read. For example, I loved playing this game called Jumpman. My father wrote out the instructions to start the game for me (after showing multiple times how to do). I couldn't do much more but it was enough. That's where it started. I've been thinking about this stuff a lot as I work with older computer for school. Computers have always been in my life and now I'm trying to incorporate them in a productive way beyond surfing the internet.

Cleaning

2011-02-09T12:09:00.002-05:00

I just clean a computer at work. I literally took the panel off and got rid of the dust that was clogging the fan. It now works a lot better.

Yesterday I change the boot set-up on one of our laptops and it boots five times faster.

Yay for applying school to real life!

small business plans

2011-02-08T22:20:00.003-05:00

I've been thinking about starting my own small business. Small as in just me. Obviously I'd need a plan in order to figure out exactly who / what / where / how. I have a system to support me while I try to make a living. These are good circumstances to become self-employed.

BUT there's a lingering question of where the business would come from. Who would want my services? How would they hear about me? Do I have enough qualifications / expertise to actually sell my services? It's all networking and getting over self-doubt. Unfortunately I don't have a network of contacts to rely on. I have friends and family but I don't want to abuse those relationships. Professionally, I'm kind of in the dark.

Now, I know if i spend more time consider my options and creating a great business plan I could probably get rid of some of my anxiety. Still, more concerns and questions to deal with.

The Dream of the 90s

2011-02-06T08:50:00.001-05:00

Has anyone seen Portlandia? So good.

The Anthem by Kardinal Offishall

2011-01-24T10:53:00.003-05:00

So this song is all about Toronto, and not just the downtown core but all the great neighbourhoods around the city. Kardinal show the city in all its glory. I love this. So often people get hung up on the downtown and forget the larger city. This why people should explore their city. This video, along with the new book Stroll, is how people should think of the city. The last couple of municipal elects have had this suburbs vs. downtown division that I'm not liking at all. Love and enjoy the entire city, not just your neighbourhood. I could take or leave the song but I love the video with all the landmarks. Between this and Scott Pilgrim (with its focus on the post-university area of the city) this has been a couple tweleve months of Toronto love.

tech savvy

2011-01-21T11:14:00.004-05:00

I've never been afraid of computers. I haven't always been the most computer savvy person but I've never had problems working with them. After only two weeks of my night course I realize just how little I actually knew. There were large gaps in what I knew; mostly simple things that are fairly obvious once you pay attention. Remembering the names of all the hardware is going to be difficult for me. I've always had trouble with strict memorizing. We haven't even start on the OS stuff. Still, I'm exicted about the stuff I'm learning (wasn't excited to buy a $120 textbook that'll be out of date in a year but what can you do?). What I didn't realize is that for these courses and certificate to mean anything I'll have to take a national exam once I'm done. Just another expense.

The instructor keeps telling us that there aren't as many jobs out there for repair technicians, which is true, but having these skills are a great addition to your qualifications. Everything in the computer is now replaceable and not worth fixing. The internet, of course, makes finding out how to fix/replace things easy if you know where to look. It's all end-user problems these days. Good people skills (god I hope this doesn't lead to working at a call centre) are what's most important. All this It could, however, lead to a great side business, especially if you can find a niche market. Fixing neighbour's computers, small businesses, etc. Night and weekend jobs for free (and maybe beer or something).

Anyway, who knows what'll happen but at least I'll fix my own computers (and maybe set up my own server!).

3D doesn't make a movie better

2011-01-18T21:53:00.002-05:00

Saw the Green Hornet in 3D on Monday. Wanted to see it because of the director (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) and I enjoyed the old series (come on, Bruce Lee as Kato). I was sadly disappointed. It certainly wasn't your usual superhero movie but parts of the movie didn't go anywhere. The fresh rating was around 50% and that's about how good it was.

This was also my first experience with the new REAL 3D that all blockbusters are being released in. I wasn't impressed. First, not all the scenes were in 3D so I'm wearing these glasses for no reason, which hurt my eyes. I wasn't impressed. Maybe I should have seen Avatar or Tron Legacy before.

Budgets

2011-01-14T16:12:00.003-05:00

Just started my budgeting for the year. This is a relatively new thing for me. Last year I pretty much stayed within my budget. I usually have to re-evaluate it after six months but it has allowed me to pay off a little of my student debt, save some money, and start an RRSP. Nothing major but a little here and a little there. All this process does is put my expenses in perspective. Try to consume less and save more. Don't always live by this rule but I'm trying.

Avatar - the Last Airbender

2011-01-10T15:42:00.002-05:00

Have you seen this children's animated television Avatar? The movie seems to be awful and slightly controversial but the original show is good. Complex and interesting, it ran for three seasons for a total of sixty episodes telling the story the Avatar, Aang, whose goal is to bring balance to the world by mastering the four elements - water, fire, earth, and air - and defeat the Firelord. A mash up of different martial arts tales and movies, the episodes often tell complete stories while also adding to the mythology of the series. I'm half way through the second season and I can't get enough.

2011 - only one more year till the end

2011-01-02T11:09:00.005-05:00

My goal last year, with regards to this blog, was to reach 100 posts. I didn't make it. Blogs are great when you have lots of free time. You have to consider your words, find interesting websites / stores / ideas, and write throughtful, insightful posts. When you don't have time you use twitter and other micro-blogging sites (wonder if I can get my twitter feed to appear as blog posts or something...). I'm going to make time this year for one post a week or write multiple posts to appear over the week at once. That would be mean this year's quota should be 52, but they'll be 52 quality posts.

Video Game of the Year

2010-12-28T09:08:00.002-05:00

According the internet, Angry Birds is the game of the year. UFC would agree with that. She loves it and that's why it's the game of the year. UFC doesn't play video games. She rolls her eyes when I play. This game, however, is the addictive and fun. There's so much about it that's good but the best part is probably the price. At 99 cents you can't really go wrong. Play it for fifteen minutes and it's paid for itself.

Me, I've only play two new games this year and both were sequels to games I loved - Fable 3 and Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. Fable was okay but AC was fantastic. Now, I've only played AC for two days (got it for the holidays) but all I want to do is play the game. Even the challenges are fun. Continues the story and great game play.

But Angry Birds is the game of the year.

Top albums revisited

2010-12-26T09:50:00.001-05:00

So, a couple of weeks ago I decided what would be my top 5 albums of the year. I don't disagree with my picks but Kanye and other have made a case for themselves. Here's my top ten (a little bit of change at the top but otherwise the same). Why was there some changes? Well, first Kanye's record is fantastic. Second, I really liked that Sharon Jones record. It's really good. The rest is good as well. I've been listening / reading a lot best of the year lists and I find that it hasn't changed my list too much. Either way, there isn't much time left in the year so this is the list.

10. Best Coast - Best Coast
9. The Roots - How I Got Over
8. LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening
7. Broken Bells - Broken Bells
6. The New Pornographers - Together
5. Janelle Monae - The ArchAndroid
4. Sharon Jones & the Dapkings - Naturally
3. The Arcade Fire - The Suburb
2. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
1. Robyn - Body Talk

Family

2010-12-20T15:43:00.005-05:00

Going to get a little personal here. Just a little bit of venting.

My uncle died early this morning. This was mother's youngest brother. He'd been sick for while, in and out of the hospital for a couple of years. In fact, he's been in an assisted living home my entire life. My uncle has several serve physical and mental disabilities. The last couple of years things have gotten worse. It's a small relief that his pain over.

The Wolk Rule

2010-12-15T10:38:00.000-05:00

This rule is fantastic.

Pitchfork Single of the Year

2010-12-14T10:12:00.003-05:00

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Round and Round (via Pitchfork)

Okay, so Kanye gets two single in the top ten, LCD Soundsystem and Arcade Fire are also there but the top spot goes to... who? Seems I'm out of touch with hipster singles. I knew and had heard every other single in the top ten (including my pick of Robyn) but not this one. On first listen? It's okay. Doesn't really grab me like some of the others but not all songs are supposed to be catchy pop songs. But that's what I like in a single - a catchy tune.

What was Rolling Stone's top single? Kanye's Runaway (came in 2nd)
And Spin? Cee Lo's Fuck You (wasn't in pitchfork's top ten)

On a slightly different note - has anyone seen the new Spike Jonze directed Arcade Fire video for "the Suburbs"? It's fantastic. Totally captures the mood of the song.

Spoil the Surprise

2010-12-12T13:22:00.005-05:00

So I've start my end of year lists but so has everyone else. Got me thinking about how I missed a lot of this stuff, especially music. I know some people who take the entire month of December to go over everything that came out during the year so they've got a fresh plate for next year's new releases. I think this is a good idea. Having already posted my top five, I would already probably include Kanye's record because it's that good. The entire thing rocks. Also a couple people have mentioned Sharon Van Etten to me because I like Neko Case. I'm listening to it right now and it sounds more like a cross between Kathleen Edwards and Lucinda Williams. It's good but it isn't blowing my mind. Also there's a British indie-pop band call 'Allo Darlin' whom I'm supposed to like because of my fondest for indie-pop. Haven't listened yet but could be interesting. There's probably going to be more but that's what's come up in the week since I posted my best of.

PopMatters says that Cee Lo Green's "Fuck You" is the best single of the year. I'd agree and I'd add the radio edit kind of sucks. "Tightrope" was second.

Dual Monitors

2010-12-09T21:44:00.003-05:00

Bought a CRT monitor for $5 today. It works great but the desktop I got it for isn't work at the moment. So in the meantime I've connected it to my laptop and I'm using it to extend my desktop. It's totally awesome. I don't know what I did before this. I'm typing my blog post on my laptop screen with my iTunes open full screen on the other monitor. It's fantastic. FANTASTIC! So excited right now.

Best Music You've Already Heard Of

2010-12-03T21:53:00.004-05:00

So I'm going through the new records I listened to this year. I spent most of the first two months listening to last year's best new music so I had a little bit of catching up to do. There was a lot of stuff I didn't really like all that much. Thought it would be difficult to make a list this year but it wasn't. Traditionally I don't listen to a lot of hip-hop, dance or soul music but this year marked a drastic change. Maybe I'm mellowing out as I approach my 30s. Then again, Refused's Shape of Punk to Come re-master has been in my rotation a lot recently. And early Replacements. God, I love the Replacements.

I want to start, however, with the album I was most disappointed in - the Hold Steady's Heaven is Whenever. There's something missing without keyboardist Franz Nicolay. Their last two records are two of my favourites of the last five years but this one wasn't on the same level. It wasn't a horrible record but the anthematic, Springsteen-esque rock just overpowers the bar stool poet vibe.

What did I like? Several hip-hop records caught my attention this year. Kid Cudi, the Roots, and Kanye West all released excellent records this year. Drake's full-length was a little too mainstream for my tastes but again it wasn't horrible, just not great. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is awesome, but West's ego is almost too much for me. I mean, I love his media persona. And the music is as good as the hype says it is. But I got the record less than two weeks ago so it hasn't had time to sit with me like the rest. Ask me in a month to see if cracks the top five.

Soul revivalist Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings latest project was fantastic yet again. They didn't break any new ground but it doesn't sound old or lazy. The music swings and grooves like all the great soul music does. Worth listening to again and again.

So I'm talking about a bunch of records, but these aren't even the beginning of the list. Here's my top five:

5. The New Pornographers - Together

Once again Carl Newman and company release a great pop record. Like their previous offerings, this album is steeped in harmonies, catch melodies, and Neko Case; all the stuff I like. HOWEVER, it sounds like the last record and the one before that. Nothing new but still worth listening to.

4. Broken Bells - Broken Bells

Danger Mouse makes records I like. The Shins make a couple of great records. Combine the two and you get a Postal Service that isn't as electro-pop. A nice chill record.

3. Janelle Monae - The ArchAndroid

Where did Janelle Monae come from? To call this album eclectic is an understatement. Do some of the experiments work better than others? Yes, but she's taking a chance. It's got a little of everything and does it well. The singles off this record, Tightrope and Cold War, are very, very strong. I haven't master the Tightrope dance yet. Give a little longer.

2. The Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

I haven't been a huge fan of Montreal's the Arcade Fire in the past. Funeral and Neon Bible were good records but they didn't capture my attention. The Suburbs, however, does. A concept record whose tracks work on their own.

1. Robyn - Body Talk Pt. 1

While Body Talk Pt. 2 and Pt.3 are excellent, Robyn's first EP (and first release in almost five years) is the best of the year for me. Hell, the rest of the record could have been horrible but with a single like Dancing on my own... well, Robyn had me. Seriously, it's the best song in at least three years. A lean record with only nine tracks, it's fantastic. The full-length compilation of all three Body Talk was release this week and I'm thinking of picking it up. I love Dancing on my own that much.

Uberto Eco is still my hero

2010-11-30T10:33:00.002-05:00

"We like lists because we don't want to die."
- Uberto Eco

Read an interview with him from Spiegel. It's an interesting interview and I wish I could see the exhibition at the Louvre. Got to love the semioticians.

Tele-Vision

2010-11-28T08:42:00.007-05:00

It's the end of the year which means it's time for END OF YEAR LISTS! My consumption of what usually makes up my list (movies, music, television) is down this year so it'll be short ones. I'd like to believe that my tastes are more refined but really I just seem to have less time.

What did I like on television this year? hmm...

Bored to Death - the comedy about a writer-turned-private detective had an excellent second season. Seems they've really found their groovy with the characters and the stories. The first season lacked a clear voice. And the actors are fantastic. Sad that there are only nine episodes.

Community - has replaced The Office as my favourite comedy on television (or Thursdays). Silly plots, random meta textual moments, and great one-liners are what keep me coming back for more.

Burn Notice - They just started airing the first season and I enjoy it. It's like House and The Mentalist - brilliant, unconventional who solve difficult situations (disease, murder, crimes, etc.) but who have difficult dealing with people in general. What can I say? I like this type of show.

Boardwalk Empire and The Walking Dead are great shows but everyone already knows how great they are so I'll just say I like them. I've only seen two episodes of the BBC Sherlock but it's great as well.

The best show of the year? Doctor Who. I was worried, with the new doctor and show runner, that it wouldn't be able to live up to previous seasons but from the premiere to finale, I was hooked. I don't think there was one episode I didn't love. The new doctor and companion were excellent and there was good chemistry. And the ending? Oh man, you saw it coming but still it was great. Can't wait for the new season to start.

like, totally

2010-11-25T18:24:00.003-05:00

So, does anyone else care about the new Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie they're making? Seems that the creator doesn't. Me, I'm unsure. Why wouldn't you include the still-living creator? Seriously. Looks like a cash grab.

Don't Rely on Your Resume

2010-11-23T16:24:00.002-05:00

According to this blogger, your resume should end the application process rather than start it. This is an interesting concept that makes a lot of sense. You can write and re-write your resume but in the end it can't really speak for you. Resumes, like all official correspondence, are dead documents. All your resume can do is show you're qualified for the job. Yes, I know it's difficult to filter out the crap when anyone can apply online, but still.

I'm in the process of looking for a new job. Not sure exactly what I want to do, I'm applying for things that look interesting, even if I'm not exactly totally qualified. I've gotten better at writing my cover letter and I believe my current resume is decent. It's good to be looking while I still have a job.

What I need to do is start a blog with mini-reviews of the books I've read over the last couple of years. Set it up as a part of my website, and make it a resource for educators or other interested people. Could work well. First I need create my own website, buy the domain name, and make it good and interesting.

O'Children

2010-11-21T17:35:00.001-05:00

Just saw the new Harry Potter movie. It was okay. A little long with lots of set-up for the next movie but otherwise a good time. Best part? The Nick Cave song. It's fun to think of all the kiddies (and their parents) searching out Nick Cave because he was in this ultra-mainstream movie. Best of luck to him.

Everyone's busy

2010-11-14T15:50:00.004-05:00

Haven't had a lot of spare time recently.

Okay, that isn't entirely true. What is true, however, is my lack of blogging. While the usual excuse of "life gets in the way" holds, the main reason is I haven't had much to say. I'm not really enjoying my job right now and I believe this has caused me, indirectly, to get sick recently. Add a busy work schedule and BOOM! No blogging.

Last week's reason was Fable 3. I've been spending way too much time playing that damn game. It's addictive. Sadly, it isn't better than its predecessor. Or maybe it is and I just don't love new things has much as old stuff.

Southern Ontario is Nice in the Fall

2010-11-02T16:40:00.002-04:00

Did an event for dance and drama teachers last weekend. The conference was held in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Last year the same conference was held at the same resort that the G8 leaders stayed at during the summer. Seems these teachers pick their location based upon how nice the weekend getaway will be. No hotel near the airport for this crowd. They do, however, buy lots of art books.

Wasn't able to watch the Rally to Restore Sanity but the pictures of the signs at the rally seemed funnier than the entertainment on stage (even with Jeff Tweedy and the Roots playing together).

It's always hard the first time

2010-10-28T21:49:00.004-04:00

I ran a workshop for hopeful middle-school teachers at OISE the other day. Being the first workshop I've ever run, it didn't run as smoothly as I would have liked. I learned a lot. Mistakes were made (like ending the session a little too early) but overall it was a positive experience. It was challenging but in a good way. There were several benefits. It made me re-consider what I want out of my job and the opportunities at my fingertips. Still, I'm not looking forward to moving lots of heavy boxes over the next month.

Reason to Cry

2010-10-24T08:45:00.003-04:00

I had a job interview this week. Didn't get it. I knew halfway through the interview. I didn't do terribly badly; my answers were thoughtful and related directly to the questions. Just from the body language and the follow up questions I realized that I wasn't giving them exactly what they wanted. I was qualified and good candidate for the job, but I wasn't the best and I knew it. When they called to tell me they offered the position to someone else, I was still relieved because it meant I had read the situation correctly. Obviously I wanted the job but at the same time, it's nice to know that I was right.

There was one question they asked that bugged me a little. Okay, it wasn't so much the question but the follow up. They asked me if I spoke another language, to which I replied no. That's a normal interview question. With the follow up questions, there was a little pressure, like you DON'T speak any other language? None at all, not even a little French? Again, I said no. They seemed surprised. Why they were surprised I don't know but they were surpised nonetheless.

Now it's on to busy November. Come the new year, I start night school!

Reading makes you feel good

2010-10-13T20:13:00.002-04:00

I have to read three young adult novels by the end of the week so I can run a workshop for teacher candidates. This is my first opportunity to do something like this for my job. I'm pretty excited. I may prepare way too much but I'd rather that than come up short. My plan going into it is to overload them with information/books/ideas and hope something sticks. This might not be the most effective solution but at least I can get feed back to figure out how to improve. Group work is key.

missed 10/10/10

2010-10-11T11:40:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was 10/10/10. Seems a lot of people got married yesterday because they thought it would be good luck. Why? I don't get it. All I did yesterday was walk around a buy the second and third volume of Queen and Country. Written by Greg Rucka, it's an international espionage series following the adventures of British spy Tara Chace. Fantastic, gripping stuff.

Can't put your arms around a memory

2010-10-05T22:07:00.004-04:00

I deleted several albums today thinking I'd free up space on my ipod for new stuff. How sadly mistaken I was. Twelve albums frees up only 1GB. Guess I should stop burning everything at 320...

Hockey Night in Canada

2010-10-04T16:08:00.004-04:00

The National Hockey League season starts on Thursday. Currently I've got two fantasy hockey teams to manage. Hopefully I'll do better than last year. I'm concerned that I won't do well. The past four seasons I've participated in different fantasy sports league and they're a lot of fun. Many would say they're a waste of time but they're free to join and don't involve going outside into the cold, cold winter night.

Thursday is going to be a good night (after I'm done a late night at work).

I got the magic in me

2010-10-01T12:16:00.004-04:00

So I finally signed up for my continuing education courses yesterday. Starts in the new year, so I've got some time to prepare and get some money together. Won't be able to work full-time for part of it so need the extra cash. Going back to school won't get me a great paying job right away or anything. It's not about money. It's about bettering myself; self-improvement. It's about making me happier. It's about possbilities. It's about thinking about the future rather than the present. This is what excites me.

FYI the next Family Feud with Steve Harvey is very different from the version I remember from my childhood.

Fall Cleaning

2010-09-20T11:17:00.002-04:00

Inspired by this somewhat silly article, I've decided to re-arrange the stuff in my apartment. I've wanted to move some things for a while. I just haven't "found the time." This morning I did. The goal for this afternoon is get rid of some clutter. I think I'm in for a productive day off.

Foucault's Pendulum

2010-09-18T10:02:00.001-04:00

I got my undergraduate degree in semiotics. The director of the undergraduate program was friends with Umberto Eco and spent most of the first year course convincing us that Eco was one of the foremost thinkers of the late twentieth century, especially when it came to semiotics. This lead me to read several of Eco's novels, including Foucault's Pendulum. Being a naive young man, I thought the title's Foucault was Michel Foucault, not Leon Foucault. This mistake meant that I was very confused by Eco's novel and never finished it. It wasn't until I read the picture seen here that I understood who Leon was and what he had done. A decade later.

Labour Day

2010-09-06T09:43:00.002-04:00

Today, in honour of Labour Day, I'm doing nothing related to work. I'm not talking about it, thinking about it, or doing any reading. I'm enjoying the fruits of my labour.

Priority Inbox is a GO!

2010-09-04T19:16:00.003-04:00

Has anyone else tried gmail's new priority inbox function? I started using it a couple of days ago but I don't get enough email to make it worthwhile. I get something like three emails a day, mostly from mailing lists. Real people sending emails is more like one or two a week. I'm trying to get my friends to email me instead of facebook messaging me 'cause... I like email better than facebook for a variety of reasons, specifically the security. If I'm going to sell my soul to any technology company, I'd prefer it be google, even after the wierd shit they're doing with Verizon in the US.

Repair your soul for free

2010-09-03T16:02:00.002-04:00

I'm thinking of going back to school.

Nothing terribly serious, just some continuing education courses. Made this decision a couple of days ago so it wasn't in time for the fall so I'll start in the new year.

What am I going to take? PC repair (practices and principles). It's a certificate course, won't get me a job but seems exactly like the type of thing that will make me happy. That's the important part.

Hey, maybe I'll be able to start a part-time business or something. Doubtful but maybe. Just opens up more possibilities.

Unfortunately it means I won't be going on vacation anytime soon.

bing please

2010-08-30T20:59:00.003-04:00

So I was reading this lifehacker article about the cheapest time to book a flight and they link to the bing travel page. Holy crap. It's pretty awesome. It's very easy to use and gives you lots of options, however, it only gets information from four travel sites. Still I'm very impress with bing for this web innovation.

Move-In Day

2010-08-29T09:42:00.003-04:00

I live right beside one of Toronto's fine universities. Today is move in day for first year/freshmen. There are SWVs/mini-vans everywhere. The line at the coffee shop was comprised completely of parents and their university-bound kids. Made me feel a little nostalgic. What didn't make me nostalgic was rather loud end to a party the other night at 3am. The lasting impression of that display of teenage angst was a hole in the wall in my hallway. Oh to be young, stupid, and full of piss and vinegar. Enjoy your school year, future leaders of the world.

Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk

2010-08-28T13:03:00.003-04:00

This cigarette vending machine has been sitting, exposed to the elements, the small alleyway behind the store for two years. Yesterday I posted this picture on craigslist to see if someone would buy this old, non-functioning (most likely illegal) item. I've gotten two responses already. People want the strangest shit.

There's still time

2010-08-22T10:43:00.002-04:00

Rainy Sunday morning. Nothing really planned for today except to try the only Ontario franchise of Chili's. Someone really likes it.

Pictures of Pittsburgh

2010-08-16T15:09:00.002-04:00

Don't know if you can see too clearly from this picture but that sandwich includes french fries, coleslaw, and tomatoes on top of meat & cheese. It was excellent. I was a little sore for the rest of the afternoon. Too much food for one sandwich. Primanti Bros., you're alright.
From the parking lot of theatre where I saw Scott Pilgrim (81% Fresh Rating). I assume this means there was an old factory on the site before it was turned into a strip of big box stores. Anyway, back to the movie. Went to the late show, had a beer before the movie which was different but good, and basically enjoyed the movie. While Toronto was in the movie, it didn't go over the top. Seems to make some good money. I'm glad. The spirit of the books was captured by Wright. I think I'm going to see it again in a couple of days/weeks. Then I'll know if it was good or not.
Don't know exactly what transformers have to do with Pittsburgh but...
So Pittsburgh is in river valley, surround by rather large hills.
From inside the Andy Warhol Museum (shh... we weren't supposed to take pictures). UFC enjoying herself in some installation art. Have to say I really liked most of Warhol's art. The ideas he presented are interesting and he's had a HUGE influence overall culture in the last fifty years.

Overall it was a great weekend getaway. I'd tell anyone that Pittsburgh is an interesting town. Wished I could have spent more time there.

First Impressions of Pittsburgh

2010-08-14T09:45:00.002-04:00

I kind of like it.

There's tons of hills, rivers, bridges, and I've already gone through two tunnels. These are not things I usually do.

Hopefully I'll have pictures on Monday.

FYI - Scott Pilgrim Vs the World was good. Not perfect, but faithful to the books and good.

Pittsburgh

2010-08-12T21:33:00.004-04:00

I'm going to Pittsburgh this weekend. Going to the Andy Warhol Museum, the Cargenie Arts Museum & Natural Histroy Museum, and Jerry's Records. Guess what I'm most excited about.

Also, SCOTT PILGRIM opens this weekend. I'm going to see a movie set in Toronto, about Toronto, and featuring so much Canadiana it hurts in an American city. FTW?

Summer Reading

2010-08-05T21:32:00.001-04:00

My summer reading list included these two excellent young adult books by Canadian authors.

Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony deals with a world reeling from a global economic collapse fueled by a lack of oil. Agriculture, preserving foods, bicycles, and bartering have become the standards in a society without cars. Molly, the sixteen year old protagonist, shows courage, independence, and compassion while on a mission to save her grandparents and bring them back to her family's island farm community. This book is an excellent introduction to the topics of peak oil, sustainability, and consumerism.

No Safe Place is a gripping, eye-opening novel about displaced peoples. Deborah Ellis' characters are on a journey from their former homes to Britain in search of a better life. Through its characters, the novel discusses the treatment of Iraqi Kurds, Roma people in Europe, and orphans in Russia through a lens of the illegal traffic of immigrants. This is another great novel from the author of the Breadwinner trilogy.

Safety first

2010-07-27T10:08:00.004-04:00

Over the weekend I wanted to play my old Super Nintendo while UFC was away shopping in Buffalo. Unfortunately, it seems I left my favourites (Final Fantasy 2 & 3, Crono Tigger) somewhere else. Where exactly I'm not sure. I hope it's just at my parents' place, but it is also likely I lost them while moving over the years. This is a little upsetting because aside from the emotional investment, it would be expensive to replace them. I realize there are computer programs that I could use to replace them but it's not the same. I guess I just wanted to revisit a small part of my past in the comfort of my own home.

Follow my dreams?

2010-07-24T10:50:00.004-04:00

Should I quit my day job? After reading this article I'm thinking about it. Unfortunately I don't know exactly what my dream job is. I mean, there are things I like to do. All my major hobbies (recorded music, books, comics) don't pay well unless you're a very successful creator. Do I chance it? It isn't like I've made tons of money via my current career choices...

Either way, I lost the link to the article but it's no different than the others that are on the web.

2010-07-22T16:23:00.001-04:00

Goal to this afternoon - nap and making an acorn whistle.

House divided

2010-07-11T16:54:00.003-04:00

World Cup has divided my house. Nothing serious but somehow Spain will avenge Japan in UFC's mind.

Keep playing games

2010-07-08T21:03:00.002-04:00

So far I've downloaded 2 games for my iPhone; Angry Birds & Diner Dash. I think they're okay but UFC loves them. She's been playing them a lot. She's become an iPhone gamer. I've got my xbox 360 and she's got her mobile.

Politics of a broken heart

2010-07-06T21:07:00.001-04:00

The lovely weather always means less time on the computer. I've got to think of things to talk about. I avoided discussing the G20 because I don't know how I feel about it. Well, I know I don't like several of the policy decision the leaders make and some of the protests seem counter-productive and destructive. I guess I just feel at a loss. For the entire weekend I felt like I was being ignored. I realize that wasn't the intention of either party (according to their propaganda machines) but that's how I felt. The summit and the protests were about different sides of the political spectrum to act out the illustion of discussion, discent, and conflict. My political ideology was lost in the mix (maybe it's because I volunteered to work instead of being political).

New Era of Hip-Hop?

2010-07-04T17:46:00.003-04:00

I've been listening to the new Drake and the Roots new albums today. Both are really good. I've heard lots of discussion about how Kanye's 808 & Heartbreak, Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon and Drake's album all represent a new style of hip-hop. I'm not an expert but I've enjoyed these albums more than almost anything other hip-hop records in the last three years. Am I simply part of the indie rock-loving, middle-class, music geek stereotype that cares about these random new eras in popular music? Probably but I'm still enjoying these albums

Protest the hero

2010-06-23T19:28:00.004-04:00

So the G20 protests have started. So far they've been small and haven't gotten in the way of anything but the Summit doesn't actually start until Friday. This weekend will be the main event. I'm conflicted about the protests. I'm sympathic to their causes because the elite always take advantage of those who lack power and voice. However, in this era of digital technology and the 24-hour news cycle I don't know how marches and physical presence make a real difference. Any statement you make is forgotten in a couple of cycles. Pissing off the populace also doesn't work. You can't sustain change when the people you're supposed to be helping don't consider you a part of them. I don't know, idealism is great. Wanting to make the world better is good. Doing something is good. I just don't know if the plan most protestors have worked out is a good one. Then again I'm on the outside and being very cynical about the entire process.

Bad ideas

2010-06-21T09:25:00.001-04:00

Last night I discussed building my own desktop. Today I read this article saying that desktops will be dead within ten years. ARGH!

Starts and ends with you

2010-06-21T00:32:00.003-04:00

I need to use my free time more productively. While exploring and cooking are interesting, I just haven't been "feeling" them as much lately. Recently, I've used my days off to get over illnesses and play video games. I need something new. Building the shelves, for example, was a great project. I hadn't done it before, it wasn't too difficult, and I finished it fairly quickly (the planning stage, however, did drag out a bit). I thought about teaching myself computer programming but that involves books and other trips I'd rather not take. No, instead I've decided I'm going to build my own computer. Doesn't seem to difficult, there are how-to guides all over the net, and it's something I've wanted to do for a while. The problem is I don't need another computer, especially a desktop (building a laptop requires a little more skill than I have). While it wouldn't be terribly expensive, I don't know what I'd do with another computer. Yes, I could use it as a server or something like that but I don't know. Wouldn't it be awesome if I could host my own website, including this blog, off it? Oh the possibilities...

This is your digital life

2010-06-16T09:28:00.003-04:00

Started listening to the Spark podcast. Spark discusses how internet and digital technology changes, difines, and collaborates with real life. Gives me lots to think about. I used listen to the show when it first started and I didn't like it that much. A change in format (went from 30 mins to an hour) has really made a difference and now I'm hooked.

Had food poisoning

2010-06-09T20:08:00.002-04:00

In terms of my health, I've had a rough couple of weeks. About two weeks ago I caught a bad cold. Then last Wednesday I got food poisoning from some undercooked chicken. Four painful days later, I was feeling better. I'm okay now but it wasn't fun. Trying to think of some fun stuff to talk about but I got nothing. So that's what's happening with me. Maybe I should have waited until I had something to say before I posted. Oh well...

Can't get Pandora in Canada

2010-05-21T19:20:00.002-04:00

So I can't find new music through a simple web-based program. What am I going to do? I guess I'll have to stick to my old habits of reading random music blogs/websites, newsgroups, and goddamn pitchfork.

Tired

2010-05-17T19:48:00.003-04:00

For the last two weeks I've been very tired. Haven't been able to get the energy up to do anything, including blogging. Work hasn't been very difficult but it has been difficult because I'm tired. I don't feel depressed but I'm achy, tired and just don't care about very much. That sounds bad. I think I'm okay. I'm just in a little funk. I'm sure I'll be better in a couple of days. If I'm not I'll talk to someone.

Man, that sounds awful. Maybe I should just cut this post because it's kind of whine-y. Most likely won't. My online life just got silly.

Afrodisiac

2010-05-09T18:55:00.002-04:00

Sorry about the delay in posting. I realize I haven't been blogging regularly for a while and I don't really have a reason. I'm trying to figure out exactly how to blog via iPhone and hoping that'll jump-start my posting again. I went to the Toronto Comic Arts Festival at the Toronto Reference Library today. Met some pretty awesome artists, writers, and cartoonists. I was a little awkward around them but they were super nice. Especially Jim Rugg. Then went to lunch with my mother. Overall, a good day.

Also Mike Skinner, aka The Streets, had a brief cameo on Doctor Who last night. As soon as I heard his voice I turned to UFC and said, "I think that's Mike Skinner." I was totally right. I felt kind of awesome.

Responsible (somewhat)

2010-05-03T09:16:00.002-04:00

It's spring time! I'm excited. I've also become slightly more responsible for my future. I've just set up my first RSP. Yes, I'm a little late to the game. According the advertisements I see on the subway if I had started five years ago I'd have a 1/3 more money when I retire. I won't have changed the last five years for nothing. Yes, working full-time at a decent paying job would mean I'd have saving and all that jazz but the low-rate adventures I've had... that's what dreams are made of. Anyway, next year when I do my taxes I'll be able to get a tax deduction for this small investment. Hopefully it'll mean a bigger return!

Mobile Fun

2010-04-27T15:18:00.002-04:00

So I got my iPhone yesterday and well... oh. my. god. This is one neat gadget. Still learning. I've been trying out some Apps. And I got the cord to fix my good headphones. Also bought some glass storage containers. It's been a good day.

Waiting for the end of the world

2010-04-26T09:39:00.004-04:00

It's a sunny day out and I'm going to stay indoors today until my iPhone comes. Yes, I got one and because of prejudice I got a great deal on it. I hope it comes soon so I can enjoy the nice weather.

Too Many Hands

2010-04-20T13:25:00.001-04:00

Still need to take more time off work. So very tired. Next week I get three days off! Just waiting it out.

I'm the Doctor

2010-04-17T22:29:00.003-04:00

Just watched the season premire of Doctor Who's fifth season. Okay, it's not exactly the fifth season. Officially it's the longest running science-fiction show in television. In 2005, after over a decade off the air, the "rebooted" the franchise and now we've had five seasons of all-new episodes. And they've been pretty damn awesome. I remember watching the old show when I was a kid. They didn't air the shows in order, and I didn't watch them every day, so I did get why sometimes the Doctor was an old man and other times he was a middle-aged man. But I always watched the entire show. I was a strange kid.

Anyway, I'm glad caught the show tonight. Made a bad day better.

Clash City Rockers

2010-04-14T23:12:00.002-04:00

Listened to Sound Opinions at work today while cleaning up the basement. This week's episode was a classic album dissection of London Calling by the Clash. Anyone who hasn't heard this record needs to download/run to your nearest record store right now. Seriously. This is an absolutely great record. Originally released as a double-album, the Clash take their punk aesthetic and veer into several different genres (raggae, americana, pop, ska) creating fucking awesome songs. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy this record.

And to think when I was in high school I had a friend who hated the Clash yet loved Rancid.

That's all. Enjoy the rest of your week.

I do love comic books

2010-04-09T17:18:00.003-04:00

This picture kind of explains why I still like comic books. Wanting to read an alien? Come on... Seems like a good idea to me.

Train your heart to cry

2010-04-07T21:35:00.001-04:00

Just cleaned up a bit. Never truly realized how much room clutter takes up. Don't know what to do with the extra space!

Puppets explaining world politics

2010-04-04T11:31:00.003-04:00

Right now I'm watching the Japanese language channel and well... the current show is explaining the Russian subway bombing to children using puppets. I just watched a puppet show explaining the Russian government's treatment of Muslims. It seemed very educational but I didn't understand any of it because it was in Japanese. It seems this is part of larger kids news program that features animated monkey with glasses.

Why do I have the Japanese language channel? UFC wanted to try it out. It's expensive but she watches it fairly regularly. The sumo wrestling was pretty interesting.

BBQ Weather

2010-04-02T21:22:00.004-04:00

There's a BBQ on the roof of my building. I've been taking advantage of it since the weather got nice. Haven't made any kabobs yet but that's next. Looks like a good food summer.

Slow

2010-03-29T19:59:00.001-04:00

Searching through random blogs I came across one where the author boasted he'd written 1200+ posts over three and a half years. I've blogged for almost ten years and haven't hit that number. I guess I should start posting daily or something.

Cooking Time

2010-03-28T14:34:00.002-04:00

I've just made some bruschetta. Or at least I attempted to make some.Looks like muck to me. Hopefully it'll taste good. UPDATE (1 Hour Later): Forgot I don't like bruschetta. UFC liked it.

In other news I watched Julie & Julia last night. Well, not all of it. Just most of it. It was pretty good.

Fortress Round My Heart

2010-03-26T16:45:00.007-04:00

I attended, as the bookseller, the 2010 Canada-US Gang Summit held here in Toronto. The keynote speaker was Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries. His book, seen above, details his remarkable journey assisting Los Angeles gang members to become positive and contributing members of society. Told through personal stories arranged by themes, Boyle inspires and humanizes those who have fallen through the cracks. An excellent resource showing a different side of gang culture. My only criticism is that Doyle's Jesuit background influences his storytelling. It was filled with references to Christ, God, and Catholicism. The story, and real changes Boyle made in former gang members, is remarkable and if you can get beyond the language it's a fantastic and inspirational book.

Needs a new hobby

2010-03-23T21:11:00.001-04:00

Something that'll get me out of the house, in the company of other people, and physically active. Comic books, unfortunately, don't accomplish any of these things. Thinking maybe I need to join a recreational sports team or something. That would probably be the best idea. Second best would be a social club. Do those even exist anymore? Hell, even a political organization would meet the criterion... some what. In any event, I'll probably just read more books.