What a great day yesterday. Had a good run in the morning. Went to see I Heart Huckabees, which was even funnier than I expected. I had no idea what an "existential comedy" entailed, but that didn't matter. Mark Wahlberg was hilarious; we laughed almost EVERY time his face was on screen. And went to see...k-os!
Wendy & I got to the Opera House early, leaving us plenty of time to savour our greasy fish and chips (that's twice in one month!). While we were eating, the rest of the concert gang arrived. We got in line about 7:30 and depite being one of the first ones in, we were not able to secure our usual spot, front left of the stage :( So we settled for first row middle stage, which turned out to be a bad idea. There were some really annoying girls to the right of us who had really loud and horrible laughs (I dubbed them the Horrible Laugh Girls, HLGs) and who just wouldn't shut up. They were surprisingly of age. Hmm. Anyway, that got me irritated. In fact, I didn't know what to expect of the audience since I'd only been to rock concerts. One of the things that makes a really great concert is the audience and since the HLGs really put me off, I was already fearing disappointment. Thank goodness k-os wiped that impression from my mind...
k-os is the "coolest cat" (something he'd say). I was basically mesmorized by him and his band the entire night. The talent that this guy has just blows my mind. And his band & DJ it reminded me of why I love going to concerts...what true artists - watching them jam and transcend the studio-recorded tracks, was unbelievable. k-os did most of the songs from Joyful Rebellion and Exit and he did not disappoint. "Crabbuckit" was amazing, complete with a "Hit the Road Jack" sing-a-long. He actually had b-boys for "B-Boy Stance" and one b-boy made several re-appearances throughout the show. "Superstarr" was happening, and the audience was really into it. In the middle of "Heaven Only Knows," he switched gears and started doing covers of some songs...the only one I remember is "S.O.S." by The Police. He ended the encore with "Neutroniks," one of my favs.
Special guest: Nelly Furtado...she didn't sing much but she did some background vocals while k-os freestyled. And she's kinda freaky - she bends down and stares right into your eyes when she's singing.
What I love about k-os is he writes music that is genre-defying. I hate it when "artists" stick to the same formula or don't explore other forms of music because they believe their style is the only way to go and that "if it's not rap, it's crap." He is an actual musician whose music is full of hope and inspiration, not violence and superficiality. He doesn't conform to what is popular or to what hip hop is supposed to be. His appreciation for and influence from all styles of music are apparent in the music he writes. I love him because he's friends with Sam Roberts, listens to Sarah Slean and Radiohead, and sings about The Hip. For k-os, it really is about the music.
The Love Song
This is not a lovesong
It's a sonnett
Damn if feels good to have people up on it but
I'm just a fool playing with the masters tools
Learning how to break the rules of this record company pool
Hallucination - I see with my eyes
But my heart's telling me lies
Why do I fantisize?
Why am I telling lies to the people from the stage
Pretending it's all good when inside it's fire and rage
Cuz I can't understand how a man lives off the life of another man
Tryin to pimp the universe - that's a joke
I stay rockin the boat down on my last note
It's murder she wrote
Assassination vocabulary
I see your termination is heavily necessary
I should have known - they do it for funds alone
I do it to break the walls if I fell off then let me know people
CHORUS
It's funny how life can go
First you ride high then you might lay low
Don't get high off your own supply
Someone said first before a four comes five
This is my message to the world
Just tryin to reach every boy and girl
Not tryin to say if it's right or wrong
This is not a love song
Liberal optometrists with 20/20 vision
Are serving rounds like my granny used to serve provisions
Chaotical amneotical fluid
The rap joint is fluent with the art of onomatopoeia
Mans an invisible microscopic topic dropper
When I was a kid I wanted rollerskates and a bike chopper
But alas, pop, pop never thought to keep me in style
Thats why I'm schizophrenic now
So God bless the child that has his own
The harvest we reap is what we sow
Chrome microphone - shoot it
There was a dome of computer digital clones that could be mixed for lots of pistones
Sayin a style's their own when they bite like Mike Furounsville
The sounds ill
Relationship is a mirror
That you see yourself up in and the picture is clearer
CHORUS
It's easy not to care what people say
It's harder to pretend and try
Cuz they can only love you from yesterday
I'm looking at the now they pose high
I'm just a man who's walking
They stand around and keep talking
They tried to clip my wings
But wisdom fills so many things
Say it again
I'm just a man who's walking
They stand around and keep talking
They tried to clip my wings
But wisdom fills so many things
It's funny how life can go
Dont get high off your own supply
This is my message to the world...
Friday, October 29, 2004
Saturday, October 16, 2004
it's friday night...that's when everything goes down!
I've been having odd dreams lately. In fact, it's been a really long time since I could wake up and remember my dreams. Earlier this week, I dreamt I failed this really big pharmacy exam (not the PEBCs) and it was really embarrassing because everyone in the profession knows who passes/fails this particular exam (i KNOW I got that idea from the accountants). It was more of a nightmare than a dream. I woke up with my heart racing and thoughts scrambling for several seconds until I was able to bring reality back into my mind - there are no exams, I'm already practicing, I don't fail (!).
Last night I dreamt I had a nosebleed that lasted for what felt like an hour. I had started to panic; the last time I had a nosebleed that long was when I was a kid. I remember I couldn't stop crying the entire night. Anyway, my nose finally stopped bleeding and I had to rush because I was going to be late for work at the Yonge & Eglinton store. So here's where the dream cuts to me being at Longo's (odd cuz I haven't been there in at least 8 years) buying groceries. I run into my parents and they're like, "Aren't you going to be late for work?" Shoot! So I run to my car but the run is so slow and laboured...does anyone find that whenever you dream you're running, it's in slow-motion? Every time I run in my dream, it feels like that, like I can't move but I look at my arms and legs and their gestures indicate that I am trying to run. Weird. So anyway, now I'm back to my work dream but I find myself in my house again, having to drive all the way down again. I get to work 1/2 hr late and for some reason the store's already open with people inside. The End.
Wendy's advice for me the other day when I was getting ready to go to work at the Shoreham store (Jane St between Steeles & Finch): Don't get shot. I laughed, of course, but I was seriously freaking out...especially when I went in on and found out that it was a methadone store, and that 2 doctors above the pharmacy prescribe methadone. I was completely unprepared. Thank goodness the store I worked at while I was a student did methadone too. But other than that, the Shoreham store was a good experience. In general, I found the patients a lot better than many Scarborough stores I've worked at. I can deal better with drug addicts than with people who are cheap.
Last night I dreamt I had a nosebleed that lasted for what felt like an hour. I had started to panic; the last time I had a nosebleed that long was when I was a kid. I remember I couldn't stop crying the entire night. Anyway, my nose finally stopped bleeding and I had to rush because I was going to be late for work at the Yonge & Eglinton store. So here's where the dream cuts to me being at Longo's (odd cuz I haven't been there in at least 8 years) buying groceries. I run into my parents and they're like, "Aren't you going to be late for work?" Shoot! So I run to my car but the run is so slow and laboured...does anyone find that whenever you dream you're running, it's in slow-motion? Every time I run in my dream, it feels like that, like I can't move but I look at my arms and legs and their gestures indicate that I am trying to run. Weird. So anyway, now I'm back to my work dream but I find myself in my house again, having to drive all the way down again. I get to work 1/2 hr late and for some reason the store's already open with people inside. The End.
Wendy's advice for me the other day when I was getting ready to go to work at the Shoreham store (Jane St between Steeles & Finch): Don't get shot. I laughed, of course, but I was seriously freaking out...especially when I went in on and found out that it was a methadone store, and that 2 doctors above the pharmacy prescribe methadone. I was completely unprepared. Thank goodness the store I worked at while I was a student did methadone too. But other than that, the Shoreham store was a good experience. In general, I found the patients a lot better than many Scarborough stores I've worked at. I can deal better with drug addicts than with people who are cheap.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
busy busy busy
I had a pretty good weekend...full of craziness. Haven't had time to write much till now, so here goes.
On Thursday I went to see fu-GEN's production of Banana Boys. On Naomi's advice, we arrived early and got seats in the first row. I must say, I enjoyed the show immensely. The acting was impressive and the artistic direction was very creative. My favourite character in the book, the one I found most intriguing & complex, was Luke. And he was definitely my favourite in the play too...that Insurp Choi was great. According to the programme, he's going to be in a Second City show cuz he got some scholarship or internship or something.
On to Friday at...........the Markham Fair. Rode the Polar Express, this time with Naomi on the left, Hugo, then me....4 minutes of laughing & not being able to breathe later, we got off the ride, N feeling proud of accomplishing her goal for the night. OMG...there were so many annoying teenagers, I don't know if I'd be able to handle going back next year. But at least we found pumpkin pie! mmmm...
Saturday was The Stills concert. It was also a really really long day. First, Wendy & I went shopping. I bought 2 pairs of shoes, she bought 1 pair...and an assortment of tops & sweaters were also bought. Then we picked up Janice and made it downtown by about 6:15. The concert was at the Opera House, which we discovered was 1 block away from my favourite fish & chips place! This mom & pop restaurant is a found part of my childhood memories so Wendy & I were very excited to have dinner there. After our greasefest (Janice: "You did not overhype the fish & chips...it is so good!"), it was 7 pm so we decided to get into the line that had already started forming outside the club. Doors didn't open till 8, but whatever, we needed to get to the front. While we waited in line, a taxi pulled up to the front of the club. No biggie - ppl were taking taxis to the concert anyway. BUT who should step out of the taxi...none other than Greg Paquet, the guitar player!!!!!!!!!!! Wendy's face was priceless - shocked, disbelief. I couldn't take my eyes off him. He was talking on his cellphone...we figured that he probably didn't realize there would already be a lineup or else why would he get off right in front of the club. Anyway, he quickly crossed the street, still on the phone, and walked off to a side street. We kept looking his way until he finally came back to our side of the street and disappeared behind the club. Great start to the concert already.
We got inside and headed straight for the front. We went to the left cuz there were already these taller people in the centre. Plus, the left has always been good to us. Plus, Greg would be on the left. While waiting for the opening act (Jason Collett from Broken Social Scene), I went to buy a t-shirt...the one that Wendy wouldn't let me buy at the Olympic Island concert. Anyway, Jason Collett finally came on about 9:15. He was pretty good, but his sound is definitely more mellow than BSS...and it was a little too folksy/country for me. The best part, though, was when Greg came on the stage and played guitar for some of the songs =)
Onto The Stills. They hit the stage about 10:30...and I just went crazy. I remember saying to Wendy & Janice that I couldn't scream because of my cough. But once the band came on, I couldn't help myself, and I just started screaming & cheering. Good thing too, cuz the crowd didn't seem very into it...only the 3 of us seemed to be going crazy. I'm sure the band heard us. Especially since we were right up against the stage and Tim Fletcher (the singer) and Greg were just a few feet away from us. Throughout the concert, Greg & Tim kept coming up to the ledge so they were literally a few inches away from us. At one point, Tim's ass was basically in my face...and no, I did not grope it. But he came back again later and that's when I touched him - his arm, hand, guitar, then leg...Wendy did too. Janice was so jealous =) The concert was unbelievable...not only are these guys hotties, but they can really rock! They played almost all the songs on the album, plus "Killer Bees" from the EP. Unfortunately, the crowd didn't even really get into it till they played their one single, "Still in love song," which was their last song of the set before the encore. Boo the crowd. But I think the 3 of us screamed enough for them. Anyway, they ended the concert with "Yesterday Never Tomorrow" of course with Dave singing. We were all so high from the concert after it was over, we were shouting at each other in the car...and somehow we decided to become groupies. In other words, we are going to Montreal in November to see them again. Yes, we are crazy. But they are just amazing. Here's some pics of the band, courtesy of Janice.
Greg
Greg...yes, I like him =)
Dave (drums, sings "yesterday never tomorrow")
Tim
Coming back from the concert, I drop by Hugo's. And we discover his car got stolen OFF HIS DRIVEWAY. WTF????????? boo :(
Next morning was the Canadian Breast Cancer Run for the Cure. We got there pretty early but somehow still missed the massive warm up. All well. We manage to make it in with the Runners...and I am proud to say we managed to run most of it. We stopped to walk for about a minute only a couple of times. Good job everyone! Also, got a lot of free Power Bars which are apparently $3-4 each...we gave them all to n's brother. We were all pretty tired, especially since 3 of the 4 of us didn't go to bed till 3:30 or so. But we enjoyed a relaxing lunch at the Eaton Centre and went home. When I got home, some family came over...no time for rest! Unfortunately my eyes were so red already...I tried to take a nap but that didn't help.
Monday was my first official shift. I don't count the Agincourt shift last week since I was familiar with everyone and everything...but this was a new store and all. I thought Kingston Square would be really ghetto but it wasn't bad at all. Unfortunately, I was so tired cuz there was only 1 technician for the day, then another one came at night, no overlap really. I was beat. Plus for some reason my eyes continued to be red all day...it was pretty embarrassing actually since a few ppl asked me about it...ah well.
Yesterday I did more shopping. hmmmmm....me & credit cards are not mixing well lately! But I can't return anything! AHHHHHHH. The insanity. 'Night.
On Thursday I went to see fu-GEN's production of Banana Boys. On Naomi's advice, we arrived early and got seats in the first row. I must say, I enjoyed the show immensely. The acting was impressive and the artistic direction was very creative. My favourite character in the book, the one I found most intriguing & complex, was Luke. And he was definitely my favourite in the play too...that Insurp Choi was great. According to the programme, he's going to be in a Second City show cuz he got some scholarship or internship or something.
On to Friday at...........the Markham Fair. Rode the Polar Express, this time with Naomi on the left, Hugo, then me....4 minutes of laughing & not being able to breathe later, we got off the ride, N feeling proud of accomplishing her goal for the night. OMG...there were so many annoying teenagers, I don't know if I'd be able to handle going back next year. But at least we found pumpkin pie! mmmm...
Saturday was The Stills concert. It was also a really really long day. First, Wendy & I went shopping. I bought 2 pairs of shoes, she bought 1 pair...and an assortment of tops & sweaters were also bought. Then we picked up Janice and made it downtown by about 6:15. The concert was at the Opera House, which we discovered was 1 block away from my favourite fish & chips place! This mom & pop restaurant is a found part of my childhood memories so Wendy & I were very excited to have dinner there. After our greasefest (Janice: "You did not overhype the fish & chips...it is so good!"), it was 7 pm so we decided to get into the line that had already started forming outside the club. Doors didn't open till 8, but whatever, we needed to get to the front. While we waited in line, a taxi pulled up to the front of the club. No biggie - ppl were taking taxis to the concert anyway. BUT who should step out of the taxi...none other than Greg Paquet, the guitar player!!!!!!!!!!! Wendy's face was priceless - shocked, disbelief. I couldn't take my eyes off him. He was talking on his cellphone...we figured that he probably didn't realize there would already be a lineup or else why would he get off right in front of the club. Anyway, he quickly crossed the street, still on the phone, and walked off to a side street. We kept looking his way until he finally came back to our side of the street and disappeared behind the club. Great start to the concert already.
We got inside and headed straight for the front. We went to the left cuz there were already these taller people in the centre. Plus, the left has always been good to us. Plus, Greg would be on the left. While waiting for the opening act (Jason Collett from Broken Social Scene), I went to buy a t-shirt...the one that Wendy wouldn't let me buy at the Olympic Island concert. Anyway, Jason Collett finally came on about 9:15. He was pretty good, but his sound is definitely more mellow than BSS...and it was a little too folksy/country for me. The best part, though, was when Greg came on the stage and played guitar for some of the songs =)
Onto The Stills. They hit the stage about 10:30...and I just went crazy. I remember saying to Wendy & Janice that I couldn't scream because of my cough. But once the band came on, I couldn't help myself, and I just started screaming & cheering. Good thing too, cuz the crowd didn't seem very into it...only the 3 of us seemed to be going crazy. I'm sure the band heard us. Especially since we were right up against the stage and Tim Fletcher (the singer) and Greg were just a few feet away from us. Throughout the concert, Greg & Tim kept coming up to the ledge so they were literally a few inches away from us. At one point, Tim's ass was basically in my face...and no, I did not grope it. But he came back again later and that's when I touched him - his arm, hand, guitar, then leg...Wendy did too. Janice was so jealous =) The concert was unbelievable...not only are these guys hotties, but they can really rock! They played almost all the songs on the album, plus "Killer Bees" from the EP. Unfortunately, the crowd didn't even really get into it till they played their one single, "Still in love song," which was their last song of the set before the encore. Boo the crowd. But I think the 3 of us screamed enough for them. Anyway, they ended the concert with "Yesterday Never Tomorrow" of course with Dave singing. We were all so high from the concert after it was over, we were shouting at each other in the car...and somehow we decided to become groupies. In other words, we are going to Montreal in November to see them again. Yes, we are crazy. But they are just amazing. Here's some pics of the band, courtesy of Janice.
Greg
Greg...yes, I like him =)
Dave (drums, sings "yesterday never tomorrow")
Tim
Coming back from the concert, I drop by Hugo's. And we discover his car got stolen OFF HIS DRIVEWAY. WTF????????? boo :(
Next morning was the Canadian Breast Cancer Run for the Cure. We got there pretty early but somehow still missed the massive warm up. All well. We manage to make it in with the Runners...and I am proud to say we managed to run most of it. We stopped to walk for about a minute only a couple of times. Good job everyone! Also, got a lot of free Power Bars which are apparently $3-4 each...we gave them all to n's brother. We were all pretty tired, especially since 3 of the 4 of us didn't go to bed till 3:30 or so. But we enjoyed a relaxing lunch at the Eaton Centre and went home. When I got home, some family came over...no time for rest! Unfortunately my eyes were so red already...I tried to take a nap but that didn't help.
Monday was my first official shift. I don't count the Agincourt shift last week since I was familiar with everyone and everything...but this was a new store and all. I thought Kingston Square would be really ghetto but it wasn't bad at all. Unfortunately, I was so tired cuz there was only 1 technician for the day, then another one came at night, no overlap really. I was beat. Plus for some reason my eyes continued to be red all day...it was pretty embarrassing actually since a few ppl asked me about it...ah well.
Yesterday I did more shopping. hmmmmm....me & credit cards are not mixing well lately! But I can't return anything! AHHHHHHH. The insanity. 'Night.
Friday, October 01, 2004
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