This morning I stopped at my subway station to buy a monthly TTC pass. Normally I buy them at the station by my office, but this time there was a rare lack of lineup near home.
As Mr. Ticketbooth processed my purchase, I pulled out my October card and said "Here's the one I'm using for this ride."
"You didn't need to show me that," he replied.
"Why not?"
"I know you've paid your fare. I've been doing this job every morning for years. I know almost every Metropass holder at this stop, by face, even if they don't buy them here."
It was an odd realization, that you're familiar to people that you have never met. That even in a city of over 5 million people, you're remembered.
I used to enjoy this fact, when I worked nights at the gas station. But I'd forgotten about it. I like it.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Critical Shopping
Following last week’s jettison of Bell Canada, I’ve been doing some more selective shopping.
On Saturday, Courtney and I stopped at The Bay at Queen & Yonge Streets.
After finding a few pairs of pants that I liked, I went in search of a salesperson to unlock the fitting-room doors. In the whole “few-thousand square foot” space of Menswear, there was ONE salesman, and he was busy ringing in sales. I politely approached, asking if there was anyone available to help. “The rooms are right there” he blurted. When I tried to explain that they were locked, he nearly shouted “There’s someone down the aisle, on the left.”
When I carried my bundle of possible purchases “down the aisle,” I found the other salesperson. But he didn’t have a key, and referred me back to the cashier. Once he’d finished chatting with his friend…
I pointed out that he wasn’t able to help, and Salesman 2 just shrugged saying “well, I can’t help!” This seemed eerily familiar – I bought jewelry there a few months ago, and had to wait almost 45 minutes for a salesperson!
So I dropped my stuff on the nearest display, and walked out empty-handed. And a little pissed off.
Today, I went to The Gap.
They were very busy, as it was lunchtime. As soon as I walked in, someone greeted me and asked if I needed help. When I got to the change-room, there was someone ready in case I needed help. And I did - twice. My fucking waistline is expanding too damn fast.
Everyone in the store was very helpful and cheery. So I spent a few hundred dollars. And I'll go back next payday for more.. I don’t mind spending money for things, but I’m not going to support bad service. If more people felt this way, maybe companies would have to shape up.
Hooray for good service.
On Saturday, Courtney and I stopped at The Bay at Queen & Yonge Streets.
After finding a few pairs of pants that I liked, I went in search of a salesperson to unlock the fitting-room doors. In the whole “few-thousand square foot” space of Menswear, there was ONE salesman, and he was busy ringing in sales. I politely approached, asking if there was anyone available to help. “The rooms are right there” he blurted. When I tried to explain that they were locked, he nearly shouted “There’s someone down the aisle, on the left.”
When I carried my bundle of possible purchases “down the aisle,” I found the other salesperson. But he didn’t have a key, and referred me back to the cashier. Once he’d finished chatting with his friend…
I pointed out that he wasn’t able to help, and Salesman 2 just shrugged saying “well, I can’t help!” This seemed eerily familiar – I bought jewelry there a few months ago, and had to wait almost 45 minutes for a salesperson!
So I dropped my stuff on the nearest display, and walked out empty-handed. And a little pissed off.
Today, I went to The Gap.
They were very busy, as it was lunchtime. As soon as I walked in, someone greeted me and asked if I needed help. When I got to the change-room, there was someone ready in case I needed help. And I did - twice. My fucking waistline is expanding too damn fast.
Everyone in the store was very helpful and cheery. So I spent a few hundred dollars. And I'll go back next payday for more.. I don’t mind spending money for things, but I’m not going to support bad service. If more people felt this way, maybe companies would have to shape up.
Hooray for good service.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Monday Drop-In
It was a great weekend.
Courtney and I paid off the rest of our Cuban Christmas vacation.
I had my head attacked by wandering zombies on Sunday.
We carved an almost-erotic jack-o-lantern, but lost the competition.
Rogers is coming to hook up my internet connection this evening, ending what turned out to be a surprisingly tough week without access from home. Still, I'm happy to be Bell Free.
It's not that Rogers has much better service, but right now I feel like a Prison Bitch. I would just like to be violated by a different entity for a change...
Courtney and I paid off the rest of our Cuban Christmas vacation.
I had my head attacked by wandering zombies on Sunday.
We carved an almost-erotic jack-o-lantern, but lost the competition.
Rogers is coming to hook up my internet connection this evening, ending what turned out to be a surprisingly tough week without access from home. Still, I'm happy to be Bell Free.
It's not that Rogers has much better service, but right now I feel like a Prison Bitch. I would just like to be violated by a different entity for a change...
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Dropping The Needle
Last night I finished mixing a couple more new songs, and posted them on my MySpace page.
Have a listen to 'Another Chance' and 'This Feeling'.
I'm really proud of both of them. These songs seem to be sending me on a bit of a tangent. I can't really explain how, but they don't sound like I'd expected them to when I wrote them. This bunch of songs is sounding more... organic... than the stuff I usually listen to.
An odd thing, for me anyway.
Have a listen to 'Another Chance' and 'This Feeling'.
I'm really proud of both of them. These songs seem to be sending me on a bit of a tangent. I can't really explain how, but they don't sound like I'd expected them to when I wrote them. This bunch of songs is sounding more... organic... than the stuff I usually listen to.
An odd thing, for me anyway.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Just Desserts?
Some of the staff from the Holiday Inn on King Street are on strike.
They worked in the hotel restaurant until it was closed September 28. The workers want $4 to $5 more per hour, and 3-year contracts. The hotel refuses, saying that they were laid off due to lack of business.
I do agree that hotel staff usually get shafted, but in this case it's justified. I've stayed at that hotel. I've eaten in that restaurant. And I won't do again.
Dirty hotel rooms may not affect the restaurant, but attrocious service and bad food will do the trick.
I have no sympathy for these workers. When I was there, they definately didn't earn their $11/hour wage. And if a business closes because of that, the staff loses their jobs. Seems simple to me...
They worked in the hotel restaurant until it was closed September 28. The workers want $4 to $5 more per hour, and 3-year contracts. The hotel refuses, saying that they were laid off due to lack of business.
I do agree that hotel staff usually get shafted, but in this case it's justified. I've stayed at that hotel. I've eaten in that restaurant. And I won't do again.
Dirty hotel rooms may not affect the restaurant, but attrocious service and bad food will do the trick.
I have no sympathy for these workers. When I was there, they definately didn't earn their $11/hour wage. And if a business closes because of that, the staff loses their jobs. Seems simple to me...
Monday, October 15, 2007
Golly!
It was a good weekend.
Courtney and I rented a car, and on Saturday drove out to see her grandparents, as her grandmother just turned 80 and is still able to recognize that fact. Sunday was spent at my parents' house, as I've been feeling guilty about not making the 1.5-hour trek since before Christmas. Although with the separation, moving back to the city, and having a life and busy job, I have more than enough excuses.
However, two notable things happened. As I was showing Courtney the childhood photos that survived their house burning down, I saw a Golliwog in my parents' basement! Re-entering the living room, I exclaimed that I was shocked to see such a racist thing in my family's home!
My mum looked up from the chair, asking "Do you want it?"
"Ummmm, YES!"
So I now have a Golliwog in my home. Although I was told that "we don't call them Golliwogs now, that's offensive. Now we just call them Gollies." Yeah, because that makes them SO politically correct!!!
Also, after my troubles last month with Bell Canada shutting off my internet access for having an "unpaid account," while they owe me more than twice what I owe them, they've gone and shut it off again.
I've had enough. I'm going to Rogers. They're bad too, but at least they've never mistreated me... Fuck Bell Canada! I find it offensive to assume the customer is wrong, and to remove service on a weekend, when you cannot resolve the issue in a timely manner, regardless of fault.
8:25am: After a surprisingly quick phone call to Bell, they've re-activated my service, are tracking the cheque that was apparently mailed to me two weeks ago, and are crediting me for another month of free service. I may or may not have been bought (rented)...
Courtney and I rented a car, and on Saturday drove out to see her grandparents, as her grandmother just turned 80 and is still able to recognize that fact. Sunday was spent at my parents' house, as I've been feeling guilty about not making the 1.5-hour trek since before Christmas. Although with the separation, moving back to the city, and having a life and busy job, I have more than enough excuses.
However, two notable things happened. As I was showing Courtney the childhood photos that survived their house burning down, I saw a Golliwog in my parents' basement! Re-entering the living room, I exclaimed that I was shocked to see such a racist thing in my family's home!
My mum looked up from the chair, asking "Do you want it?"
"Ummmm, YES!"
So I now have a Golliwog in my home. Although I was told that "we don't call them Golliwogs now, that's offensive. Now we just call them Gollies." Yeah, because that makes them SO politically correct!!!
Also, after my troubles last month with Bell Canada shutting off my internet access for having an "unpaid account," while they owe me more than twice what I owe them, they've gone and shut it off again.
I've had enough. I'm going to Rogers. They're bad too, but at least they've never mistreated me... Fuck Bell Canada! I find it offensive to assume the customer is wrong, and to remove service on a weekend, when you cannot resolve the issue in a timely manner, regardless of fault.
8:25am: After a surprisingly quick phone call to Bell, they've re-activated my service, are tracking the cheque that was apparently mailed to me two weeks ago, and are crediting me for another month of free service. I may or may not have been bought (rented)...
Thursday, October 11, 2007
I Bothered. Nothing Came Of It.
I voted for my representative. He lost.
I voted for the referendum. It lost.
I now have the right to bitch profusely for the next 4 years.
ps. I have to say - the fact that "my " party won 8% of the popular votes, but did not obtain a single seat (out of 107-ish) at Queen's Park shows that the referendum didn't decide on the logical choice.
I voted for the referendum. It lost.
I now have the right to bitch profusely for the next 4 years.
ps. I have to say - the fact that "my " party won 8% of the popular votes, but did not obtain a single seat (out of 107-ish) at Queen's Park shows that the referendum didn't decide on the logical choice.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Long Weekend
Another great weekend passed.
On Saturday, I created a new drink. The 'Roofie-colada*' is a dangerous, dangerous beverage. One part gin, one part Alize Bleu, one part club soda, and a splash of lime.
Early in the afternoon, Courtney and I each had one. At the time, I was busy mixing a new song on my PC. I had to stop when the room got too spinny. I had another small one, by which point we were both pretty discombobulated. We had to take a nap for a couple of hours, and were still barely able to shake it off!
I could barely focus enough to see The Darjeeling Limited that night. Highly recommended, by the way.
Sunday saw Courtney and her brother over for Thanksgiving dinner. My only contribution to the kitchen was to sensuously rub the spices into the pork roast. We didn't have a turkey, as I really can't cook and Courtney, being a vegatarian, couldn't bear the thought of pulling out the giblets.
Delicious dinner.
Monday we didn't really do much. Going to a pub for lunch was exhausting.
Yeah, it was good. And I'm thankful.
* Yes, I stole the name from Quagmire of The Family Guy. If you're cool enough to have recognized it, you're cool enough to chastize me for stealing it.
On Saturday, I created a new drink. The 'Roofie-colada*' is a dangerous, dangerous beverage. One part gin, one part Alize Bleu, one part club soda, and a splash of lime.
Early in the afternoon, Courtney and I each had one. At the time, I was busy mixing a new song on my PC. I had to stop when the room got too spinny. I had another small one, by which point we were both pretty discombobulated. We had to take a nap for a couple of hours, and were still barely able to shake it off!
I could barely focus enough to see The Darjeeling Limited that night. Highly recommended, by the way.
Sunday saw Courtney and her brother over for Thanksgiving dinner. My only contribution to the kitchen was to sensuously rub the spices into the pork roast. We didn't have a turkey, as I really can't cook and Courtney, being a vegatarian, couldn't bear the thought of pulling out the giblets.
Delicious dinner.
Monday we didn't really do much. Going to a pub for lunch was exhausting.
Yeah, it was good. And I'm thankful.
* Yes, I stole the name from Quagmire of The Family Guy. If you're cool enough to have recognized it, you're cool enough to chastize me for stealing it.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Please, Jesus-Claus
If I can get this for Xmas, I'll be a very good boy for a very long time.
Hell, I'll even be a very bad boy for a very long time (if you like it like that)...
* Serial Number:... 2002 circa 1952
* Description:... Yes, this is the one that started it all ... an original issue black-guard Telecaster from 1952 ... gorgeous full neck profile, ash body with a beautiful finely checked translucent Butterscotch/Blonde finish, original no-line Kluson tuners, original ashtray bridge with brass saddles and a pair of original pickups that have THE quintessential Tele-tone!!!
* Neck:... 1 21/32" wide nut; one-piece maple neck with skunk stripe; neck date reads "TG16352"; tuners are stamped 2356766 PAF; neck has had other tuners at some point and then put back to original; repro decal
* Frets:... minor wear only
* Body:... ash body has some wear; 7.8 pounds overall guitar weight; body dated in neck pocket "Tadeo 10-31-52"
* Finish:... neck has been refinished except for date area at end; original body finish has fine checking and some wear
* Hardware/electronics:... original; pot codes partially illegible CM11?6 1402??
* Playability/Action:... excellent
* Case:... original brown thermometer case as well as more recent reissue tweed hardshell
* Pricing:... $39,999.00 Canadian dollars (approx.$40,000.US$)
And it's being sold in Toronto, probably one of maybe 10 left in the world...
Hell, I'll even be a very bad boy for a very long time (if you like it like that)...
* Serial Number:... 2002 circa 1952
* Description:... Yes, this is the one that started it all ... an original issue black-guard Telecaster from 1952 ... gorgeous full neck profile, ash body with a beautiful finely checked translucent Butterscotch/Blonde finish, original no-line Kluson tuners, original ashtray bridge with brass saddles and a pair of original pickups that have THE quintessential Tele-tone!!!
* Neck:... 1 21/32" wide nut; one-piece maple neck with skunk stripe; neck date reads "TG16352"; tuners are stamped 2356766 PAF; neck has had other tuners at some point and then put back to original; repro decal
* Frets:... minor wear only
* Body:... ash body has some wear; 7.8 pounds overall guitar weight; body dated in neck pocket "Tadeo 10-31-52"
* Finish:... neck has been refinished except for date area at end; original body finish has fine checking and some wear
* Hardware/electronics:... original; pot codes partially illegible CM11?6 1402??
* Playability/Action:... excellent
* Case:... original brown thermometer case as well as more recent reissue tweed hardshell
* Pricing:... $39,999.00 Canadian dollars (approx.$40,000.US$)
And it's being sold in Toronto, probably one of maybe 10 left in the world...
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
To Cheat Or Not To Cheat
One night last week, we were watching late-night TV. Neither Courtney or I were tired, and Cheaters was the only thing on (100's of channels- my ass...). During every commercial break there were adverts for AshleyMadison.com, a personals website for married people looking to cheat.
I don't want to get into the moral aspect of this site, as unless you're with me I really don't care about the level of honesty in your relationship.
The mixed message was what struck me as funny; here's a TV show based around busting cheating spouses. Then, you're encouraged to cheat on your spouse...
Are the companies aligned? Does Cheaters get their programs from AshleyM's database?
One minute you're shown the consequences of cheating, the next you're encouraged to give it a try?
Then again, the AM adverts showed hot cheaters cheating in a silk-sheet enclosed 4-poster bed, and Cheaters showed trashy, dirty cheaters cheating in a Camaro parked behind the Bingo Hall...
I don't want to get into the moral aspect of this site, as unless you're with me I really don't care about the level of honesty in your relationship.
The mixed message was what struck me as funny; here's a TV show based around busting cheating spouses. Then, you're encouraged to cheat on your spouse...
Are the companies aligned? Does Cheaters get their programs from AshleyM's database?
One minute you're shown the consequences of cheating, the next you're encouraged to give it a try?
Then again, the AM adverts showed hot cheaters cheating in a silk-sheet enclosed 4-poster bed, and Cheaters showed trashy, dirty cheaters cheating in a Camaro parked behind the Bingo Hall...
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Miss Manners? No, I Do Not.
Last night I was thinking. Yes, really. I was analyzing myself and the way I seem to be changing as I age. Specifically, I was focusing on the question of whether or not I’m ruder than I used to be. I’m certainly less forgiving, but do I go so far as to be rude?
If someone knows I’m behind them, but stops as soon as they pass the subway train doors leaving me stuck out on the platform, am I being rude for insisting that we share our shared space? Or are they the rude ones for not sharing?
If a woman in an empty minivan swerves across 5 lanes of highway, doing 20km/h less than the speed limit, cutting off the other drivers, is it out of line to swear or give her the finger? Or is it dangerous to pretend nothing is wrong, thus letting her think she's a safe driver.
If a group of people are congregating on the sidewalk, but instead of staying close to the building they spread out to block the entire path, swinging their arms and hitting other pedestrians, is it rude to suggest (in a gruff manner) that they make room (okay... “out of the fucking way!”)?
When a couple of people block a busy sidewalk, walking slowly with a tremendous amount of empty space ahead of them but dozens of people stumbling behind , trying to maneuver around them, is it bad manners to cut around the couple with an agitated “excuse me!” shouted as I pass?
Is it wrong to argue when someone deliberately cuts into a long queue?
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t insult people for being disabled, old, ugly, or anything they can’t help. And I'm not insinuating that I'm perfect. Sometimes we don't notice when we're doing something that's impeding others. And I appreciate being informed in a suitable manner (yes, that can include swearing).
But I think that the inconsiderate are deserving of a verbal wake-up for their rudeness. I don’t think confronting them is rude - I think that by not confronting, we are perpetuating their ability to impede the rest of us in our daily lives. It seems that the patient quiet way of treating the ignorant or inconsiderate just isn’t working…
Being mouthy may not be the most polite way to go through life, but it’s certainly more direct. And why should I waste the energy involved in pussyfooting around the subject, when a simple “pay attention, dipshit!” is quick and easily understood?
We all live in this space together, and sharing is a 2-way game.
If someone knows I’m behind them, but stops as soon as they pass the subway train doors leaving me stuck out on the platform, am I being rude for insisting that we share our shared space? Or are they the rude ones for not sharing?
If a woman in an empty minivan swerves across 5 lanes of highway, doing 20km/h less than the speed limit, cutting off the other drivers, is it out of line to swear or give her the finger? Or is it dangerous to pretend nothing is wrong, thus letting her think she's a safe driver.
If a group of people are congregating on the sidewalk, but instead of staying close to the building they spread out to block the entire path, swinging their arms and hitting other pedestrians, is it rude to suggest (in a gruff manner) that they make room (okay... “out of the fucking way!”)?
When a couple of people block a busy sidewalk, walking slowly with a tremendous amount of empty space ahead of them but dozens of people stumbling behind , trying to maneuver around them, is it bad manners to cut around the couple with an agitated “excuse me!” shouted as I pass?
Is it wrong to argue when someone deliberately cuts into a long queue?
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t insult people for being disabled, old, ugly, or anything they can’t help. And I'm not insinuating that I'm perfect. Sometimes we don't notice when we're doing something that's impeding others. And I appreciate being informed in a suitable manner (yes, that can include swearing).
But I think that the inconsiderate are deserving of a verbal wake-up for their rudeness. I don’t think confronting them is rude - I think that by not confronting, we are perpetuating their ability to impede the rest of us in our daily lives. It seems that the patient quiet way of treating the ignorant or inconsiderate just isn’t working…
Being mouthy may not be the most polite way to go through life, but it’s certainly more direct. And why should I waste the energy involved in pussyfooting around the subject, when a simple “pay attention, dipshit!” is quick and easily understood?
We all live in this space together, and sharing is a 2-way game.
Monday, October 1, 2007
A Photo Says A Thousand Words
"Which two is this saying?"
"Fuck OFF!"
"Bull shit!"
"You farted!"
"Sour beer!"
"THIS big!"
"Bull shit!"
"You farted!"
"Sour beer!"
"THIS big!"
Toront's Art Scene Holds Steady
This weekend, Courtney and I went to Nuit Blanche. This was a city-wide all-night art show.
I have to say – it epitomized Canadian Arts in general: It was poorly planned, over-attended, and extremely underwhelming.
I brought my camera, and was eagerly anticipating filling my memory stick with a night of talent. Instead, only the first “exhibit” was worth the effort of removing the camera from my pocket, and even that was only because of it's failure.
These strings of paper, and latin music played over a shitty sound system, are supposed to give the viewer the feeling of being at a Brazilian carnival:
Obviously someone forgot to tell the organizer that this was being done in Toronto, late September. It needs more than a few dozen people shuffling along the street to add any excitement to this installation.
Next, we fought our way through the trememdous crowd to line up for the “closed subway station” that was supposed to be a thrilling sensory experience. After the 55-minute lineup, we descended to the lower Bay St platform, where we heard the rattles and grumbles that one hears every time they enter a subway station, anywhere in the world. NOT artistic, NOT creative, just a waste of an hour.
Afterwards, we squeezed through more crowds to head to the Royal Ontario Museum, which was hosting an exhibit where someone was apparently melding multi-ethnic musical sources, with something projected onto the side of the building. When we arrived, we discovered that it was simply an outdoor alcohol-free dance club. The projection was just a circly-thing that didn’t move or do anything. I’ve seen that “exhibit” a thousand times, at a hundred clubs.
At this point, we were disappointed enough to almost give up. Walking along Avenue Rd, we spotted large orange balloons holding up a bright orange tarpaulin. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get close enough to investigate it further, as the crowd was just too big.
Then we gave up and went home. The most interesting thing I saw all night was the shitty dancers in the 2nd floor windows at Sassafraz (while waiting in the 55-minute lineup). I think I did that exact same "2-left, 2-right" dance in grade school!!!
Courtney seemed to have a better time than me, but I think there was a reason...
I have to say – it epitomized Canadian Arts in general: It was poorly planned, over-attended, and extremely underwhelming.
I brought my camera, and was eagerly anticipating filling my memory stick with a night of talent. Instead, only the first “exhibit” was worth the effort of removing the camera from my pocket, and even that was only because of it's failure.
These strings of paper, and latin music played over a shitty sound system, are supposed to give the viewer the feeling of being at a Brazilian carnival:
Obviously someone forgot to tell the organizer that this was being done in Toronto, late September. It needs more than a few dozen people shuffling along the street to add any excitement to this installation.
Next, we fought our way through the trememdous crowd to line up for the “closed subway station” that was supposed to be a thrilling sensory experience. After the 55-minute lineup, we descended to the lower Bay St platform, where we heard the rattles and grumbles that one hears every time they enter a subway station, anywhere in the world. NOT artistic, NOT creative, just a waste of an hour.
Afterwards, we squeezed through more crowds to head to the Royal Ontario Museum, which was hosting an exhibit where someone was apparently melding multi-ethnic musical sources, with something projected onto the side of the building. When we arrived, we discovered that it was simply an outdoor alcohol-free dance club. The projection was just a circly-thing that didn’t move or do anything. I’ve seen that “exhibit” a thousand times, at a hundred clubs.
At this point, we were disappointed enough to almost give up. Walking along Avenue Rd, we spotted large orange balloons holding up a bright orange tarpaulin. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get close enough to investigate it further, as the crowd was just too big.
Then we gave up and went home. The most interesting thing I saw all night was the shitty dancers in the 2nd floor windows at Sassafraz (while waiting in the 55-minute lineup). I think I did that exact same "2-left, 2-right" dance in grade school!!!
Courtney seemed to have a better time than me, but I think there was a reason...
Tonight we're going to a Douglas Coupland reading for The Gum Thief. Although Canadian and successful (a dangerous combination), he actually seems to add talent into his mix. I'm looking forward to this.
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