Photography: First Shots

Photography is something I've always aspired to learn and love. I know nothing about cameras (even though I'm quite technology savvy) and lighting. As a graphic designer, what we know is good composition and art direction which helps with my lacking photographic skills I suppose. Any willing photography teacher, please apply within!

Below are some of my photographs from my recent holiday. What do you think?

The Big Apple. New York City

The Soho Building. Soho, New York City

Parsons. Union Square, New York City.

Urban Jungle, view from The High Line.
Meat Packing District, New York City.

Salle Wilfred-Pelletier, Place des Arts. Montréal, Canada

Place des Arts. Montréal, Canada

 

Toronto Eaton Centre. Toronto, Canada

 

 

 

 

Sychronised Travel Experiment

Time: 9:34 EST
Location: Royal Bank of Canada, King Street West & Crawford, Toronto
Sychronised Travel Partner: Hamish

1) The first stage is your starting point.



We initially had to pick a similar location. Apparently there's a RBC near Farringdon. My starting point was the closest location of Royal Bank of Canada.

2) Walk in any direction for 50 to 100 paces, and then turn 180 degrees.



I walked north on Crawford. There was miles of nothingness and it was mostly residential, so I walked further than 100 paces just passed Adelaide then thought I went too far. When I turned around I found these two chairs tied to some yellow plastic. Later to realised further down there was a man who has just placed another set of chairs with a sign "DO NOT PARK HERE".

3) Continue walking in that direction until you see something blue.



Upon seeing the chairs, I turned slight right at an intersection. Something blue immediately caught my eye. (Okay, so if I have to stretch it, every car that was parked on the street has a blue Discover Ontario license plate. But I thought to dig deeper, or larger object...)

4) Make a left turn and walk 50 to 70 paces.



I made a left turn upon seeing the blue Beetle, continuing on the little street. I came upon this cleaning advertisement on a lamp post.

5) Walk in any direction until you see something that either is or looks like the number 7 or 11.



I continued walking on Walnut, then I hit, what do you know! A 7-11!

6) Take the first left, and continue walking until you find somewhere to sit.



I turned left onto Queen St W, I stopped in front of Clafouti's. Okay, so I also wanted a fig croissant and a coffee from here as well. One of my favourite bakeries in Toronto, as I've previously mentioned on here.

7) Choose any direction and walk for 25 to 50 paces.

8) Continue walking until you see an unusual colour, shape or texture. Turn 180 degrees.



I chose to walk from the same direction I've came from, 180 degree turn. Here, I cheated, I've combined 7) and 8). At exactly 70 pace, I stopped, there wasn't anything in front of me that were interesting but I noticed an alley way on my right. I always love alley ways and secret tunnels and such. The gated wire caught my eye, also along with the texture of the brick, the skeleton of the staircase and the glimspe of sunshine. Photographically, it was perfect. So I've decided to combine the two here.

9) Keep walking in any direction until you see an archway or an unusual architectural feature.



I turned 90 degree to my right, back onto Claufouti's, then to my left is the gate to Trinity Bellwoods park – the home of the Abino White Squirrel. Also, where I had numerous picnics and midnight brown paperbags with friends amongst my summers in Toronto. The gate is too beautiful not to notice and it's perfect for 9).

10) Head for home, but continue looking for something that catches your eye.



I was planning to go to my sister's place but instruction said to go home, so I did. I passed by one of the galleries on Ossington and this was its window display. As I was viewing these photos later, I finally noticed my lens was smudged but actually has created an interesting slight blurry effect to my photos, a bit of instant DIY lomography!

Epilogue

I enjoyed this little adventure very much. It was a gorgeous warm morning and the air was crisp. It was lovely to walk around the city, it was early enough to have a bit of morning travel, not too many people, very serene. I'm still shocked at how clean it was. And the idea of someone across the Atlantic Ocean is also experiencing the same adventure at the same time is appealing. I remember one similar experience where a friend and I decided to watch the same movie at different country then would ring up each other and talk about it. It's like you're living parallel lives at that same moment.

When I figure out how to map out my route via google, I'll re-post the link.

In-Flight Safety: Westbound

This week has been quite shitty at work, perhaps it's the pressure before Sue's and my holiday. The day suddenly got busy with the Riverside job but I had to rush out of work. I still needed to run some errands at M&S as I've forgotten to bring the open-toe pantyhose for the wedding.

I rushed out the door at 15:40 heading to Hammersmith. My luggage were heavy and London was exceptionally hot for October. The Picadilly tube was quite packed, the man beside me was practically stepping on my shoe and wouldn't budge moving over slightly. I was annoyed. I rang Hamish and we talked for a bit. Kind of made me didn't want to leave London but I needed this break. I needed to get away.




I arrived at Terminal 3 at exactly 17:05. I love the notion of traveling somewhere. I love airports and train stations. I went to one of these check-in machines, and got my luggage tag. Checked in my leopard suitcase and headed upstairs for Departure. Passing customs was a breeze. Time for my favourite part – Duty Free Shopping! No expensive purchase this time at Gucci, though should have checked out the Bayswater bag from Mulberry. I bought the Clinque 3-steps travel-size kit, some makeup from MAC and the YSL touche eclat. I purchased a bottle of sparkling water from Starbucks and headed to Gate 30, the gate was closing as I arrived.



I sat by the window of K29. I could see the wing. The guy sat beside me had a heavy Canadian accent, almost forgot how that sounded like – friendly, eh. We waited for a few moments before we were to fly out. Perhaps it was the pressure of the plane (but we haven't took off yet?) or the bottle has simply been dropped onto the floor, for some reason, when I opened it, it sprayed all over! I felt terrible, but the guy next seat said was fine. He works for Enwave, and was in London for a conference. We talked about hockey a little.



During the flight, I watched "Away We Go". I love John Kransinski! Then I watched "Slumdog Millionaire", it was as good as I expected. My in-flight meal was a couscous salad with feta cheese, beef stew with potatoes, green beans and pearl onions, dinner roll with butter, an apricot coconut cookie, a bottle of water, tea, and a diet Coke. I was spent after that, but decided to cramp in another film, so I watched "The Proposal". It was better than I expected. I took a quick nap after the film but was woken up by snack time – minted lamb pie. Our flight was 15 minutes ahead of schedule.



Craig picked me up from the airport and headed to my sisters. Didn't get to sleep much then had to wake up for the wedding (which I'm too tired to post). I also went to Nuit Blanche (again, I'm too lazy to post). Brilliant photos though, maybe I'll blog those two in my photo blog.

Yo! Remember the 90s Setlist

DJ elsielicious rockin' da haus (photo by Nina H)

So I got to spin at the end of Reel Asian International Film Festival afterparty before the start of Yo! Remember the 90s?. It was a bit of a shame with set cut short (thought I had more time), the ones who bailed and the latecomers (per usual), my early set had to waste lot of good tunes to an empty room. Go figure! I did have a few people coming up to me afterwards and asked if i would go on later on again, had to reply "sorry, I don't think so hun..." they told me I was their favourites and gained a few fans. Oh, and I met a cute guy though...

To the people who bailed and the latecomers, this is what you've missed:

Reel Asian Afterparty / Yo! Remember the 90s: DJ elsielicious Setlist
Date: Saturday 15 November 2008
Venue: Augusta House (152 Augusta Ave)
Set Times: 22:00 - 22:40
Costume: Very Low-cut white t-shirt with harem trousers (Hammerpants), patent black heels, Vanilla Ice-esque quiff/hair with teal eyeliner and neon pink lipstick

• Ini Kamoze - Here Comes the Hotstepper
• Technotronic - Pump Up The Jam
• Sub Sub - Ain't No Love (Ain't No Use)
• Deelite - Groove is in the Heart
• Madonna - Vogue
• RuPaul - Supermodel
• Right Said Fred - I'm Too Sexy
• Ace of Base - The Sign
• Whitney Houston - I'm Every Woman
• Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch - Good Vibrations
• New Kids On The Block - Step by Step
• N*SYNC - I Want You Back
• Spice Girls - Wannabe
• Britney Spears - ... Baby One More Time

Tonight really proves to me that I can say "fuck you Toronto".
I really have enough here. Get me outta here!!!!

Everyone's a DJ No. 11: DJ elsielicious' Setlist

Thank you everyone who came out tonight, it was great fun, and lots of people double fisted and danced their hearts out (despite my minor threat to those who won't dance). If you missed it, you'll have another chance to catch me DJing next Saturday at "Yo! Remember the 90s?" at Augusta House (152 Augusta - Kensington Market). I'll prolly be doing an early set, so no excuse!!!

Everyone's a DJ No. 11: DJ elsielicious Setlist
Venue: Disgraceland (965 Bloor Street West)
Set times: First call before last call = 1:40 AM - 2:00 AM
Costume: Gold bandeau, with black unitard, catwalkhawk hair

• Friendly Fires - Paris
• The Rapture - House of Jealous Lovers
• Foals - Hummer
• Hot Chip - Ready for the Floor
• Pigbag - Papa's Got a New Pigbag
• Ladyhawke - Paris is Burning
• Toni Basil - Mickey mixed into "That's Not My Name" by The Ting Tings

Thanks for coming out, see you next Saturday!!
xx

Life: Fucking Toronto Streetcar Tracks! Damn you!!!!

So i've been in Canada for a week now. It went by pretty quick. My flight was a bit of a nightmare, after my long bus ride overnight to Heathrow to find out that my flight was delayed 2 hours. I had an annoying couple sitting beside me, okay, they were actually nice but one of those who really wants a conversation but having no sleep at all the night before, i just wanted to sleep. The husband also had to get up every hour to the loo, once i get into Toronto 2 hours later than expected, i slept the entire day/night. Good thing we've pushed Thanksgiving dinner til the day after.

Our infamous Orphans' Thanksgiving Cycle 6 was pretty good. We made our usual apple/leek stuffing, we had procuitto wrapped caramlised figs for starters, butternut squash soup with coconut and lime, a roasted chestnut wild rice pilaf with promegrante, watercress salad with maple carmalised walnuts, blue cheese and figs. We had a 12 lbs roasted turkey with sage, along with French green beans with caramlised shallots. Of course, last but not least, i made my marriage-proposing infamous apple pie! I try to change it up a bit every year, this year i put a bit of herb de province in it.

The week went by quickly, i pretty much ran out of things to do including my favourite vintage shops (the owners remembered me, and asked why i haven't been to their stores, can still manage to get my usual discount). Also went to book sale at University College, Dance Cave on Friday and got hit on by 12 year olds! Went to visit my old work. Everything is expensive now except for eating out. Did manage to have a list of food stuff checked off my list so far:

• Goldstone - Chinese BBQ - Roasted Duck and Rice
• Sushi on Bloor - Sushi pizza, seaweed salad, crunchy roll, shitake tempura
• Thumbs Up - Korean Pork Bone Soup
• Future's Cafe - Cheesecakes!
• Saving Grace - My favourite brunch place despite we waited 1.5 hours before we got seated, it was worth it.

On Monday, i bought a bike off Craigslist. She is beautiful, hot pink folding shopper/cruiser much like my Bianca in London but bigger. Her tires were a bit flat and the gears need a tune up, she was only $100 CDN. I named her Beyoncè.

The week i first landed the weather was lovely, it was in early 20s, mid 10s. The weekend got a lot colder this week, and blimey, it even snowed today!! This afternoon, I rode about 10 mins my hands were freezing. The wind was so vicious, i might as well cycle backwards. It fell to -2C. Like WTF??

Tonight, as i was going to meet a friend at Horseshoe to see White Lies (they were playing in a tiny tiny venue here for free instead of sold out shows in London), i had a bike accident. My wheel got stuck with the streetcar (cable car) tracks and lost my balance and i wiped out BIG TIME. Good thing there wasn't any traffic at the time. A cyclist couple immediately came to my rescue. I forgot how nice Canadians were! A worker from American Apparel saw what happened and was accommodating enough to let me into the store offered me some water, to use the phone and to keep warm whilst i waited for my friend to pick me up. I'm okay but pretty hurt, scrapped both my knees (one was already injured in the summer from the attack), will be limping for the next couple of days, also i would definitely need to see a dentist ASAP. Wonder if my travel insurance will cover? My right side of the lip is pretty swollen too, totally sexy. People cycle differently here compared to London, i was applying my London cycling knowledge but totally forgot about those damn TTC Streetcar tracks which was the exact fit to my wheel which i was also getting used to my new bike. I guess no ballet tomorrow night.

I hate to be back, it does not feel like home any more.
Miss you all.
x

ps. Pasta Hut is still Pizza Hut here, so far.

Gig 39 - 41: Here it comes, here comes our days with Doves..

Toronto (04.12.05.05 @ 5:45pm):
Gah! So much work to do in the office, unfortunately i held everyone up i couldn't leave the office until 5:45pm.. i *finally* called eileen:

me: hey, where are ya?
eileen: We're on a side street..
me: where?
eileen: walk south on Spadina you'll see it.
me: erhm, okay.
eileen: we're in a PT Cruiser.
me: you're in a WHAT???
eileen: A PT CRUISER. A PURPLE PT CRUISER.
me: YOU MUST BE KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!!!!

Windsor (10:30pm):
We finally arrived Windsor but it was too late to meet up with Marla since she had to work early the next morning. We drove to Hurricanes Roadhouse Restaurant (3217 Sandwich St - 519.255.1833) for their Oreo cheesecake, but they've changed the recipe.. :( we found a Travelodge and we stayed there for the night.


Windsor (05.13.05.05 - 11am):
We're on the road after we've checked out from the hotel in Windsor. Passinig the border was a breeze.. passed the infamous big arse tire in Detroit!! We arrived in Chicago with traffic, we're staying at Double Tree Hotel in the suburbs.. but it's a nice place and they give you amazing oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Across from our hotel is a shopping mall (it's more like a village coz all the stores are outdoor but looks like a mall from exterior, weird), it has a location of Cheesecake Factory *gasp*!


Doves // Mercury Rev
05.13.05.05 @ The Vic Theatre (3145 North Sheffield, Chicago IL) // Sold Out
Eileen + Elsie + Renuka

Chicago (5:45pm):
On this trip, every time Ren gets behind the wheel, we tend to get lost.. after some lost and found, we finally arrived at the venue at 5:46pm. We've been circling around the place trying to find parking until i spotted the Twins and Martin crossing the street. They dropped me off so i can talk to them to ensure we're on the guestlist but they went into a Thai restaurant. doh! I walked around the venue and Alex Grant saw me, he gave me a hug and said "I didn't know you're coming, you shoulda emailed me." so we talked for a bit, then Jimi Goodwin came by gave me a hug, did some small talk.. etc. After we situated our car at the hospital nearby, we walked around for a bit trying to look for food and we did some shopping, actually Eileen did, not me. *shock shock shock* I saw Coatsey as i was waiting for the girls in front of a pharmacy, he took care the guestlist for us. Then we went to the same Thai restaurant that the Twins & Martin went. I had a tofu green curry with rice, it was yummy.


7pm:
The guestlist is not out yet, and heaps of people went inside already. We spotted Angela (the chubbier one - one of the Detroit biatch from Idlewild) but her other Angela partner in crime wasn't there, figured she was there to see Alex. Anyway, we finally got into the venue. The venue is interesting, it is general admission but it has levels, side balconies and upper balconies are seated. Eileen didn't want to settle for 2nd row, so her and i retreived to the upper balcony.

Mercury Rev was the opening band for this tour. We've seen them before couple years ago with Oasis which we thought they were kinda boring. Their performance was good, interesting visuals, but i'm not sure about the singer's voice and his "moves" trying to illustrate the lyrics about being a white horse and tides to the moon.


Doves' set was amazing, they started off with Pounding, Words (one of my favourites) and Black & White Town (which totally made me want to dance but i couldn't because i was first row on the balcony). They played lots of the new material from "Some Cities" but it was also a good mix of old favourites. The crowd was good, as you can see from the pix, it was packed. Encore they did Here it Comes, Satelites and ended the evening with There Goes The Fear. The band said they were real rusty that night, they were fighting jetlag and it was the first show of the tour since the cancellation. We watched a bit of the crew trying to figure out the "puzzle" then we headed off to our suburbia hotel.. and of course, we got lost and went down near Chinatown. Ren saw a police car and stopped and asked for direction, she was talking to them for a long time and laughing.. she informed us that they were arguing which was the best way and then decided to escort us to the highway.. we stopped at a red light, the cops told us to go ahead there's no traffic, we hesitated but i guess it was okay to break the law when the cops told us to.. so we did. We were all like "CHICAGO POLICE RAWKS!!!!!"


Doves // Mercury Rev
06.14.05.05 @ The Majestic Theatre (4120 Woodward Ave, Detroit MI) // Sold Out
Eileen + Elsie + Renuka

Detroit (06.14.05.05):
We drove back to Detroit, on route we stopped at Denny's because we couldn't find and missed the IHOP. We were the only "ethnic" people at Denny's.. and we were grossed out by the amount of food we got. On this entire roadtrip, we were listening to Embrace, Arcade Fire (repeatedly), Kasabian, lots of Doves of course, some Charlatans & Kaiser Chiefs, and of course our "Blow Up" mix CD. We got in suburb of Detroit around 5:30pm, since we were going to go to Karen's place first. We managed to get a side spot in the front for this show. It was the same setlist. There was a technical difficulty during Here It Comes, boo.. it was funny becuase, they played it til where Jimi comes in and then stopped.. but Martin played the piano bit at the end to finish the song up haha.. they went ahead and finish the others.. In general, we thought the band sounded better last nite but we definitely had more fun at this show because we were up close and be abled to dance and sing to every song! It started to rain, we didn't stay long and we didn't want to be too late since we're staying over at Karen's. So we only talked to Alex and left. The Idlewild biatch were at the show, she was on guestlist too.


Doves // Mercury Rev
01.16.05.05 @ The Koolhaus (132 Queens Quay East, Toronto)
Eileen + Elsie + Renuka

Toronto (01.16.05.05):
Our last gig of this tour, well for Eileen and I anyway. Eileen arrived at the venue by 4:30pm, she spoke pretty much to everyone.. she called me around 6pm to see if i'm leaving yet and told me that we're good on the guestlist and even for 2 shows in New York. haha but we weren't planning of going to NYC! We got used to Mercury Rev, their drummer is awesome but we still can't get used to the singer's "moves".. we still crack up every time he does the flying horse move. Doves were awesome, it was the same set again but they sounded really good considering it was Koolhaus, the crowd was surprisingly good. I swore, they were going to play Spaceface as a second encore but they didn't and i guess Koolhaus is always tight about curfew as well. We stuck around for a bit just to say bye to everyone, but we only talked to Jimi. We got to meet Paul finally!!! Too bad Baz wasn't on this tour, haven't spoken to him for a while too. I hope Baz and wee Issac are doing fine.. It was great to see everyone again, until September..

Exhibition: Mr. Brown vs. Val Kilmer

Mr. Brown vs. Val Kilmer
04.31.04.05 @ Artlab (457 Richmond. W., Toronto)

It was a very tiny show but it was awesome. It was awesome because it's both Mr. Brown and Val Kilmer. I was actually a bit disappointed that it was so tiny, and i was expecting more photography or video of the Mr. Browns and Val Kilmers around the city. Both artists were present, thank God, there was no cops! Also at one point of the night, a guy with a video camera asked if he could asked me a few question about Val. I agreed to it, after sourcing to the correct "lighting and background" for this video, he asked if i could hold Val, then as soon as you know it (i'm not even sure how this exactly happened) but I was pretend-making out with a cardboard cutout celebrity! ALL CAUGHT ON TAPE NEVERTHELESS!! And i bet it's going to wind up in some Asian-making-out-with-celebrity-cutout festish porn site somewhere on the interweb!

Exhibition: Serigraphie Populaire

Serigraphie Populaire: with Dj Mikey Apples // Dj Miss Sin
04.24.02.05 @ Artlab (457 Richmond. W., Toronto)

I've been feeling anti-social since Saturday, but I went ahead to attend the art openning anyway. The above were my purchases. I can't wait to frame them. I love attending artshows, it makes me feel very inspired. I talked to Chloe at the show for a bit, she's also in Aidswolf. She liked my scarf, we talked about glasses and being obnoxious. I saw way too many people there that I knew, I couldn't hide anymore, so I left early before I see any more people. But i'm glad I went..

Killing Time.. Killing Me..
I was killing time at a bookstore, when i came across the latest issue of Filter, inside there was an article of Doves, Kaiser Chiefs and J's band. My heart sank as i saw his photo.. i couldn't bring myself to read the article... i wonder if he ever thinks of me? should i see him in April?

Who are you, Mystery Boy?
Today, I received some random e-mails from some random boy named Jimmy, apparently from Ashburn, he had no idea who i am nor i know who he was:

His first email:
Subject: oh how thee see the light upon the rocks that sink the ground.
Msg: I wear black socks...

My first reply:
...so do i.

His 2nd email:
Subject: the sun lights the moon
Msg: my jeans keep ripping from the heal of my shoes.

My 2nd reply:
Subject: sunlight makes me paranoid at noon
Msg: you should really hem them if you choose.

His 3rd email:
Subject: A cave may be the solution
Msg: Perhaps I should just wear knickers.

My 3rd reply:
Subject: Your solution is just a temporary situation
Msg: Hmm.. I want a snack, perhaps Snickers.

Notes From the Underground v9

NOTES FROM THE UNDERGROUND v9: A selection of Northeast American Videos: Shana Moulton + Paperrad + Hilary Harp and Suzy Silver + Meeken and Negrey + Desiree Holman // World Premier of Henry Fletcher’s Aritst In Residence short film "HoteL" // Performance by Ulysses Castellanos + Henri Faberge and The Adorables
02.22.02.05 @ The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen Street W. - 416.531.5042)

So much for low profiling, Merckeda rang me last minute and asked me if i wanted to go see Henri's screening.. i couldn't resist and i went. The evening started off a series of short videos from the states: PaperRad, "The Happiest Day" by Hilary Harp & Suzy Silver, but the most rememberable and my favourite series of the nite was by Shana Moulton.

After a long wait, Henri finally arrived in his technicolour striped shirt complimenting by a blue striped tie and white/beige striped socks. He informed us that he's been drinking tequila since 5am that morning and has lost 4 days worth of work, so the screening tonite would have been the first rough cut. "Hotel" is a dectectivesque film set in the 60s, all shot at The Drake Hotel whilst Henri was Artist in Residence for the month of January. Despite that it was only the first rough cut, it was very well shot. I can't wait to see the finished product!

Ulysses Castellanos was an interesting character, a performance artist, also current Artist in Residence. His set had 3 sets of videos of himself around the venue, a bubble machine, a shopping cart like wheel chair, a huge wired heart with balloons. He stood on the chair, told the audience sexual stories and trying to smash the chair and balloons with an axe. Hmmm.. i'm not sure how i felt about that performance...

At around 11:30pm, Henri Faberge & The Adorables hit the stage.. the drunken Henri, the rockin' Gargamel jumping off stage, knocking microphones.. all too drunk, all too fun.. shall repeat again next week as the band practice at the Embassy.

Exhibition: Eamon MacMahon

Hidden Door: Eamon MacHahon
07.20.02.05 @ Pikto (55 Mill Street, Bldg. 59 - 103, 416.203.3443)

I've always love Pikto, it's a cute photo gallery/cafe/workshop in the Distillery District. I find it very inspiring and motivating everytime i go there. Steve invited me to the closing of the show tonite. The show was awesome. The 3 panaroma compositions were excellent. The pix from the flyer above is one of my favourites from this exhibit. Long exposure on a night with the palm trees and the colours are amazing, it had an luminosity quality to set a in an atmostpheric mood. I'm inspired, i'm investing in a Holga at the end of the year!

I know i haven't wrote in my blog since the new years.. i'll do a big update on all the shows and films i've been to in the next few. There have been lots of partying, met lots of good people and new friends.. but it's getting a bit too much, no offense (if anyone of you reading, i heart you all), think i'm going to stay low for the next little while. nite xox

Gig 15: Les Georges Leningrad / Pony Da Look / Aidswolf

Les Georges Leningrad // Pony da Look // Aidswolf
03.16.02.05 @ XPACE (303 Augusta, Toronto)

XPACE is a newishly gallery in Kensington Market ran by the lovely student union of my former school - OCAD. We arrived to the venue shortly after 9pm, there was already a small number of people chilling outside the venue. Doors finally openned at 9:30pm, we entered the tiny but white narrow spacious XPACE, local artzies, hipsters, scenesters began flooding the venue by 10pm. Egad, spotted Hannah Sung interviewing the guy from Les Georges Leningrad for The NewMusic.She is such a scenester!! *roll eyes*

Aidswolf was on first. Bodies agmonst bodies packed circling the little space around the performers. Aidswolf put on an amazing high-energy show that rocked everyone. You can see photos at Kid with Camera's site. (pssh.. i'm in photo 1, teehee). Pony da Look was the next one on.. Oh dear Lord, due to the tall people, i couldn't see their performance at all. i honestly thought it was a man reading off a medieval scripture! Despite overheard a few guys saying the girls in this band supposedly to look really hott, i didn't like their set at all. ARGH! After a long wait, Les Georges Leningrad finally came on, the band all dressed in costumes, it was fantastic! The keyboardist was in a wrestling mask, the singer was in a fantastic halter black with bright coloured polka dots, the drummer had nothing but funfur leopord hot pants with a huge skull belt buckle. I danced through their set.. corner of my eye spotted Chris Murphy from Sloan standing behind me. It was a good nite.

Gig 63: Death from Kathedral

Death From Above 1979 / Controller.Controller / Aids Wolf
04.30.12.04 @ The Kathedral / All Ages

When I arrived at the venue, the queue was already turned onto Bathurst, I said hello to a few of my friends at the intersection then went to the back to find my other friends. There were quite a few number of kids. As we entered the venue, the kids were crowded up by the stage and merch area. First off was Aids Wolf, from Montréal, loud experimental band with high energy and lots of screaming. Second band of the evening was Controller.Controller and they were AWESOME! I danced and danced during their set. The venue started to get packed, by the time DFA came on stage, the dodgy little venue was completely packed, bodies against bodies, the anticipated kids began to rock out and mosh. The bnad mostly played from the new album, but also a few favourites from previous EPs. Sebastien gave a "Billy Talent" speech during the set and told how they enjoyed playing to the younger crowd. During the short encore, Sebastien invited two fans to come on stage to jam with them. Those two had their best time of their lives they said. DFA's sound had rounded out since i've first saw them couple years ago, nevertheless still very rocking live!

Film: It's a Wonderful Life

*** USA. 130 min. BW 1946. Directed by Frank Capra.
Written by: Philip Van Doren Stern & Frances Goodrich.
Cast: James Stewart & Donna Reed.

19:00 @ Bloor Cinema (Free Screening for Members) with Amy.

Yes, another long film but this one is very warmhearted. It's a Dickens-esque story about an guardian angel helping a compassionate but despairingly frustrated George Bailey by showing him what his life would be like if he has never existed. I loved all the women's dresses in the film, there's just something poetic and graceful about women in the late 40's and early 50's. I love the part in the beginning of the film where the kid Georgie bends down in front of the kid Mary Hatch, she whispered into his deaf ear (caused by saving his lil brother Harry from drowning in the icy pond) and said "George Bailey - I'll love you til the day I die."

I might not believe in Santa Claus. However, I definitely believe in Guardian Angels.

Rocking Santa.
Ryan gave me a lift today to work, whilst we were driving on Kingston Road, i spotted this gas station with Full Service at 67.9, we decided to turn around and get gas when we saw this Santa pumping at the station. What so emo about the Santa is that first of all, he's ethnic, he was wearing the Santa suit, but with no Santa hat, he had a goatee and ponytail! ABSOLUTE GOLD!!

Good Times with Good Cake, Good Tunes.
After the film at Bloor Cinema, Amy finally took me to this Korean place she's been raving about for 2 years. I had the Combination Soo Tofu Soup (Beef, Shrimp and Clams). Was tasty, loved their side dishes though the Kim-Chi was WAY to spicy for me! Then we scooted over to Labyrinth for MattBlair's weekly DJing at Vanishing Point. He played the songs i've requested earlier today. Kudos to Matt! Amy bought chamomile tea (ick) and a black forest cake to share. I couldn't believe the prices of the drinks there! $2.50 only with basic mixed drink (gin, vodka, rum, whiskey.. etc) and all domestic beer. Matt spun a good hour of good tunes started with my requested of Doves (There Goes the Fear), then he played Le Tigre (Decepticon), The Streets, Ladytron's Playgirl mixed into West End Boys by Pet Shop Boys, followed by Bizzare Love Triangle to Saint Etienne's Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Charlatans, Stone Roses and too many good tunes. Amy and I wanted to dance. She reckons Matt kicks Blow Up's arses and that he should take over BU once it's close in January (pretty sad). We left 'round 1:10am to realized Amy forgot her umbrella, went back it wasnt' there, she musta left it in the Korean restaurant.

Toronto is an ice rink right now.
Luckily, i caught the last bus. Was home fairly quickly. All pavement and walkways are frozen. I could literally skate home from the bus stop. No kidding. As i went into my building i started talking to the security guard about the "natural ice rink". He informed me that he had complained to the Super about this but the Super didn't gave a toss. So Mr. Security asked if i could filled in a complaint for that matter. (Right up my alley, love sending angry letters!) And then we backstabbed our Super, i inquired about renting out the parking spots, finally got home, couldn't sleep yet excited about sleeping in tomorrow and don't have to work.

Gig: 62. Rainbow Quartz's White Vibration

Rainbow Quartz 1st Annual Festive Special:
The High Dials, Frontier Index, Showroom
05.17.12.04 @ The 360

We went back to Casse-Croûte La Banquise for lunch, i had the Poutine Duleton (ground steak with fried onions) this time and i was over the roof. We left town around 2pm. Just before Kingston we caught in a jam for an hour, didn't get back into town til 8pm! I changed and then headed out to meet Amy to go to The 360 for Rainbow Quartz 1st Annual Festive Special with Showroom, Frontier Index and The High Dials. We arrived at 11:40pm, Frontier Index was on stage, they are not bad, high energy performance, there were a few following singing to the words and dancing, most enjoyable when singer/strummer Corey Herden thanks this person for their wardrobe consulting. High Dials finally on stage after midnite. God so tired! They featured 4-5 new songs which sounded excellent. The highlight was during Morning's White Vibration when Trevor Anderson said "when i come back with my guitar, i want to see some other people dancing up here other than this guy!" and of course, the grand highlight of the night is when Rishi Dihr played the sitar!! Highly enjoyable, and dancable gig. After the show, we talked to Trevor, he liked my shirt, i told him thanks for the shirt really because it was a birthday gift from amy asking her ex-boss, Mila who asked Trevor (also great friends with him) so the story all link back together. We left around 2:35am, I missed the bus at Finch by 2 mins, i had to cab home.. eeek!