Wednesday, November 03, 2004
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1:31 p.m.
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This one is for Occupational Health & Saftey magazine, or more specifically, a weekly newsletter that the same organization produces. There would also be the need for me to write one feature-length article of around 2500 words every six weeks, otherwise I need to be in charge of about six pages a week. It's not a ton of work, just stuff that requires constant attention. All in all it doesn't sound like a bad job, it's just not going to be laugh a minute. Well, so far that I can see. Still, maybe this will turn out to be a bit of a fun experience. I've learned never to rule anything out. If they want me, they'll likely get me and the best work that I can do as well.
The day: well, I left really early to make sure that I was there on time. I did too good of a job as I was half an hour early. So I sat in the lobby and read. It was nice, but the sun focused through the windows seems to have burned almost half my face.
The interview was done with two women, the editors of both a weekly newsletter and the magazine which is published eight times a year. It seems my job would be a contract position, lasting december to december, where I would be in charge of the weekly six-page newsletter including layout. I'd also have an editorial assistant for a couple of days a week.
That's just bizarre if you ask me.
The rate of pay, benefits, etc didn't enter the conversation and part of me is wishing that I had asked. But seeing as how I wasn't offered the job on the spot, I figured that might be a bit much. I almost never ask even though it's the question on top of the pile in my brain.
The interview went well. Discussed strengths, kinds of stories, approaches, office environment, etc. Things seemed to be fairly relaxed and easy going. The office is a bit stuffier than others I've been to, giving it an air almost of a banking office or something along those lines. Most magazines are a bit more cluttered and relaxed. It's funny, given that magazines have specific looks and polishes so people assume the places they're made would be the same.
So, I think it went well. The commute is roughly 40-50 minutes depending on traffic (passing a PetSmart along the way), the building is 9 stories in a semi-residential area. On the whole, it doesn't seem too bad. Keep in mind that I really don't want this job (I want the others I interviewed for) but a job is a job.
I'm not sure about this year-long contract though as I'm still considering applying for teacher's college, which would start in September. A year is a bit long to be tied to a place. I much prefer the old method of come and go as you please.
I figure I have a week or two to go before I find out from any of these places, so in the meantime it's back to normal life and the job search. Which I hate.
I hate a lot of things, though.
But not my birthday! That's coming up soon and Catherine has asked me for a list of things... the only problem is keeping it narrowed down. And reasonable. I don't know if she can do a 'world trip' at this point, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
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3:34 p.m.
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The interview went fine. It lasted about 35 to 40 minutes and pretty much talked about the same kinds of things that I did at my last interview. There were two people, one younger woman that was talking to me and seemed interested, then an older guy who I think was the EIC or Publisher who talked very little but mostly just wrote on a pad of paper. It was quite distracting.
All in all, it sounds like a brilliant job to be honest. Lots of creative freedom, the kinds of subjects that I'm interested in and plenty of wiggle room to make it mine. All I need to do is employ some kind of mind control technique to get them to pick me. Money works the best, I've found.
Oh well. Hopefully I'll be offered the job. They said it could be as long as two weeks before they start the second round of interviews. They said this round was continuing this week and into next. There was a girl who came in as I was leaving for her interview.
Who knows how it will all work out. Hopefully the job I'm meant to have will be the one I get. I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed.
In 1845, Congress selected the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November as Election Day. Here’s why:
• Because most Americans were farmers, November was the most convenient month—the harvest was over and the weather was still mild enough to allow travel over dirt roads.
• Tuesday was chosen over Monday so the rural voters would have time to travel to the polls. (They couldn’t leave on Sunday because of church.)
• Why the first Tuesday after the first Monday? Two reasons: November 1 is All Saints Day, a holy day of obligation for Roman Catholics, and most merchants did their books from the preceding month on the 1st.
Fascinating stuff, isn't it? No? Well, the heck with all of you. I hope Kerry wins.
On an unrelated manner, I have an interview Chart magazine for their entertainment editor position at 2pm today. Unlike the previous interview that I was all kinds of nervous about, I feel almost nothing about this one. Perhaps it's because they're only offering $18,000 a year (which isn't enough to live on in Toronto). Kind of them, isn't it? Oh well, maybe it will be better than that and open a lot of other doors.
I just don't have a lot of options these days.
Monday, November 01, 2004
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11:23 a.m.
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• Flugie: A rule that helps only the rule maker
• Bloviate: To speechify pompously
• Roorback: An invented rumor intended to smear an opponent
• Snollygoster: A politician who puts politics ahead of principle
• Boondoggle: A wasteful or crooked government-funded project
• Mugwump: A political maverick
• Bafflegab: Intentionally confusing jargon
Saturday, October 30, 2004
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11:35 a.m.
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Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith teaser poster. 
Well, it's finally here. The third and final eagerly awaited teaser poster for the big Star Wars prequel trilogy. Gut reaction that it's cool, but I don't know how much it stands up to really close scrutiny.
After the first two films failed to capture me the way the originals did (mostly because of the horrid dialogue and delivery.... the first films had bad dialogue as well, but the actors seemed to know how to say it at least) I'm surprised that I'm still eager to see this one. Of course, the promise that just about everyone dies and that the film is dark and brooding can only be looked at as a good thing.
I'm also curious to see how the whole series will stand together once this thing comes out. I also still need to buy the original trilogy on DVD.
Ah, the lack of money... but I'm working on that, aren't I?
Friday, October 29, 2004
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3:10 p.m.
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Two to go.
I had the interview. I think it went pretty well, otherwise I don't think it would have lasted nearly an hour and a half. That's a long time to be on your game, let me tell you.
Now I'm just tired. Trying to relax and let the stress leave. Not for long, though, as I have two interviews next week. One at Chart, and the other at Canadian Health & Safety News.
At least things are looking up!
Thursday, October 28, 2004
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10:36 p.m.
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Me in Jasper many moons ago... looking for direction then and wondering if I've finally found it now...
This is it (well, nearly). Tomorrow is the day. Do or die.
The job interview.
Everyone assures me that I'll do great. Friends, peers, instructors, they all seem certain that this job is essentially a lock and if it isn't it's because of some weird twist of fate or other bizarre event that I'll have no control over.
I'm confident about it, too. That's the problem, I guess. I'm waiting for the twist ending packaged onto the end of shows like Lost, 24 or any other TV show or movie that I've seen lately. Maybe there isn't a twist. Maybe it's just time for me to finally get to a good place. Maybe that's also why I'm a little scared.
I've had jobs before, tasks, responsiblities and duties that I've always lived up to and loved every moment of, but this is the real start of a real career assuming that I get the job. That carries a certain amount of weight and expectation that I'm placing on myself. I've had plenty of interviews before and plenty of experience, but never one that counted so much. Never about something I really wanted. And certainly never about something that would actually pay me what I'm worth.
Catherine says I worry too much and that I need to calm down. I know she's right, and tomorrow I'll be as cool as cucumber, I swear. It's just thoughts like these that keep me up a few extra minutes at night. Aaron probably knows a thing or two about not being able to sleep.
Still, things are looking up overall. I should have some money coming in, and I just won an award for my work on Convergence that gave me an extra $200. I can't complain about that. It's the second journalism award I've won for my specific work, and the fifth overall for works I've headed up. It's a good track record and I'd like to keep running with it.
Tomorrow I conquer Total Gamer and Hub. I'll sleep easily knowing that this is, in essence, my job already. It's just a matter of a couple more steps.
Sunday, October 24, 2004
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1:55 p.m.
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Be all that you can be.
Today I was given the unusual charge by Catherine to find a suitable external DVD burner. Of course, this is only half the challenge. As with many things, finding and buying something that exactly fits the bill of what you want it to do, the kinds of software it offers, and of course ease of use.
In theory, all of the available products would do the same thing. To this end, I've enlisted both Paul and Josh for some tech-saavy advice (though neither are answering their ICQ messages at the moment) to find out what it is I'm really looking for.
In a way, this hunt couldn't have come at a better time. As I mentioned previously, I have an interview with a computer and tech based magazine this coming Friday. It helps to be able to talk about some investigative journalism on the subject in the days leading up to the interview, and I'm hoping that in our search along College I'll at least come across a copy of the magazine which I hope to be working for.
Two birds, one stone, one step closer to a job.
That's the theory.
So, I'm armed with the Internet, an abundance of free time and a girlfriend who's willing to pay for the mentioned hardware. It's like I've found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Now all I have to do is convince her about a giant TV and we're set.
My mission is clear, the goal is set. And once all of this is done, I can back up my precious files and give this computer the digital colon cleansing it so desperately requires. Then I need a nice new copy of XP to install and I'm laughing like a maniac.
Again, that's the theory.
Friday, October 22, 2004
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3:02 p.m.
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Are few and far between. But, as Jer and Paul can attest to on at least one insane occasion, I do seem to have large quantities of horseshoes up my ass.
What am I referring to?
Well, I went to that god-awful job doing eBay listings yet again today. I'll readily admit it's boring and terrible work, especially for $9 an hour sitting next to a dog that smells like evil itself (though he's not a bad little fella) but when you need money you shut up and do it or go broke and ask your parents for money.
I don't wanna.
So, after an extensive amount of work retooling my resume and preparing for another wave of job application bliss, Catherine and I came across a listing for an editorial assistant for Hub: Digital Living and Total Gamer magazine. Both are free publications, Hub being available across Toronto and Total Gamer being the 24-page publication that Blockbuster chains get each month.
I nearly crapped myself. Finally, a publication that I'd actually be worth a damn working for. How do you not get your hopes up?
Today when I got home, there was a message from the editor asking if we could set up an interview. I called him back in a fluster much like a teenage girl about to meet Leonardo DiCaprio or something, and did my best to collect myself.
I had energy, enthusiasm, and only one blunder. He asked if I'd read the magazine which I had, but I assumed they had to be bought. See, I hadn't thought terribly much about the market for these magazines and as soon as he explained they were free and where they were available from I smacked my forehead because I did, of course, know this but in my eagerness totally forgot.
Hopefully my talking about video game knowledge, renting games, and my enthusiasm for working there (I told him I was quite excited to see my listing, then I showed it to Catherine who didn't seem as impressed... he thought that was funny). I want to avoid sucking up, but I know part of what got Catherine her job was that she was genuinely interested in working there. I said something along the same lines: "It's rare that you find a job that not only matches your skills but fits into your interests as well."
I tried not to get into too much detail, and quickly ran over what my resume said to refresh his memory (at his request). Years at CXF, writing reviews (which he mentioned would be a large component), and where I recently had internships.
Like a kid after his first date, I'm going ever every detail and cringing at what a dork I must have looked like. I can't help it, though, this would be a fantastic job to start my career with. It's understandable that I'd be nervous and excited. I don't think I've blown it (hopefully far from it) but I need to make sure to bring my 'A' game to the table next week.
That means research, research, research.
I'm screwed, aren't I? Interview is next Friday... one week 'till Judgement Day.
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
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7:00 p.m.
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Is this all there is to life?
.... it doesn't mean they like you.
Yes, dear fans of this blog (all two of you must be jumping up and down right about now), yours truly is finally back in the blogging game. Why the delay, especially after the tantalizing hints about how brilliant King's The Dark Tower really is?
Well, I just got lazy.
That's the real truth behind the job search process. It takes a lot out of you and as more than one person I've spoken to about the juggernaut of nothingness that I face each day, it's the hardest job I'll ever have. Getting motivated to send out resume after resume with no calls and only very rarely a rejection letter tends to wear on the heart and soul mighty quick.
Catherine is doing her best to keep my spirits up but I must confess to be hitting new lows lately. The other day I danced naked on the street for a quarter. I'm not proud of that, but I did get some gum out of a machine thanks to my hard work.
Seriously, though, I wish things were easier. I've paid my dues, haven't I? Apparently not. I'm not opposed to jumping through more hoops and getting things going, but increasingly I've been seeing my life in terms of Dante and Randal over in Clerks in that I'm not even supposed to be here today. I'm supposed to be a success, not a register jockey.
Hopefully things will change for the better soon.
I recently picked up the Clerks X dvd which is just loaded to the gills with View Askew goodness. Lots of extras, a new animated scene and the brilliant short, The Flying Car. Catherine and I were given a bonus from the building of a massive $60 so we split it and went out to buy something fun to try and enjoy life for once. I bought that and so far she's watched me do it. I almost had her buying slippers. She's a tough cookie to break, though.
Other than that, I've been watching 24 a lot. I rented the first two seasons to keep me company and so far the second is much better than the first. Still, both are good and I suggest you pick them up if you're so inclined.
I also took a sneak peek at Supreme Power, a Marvel comic offering in the shop today. Jamie mentioned it to me a few weeks ago and I've been really curious about it ever since. I need more money.
That seems to be a recurring theme, doesn't it?
I'm working on it. I swear.
Friday, October 08, 2004
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4:35 p.m.
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The Dark Tower still stands!
Just so you know, I dislike you all immensely.
HA HA HA.
Just kidding. Or am I?
Anyway, I'm off to the g-spot for the weekend (and Brantford, home of the girlfriend) for some much needed r and r. I have my mom's car (after a brutal night trying to get it) and I'm about to brave the five o'clock traffic heading out of the city.
Pray for me.
Taking little Truffle with us, so those of you left behind in the big city, please behave. I'll see you all soon.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
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7:32 p.m.
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Things could be easier and better, I warrant, and yet they aren't. I'm not sure who is in charge "up there" (or even if there is an 'up there' to be discussed, but that's a topic for another time), but it seems to me that things are coming out awfully uneven down here.
Maybe it's a case of mixed messages, screwed up communications or just plain old bad timing. Lord knows I've had enough of these like co-inky-dinks in my lifetime to do me well and proper for the rest of my days, but no matter how you look at it I'm simply tired of paying my dues.
Well, that's not entirely true. Some things are a bit of a gift when you get right down to it. Today I got a couple of days work doing eBay listings for a store near where Catherine works. Humbling work, in other words, but it's $9 an hour in the company of an aging blind dog.
Could be worse.
Other things can and will happen, so my baby says. It's just a matter of timing and luck. Well, so far I've sucked at one and the other has all been bad. Still, who knows what changes will be in store in the future?
Tomorrow night I'll be heading to Bolton to grab my mom's car so I can go visit Catherine's family in Brantford as well as my own over the weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing my dad and my brother, Graydon, as well as his kids. It's been far too long for my brother... since about Christmas, I should think. Too long and never again.
I'm rambling and my head hurts. This post isn't going anywhere I thought it would so I'll cut it short. I will say, however, that I'm knee deep in The Dark Tower, but that's a post for another time. You see, I'll let you in on a secret...
I think it may be real.
Friday, October 01, 2004
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1:20 p.m.
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After my huge love-fest about X-Men Legends yesterday I was eager to take another crack at the team of merry mutants. For those of you who don't know, I'd put in a request with the makers of the game and their parent company, Activision, for an interview as well as a review copy of the game. I'd heard nothing at all back after repeated attempts, so I figured the whole thing was dead in the water.
Today I called Blockbuster and asked them to hold the game for me. I figured I was reasonably close to finishing... another five to ten hours or so... and I really enjoyed playing it.
Ten minutes later there was a call from Purolator downstairs. Went down, signed, and got a copy of the game for free.
Fucking cool.
Now the dirty part. Activision sent me a PS2 copy, and I have but a lowly Gamecube. So close, yet so far.
Not to be put off by such a turn of events, I went high and low trying to exchange this game. I called Zellers and they said no problem. I went to Dundas West, only to find out they didn't have it. Doh.
I called Toys R Us at Eglinton. They said sure. I went there, was told that they had too many copies of the game and didn't want another one. I went to EB. They were sold out. Went to an independent store but they weren't having any of it.
So, my last resort was FutureShop. I actually called them first, but they said as long as it scanned they would take it back. I was concerned. Yet it scanned, they said grab the one you want, and it was all done. The downside was that for some bizarre reason the Gamecube version was $10 more. I paid it gladly.
So, I have a new game out of the blue. I like things like that. I also saw that my Dark Tower book finally has gone on sale after repeated visits (and finally a complaint to the store which is in the process of being 'answered') so I'll have that in my hands later. Add on a trip to a Blue Jays game tonight, and you have a pretty good day.
All that would cement it would be a lovely new job. Dare I wish for so much all at once?
Thursday, September 30, 2004
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4:13 p.m.
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An All-Star Cast...
Or at least made.
It seems I wasn't the only gamer to get excited about the debut of X-Men Legends. It was billed as the definitive X-Men game that fans had been waiting for. A brawler of an RPG that would take about 30 hours to finish, feature 15 playable characters, as well as 4-player support.
No wonder the guys at Penny Arcade liked it.
I've 'borrowed' their cartoon this week to help pimp out the game that absorbed nearly 20 hours of my time during the three days I rented it. The amount of time was actually probably a little more than what I'm reporting here, but I don't want to seem like that much of a geek.
It was great timing that Paul and Josh made their way into the big city as it gave us a chance to take a squad of characters against Magneto and his Brotherhood. Jer opted for Wolverine most of the time while Paul and I bickered over Cyclops or Storm. Josh liked characters that could fly, but failed to make them do so which, in effect, killed them more than helped them.
I was just getting to the point where taking the game back when I was so close to the end was actually physically painful... mainly because I rented it from Dundas West which is quite a trek from here but the stupid Blockbuster around the corner didn't get it in with what I would call a timely manner. Hell, they still don't have it.
So, who can you use in the game? I had just gotten to the sweet spot where I unlocked all the characters. The 15 are Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Jean Grey, Emma Frost, Jubilee, Gambit, Rogue, Colossus, Psylocke, Iceman, Beast, Magma, Professor X, and Nightcrawler. The enemies include Juggernaut, Marrow, Avalanche, Pyro, Blob, Mystique, Sabretooth, Apocalypse and Magneto.
Through in appearances by Multiple Man (the real treat of the game), Moira MacTaggert, Illyana Rasputin, Forge, Healer, Sentinels and a host of others and you have an x-fan's wet dream of a game.
It's pretty damn good.
The guys at Penny Arcade capture the frustration of lost squad members perfectly making me wish, once again, that I still had the game in my hot little hands.
Friday, September 24, 2004
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11:16 a.m.
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Truffle's bum on a warm September morning...
I woke up this morning feeling good.
That may not seem like an important statement, but in the past two weeks that's been a rarity. Since working late nights changing lights with Bob I've been feeling less than animated in the morning. Today, however, I had to get up bright and early for a job interview with Performance Auto & Sound magazine. A car magazine.
I'll give you a minute to stop laughing.
Still waiting....
Done yet?
Good.
Anyway, we all know that my chances of getting a job in an area requiring huge amount of knowledge on tricked-out cars is less than stellar. They're willing to train and wait a little provided that the skill is up to par (I assure you it is) but I'm still not going to jump up and down for joy yet.
Still, it feels good to get the interview. I've applied for a few other places lately that I think would really suit my skills and talents (again, stop laughing) and I'm hopeful that I'll get a few phone calls. I'm still waiting to hear about that job I'm reasonably certain I might get, but not wanting to get my hopes up I refuse to put all my eggs in one basket.
At any rate, I'm feeling pretty good today. The title of today's post refers to my degu, Truffle, who had her butt hanging out one of the tubes in the cage this morning. As far as I can tell, she was just lounging and relaxing in the sun to heat up her rump. Still damn funny. Being the nerdy Dad, I took a picture and I'm now sharing it with friends. If she was a person, she'd hate me in 15 years. I can't wait to annoy my own kids one day.
So that's that. Tonight is date night with Catherine where we celebrate the tradition of dinner and a movie, likely Anchorman with Will Ferrel. I'm down with that.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
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10:49 a.m.
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A professional's day off... the last issue of Weapon X tainted by someone's idiotic statement: "I want this issue to be finished and over with. I don't like slogging through the last issue of a dead book but I'm a pro so I'll do what I have to do and won't blow it off."
You have to love when someone thinks they can slip a joke or something into a book, past an editor, and have it all printed up nice and sweet looking.
The issue comes out, you pick it up, and giggle non stop to your friends about how clever you are. Then, of course, somes the realization that you're an idiot.
My assumption here is that one of the art team, unhappy with the current choice of assignments, slipped that little nugget of text into the current issue of Weapon X. As Sinister plays around with one of Wolverine's eyeballs in the final issue of the series, his notebook has an interesting statement.
It reads: ""I want this issue to be finished and over with. I don't like slogging through the last issue of a dead book but I'm a pro so I'll do what I have to do and won't blow it off."
As a journalist, you hear about this kind of thing from time to time. We affectionately refer to them as career killers. As a joke, someone down the line has slipped in a bit of text expecting their editor to see it and get a chuckle. More often than not, the joke isn't noticed, no one says anything, and then it winds up in print. That makes the editor look bad, the writer look bad, and everyone else associated with it look bad. The result is that the offending party, and often the editor, are canned.
You see it in cutlines, the first letter of each paragraph that spells out a word, lots of little things. Some of them are quite harmless, but when it becomes offensive or crosses a line to being outright bold then you're in trouble. I have no doubt that the remark was made tongue in cheek, but putting it in the final issue of a series where the writer has been struggling to drum up fan support to ensure that it continues is just a cruel final blow.
If I were Frank, I'd be downright pissed.
How do I know it wasn't Frank? Well, I have a lot of info about what he's up to these days, nor does he actually get access to final drafts of art. It goes from artist to inker to editor and colorist. That's about it. Odds are that the new creative team on the book had something to do with it, though in the interest of not pointing fingers, I'll just say that these things happen.
Man, I'd love to be a fly on the wall of that office when this shit hits the fan. We posted this as an article about two hours ago on the site, and I'm waiting to hear some of the fallout.
I'll write about it when I find out.
Monday, September 20, 2004
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9:37 a.m.
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• Get a video camera and microphone and chase a local TV news crew around. Interrupt on-the-scene shots by shouting questions like “Where have all the cowboys gone?”
• Ask strangers if they have change for a nickel.
• In the bathroom at work, utter loud, pain-wracked screams, then emerge holding a large hen’s egg.
• Call National Acme Co. Ask if they have any products you could use to kill a roadrunner.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
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1:44 p.m.
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How indeed? It seems as though U2 has unveiled the title of their latest album and it has me both impressed and a tad confused. After all, they seemed to be doing so well through the 80s and 90s with very brief and short titles like 'Boy', 'War', 'Zooropa' and 'Pop'... then came the new milennium and a lot more verbiage.
I was one of the few people very impressed by the last album's title when it was first announced. 'All That You Can't Leave Behind' is much longer than U2 typically goes for, but I thought it said a lot about the band coming back to their roots and delivering a solid rock performance. Just because it was a little out of left field/left brain didn't necessarily make it bad, just different.
It helps, of course, that the last tour was unbelievable and that Catherine had the distinct honour of being in the front row for the show. Then sort-of meeting them the night after at Much Music was a nice capper on an incredible weekend.
So, the new album, 'How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb' has the honour of being one of the more out-there titles of the year so far as I can recall. It's quite a mainstream title as far as bands today go, but serves as a departure for the Irish rockers. I'm down with it so far, though I must admit to it being a bit of an eyebrow raiser. Rumours for ages had the title as being 'Vertigo' which fits in the one-word scheme for most of U2's albums, but lacks the same kind of punch and intrigue that 'Atomic Bomb' has going for it.
'Vertigo' as it happens is the name of the first single for the band's new album and is due on radios some time next week with a single being released on Nov. 8. The album itself will be out on November 23, just in time for my birthday. This can only be a good thing as it means, more than likely, someone else will buy it for me. And I'm just fine with that idea.
So there you have it... new album, new song, new reasons to love this band. Hopefully it blows their last effort away as god knows I'm more than a little pumped to pick it up.
Friday, September 10, 2004
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1:15 p.m.
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There's nothing worse than feeling like an idiot, especially if you don't think you've behaved that way or done anything to earn the name. Lately, my life seems to be about making a complete idiot out of myself.
Nothing terminal has happened, really. Just minor things. Take today, Mark Millar, writer of books like Wolverine and the Ultimates, passed along a first issue preview of his new arc on Wolverine for us to post and write about. The natural assumption of the leading members of the CXF website was that we were to publish these pages and write a review to go along with.
So I did that.
Turns out, that saying 'first look', 'preview' and all other words are code for don't publish any of this, just write a review. Things would have been a lot simpler, and a lot faster, had the instructions and request been much more clear. As a result, yours truly looks like a dumbass.
But I get that enough anyway that it doesn't come as a huge shock. I've recently irritated Erik Ko over at UDON, other Marvel-ites, the CXF staff, myself due to the ongoing and fruitless job search, and I'm sure Catherine, Aaron and Jer who have nothing better to do (in my limited vision) than listen to me complain non-stop.
I'm sure they're thrilled.
Add in a bit of frustration over how Ron is handling this WHA magazine and that any attempts to reason with him is like trying to teach physics to a banana. At this point I'm reasonably sure you'd have more luck with the banana.
Other frustrations this week:
* Couldn't get the Clerks X dvd... because because BECAUSE... it's on a different schedule for release here in Canada. There's no explanation for why this would be as I can't think of any other time this has happened. Oh well, I really should be using the money to buy my helmet for karate.
* Truffle still hasn't bothered to start pooping properly and Catherine and I are sitting on the fence on the issue of the vet. We both believe that there's nothing that can really be done except to wait it out. Two weeks and change in, though, makes Brian a nervous puppy.
The list could go on and on, but really, who's going to bother reading it? I was bored in typing it.
The Politics of Looking Dumb and Having Wolverine Slice Your Ass Off Because of It.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
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1:50 p.m.
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David Letterman interviewing George W. Bush on Late Night:
LETTERMAN: “How do you look so youthful and rested?”
BUSH: “I fake it.”
LETTERMAN: “And that’s pretty much how you’re going to run the country?”
Sunday, September 05, 2004
at
10:06 a.m.
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Brilliant marketing idea: Hire superstar musician Eric Clapton to be a part of Anheuser-Busch’s “The Night Belongs to Michelob” advertising campaign.
Oops: Clapton was an alcoholic. Shortly after the ad was filmed, the guitarist checked himself into a drug rehab clinic . . . and was actually in treatment in Minnesota when the ad premiered on TV. The first time he saw it, he said, “I was in a room full of alcoholics, myself being one of them, and everybody went, ‘Is that you?’”
Anheuser-Busch quickly pulled the ad.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
at
9:55 a.m.
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Men and their balls. There's no closer relationship.
I thought for sure I was going to be cursed to continually move throughout life constantly missing friends and loved ones. Each time a major event occurred, I invariably left someone behind or went to the same place as one friend only to have them move just before I got there.
It was quite frustrating.
All that ended this week. I busted my ass yesterday helping Jer and Aaron move into their spacious new digs on Bathurst. There were a few hitches (there always are) but they're in, safe, and hopefully quite happy in their love-nest.
The main hitch came when the elevator broke and Aaron and I waited four hours in the lobby for it to get fixed. We were dumb enough to try and move the heaviest item, a dresser, up six flights of stairs in the meantime. Let me give you advice: DON'T DO THAT. Whatever you do, for the love of mike, don't do that.
But, I digest. It's all done. They're in. Phone should be up on Friday, meantime if you have a message you can try email or else give me a shout and I'll be sure to pass it on. I'm sure Jer has sweet-talked most of the women in the building by now, so this mainly applies to friends of Aaron.
Later today they're off to Humber for an orientation (I'm going with them on separate business) and then back home. I'm trying to convince them to see Dodgeball at the Bloor with me. It's only $3.50 and I'd pay twice that to see Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn hurl their balls into each other's faces.
Easily.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
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10:09 a.m.
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Thanks to all of you who sent messages or called about Rooter. It means more to me than you know to have friends that care and understand so much. I'm still having a bit of trouble, but hopefully the most painful of the grief is behind me. I still worry about Truffle who is showing a sign or two of stress and being sad, but we play with her every day for at least half an hour out of the cage.
These days I'm doing my best to keep busy. I had the huge comic convention here in Toronto to go to which was a great chance to catch up with old friends and maintain those all-too important contacts. My friend Nick and I covered it quite nicely, but the benefits of which will go to the new comic-bent site we're creating called The 7th Parallel. Designed to be a closer, more in-depth look at the industry and things surrounding it (ala Star Trek, Star Wars, etc) the site aims not to be the leading news site, but the leading features site, interviews site, and commentary. This is an honest-to-god start up Canadian publication so as long as we survive year 1 we'll be eligible for a bit of funding in year two.
We have a nice assortment of interviews done for it as well. Michael Dorn and LeVar Burton from Star Trek: The Next Generation, George Takei from Star Trek, Julie Benz from Angel, Mercedes McNab from Buffy, Robia LaMorte from Buffy, John Kassir from Tales from the Crypt, Peter Mayhew from Star Wars, George Romero from Dawn of the Dead, Anthony Montgomery from Star Trek: Enterprise, Joe Quesada the Marvel EIC, Frank Tieri from Weapon X and a whole bunch more.
Not a bad start.
We've also been told that we're the official magazine of the World Hockey Association. What that means at this point is beyond me in terms of a dollar value, but it gets us much-needed experience on the playing field. The league is small at this point, but we're looking at creating at least 3 issues which will hopefully catch on. It can't hurt, at any rate.
All of this must sound marvelous, but I'm still broke (or close to it). Send money. Seriously, though, the job hunt continues with my frustration increasing daily. Catherine's too, because she has to listen to me complain.
Overall, I suppose I'm doing okay though I still feel a little lost within myself after Rooter passed. Part of me wants to move on, be successful and live happily, the other half wants me to crawl into a deep, dark hole.
I'm working on it. Promise.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
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12:22 p.m.
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As a few of you figured out, my long absence from this blog or even from the internet comes as a result of a broken heart. Last Sunday night, my beloved little one, Rooter, passed away.
Aaron wrote me yesterday saying that he understood the kind of pain that I'm in and I know that he does. Rooter was far too young to have passed away. The vet called it a heart defect common in small animals, but I call it a cruel twist of fate. You see, Rooter wasn't even three years old. Some may think that's ages old for a small animal, but degus typically live anywhere between 5 and 9 years old. By any reasonable count, Catherine and I were cheated out of a couple of years.
The main part of my time lately has been trying not to think of it that way, but rather look at the fact that we had three incredible years to spend time with an extraoridinary little girl. She was the brave one of the two, always taking off and exploring things first before her timid sister would follow. She also had boundless energy as she rearranged things in the cage to knock them over or move them around. It could become frustrating at times when you wanted a bit of quiet, but now that near silence is deaffening.
Rooter was very much loved by Catherine and I. Though it's been a few days, I'm still nowhere near over the pain that this has caused us. Catherine has the distraction of work, but I'm at home all the time and unable to find anything to do that will carry my mind too far away.
Truffle is the one I worry about at the moment. Though she still has a bit of energy she's obviously quite saddened by the loss of her sister. She's lost her perk and zest. The stress is quite obvious as she hasn't been pooping properly since the ordeal. I'm doing my best to give her space, but my zeal as her Dad makes me want to rush in and care for her.
We gave her a little stuffed moose to sleep with. At first we were worried that she would chew it up, but the first thing she did was snuggle down with it. The whole thing was so cute it made me want to cry again.
The hardest part of grieving comes when you start to get over it. That's not something you really want to do or are prepared to let go of, yet each day it becomes a little easier. I talk to Rooter now as much as I talk to my dog, Jack, who passed away some years ago. I picture the two of them and Catherine's dog Barney together waiting for us. It offers me some comfort.
The important thing I try to remember is that Rooter was very much loved and her family was with her every step of her short life. She's gone much too soon but her mom, sister and I will do our best to make her proud and to never stop loving her or remembering her incredible life.
Rooter, I miss you. I wish you were here.
Friday, August 20, 2004
at
12:58 p.m.
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A Prayer for My Little One...
My little girl, Rooter is quite sick and I feel helpless. I noticed she wasn't looking well yesterday so Catherine and I rushed her off to the vet. I have a lot of fear and paranoia over visiting the vet, but I convinced myself it was nothing more than diarhea as that's what all the symptoms seemed to include.
The vet dashed that, though, by saying that she had a bit of lung congestion and a possible heart defect. For those of you who have known the pain of grief or even death, then you'll understand the sensation of having everything stop for one horrible moment. Rooter wasn't even gone and I felt as though she had just died in my arms.
So, Catherine and I made a tough choice both financially and emotionally to let Rooter stay overnight in the hospital to get the hands-on care she needed to help clear up her lungs and make her little heart stronger. She looked so tired and weak, though when she really wants to she can get going.
The vet called me this morning seconds before I was about to dial the number. I had decided last night that no matter what I was going to bring her home. If these are her last few hours then she'll spend them with her sister, Truffle, and with Catherine and I, her parents.
I did the best I could to give her the medication they gave me. I'm not sure how well the first went down, an antibiotic, but she took most of the second which is for her heart. I offered her a sunflower seed (their favorite treat) and she nibbled on it a little, keeping the rest in her mouth. I'll keep offering them to her over the day to try and make sure she eats a little to help get her strength up.
Right now I have them both in their cage in the bedroom where the air conditioner is. They're near the door so they should have a nice draft of cool air to help her breathe easier and keep her cooled off.
I don't really have to say how scared I am. I'm constantly on the verge of tears. We've had these little girls in our lives for three years and they're supposed to live so much longer. The vet said the next 12 to 24 hours were key and that if she pulls through these and keeps going then she's likely on the mend. I'm certainly not giving up on her and though I'm not religious in the least I'll be doing a lot of praying. For those of you out there with a like mind I wouldn't mind the same.
I understand that she's just a pet to those reading this post, but to me she has literally been like a daughter to me. I watched her grow up, fed her, cleaned her and played with her. This is a very tough time for Catherine and I, but hopefully she'll get better and better... especially now that she's home in a place she knows and is comfortable.
Truffle is a little freaked out by all of this and doesn't seem to know what to make of it all. So far she's giving Rooter a ton of room which is good, though she did give her a kiss when she first came home. I think Truffle understands more than I do what's going on with her sister. All that I can do now is give her time, space, and hope for the best.
I love her so much. I love them both so much.
Thursday, August 19, 2004
at
12:33 a.m.
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The Death of Gwen Stacy... Spider-Man fights Carnage, the horrible clone of himself, in a vain attempt to avenge the death of Gwen Stacy.
With all comic book deaths, whether in the main Marvel comics universe or the new 'Ultimate' universe, there's a certain element of tragedy and sadness that comes with such a loss. I know it sounds ridiculous, but somehow we become attached to these characters much in the same way people devotedly follow soap operas day in and day out.
I was almost in tears the day that Jamie Madrox, the Multiple Man died. It was one of my first comic deaths and I thought that death was the end. Then I realized, some time later, that comics are the one medium in which death is never the end. Alas, for a character like Gwen Stacy this is unfortunately not the case.
Recently the victim of Carnage in Ultimate Spider-Man, Gwen was basically killed as Carnage sucked the life out of her leaving nothing but a mummified corpse. This was gross and disturbing on many levels.
But the weight loss was great. Where can I get in touch with this guy?
Seriously, it's day 3 of the weight loss challenge (quick change in subject, I know, but hold on) and I'm left always feeling hungry and as though I'm about to tear into a pizza. This is compounded by the fact that I'm broke and not only can't afford to buy the diet book I was going on about, but the food ingredients that the book teases me with.
It's a terrible circle to be in. Much like Gwen (see, I told you I was coming back) who had most of her former life wiped away in short order only to be met with a gruesome death, I'm worried not so much that I can't manage to make the diet stick, but that financially and realistically I won't be able to. Keeping the karate up three days a week is easy, but the food part... especially feeling hungry all the time... has really got to change.
What to do, what to do...
Monday, August 16, 2004
at
4:57 p.m.
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"From Beneath You, It Devours..."
As I move rapidly through the 7th and final season of Buffy The Vampire Slayer I must admit to being more than a little sad. Then again, seeing as how I was able to watch every season this summer at least I didn't have to wait seven years to see the whole thing unfold. If you've seen it all, then please don't spoil the end. I've still got my fingers crossed that Xander and Anya wind up getting back together.
The result of Angel, Firefly and Buffy gorging is that I'm now a devote fan and follower of Joss Whedon. In less than two weeks time, I have a slew of interviews set up with several Buffy and Angel stars including Anya, Harmony and Darla. Not to mention various Star Trek and Star Wars alumns like Peter Mayhew, George Takei and hopefully Patrick Stewart.
This means that I'm a busy boy.
Eye has said that they'd take an article featuring as many stars as possible but that I'd have to come up with an interesting question or angle for the stars to answer. Eye isn't terribly interested in the fanboyish aspect of the whole thing, and I don't really know what other kind of angle I can take to pique the interest of an editor. All I know is that I have a unique opportunity to talk with some pretty decent profile cult stars and I don't want to waste it.
So, if you have any ideas, throw them in the chatterbox on the side or else drop me a line. Let's work together, folks. Let's make this a night to remember.
Or something.
Worse comes to worse, I'm going to use all of this info as original content on a new webzine that I want to start called, aptly enough, The 7th Parallel. If anyone is interested in being an editor/writer for this site, let me know.
Sunday, August 15, 2004
at
7:32 p.m.
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The Ancient Greeks took their competition seriously. Dead seriously. In 564 B.C., Arrachion of Phigalia became an Olympic champion and died in the process. His downfall was the pankration event, a mix of boxing and wrestling where virtually anything was permitted. After a very tough fight, his opponent conceded the bout as Arrachion lay on the ground. Unbeknownst to his rival, Arrachion had expired from the duel, becoming the only dead person ever to win an Olympic event.
- Bathroom Reader Page-A-Day Calendar
Saturday, August 14, 2004
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11:52 p.m.
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Who would have thunk it, but one of us has finally spawned. I mean, sure, I've known many a person to get pregnant and reproduce but my close friend pool has so far been unable to spawn.
That's finally changed.
Brody Campbell, one of my best friends, now has a baby girl. Little Rory Marie Campbell was born on July 7, 2004 to Brody and his girlfriend, Lisa.
There's so much I could write about this. About the next huge step that most of us will take in our lives and the fact that Brody is now someone's Dad. I mean, if you think about it, that's huge. It's incredible. It's awe inspiring.
To be honest, I can't think of any one of my friends better suited to the task at the moment. I'm sure Brody will give Rory everything she needs to make it in this world with plenty of smiles to boot.
Good for you, man. We're all here if you need us.
Friday, August 13, 2004
at
6:39 p.m.
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"Whoever wins, the audience loses. Big time."
The best that can be said for Alien Vs. Predator is that the tagline for the movie didn't lie. Josh and I went to see the film earlier today and after laughing through parts of the movie and complaining bitterly about it afterwards, I was suddenly struck by the ingenious marketing campaign that the film used.
After that, I couldn't complain anymore. They flat out told us what to expect.
"Oh," said Josh. "That makes it okay then. I like the movie much better now."
Indeed. The immortal tagline "Whoever wins, we lose." was simply stated and undeniably true. The audience lost. Big time.
At least we only paid $4.25 each.
I knew the movie was going to suck after reading a non-review of it earlier today. It seems that Fox decided NOT to allow press screenings of the movie. Ouch. The only movies the article lists with such bold moves in the past included The Avengers with Sean Connery and Get Carter. You know you're bailing on your movie when...
The second indicator that it was going to blow was that it was only rated PG. Even the fricking Matrix was rated R for reasons unknown. Every previous Predator and Alien movie was restricted, but THIS thing was only rated PG.
The third and final blow was the director, Paul W.S. Anderson who was responsible for other stink-fests such as Resident Evil and Mortal Kombat (though at the time it came out, I liked MK a little. I saw it again recently... good LORD what was I thinking?).
All things considered, this movie is a renter if it's even worth THAT much money. The baddies don't even show up for nearly 45 minutes and the rest of the flick is filled with so many holes in continuity and cheesey moments that it made me want to gag on my root beer.
Still, not bad. Lots of Alien blood and guts. Off screen, of course.
Man, did we lose...
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
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8:56 p.m.
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Can yours truly weigh less than your average bear? The challenge is on!
Lordy lord how I hate the extra pounds that have attached themselves to my frame. It's been an ongoing battle for about five years now, ever since I began working at Biva's Esso in Guelph long ago. See, the problem was that a bevy of snack foods were available and I had no self-discipline.
So the weight began to add on. With stresses from school, lots of life changes and a few other things I found myself gaining pound after pound. At this point, I'm about 30 pounds over what my target weight is.
Yikes.
I've been doing a lot to try and curb my weight this past year but it's mostly been ineffective or not as effective as I would have liked. I was working out three times a week and I currently go to karate three times a week for an hour and a half a pop. I work hard, sweat much, yet the weight remains or disappears too slowly.
I've come to the unescapable conclusion that it's my diet which is to blame. I've heard books like the South Beach Diet are quite good at getting you on the right path and the sleeve assures its readers that while they suffer for the first two weeks, at least 8 to 13 pounds will magically disappear from their bodies. Hell, that's close to half what I need in one push and when you add on the exercise...
Book here I come. My physical efforts have been strong, lets see how the mental ones do.
Why do I want pizza already?
Monday, August 09, 2004
at
2:59 p.m.
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Ah... the gang's all here. From left to right: Paul, Nic, Jamie, me, Josh, Jer, Doug, Laura and Victoria. Good times had by all. I'm assuming.
There's a job opening for a reporter on Manitoulin Island according to Jeff Gaulin's website...
Alas, without the gang there it just wouldn't be the same. But what a brutally tempting offer to make! If you have the means to go, I highly recommend it. It is so choice...
(ID this quote for a no-prize).
Well, Jer's cottage to be more specific.
For three glorious days I managed to escape this city and the swirling pool of negative crap that a good portion of my life had become. Catherine was the life preserver, but slowly everything else was pulling me down.
Jer's cottage is way up North on Manitoulin Island. Not a bad place at all to have a cottage. Two days of nearly cloudless skies, warm water and a ton of laughter that left my sides and stomach frequently in pain.
It was so good to see everyone again. To just be a part of the group, away from distraction and stress. Yet as I sit here now, the morning after, I'm once again filled with knots and dread about the coming weeks and months. That can't be healthy. I'm doing all I can to remember the cool breeze, the warm sun and the huge amount of burgers, drinks and cookies that filled that wonderful oasis.
It's doing wonders. I've stopped answering the phone today (as I know who it is and they want to pull me right away into some form of work or another) and instead I'm doing my best to avoid stressful parts of the internet to concentrate on job searching and finding a little bit of peace of mind.
Now that I've finally been to Jer's cottage after being invited just about every year since I've known him but was unable to go because of work, I must say that it has to be a priority getaway every year from now on. There's just no question. As we all get older and move apart for life and jobs it's so hard for us all to get together. I think managing one weekend a year at the least should become of paramount importance.
So thanks to Nic, Jamie, Laura, Jer, Victoria, Paul, Josh and Doug for a great time, great games, and a so-so car ride. Hopefully I'll see you all sooner than 2005.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
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9:12 a.m.
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Ah, that's better. This blog has been needing both an update on the text side and on the graphics side for quite some time. That, and it was keeping me from doing some work on a potential new magazine I've grudgingly agreed to become a part of.
At least it will keep me busy.
And that's been the key these past two weeks to maintaining some sort of sanity. As Catherine rides into the sunset of her new job I'm often left feeling a little left out, not to mention increasingly poor. Well, sometimes there's just nothing that can be done about that but at least the past couple of days I've tried to do something by keeping insanely busy.
Have you ever noticed that having so-called 'free time' is often busier than when you don't? There's always something to be done. Frankly, I wish I could just be lazy. But then that's what got me down in the first place.
Keep busy... redesign a blog... head west... run for Prime Minister. Whatever keeps you busy keeps you sane. If that isn't an old saying, well, it should be.
Monday, August 02, 2004
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4:03 p.m.
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Q: What is the difference between ignorance, apathy, and ambivalence?
A: I don’t know and I don’t care one way or the other
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
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5:08 p.m.
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"How happy is the blameless Vestal's lot! The world forgetting, by the world forgot: Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! Each prayer accepted, and each wish resign'd." - Alexander Pope.
What would you give to have some of your memories erased? Moments, lives, people... all taken away in the blink of an eye. Me, I wouldn't give any of it up. Not even the truly horrible moments that we each have endured in our short time on this earth.
Having just seen the movie has put me in a reflective, and somewhat dour, mood. It makes me appreciate those little moments that we all get to share that much more. Though they may seem trivial, in the end it's all we have.
Monday, July 26, 2004
at
1:04 p.m.
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So, is this new Star Wars title for Episode 3 a good omen or a bad one? Well, if you take Penny Arcade's word for it, it's masturbation worthy.
I must admit, I rather like the sounds of it myself. I was an admant hater of The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. Not the films themselves, but the other-cheesy subtitles that really belittled the subject matter rather than pay homage to it as I'm sure George "Bags o' money to waste on CGI" Lucas believed them to be.
It brings up memories of 1983 and the brief time that Return of the Jedi was to be called Revenge of the Jedi. The title was eventually nixed by Lucas who believed that revenge really wasn't a jedi concept. That's all well and good in theory, but you have to admit Luke did look pretty pissed off for most of the film.
Revenge of the Jedi is still something that exists on collectible t-shirts and other materials created before Lucas changed his mind. So, in a whole full circule coming of age moment the latest and last film in the series gets the old 'Revenge' moniker that seems to go quite well with the whole Sith way of thinking.
There are a lot of interesting bits and pieces of spoilers I've heard about this film but it seems to be caught up in the political drudgery that dragged the first two films down. I think The Simpsons did it best when the family went out to see the latest film only to be bored by two hours of pointless senate debates. The major fight sequence was an AT-AT storming through the wall with lazers blazing, only to sit down and read from a prepared statement moments later.
Classic satire.
But satire, criticism and being shown up by special effects newbie Peter Jackson and his Lord of the Rings movie doesn't appear to have gotten through Lucas' plaid-fevered brain. More sentate debates await, and while the Sith is getting their revenge (all two of them from the sounds of previews against hundreds of jedi), the jedi knights are all killed and Darth Vader comes to power.
In theory.
I just hope there are a lot more Sith, explosions and fun that made the original triology the brilliant piece of escapism that it was. Being bogged down in politics is only good if it enjoyable moves the plot forward but in all honesty, the two films in this new trilogy could have been brought together to make one super-Star Wars movie leaving the next two open for more space-opera goodness.
But, his masterful plaid-shirtness has spoken. The only revenge the Sith will get next year is to make beleaguered fans of Star Wars just a little bit more poor with broken spirits to match.
Sunday, July 25, 2004
at
11:19 p.m.
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I've conquered my past,
The future is here at last
I stand at the entrance
To a new world I can see
The ruins to the right of me
Will soon have lost sight of me...
- U2
Friday, July 23, 2004
at
3:24 p.m.
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It's been all right...
It's been all right...
It's been a ride...
And so, like television shows, milk, bread and an assortment of other products in this world my time at eye is nearly at an end. As I look at the clock showing less than an hour before my time of freedom and uncertainty I feel a certain amount of nostalgia.
Coupled with crippling fear.
The internship process has taken its toll on me in many ways. The first one I began was a year and a half ago at Kidscreen magazine. Sequestered in a corner under a flickering light far from the arms of my fellow writers and editors, my two days a week there felt more like solitary confinement than a valuable tool that was allegedly preparing me for a career in the outside world. I'd emerge at the end of the day with a sore back, weak eyes and a desolation matched only for those who are regular viewers of Dr. Phil.
The Toronto Sun wasn't a whole lot better, but at least I never felt like I was wasted. Well, there were a few joke jobs such as the damn streeters, but at least I got to cover city events and have by-lines on a regular basis. Again, the two days a week (this time stealing my weekend) hardly seemed worth it. I was the perpetual outsider relegated to walking the dog stories of the paper. It was only through my friend and editor, Brad Honywill, that I managed to leave that place feeling proud and as though I'd done something worthy.
When Bert Archer, the production editor at eye, gave me a call three months after I'd sent in my resume asking if I was interested in an internship I nearly had a heart attack. This was the place I'd been after since my first year and secretly coveted. Though I'll admit a certain unfamiliarity with a decent portion of its content as I'd only read the sections that interested me, it was far and away one of the few publications that held any allure for me whatsoever.
Then the hammer stroke fell. Unlike the two day a week masturbation sessions that were Kidscreen and The Sun, eye was not only to be full time, but a three-month odyssey.
That's a lot of time to wait when you've already felt as though you've paid your dues. How do you come into a place like this and put your heart and soul into something when you damn well know it isn't going to go anywhere other than on your resume? Well, the chance existed, though slim, of getting hired on at the end of the three months. Given that three interns had been hired within the past year, however, that seemed to make it highly unlikely. A few things have come up since then and it seems as though I may have a job here come the beginning of October in the production department, so I can't and won't say it's been a waste of time.
In all honesty I wish I had been more productive on the writing front. I'm more than capable and, in all honesty, not a bad writer (or even pretty good if I allow myself to really open up). But the approach and stories weren't entirely what I was expecting and as duties and work piled up both at work and at home, the desire to do extra was fading fast.
Still, I produced half a dozen reviews, a couple of decent stories and even a column. It's more than some though less than what I would have liked. Still, I can't complain as the door is still wide open.
The managing editor, Catharine Tunnacliffe, has been the best part of this job. She took me in and gave me more opportunities than the rest combined. Coupled with the fact that she's really nice makes her an amazing person. She's even going to help me out on the job search front in the meantime (if I remind her... she's incredibly busy).
The rest have all been great, especially Kieran Grant whom I worked with the most. A kind, decent person the likes of which are missing from this industry all too often. His partner-in-crime, Stuart Berman likewise gets the nice guy award. Staff writer Joel McConvey isn't too bad either. ;)
Damien Rogers is great, Ed Keenan is the ultimate drinking buddy and Holland Gidney is the most underappreciated proof reader out there. She deserves more credit than she's given.
The interns all suck. Matt, Luke, Sarah, Jules, Paul, Larissa. You're all drunk and crazy. Good for you.
I suppose I've just hit that moment of clarity. That end-of-movie moment when you stop and take a look around at where you've been and realize it meant more to you than you realized. When I walk out that door today it'll never be the same again. I may have a job here later and will likely be back for freelance related issues, but it won't be the same.
It's been the best internship yet and though there is nothing (and I mean nothing) ahead for me at the moment I can't help but want to come back here anyway. It's been a constant and relatively enjoyable experience. I come away with good references, positive memories and feel that now, more than ever, I'm ready for that next step.
God help me.
It's a rare experience and I just wanted to take a moment to appreciate it. Thanks, guys.
It's going to be a good joke for me for the next week or so. People will ask what movie Catherine and I went to see last night, and I'll be able to truthfully say Nothing.
It's the new brainchild of former Cube director and stars about two guys who literally hate away existence. Most of the movie takes place with two actors against a perpetually white background. There's nothing ahead, nothing behind, and as a result, comedy ensues.
The house, the turtle, the tinfoil suit all work together to actually tell a decent 90-minute movie. It's not something that you'd expect to see work for so long, but as the two loser-like friends embrace their utopia away from the world that was more than a little cruel to them and they lose a bit of their marbles in the process, you can't help but be morbidly enthralled.
It's a great quirky film, totally original and 100% Canadian. It's like nothing (pardon the pun) you've ever seen before. I can't guarantee multiple viewings, but it's definitely worth checking out.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
at
8:25 p.m.
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A little theory I've picked up (though some of you will likely say it's source is common knowledge) is that in job searching it's as much who you know as it is timing and luck. Though my pool of sources is limited, the people I've known in such a short time over the past couple of years are proving very helpful in making sure I'm able to support myself in the future.
Don't let that mislead you, though as I have absolutely no job prospects at the moment. A nibble or two from the production department at eye, and the managing editor (who has been fantastic during my time there and whom I hope to get work from in the future) mentioned another possibility.
The only drawback to the job search is the amount of time it takes to get a job versus the amount of time you're willing to spend searching. Catherine, for instance, searched quite a lot for about a month before she began to lose steam. A friend of mine from school, Lisa, just sent her resume in to eye today in hopes of an internship. What we're willing to do to pay our dues says a lot about our grit and determination to succeed.
At this point, I'm willing to settle for survival.
My poor and meagre funds will last me a little while yet provided I stop spending money on things like season 2 of Buffy (it was a bargain... I just have to think of it as an investment) and the only thing slowing me down is how much time and effort I'm willing to put in.
Given that Sarah, a very loud but kind intern was fired yesterday (you couldn't help but see it coming) leaving eye with two interns, I'm kind of surprised that I haven't been asked to stay on until a replacement can be found. Heck, even if they offered me something like $200 for the week I'd probably take it. They've been good to me and I don't want to leave them in a lurch.
Ball's in their court, I suppose. As with everything else, time will sort it all out. As the great sage and eminent junkie put it: "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans."
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
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10:38 p.m.
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One of the great things about staying in a hotel, such as the one I was in during my visit to New York, is that they are like a small nexus. They all have the same basic content and all that changes is the view out the window.
Sometimes I wish I was a hotel room.
Not a place for people to stay and to mess up their sheets or use their phone, but rather an extension of that changing window. This is a funny thing for me to say, especially for those of you who know how much I hate change. Yet I always felt as though I should have a different piece of road under my feet each day and a sword strapped to my back.
I suppose that's part of the allure of movies and comic books. They provide a nice dose of escapism into a world of possibilities. Don't get me wrong, I love my life here with Catherine and provided I actually get a job, I'm quite content to stick with Toronto for a few years.
I suppose I just feel the travel bug slowly starting to call and opportunity fading away. I suppose that unless I go in the next couple of years, I'm not going to go. Sounds kind of fatalistic but at the same time we all know that life is what happens while you're busy making other plans.
I've stayed in hotels all over the world and I know there are more than a few in the future ahead of me. Hopefully once both Catherine and I have our nice jobs we can make this more of a reality. In the meantime, there's always the Amazing Race.
Why won't they make it so Canadians can compete? Man, that would be incredible.
Monday, July 19, 2004
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8:42 p.m.
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Just when I think I'm a full grown, responsible adult who can take care of himself, Catherine goes away and suddenly I find myself without direction or purpose.
Is she a stabilizing influence I wonder, or am I just unusually clueless? Without someone else here to help guide my day, to talk to, to listen to and to love you get an odd disorientation towards everything. Last night I was up until 2am (though I was working) and today I came home to an empty apartment.
I'm just not used to it.
She hasn't left me or anything (yet), she's just at home visiting her family and helping to look after her mother who is a little sick this week though it's nothing serious. Catherine'll be back on Wednesday, but what on Earth am I going to do stuck as I am all by my lonesome?
Do I pull a Jamie and fill the apartment up with balloons? Pull a Doug and disappear to Florida for months on end? Actually, I"ll likely just wind up watching Buffy and terrible reality TV shows while consuming what's left of Patti's ice cream.
All in all, not a bad way to pass the time. Maybe I"ll even paint.
Thursday, July 15, 2004
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3:42 p.m.
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It's a fun game and it's also a bitch. Take today for example. Things today have reshaped many paradigms that I thought were certain in the coming months.
The first was Eye. Immediately in the morning I was asked to get a story ready for the next day based on a story I pitched the day before. I had long sinced given up trying to be a useful member of this society and yet today I was out and about researching and writing a story I actually liked. Go figure.
The story is done and awaiting editorial mangling.
Then, Catherine, the girl who never knows as well as I do what's in store for her got her dream job. She's been employed by Career Cruising for a ridiculous sum of money and starts on July 26. She sounds very calm as do I, but I think that's the shock speaking. More than a job, this is security, peace of mind, comfort and a career direction she's always wanted to explore. I can't express how happy I am for her and yet at the same time feeling the gnaw of jealousy as I doubt I'll be getting offers from Marvel in the near future.
The last was an odd quiz.
Head to www.colorquiz.com. Answer honestly and get in return a surprisingly accurate reading of who you are. Most of these are complete bunk, but for some reason this one rang true. Check it out.
I still can't believe she got the job. Yet I knew in my heart the whole time that it would be her, the fact that they were a few days later in letting her know than they said they would be upped the tension factor. I even joked yesterday that they were holding out just to tick us off.
I'm so proud. Now I have to try and get a job. The competitive part of me wants to try and best her somehow. Not very charitable, but at least I'm honest in a "hey, you're a jerk" sort of way.
:)
Good job, Boo.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
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11:41 a.m.
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In devouring as I have been seasons 1-3 of Angel recently I find myself attracted to characteristics of David Boreanaz's character, Angel.
We have a man who struggles with his very real inner demon, a world that doesn't understand how he can be both good and evil at the same time, and yet he manages to have friends, a family and a warm home to return to.
Really, Angel (or Angelus) is no different than anyone else. Maybe that's what makes him an interesting character. It's the choices that define us, not our baser feelings or motives. Is that the overall theme of the story? Maybe, but it seems like a message to me. Wesley (Alexis Denisoff) has got to be my favorite character on that show. I still can't believe he had his throat cut like that in Season 3. That's some good TV eating...
I'm very frustrated with this series as season 4 hasn't even come out on DVD yet. For those of you who've watched the series, season 3 ends on a brutal cliffhanger that, while I know things will work out, still leaves many unanswered questions.
Thanks to Jamie, Jer and others I know what happens in broad strokes on both of these series. VERY broad strokes but it's in finding out the details of how and why that I've become enthralled with Joss Whedon and his writing process. I still think he outdid himself with Firefly, but Angel comes a close second.
I'll have to wait to give a final verdict on Buffy as Season 5 is supposed to be in at the video store for me to rent at any time...
Yummy.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
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8:17 p.m.
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Lord, why am I cursed with such geekdom?
On the way home from work today I had to stop by the Silver Snail to check once again (fruitlessly I expected) for the new series of Marvel Legends figures.
To my shock and wallet's horror, they were in. Series 6 had touched down.
What makes this remarkable is that we're ahead of the States. For the most part, the toys go coast to coast for our neighbours to the south and we get the sloppy seconds about a month later. This time we're ahead and I'm loving it.
I picked up Juggernaut, Cable and Deadpool (also Doop who came with 'Pool). Juggernaut is huge... by far the biggest figure put out by ToyBiz yet. Deadpool wins for articulation and coolness (not to mention an uber-creepy second head) while Cable's arm is just a thing of sculpting beauty.
I didn't get Wolverine, which while more articulated than previous versions, is more or less just another repaint and I don't need to buy him. Punisher (movie version) would be redundant as well as I have the comic version figure which I prefer anyway. The last is Phoenix... while girl figures have traditionally been horrible to view there was something appealing about this one. Rather than the old hip joints that make all the figures look like wanton sluts when they're placed in sitting position thanks to their legs flaring out to the sides (and how many people gleefully adjusted my shelves of figures to porn positions over the years??) but now ToyBiz has finally given girls the same hip joints as the men. My Rogue figure is a slut, but Jean is prim and perfect.
Lordy lord, I love my toys.
They're very cool. I expect you all to oooh and aaahh over them when you next appear.
Part of my job here at intern hell (which I must tell you, faithful readers, ends next Friday. Aaron will be down to celebrate, and hopefully Pushee too. Perhaps an impromptu trip to Wonderland should be arranged) is to fact check dozens of useless articles that fill the rags pages.
Don't get me wrong, there are several aspects of this paper that I like. One or two of the staff have been nothing but friendly and kind and part of me will miss the consistency of coming into work every day with a list of things to do.
Another part of me could give less than a shit.
It becomes quickly apparent when you fit into a place and when you don't. I'm forever on the fringe of things... bobbing and weaving, sticking and jabbing, to a result I don't even know is clear. I'm sure I'll get strong references, but the need for coin and a home is driving me away sooner than I'd really like.
There are other things to do. I'm planning on taking over the world, starting my own publication, and writing several stories in addition to the massive task of job hunting. No worries, I'll still have time to be lazy and depressed I'm sure.
If I can, I'll make treks around to visit friends and family. My mom quite correctly pointed out today that we hadn't seen as much of each other as possible. The only consolation I can offer is that it's far more frequent for me to talk to her and see her than any of my other relations. After all, I'd only gotten back to Guelph to see my Dad back in May after a five-month hiatus.
There's much room for improvement. Part of it was just the huge amount of time school and internships were taking, not to mention the quick pace at which life in Toronto seems to move. I feel as though I barely have time for myself much less anyone else and this includes Catherine.
Maybe I'm just getting old.
Certainly I'm getting odd.
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
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9:51 a.m.
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The first medium used to spread news and information is believed to be the Acta Diurna (“Daily Acts”), founded by Roman emperor Julius Caesar in 59 B.C. The daily paper, posted in prominent areas and gathering places all over Rome, contained news items as well as birth, death, and marriage announcements, updates on criminal trials and executions . . . and even news of sporting and theatrical events.
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
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12:40 p.m.
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Catherine and I went to a midnight showing last night. Though I hate Toronto prices at $30 for the two of us, I must say that this is one of those few movies worth that price.
Seriously, being an uber-spider fan I had high hopes and I was worried that I'd be left feeling cold. I had memories of Batman and Superman sequels where the villains went over-the-top, the costumes sucked and lights went all wonky.
This is not that movie.
From the start Sam Raimi shows that he hasn't lost his love or affection for the characters who take center stage. Fittingly so, as it's Peter Parker audiences are more interested in than Spider-Man. While the fights between Doc Ock and Spidey are brilliant, it's Peter Parker, Mary Jane, Harry and Aunt May that make this movie worth watching.
Alfred Molina is a much better villain than Willem Dafoe. In the first movie, Dafoe goes with the assumption that he has to be a little larger than life which made sense given that his face was often covered by a mask. With Molina's face out in the open for the film he's able to put more heart into Otto than even the comics have managed. It makes for a more tragic villain and a more interesting confrontation.
That's not to say that Dafoe's impact isn't felt in this film. The Green Goblin is never as far away as you may think...
Still, Bruce Campbell does his bit for the film, and J.Jonah Jameson steals every scene he's in. I realize that as a comic fan I'm a bit biased towards liking this movie, but as a fan who watches everything with an eagle eye I have to say I wasn't disappointed at all.
Make sure you see it at least two or three times.
Now.
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
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1:07 p.m.
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There are a number of things that I should be doing to keep myself interested during the day at my internship. But since I find myself feeling a growing apathy and distaste for their methods (one of my editors actually called one of the interns a homophobe loudly) I do my best to find other bizarre things to do.
Thanks to Larisa, I've found something strange and unusual.
She sent over this link... which is so wrong it's great.
http://www.jesusdressup.com/index.html
That's right! Dress up our Lord however you see fit! The clothes change from time to time to reflect the holidays and seasons so keep going back for more and more fun!
Somebody save me.
Saturday, June 26, 2004
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2:18 p.m.
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In the black-and-white newsreel days of journalism, covering traffic accidents was as common a practice as it is today; yet somehow the footage was gorier. Using the cheapest special effect available—water—the camera crews would often pour several gallons on the roadway before filming. Why? When seen in black-and-white, water looks a lot like blood.
Thursday, June 24, 2004
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12:05 a.m.
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So, weird things happen, right? It's the staple of life that no matter how much you think you know or how in control of things you think you are, something inevitably comes along to challenge those perceptions then laugh in your face.
David ran into something like that last week. Catherine's brother, whom many of you know to be an original person in many ways, got an interesting package in the mail. It was addressed neatly to him and he didn't think much of it.
Until he opened it.
Inside was a lot of bubble wrap and a small naked doll. There was a note that read "Corinna's things are in the observation booth. Thanks, Cam." David knows neither of these things and thought it best to keep the whole package in the freezer "just in case."
My brush with oddness came tonight while Catherine and I were watching season 4 of Buffy. For some reason or another, the disc started to jam and the show went very jerky. It happens rarely when a disc is dirty or something, and given that it's a rental I'm sure it's got one or two scratches on it.
Still, after nearly 10 minutes of this crap and trying to fast forward or skip the chapter, the screen froze once more but this time...
I'm still a little fucked up about it.
At the bottom of the screen the words "FIX ME." appeared. No joke, deadly serious. My player was crying out for help. Now I've had this thing for nearly five years and it has NEVER done this. I do have subtitle options which weren't engaged at all and didn't fit the plot anyway.
I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for it, but all Catherine and I could do was stare at the thing with a shocked silence. I tried to engage it in casual conversation, politely asking what there was I could do to help.
No answer.
The disc started playing properly again shortly after, but it's been more than an hour since then and all I can think is "that's really fucked up."
Don't you think?
PS. David found out who sent the package. It's a server he's familiar with at East Side Mario's. I don't know how he knows this girl or why she would do this, but I found it funny then and continue to do so now.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
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10:26 a.m.
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Chimpanzees, apes, orangutans, and a few other primates laugh—but no other animals do. Chimps’ laughter sounds like rapid panting, but unlike humans, chimps can’t regulate the air as they breathe out, which means they can’t change the way it sounds. This lack of ability to control airflow is the same thing that deprives them of speech.
But just because primates can’t talk doesn’t mean they can’t share jokes. Chimps and gorillas that have learned sign language have been known to sign one another for laughs. Sometimes they give incorrect signs in “conversation” and then laugh; other times they urinate on humans and then sign “funny.”
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
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11:40 p.m.
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This will be the fourth or fifth graduation that I'll have attended in my short 26 years. God, am I that old already?
Yet tomorrow means about as much to me as my university graduation did. In terms of getting a diploma, degree, or whatever, it's just a piece of paper and an excuse to get together and hang out. For my english degree, I didn't feel the need to leave my summer home in Jasper, Alberta to come back to see people I barely knew.
Tomorrow is a bit different. Journalism at Humber was one of the best things to happen to me, personally and creatively. I made a lot of great friends, picked up an amazing assortment of skills, and put myself on track to something I hope will be a successful career.
First I have to stop interning for free.
Still, I can't complain. The only thing I don't really like about tomorrow is that Pushee won't be there. He's currently in Spain or some such area with Nick having the time of his life. Though I don't think he's picking up any women. Knowing Push, he's probably just admiring them from afar.
Tonight is just another night as tomorrow is just another day. Except that I won't be going to work, but back to Humber to network and 'graduate'. Honestly, it's the people I'm going for, not the piece of paper. That means less than nothing to me. The magazine I made, the friends that came with it, that's what I'm celebrating tomorrow and for the time being at least, what I'm leaving behind.
On the movie front, I went to a press screening for Two Brothers tonight. It's about twin tiger cubs who are separated when they're very young and meet up again years later when they're forced to fight one another. Sounds silly in a sentence, but the movie latched on my heart as much as my time. It's well worth checking out if you have a bit of spare change.
• MAN SHOOTS NEIGHBOR WITH MACHETE
• Iran Claims Success in Its Attack on Iran
• KICKING BABY CONSIDERED TO BE HEALTHY
• Milk Drinkers Are Turning to Powder
• BIBLE CHURCH’S FOCUS IS THE BIBLE
• QUEEN MARY HAVING BOTTOM SCRAPED
• BRITAIN INCHES GRUDGINGLY TOWARDS METRIC SYSTEM
Friday, June 11, 2004
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9:42 a.m.
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• Call an addiction hot line and explain that you’re hooked on phonics.
• Go to the airport wearing a suit of armor and try walking through the metal detector.
• Call the Q-Tips 800 number and say that one of the cotton swab parts just came off in your ear. When they reply, keep shouting, “What? What? What did you say?”
• Go to the polar bear enclosure at the zoo and shout, “C’mon, Larry, enough’s enough! Take off that costume and come back to the office!”
Monday, June 07, 2004
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3:58 p.m.
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She's the best thing in the world to happen to me and I'm sure to her family and friends.
There's something so wonderful and pure about her heart, her soul, her voice, her face, everything. I wish I could put into words how grateful I am for her presence in my life. Even when things are bad, they're still okay as long as I have her to return to each night.
She's not perfect, good lord is she not perfect, but she gets me. She likes my quirks and enjoys my company. The fact that she can stand to be around me for more than five minutes at a time says great things about her endurance.
I don't know that I show her how much I appreciate her. I should do bigger and grander things all the time. But hopefully she knows how much I love her and want to be with her.
I tell her, but I don't know that she understands just how much I love her.
"It's all I know/
This empty road
Keeps me lookin' for a place in your heart
Keeps me lookin' for a place in your heart
It's all I know"
One of the great things about interning at a weekly mag and making semi-decent friends with the people who work there are that a few perks are involved.
Today, for instance, the music editor took pity on me and handed me Matthew Good's new album, White Light Rock & Roll Review to keep a full week before it's due out in stores.
Sweet.
He had previously let me borrow it to listen to here in the office. When he handed it to me today it was because I was much more "fanboy" about Matt than he was. I can live with that.
The album is a straight-forward rock offering with a touch of country flavour. The rock hits hard on "Alert Status Red" with loud guitars, easy refrains, and a solid vocal performance. It's easy to see why this is the leading single, though "Put Out Your Lights" makes a solid entry to the record.
Slowing things down with a country twang are "Empty Road" and the hidden track at the end of the album. These are the kinds of things that I love Matt for when he gets a bit slower and more into the sounds he's creating than a mixture of noise and fury. "Been A While Since I Was Your Man" is another great example of this.
"Buffalo Seven" is on track to being the next single (or at least one of the singles) from this album. Unlike the prevous album, Avalanche, where the guitars and radio friendly songs were missing, this album delivers in full force. Matt Good may not have matured, but he's gotten back to his roots and seen the white light.
The title may refer to his own career and the need to express himself however he feels. It's what he's done so far to amazing results. It's no wonder Matthew Good is one of my favorite musical artists.
If you're interested in good, solid, classic Matt Good... check out previous offerings The Audio of Being and Beautiful Midnight.
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
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11:10 p.m.
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I'm not really that tired, but I can feel fatigue of a different sort seeping into my bones. Simply put: I'm tired of paying my dues.
It's time to get paid.
Won't happen JUST yet, but soon. Very soon. And then you'll all be sorry. Or something less scary.
I tore through the second season of Buffy in record time and now I'm feeling quite impatient about getting season 3, though the store just doesn't have a copy in at the moment. This makes me angry.
Oh well, I have Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban to look forward to on Friday. Ah, Harry and J.K. Rowling... the power they have over me and my wallet. That said, I'd about kill to get the next book.
Thankfully Stephen King has stepped up to the plate and is offering up the next part of The Dark Tower VI: Song of Susannah ships next Tuesday and I'll be there bright and early to pick it up. There's something so appealing about Roland and his ka-tet and they journey to End World through the field of roses to the Tower at the middle of it all. Eddie, Susannah, Jake, Oy, Callahan and Roland await... and those of us who wish we had swords on our backs can at least travel as voyeurs to see what happens next.
Normally I reject all mainstream (successful) authors but this series has haunted the past year of my life. It's just that damn good.
• For the sick and tired of the Episcopal Church.
—New York convalescent home
• Good clean dancing every night but Sunday.
—Los Angeles dance hall
• Archery tournament—ears pierced.
—Shopping mall marquee
• Wonderful bargains for men with 16 and 17 necks.
—Clothing store
• Will the last person to leave please see that the perpetual light is extinguished.
—Vestry of a New England church
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