The Cool AGE

France with Benefits - Part 2

2008-07-17T14:59:00.009-04:00

Claude Monet's gardens in Giverny. We spent a lovely day here and were amazed at how much his gardens with lillipads, Japanese bridge and rivers actually resembled his watercolour paintings. Very nice place.

By the way, Jerry's dad, Morty, was wrong. Monet doesn't need glasses and isn't nearsighted. Everything actually is blurry! (my fellow Seinfeld lovers will understand).

France with Benefits - Part 1

2008-07-16T14:51:00.024-04:00

Hi all:

Since it's problematic adding photos on this site, for my own ease I've separated them into three different blogs so make sure to check out the other blogs.

These pics are of our time in and around Avignon and the phenomenal apartment we landed with an incredibly nice and charming hostess. We also scored 1st class train tickets which was very much needed after a long flight. We definitely had an amazing time, eating, shopping exploring the area and taking it all in. Our apartment and garden was so relaxing and peaceful - what a find! We couldn't have asked for more.

Summer in Provence

2008-06-11T14:26:00.003-04:00

I'm heading to France for a couple of weeks and spending time in Provence. Mary and I can't wait! Will update my blog most likely when I get back so stay tuned for pics and stories....

Viva Mexico!!

2008-02-15T14:09:00.058-05:00

Well, with the cold and tiring winter dragging it heels, Mary and I picked a nice, cold week in February to get away from it all. The day we left a 30cm storm hit. We were worried that we would not even be able to take off. But we left on time (luckily our flight was at 7am) and just had to wait a little while the plane was deiced and off to the Mayan Riviera we went.

It was good to hear we missed not one but two major snowstorms...oh yeah!! The flight was good, met some really nice couples that we hung out with for the rest of the week. The resort was amazing, very lush and the food was awesome. The rooms were beautiful - indoor jacuzzi, twice a day maid service, free room service, lots of great extras. The staff were so fun and friendly...the best we've ever seen. You never had to get up once from the pool or beach, they were so vigilant about getting you whatever you needed.

The first morning we were there, Mary noticed an Ontario Cabinet Minister two lounge chairs away from us....can't get away from work even on vacation!

The beach was really nice, we did lots of activities, ate to no end and drank ourselves silly. Our favourite was the martini bar. Another favourite was X lounge where they set up beds on the beach so you can gaze up at the stars. They had all top shelf liquor...there's nothing better than staring at the Big Dipper with Don Julio and Jose Cuervo. They had one hell of a Superbowl party too. The game was showing on the big screen in the outside theatre, they had the place all decorated, handed out party favours, and had tonnes of drinks and snacks flowing.

We can't get over how great the restaurants were....the Mayan coffees were quite a spectacle, it's a 15 minute show. The French and Mexican restaurants were our favourites. They had live entertainment everywhere from harpists, guitarists and opera-style singers to piano players and mariachi bands. It really created a wonderful and romantic atmosphere.

The best part was they kept predicting rain showers and the weather was perfect all week, clear and sunny with a couple of clouds.

Well, we're all partied out and looking forward to going back. We like trying different places but are hoping to head back there soon. Back to winter for now, arghhh, at least the memories will keep us warm!

Barcelona and Beyond...'CI TUA!!

2007-06-21T14:50:00.000-04:00

Italiano prosegua sotto

Hello partakers of great literary and pictoral works regarding my life!!

We got back to this “disgraziata” land a couple of weeks ago and am fully entrenched in my own sandwich making hell once again for another 49 weeks “go to school, get a good job, make lots of money, enjoy life.… what a crock. Anyways, above you’ll see some pics of how for three and a half weeks of the year, I did enjoy life, I was happy, I forgot about reality, saw extraodinary things, things that made me speechless, and ate and drank that which is unavailable to North Americans. Mary and I had such a wonderful time together.
Unfortunately, all the things we saw would be too numerous to catalogue, all the stories too numerous to tell, and so instead I've attached a small fraction of the pics (total taken: approx 700 – I love digital!!) for your enjoyment!

Ciao tutti quelli chi leggono le storie e vedono the foto belle della vita mia!!

Abbiamo tornati a questa terra disgraziata un paglio di settimane fa, e gia siamo sfogatti nella mia inferno de pagniotelle fatte in casa un altra volta per ancora 49 settimane. Si, si, “vai a scuola, prendi lavoro buono, fai tanti soldi, goda la vita.” Bello pezzo di merda. In somma, sottoscritto, troverai foto che fanno vede che per tre settimane de quest’anno, ho godato la vita, ero contento, me so scordato della realta, ho visto cose straordinarie, cose che me anno levato la capacita di parlare..ME!! Io e Mary abbiamo avuto insieme cosi tempo meraviglioso, non e che non succede qui, ma per riuscire qui, cosi tanto sforzo e bisongno, e cosi tanti soldi se spendano che devi chiedere se l’esperienza vale la pena. Ma, per tre settimane, eriamo liberi a goda il tempo insieme, e noi due stessi, propio chi siamo nel mondo nostro piccolo.

Sfortunamente, tutte le cose che abbiamo visti sono troppo nombrosi per catalogo, le storie, troppo nombrosi da raccontare, e neanche lo leggete, ne comprendevi se l’abbiamo catalogo, alora, invece, sotto, ecco una frazione delle foto (tutte le foto fatte: 700 – quanto amo digitale), per la vostra godizia!

Aspetate con la boca aperta??

2007-05-09T09:33:00.000-04:00

Ciao cugini e parenti in Italia! Abbiamo quasi arrivati al momento dello incontro. Io e Mary siamo eccitati na cifra! Questa volta abbiamo piu tempo per andare in giro con voi a vedere il sole nascere a mangiare una salciccia alle cinque della matina, mangiare piu gelato, beve di piu mohito e stare insieme a fa casino. Alora, sieti pronti per la giostra piu spetacolosa della vostra vita?? Spero che si. Lo so che e solo due anni del’ultimo incontro, ma gia e troppo tempo e pure la raggione che mimanemo li per due settimane.

Va bene, la prossima volta che scrivo qui, trovate le foto e le storie delle vacance con voi!

BACI!!
Ci vediamo presto!!

A Problem of Space

2007-04-13T12:09:00.000-04:00

Both the old world (Europe and Asia) and the new world (North America) have a problem of space. Old world, not enough in the cities; too much in the new. This over and under densification has lead both world in divergent directions. New world towards oblivion and the old world towards ingenuity.

Canada especially has greatly suffered due to the abundance of space. In Canada, every Tom, Dick, Harry & Sally have to have a backyard the size of what only royalty could afford back when that was “de riguer”. With which, I do not have a problem. There is a lot of cheap land out there, upon which cheap and affordable homes are constructed. But for good reason, there are no amenities.

Now this country has a long history of wanting to own and inhabit every square inch of land from Point Pele to the North Pole and from Vancouver to Halifax. That’s a lot of space to cover. “Thankfully”, we have the people to do it too, all 31.6 million of us. Here we are, the biggest country in the world with one of the lowest densities (not confirmed) per square km. More than 1/3rd of the country’s population lives in the largest province (geographically and by population). A further 5 million (approximately) live in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). 1/8th of the Canadian population lives in 1 city and its surroundings!

Unfortunately, this city, Toronto, suffers from the same problem as the rest of Canada, it is pressed out and is very, very low and flat. So that means that people covering greater distances have to share the burden of the infrastructure costs, or for a smaller area, those costs are higher. So that means that because the areas are less dense, less businesses will open up because there is not enough traffic to generate income, or the prices have to be much higher to compensate. All this translates into less vibrant communities.

Now the official city boundaries are very spread out over a diameter of approximately 25 kms across (E-W) and 20 kms N-S. That is an immense burden for one city council and its small Canadian population to handle.

Compounding the problem are the other 1 million people that flood into the city in the morning and flee at 5 p.m. leaving the city a virtual desert and their property tax dollars – the only real form of revenue for cities – with another municipal government, but the expense of maintaining the infrastructure with Toronto.

A further thorn in the side is the fact that a city resident’s income tax dollars subsidizes the infrastructure costs to develop smaller communities surrounding the city, elsewhere in the province, and elsewhere in the country. This is called Federalism – share the wealth – I get it, I agree with it, but it has been implemented so poorly that is had long ago set in motion a series of events that will soon cripple the ability of the city’s residents and council to support themselves. Once that happens, how will the rest of the country survive?

The last nail in the coffin is how Canadians all over despise this city. I am one of them, but not because I hate this city, but because I despise Canadians. All of you outside the city walls are the cause of the destruction of what was once a city with great potential.

I am hoping to flee one day. Hopefully it will happen sooner than later. The reason, I don’t want to be around when this city and thus this country collapses under the pressure of its own ignorance.

Additional fun facts I didn’t mention:
Although Toronto, the city itself, has 1/10th the country’s population, it has very little representation federally and provincially in proportion to it’s population.
Due to the lower densities outside the city, it costs $1.40 per person to build infrastructure outside the city, where it is only $1 within the city walls. But those outside the city do not pay $1.40, they pay less than $1 because the income tax gathered by senior levels of government from the city of Toronto, defray the costs.

So when you drive on a paved road, which has been cleared in the winter, you can thank Toronto, when you go to a hospital in your region, you can thank Toronto.

But you wont; you hate Toronto and Torontonians. But that’s what I expected; it’s the Canadian way. So it wasn’t really space that was the problem was it.

A Note on My Democratic Duties

2007-03-20T11:43:00.000-04:00

Over the week of March 5-9, I had to take part in my “Democratic Duty” and report for jury selection.

The theory is if your peers cannot try you, how can you be assured of a free and fair trial? If a free trial is not possible, you do not live in a democratic society. So, in order to ensure that there is a full pool of jury members, jury duty selection is mandatory for all citizens.

Rather than go into the pitfalls of the theory, I would like to focus on the horrible manner in which it is implemented.

1. Employers are not required to pay employees who are called to jury duty.
2. Although jury duty is random, lawyers are allowed to excuse all and every potential juror from a pool.
3. If you are not selected for one case, you are sent back to the pool to wait for another case, which may or may not appear.
4. There might not be another case, but congrats if you weren’t chosen, you weren’t paid for your time anyway.
5. Your prize, no pay, and a three-year “Get out of jury duty selection” pass.

Kudos you savages, kudos.

By the way, lawyers are not called for jury selection.

A Question of old “AGE”

2007-03-16T11:07:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I got one of those “blast from the past” messages on my answering machine. Turns out my friend from high school and beyond came across a card I had given them some 12(?) years ago. It gave them the power to act rationally in moments of sheer irrationality as per their M.O. I’m keeping the identity secret for reasons explained blow.

This person recently turned 30 and it was quite traumatic for them at the time. Anyway, it has been quite some time since we’ve spoken, just diverging life paths, nothing else, just life.

As I reflected on the events of the meeting, I was glad that this relationship was opened again; good people should always stay connected to good people. There aren’t many of us around, so we need to be there to support each other.

On one of my previous blogs, which noted how turning 30 was great, even though I was in the midst of changing jobs…again…highlighting my lack of permanency at work, not married, not livin where I want to live (as per another previous blob – see “Dix sur Dix” to see why Paris is my real home, not just a vacation spot). So should I have taken it so lightly when I turned 30?

Well I have found the love of my life, a feat to which not many can say they have accomplished. That’s it, but it may be the most important. The other stuff you can always work towards, what I’ve got is yes or not. I’m glad to be on the yes side.

So, time to go, start working on getting to my real home, leave the savagery of this continent (see previous blog) and live where I want to live with the love of my life.

By the way, to the owner of the rationality card, I did have a great time, thanks for letting me back in to all the stories that I’ve missed over the past five years. Let’s do it again soon, next time, the family can come over, but this time, no pasta with salmon…wink wink;)

Back off Man or Jus min’ yo bidness, jus min’ yo bidness

2007-03-12T16:39:00.000-04:00

As per my previous blog, I will now recount the story of the “encounter I had on the street car on the way home from work one day.

I guess two months ago, I was on my way home from work, stayed an extra hour , that’ll learn me to work late, anyway, waiting forever at Union station for the street car, nothing new. Station was jammed, nothing new. The 509 (the one I need to take to get home – the longer line, but everyone crowds on it ever though there is a shorter line (510) that comes more frequently) comes first into the station therefore everyone – even those that should not – gets on, nothing new. Ok, fine, I end up getting on and I’m one of the last ones to get a seat. I end up sitting next to this guy who shaves his head, (I bet he tells people he does it to look cool, but it’s really to hide that he’s going bald) and he thinks he’s all cool, got his headphones in, business suit and wool trench coat and taking up a seat and a half!

Through the early stages of the ride, as I have ½ of my leg hanging in the aisle, I try to get more comfortable and move more into my own seat. Ironically, there’s a response, but not a good one, not vocal either, this guy is also one of those passive aggressive types, so he takes in a big breath and as he does so pushes his arms out trying to keep me at bay. But as he’s breathing out, I try to take the opportunity of shifting weight to move closer to being in the centre of my seat (as my leg is still hanging in the aisle).

Passive Aggressive Act #2, he moves his arm pretending to get comfortable but in reality trying to reassert his space. I don’t budge.

He he’s really frustrated, he goes to take out his headphones and asks me if I’m “trying to squish him in?” “I’m trying to squish you in!” I respond rather loudly – I’m ready to cause a scene if he’s ready for it. “Yes, that’s right, you’re squishing me in” he reaffirms.

Oh it’s on, I usually slink away from any confrontation, I’m not the type, but this guy, with his Holt Renfrew bag in tow was asking for it. Taking up my space, then telling me I’m squishing him! Passive Aggressive I tell you.

Without telling him that the situation is in reality his fault, hey, I can be passive aggressive to, I ask “How can I be squishing you in if I’m halfway off the seat? Do you want to see where my leg is?”

Pretending to take the high road, as he didn’t expect this coming from someone who was about a half-foot shorter and obviously not working in the financial district, he says “I was just asking” I respond, now accusingly “No you weren’t just asking, you wanted to start something!”

And now he has to back off because he can’t win this one and people standing all over are getting embarrassed for this guy who is complaining while there are 20 people in the vicinity standing.

As he proceeds to pub the headphones back in his ear he states, “Well, I just think that’s ignorant” Oh, now he wants the last word! He starts this and now wants the last word. Nope, not gonna stand for it. “Oh I’m ignorant! Look at where my leg is, look where you are, how can I be squishing you. You are over the line where the seat ends, how am I squishing YOU!”

We repeat these lines a few more times before he finally puts the headphones back in without muttering anything else. I win.

My god, what a jackass he was. Funny, if you look at society, you’ll find that the older, well-off white men, are so shameful in how delicate they are. They are the asses with the massive umbrellas walking down the street, getting in everybody else’s way, taking seats from elders or pregnant women and then expect some sort of respect.

They are just a bunch of savages with no manners, no grace, and no sense. Well, point is, I won a battle. Although, reality was on my side for this one.

So to all you transit riders, be considerate, we all want to get home, we’ve all had stressful days, we don’t need the ride home to be any more of a pain that it already is.

Something I’ve been meaning to do for some time, and while I'm at it...

2007-02-08T12:18:00.000-05:00

Last summer during our vacation to Paris & Stockholm, we had the most amazing time. I was so glad to meet up with my Aussie friends, and I was really sad when the whole thing was over. The best cap to the whole thing was that at Stockholm airport we ran into my friend’s girlfriend, whom we had only just met really 1&1/2 to 2 months prior! Nancy was in Stockholm for a conference and she was headed back to Toronto via the exact same flight (through Heathrow) and then the same plane to Toronto.

To commemorate such a strange occurrence, Nancy had someone take a picture of the three of us in the waiting area at Heathrow. I’ve been meaning to put this up for so long, but I never had it saved in the correct spot…no more excuses, here it is below.

Also, just yesterday my group here at work had to have our picture taken for some sort of work thing. That’s my office we’re in, look how nice and organized, neat and clean everything is. I know you’re all very impressed. Now remember, that does not mean that I don’t do any work. I am just one of these superior types of human beings that cannot operate in chaos/messiness. I do not like it not one little bit. I do need a haircut though. Starting L-R that's Shahrokh, Karen, Maria, Asgu (sitting), and me...needing a haircut:)

Anyway, just to show you how cold it is over here right now, that’s me with a turtleneck on under my dress shirt, and under that turtleneck is a t-shirt. Those are my dress pants, which underneath I have a really cool underwear layer that fits my entire legs, and finally, two pairs of socks. All this for INSIDE the office! Outside the office, I put on my jacket with fleece lining after I’ve wrapped my scarf around my face, put on my toque, and gloves, and then I’m ready to go wait for transit to go to work, and to go home.

Next blog is about some jackass on transit who thought he was going to win with me by being a jackass. Sorry, not this time buster!

The Cool AGE:)

My Next Career Change or Holy Cow This Is So Cool!

2007-01-17T10:36:00.000-05:00

Every so often you get a chance to do something new. Well for me, this happened a little while back when a TTC driver I have gotten to know asked me if I wanted to drive the streetcar!! I was floored, scared, excited all at once.

So the driver, while still in the seat, proceeds to tell and show me how to get the thing (similar to the one above left, above right is one of the older TTC streetcars) out of the “deadman” setting so I would be able to accelerate. Then all of a sudden, the driver gets out, and now I’m the driver. But we’re still in the deadman setting. So, repeating the procedure, I try to reproduce it and the streetcar goes into some sort of shock. It thinks that I am a “deadman” and starts ringing. The driver has to get back in to reset the thing. Twice:)

Ok, one more time.

Another review of the procedures, which helps me to realize that it’s kind of like driving standard – only I’ve never driven standard before – and we’re moving, kind of slowly, but still moving, in a streetcar!! AND I’M DRIVING!!

Ok, Ok, calm down, accelerate a bit, watch the curve, watch what, there’s no one in the car except the driver and me. Ok, ok, wait, there’s a different car coming on the other side of the tracks, are we gonna get in trouble?? Is the driver?? Ok, keep going, just to the stop. Heart rate way up, no sweat yet, that’s good, apart from being a wuss, don’t want to show it.

Hey, this is cool, a bit weird, but cool. Ok, the stop is coming up, release the accelerator, begin to apply the brake. Ok, coming to a clean stop, engage the deadman, and bam. There it is, driving the streetcar between 2 stops. I never would have thought I would have been able to do it, nor would I ever have thought the opportunity would have arisen.

A Year in Review

2006-12-21T11:32:00.000-05:00

Looking back on some of my blogs, it’s been quite a year; some great vacations, some great stories, job troubles and miracles yet again, resolutions made and broken, Mary and I celebrated our 5th year together at the restaurant at Langdon Hall and some unknowns squibbled about a great event in June/July. Just to follow up: FIFA names Cannavaro Best Player of the Year. Hopefully this closes the book on the discussion, but knowing sports fans, this will only enrage and engage.

So through all that I have to ask myself if I’ve learned anything over the past year. Well, I didn’t learn, but it was confirmed that the friends I made back in 2002 are still the best friends I have – that is, outside my relationship with Mary, not that they’re worse or she’s better, Mary’s my best friend, everyone else are my best friends – and that made me really happy, and I’m glad to have you in my life.

I’ve learned that working in North America sucks so much; that this country sucks so much; and that most employers would rather see you die than help you along. But that’s alright, I got my revenge, because I was able to secure a new job before the other one ended, I terminated my contract early, made sure to get them to pay for my thanksgiving, and used a sick day on my last day, and I refused a going away party with management. How do you like that as a statement of go to hell? Some people say it’s not good to burn bridges, well I just hope I lit the flame to burn the castle on the other side of the mote!

What else, scrapbooking is really fun. It really helps to prolong the good sentiments of your vacation, which you need to pull you out of the post vacation blues. I learned that there is nothing better than a good night of sleep, except for a really great afternoon nap. Mmmm good zzzzs.

So as the new year approaches and I take into account all that I have learned, do I dare make a new year’s resolution? If so, am I to adjust my diet? But I do so love my chocolates, cookies and peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Do I watch less TV? But I do so love Earl, Office, How I met Your Mother, and a few (I’m embarrassed to say) reality shows.

Well, I guess as I grow older, I naturally seek to live the better life and so I think that will carry me forward well enough without having to make drastic changes. Just like society, effective change has to happen over a long period of time so it becomes part of your routine so you don’t revert back to old hobbits…sorry habits:)

So, merry Christmas everyone, and have a happy New Year, but before I let you go, I guess I wouldn’t be a good host if I did not allow you to speak your thoughts on this year in review, lessons learned, and resolutions for next year. So now’s your chance…

“The French Connection Run” or “How I gave up and learned to love being 30”

2006-10-24T15:44:00.000-04:00

Let’s see – there have been quite a few things going on in the last few weeks. I’ve turned 30 – as much as Mary can’t believe I’m ok with it, I’m actually loving it. I was, once again, facing the prospect of unemployment. What do I do, land a new job and give my employer the requisite two weeks, cutting my contract short by ONE – OH YEAH!! Plus, I made sure that they had to pay for my Thanksgiving holiday…suckers.

Back to the birthday, we had celebrated the night before with lots of wine and food at my place, then drinks at the King Edward Hotel with a friend of Mary’s – a very fun evening. Then Mary took me out for dinner at the Four Seasons as quite the celebration was due. Has anyone ever, and I mean ever, seen me with a piece of dessert still left on my plate? I’m not sure exactly what was eaten but I do remember tasting some of Mary’s caviar, seeing an actual truffle (the real ones aren’t supposed to be eaten – you cook with them and they cost about $100/g!!) and the last bit of molten lava cake, which I could not finish, but the taste has never left my mouth.

Ok, so what to do with an unexpected week off? We decided to take the 401 (the never ending highway between Windsor & Montréal) all the way to Québec City, then over to La Malbaie (Charlevoix) where the famed Fairmont Manoir Richelieu is located on the edge of the St. Lawrence River.

Québec City was fabulous. It's like something out of a storybook; the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has an old European charm which is rare and lacking in our neck of the woods. I’ve posted some pics of our hotel, Fairmont Chateau Frontenac , in the daytime and at night. It has hosted the likes of Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth and Charles Lindburg. Our room was absolutely beautiful and elegantly decorated. The staff were superb – they even called five minutes after check-in to ensure that everything was to our liking.

Walking around the city, it was already pretty cold – go figure. To warm up, we took full advantage of their pool and jacuzzi. Then we headed back out for the evening, thank goodness the winds died down from earlier in the afternoon, so we were able to walk around to their parliament, which is built more like a national parliament (just let them separate already!!) and check out the only walled/fortified city north of Mexico. Then heading back we looked for a place to eat but our efforts were thwarted by our late departure, but that was all right as we ordered in the most wonderful pizza.

The next morning some buffet breakfast with fresh whipped cream and other favourites. Then off to the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu, but first a stop at the Montmorency Falls (which they claim is one-and-a-half times higher than Niagara Falls) and then St. Anne de Beaupre Basilica. It was a wonderful drive up the St. Lawrence - we took the scenic route to get the rest of the way to La Malbaie.

So we arrive, see our room with a riverview and then go for a walk on the grounds. It’s really gorgeous out there, very peaceful. It felt so good to get away from the reality of work for a while, just to hang and be me, with Mary, happy. Upon our return we headed to the outdoor jacuzzi and pool for some heated salt water relaxation. It was surreal in a way – with the mist rising in the night sky and the sounds of nature – couples canoodling and beautiful French music playing in the background.

Met some interesting people who frequent the Fairmont chains all over the world and were regaling us with tales of their time in Banff and Whistler overlooking the mountains in their heated outdoor facilities. It was a perfect time of year to head out there with the changing leaves and all the vibrant colours everywhere, the crisp country air, flurry of birds and other animals.

Food, followed by more food. Then more importantly, back outside to soak our thoughts away. Buffet breakfast the next morning for the most fantastic maple sugar butter crepes ever! We had dozens. We are going back, just for the crepes, seriously. And awesome crème brulee.

We headed even further north for a whale watching tour but came back when the rain made us question the viability of the excursion. Luckily, we returned, as another couple who did go weren’t too happy with the results due to the weather. We did stop into a little cheese shop for some great Québec Brie and Swiss cheese.

Back to the hotel for some more fun in the tub, then more in room pizza, and back out into the water under an overcast sky – I can’t imagine how many stars we would have been able to see if it was a clear night. The next morning, up early for another, and last dip for what we know will be a long ride, then breakfast, AND MORE CREPES. Luckily, it was a clear day, making the drive through the mountainous region very pleasant.

And off on our way back home – 9 hours straight – ouch! Stopping only for gas & bathroom breaks. I can’t believe we made that good time especially having to go through Montréal and their endless “rush hour.”

Back home, relaxed and content, to get ready for the new job which is going pretty well so far. So I guess it can be ok to be 30…who said that?

Oh, and I’ve added a pic from Toronto’s 1st ever Chinese Lantern Festival held at Ontario Place – it’s the first time this festival has been held in North America. Very beautiful. But we dropped our camera, causing some damage, hence not too many pictures. But luckily, good ol’ Clicky still works for now.

The Cool AGE

My Cup runneth over.....with ego and boastfulness

2006-09-11T19:55:00.000-04:00

Just writing to remind everyone of the glorious, early summer World Cup win for Italy. It was a spectacular day for us -- although by the last penalty kick, we realized we were in a predominantly French bar -- who knew downtown Toronto had such a large French fan base? Although two months have passed, I'm posting this blog now because I have just received my pics from the celebrations that day in Toronto on St. Clair Avenue and wanted to share/flaunt them.

As we dashed out of the bar that day, exuberant and fearful for our lives, we headed to Corso Italia along with every other greaseball to celebrate. It was a reunion of sorts -- we bumped into tonnes of people we haven't seen or thought of in ages -- and we stayed out 'til 1am even though we had to work the next day. There was a lot of dancing, yelling, hugging and some sights that we won't see until the next WC win - e.g. lamb on a leash spray painted the colours of the Italian flag, Roman soldier costumes and wildly decorated people and cars.

A special 'cornuto" goes out to the French who can't handle simple, meaningless taunts from fellow players and to the Aussies who still have a long way to go to learn about the beautiful game. So as the World Cup becomes a distant memory, I am here to etch the events of that day in the minds of my fellow readers (plus it took this long to develop my pictures and throw a blog together).

I've also included some end of summer pics from Toronto's annual air show (or the 'Rock Me Like a Hurricane' Festival -- Simpsons fans will understand) which can be conveniently viewed from my balcony. It signals the end of our summer and the return to all things bleak and dreary. So for all you northern hemisphere dwellers, you can appreciate the woefulness of the end of this glorious season -- we still have a few days left technically but it's not the same.

p.s. you can stuff your angry retorts in a sack, mister! (Seinfeld fans will understand).

Dix Sur Dix

2006-08-06T02:04:00.000-04:00

Holy cow has it been a long time everybody. I’m terribly sorry your lives have been all the more empty without this blog to keep yourselves busy, but rest assured, I’m changing that right now so you all have something to look forward to. Boy oh boy, either you are laughing because of my underserved ego assuming people actually read this blog, or you get that I’m just having fun.

Anyway, yes it has been awhile, but things have been busy, blah blah blah, nobody cares, and neither do I. I have had a bit of fun too in the midst of my ‘work.’ Prior to our European trip, we celebrated Mary’s birthday with an incredible dinner at Scaramouche and a spa day which turned out lovely since the weather was sunny and warm and we spent the majority of the day tanning by the pool and jacuzzi (the first day we were able to do so after the long and lame Canadian winter).

On our trip, Mary & I were fortunate enough to get to see my friends: Joakim, Sabine & Tharald in Stockholm for a week. Man that was only too cool. Many big thanks to you Joakim for letting us stay with you, eat your chocolate, your Swedish meatballs (hey no funny business!); Sabine for coming all the way from L.A. (4 years in the waiting!!) and to Tharald who came in for the weekend from Oslo (also 4 years in the making!). It was really great to hang out, go see really cool stuff in Stockholm, watch the world cup in the same time zone (successful for the past 3 of the last 4 world cups – we are all going to try again for 2010!!)

Prior to that we spent a week in Paris, yet again, I was reminded that it is my real home and one day I will have a house in my new hometown. We lucked out with amazing weather for the two weeks we were in Europe – never cloudy or rainy and high 20s the entire time. We also found the chocolatier of our dreams and have vowed to return if only to taste their heavenly pastries, cakes, etc. once again.

The trip started off interestingly enough as we spotted the lead singer for RUSH, Geddy Lee, on our flight to Paris. We wanted to take a picture but he refused when asked “can we get a picture?” as we stepped back, readied for the shot and passed the camera to him. Anything for a laugh!

Many highlights in Paris…too many to mention although an absolute amazing night at Opera Garnier where we watched Iphigenie en Tauride in box seats in the finest opera house in the world. Just as fantastic was our last night sitting in the park at the Eiffel Tower with a bottle of wine for a quality of life moment after dining at Fouquet’s and having the best and biggest escargot we've ever had.

We also very much enjoyed Jardin de Luxembourg where we had the pleasure to stumble upon an impromptu operatic performance for the Magic Flute – most amazing voices we’ve ever heard.

Could go on forever but there’s just too much – Sweden was very interesting – very cool to see a lit up sky at midnight, made it hard to sleep though but not something you see everyday. The Vasa museum was very interesting, the islands in the archipelago were beautiful (Sodra Grinda was the one we visited), Mariefred was a delight, Taxinge Slott was a quality of life moment we’ll never forget – all in all, a great time and memories to last a lifetime.

Thanks to the Aussie friends that made it possible.

Much “Kudo” About Nothing

2006-02-03T15:26:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank some friends of mine who have done me a world of good by mentioning me on their web sites with special posts dedicated to me, or mentioning me in their post. Jeffie-Boy and Kjetil (pronounced Kettle, just like the chips) have had great sites in general, plus they have dedicated a great deal of space to me over the years.

Jeffie-boy's 1st post about me - scroll down to November 12.
Jeffie-boy's 2nd post about me
Kjetil's post about me - go to "Friends", or "Older Photos" and scroll all the way down to the bottom.

I met Jeffie-boy and Kjetil while studying in “the Gong”. They were always there for a good time, even though, I’m sure there were times when I was more over-the-top than over-friendly. Be it with my chanting during volleyball games or my lack of drinking prowess, they were both really great people to have on your side in a strange land.

To this day, we have yet to meet up again – 2 close calls with Kjetil and a so close but yet so far with Jeffie-boy in L.A., but the odds are improving. Kjetil, I’m looking at you buddy for sometime in June – details are in the works.

So, the point is, thank you guys for allowing me to have web life and to see my name on the web not from my own point of view.

If anyone has some funny Kjetil or Jeffie-boy stories, the comment section below is the right place to put them, such as the one’s below.

During the 1st Volleyball Conspiracy Formal Dinner, I was the MC and Kjetil and I had orchestrated before hand that we would rumble during the opening speech, well we rumbled and tussled, we ended up on the floor – I just hope it looked like we were fighting to everyone instead of succumbing to our burning passions of love for each other! Not that there are any, but you can see how one can get mistaken for the other.

As for Jeffie-boy, I remember one night after having returned earlier from the North Gong Hotel (I think) the Marr St. residents were safe in their kitchen rummaging through the days events, or some memories, I can’t remember, due to of course the following events that took place. Jeffie-boy and Rob showed up at the door (as they usually did) and were knocking at the door for about ½ and hour before we thought we had heard some knocking at the door. Well it was them and they came up and we started into the sauce – the vegemite sauce – well, it tasted so bad that we needed something to wash it down, time to step up to the pear schnapps! Some time later, an ironic amount of vegemite was gone along with a tremendous amount of crackers, and due to the schnapps, we were well worse for wear, so we made a pasta dinner at 2 a.m.! Turned out pretty good too!

Why humans don’t deserve humanity

2006-01-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

With spring approaching, I feel it’s time to get on my high ‘holier than though’ perch to discuss a grand injustice. I believe only a few North Americans who watch substantial television will understand my examples, but the theme is resonant the world over.

With the end of this year’s television season, a grand injustice will take place as Arrested Development will likely end it’s short television run. This is the show that was the substitute for my Seinfeld addiction. Arrested not only substituted for Seinfeld, but it took television where Seinfeld would have gone if it continued.

Unfortunately now we are left with the likes of The OC, the Falcon and South Beaches, lame comedies such as How I met Your Mother, Stacked, and so on. The problem is; how much longer will television have to pander to the lowest of the common denominator? Just a few weeks ago, I was able to convert an entire family, thanks to a coworker’s copy of the entire 1st season of Arrested. Now they’ve been converted, but there is nothing to wait for.

Fortunately, there is some solace in the fact that I still have my My Name Is Earl, The Office, Everybody Hates Chris (which is another good one I fear is nearing the end of the rope), and Family Guy.

But to get to a long winded point, humans don’t deserve humanity because, of all the good we’re capable of, not nearly enough people choose it, or go with it. Which means what? It means that we choose the neutral, or even worse we choose the bad. I’m just saying that at some point all the good choosing humans are going to reach a breaking point (as humanity always does), I’m not sure what’s going to come of it, but it won’t be pretty, and I’m not sure if humanity will be able to make it out alive.

Well, maybe my conclusion has just proved me wrong. If humanity keeps going through this, instead of humans not deserving humanity, humanity IS going with the lowest common denominator, humanity IS self destructive, and as much good as we have accomplished in the short time we’ve been here, we WILL succumb to the few who make the decisions, and the masses who gobble it up, it's just humanity. I know, I know, convoluted and no proof, but if you think about this afterwards, you’ll find your own proof where you need to see it, get frustrated, and neutrally move on. I dare you not to, just don't get arrested:)

“New Year’s Resolutions” or “50 Ways to Eat More Chocolate”

2006-01-03T08:36:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,

In the spirit of the New Year, I was just wondering if anyone has any New Year’s Resolutions. I know my perennial favourite is to shed a few pounds, not that my Adonis-like body needs to (insert sarcasm here – well, actually insert it just before “not that my…”). So, just like millions around the world, I will set on a path that will only bring me back to where I started for the crossover into 2007.

Which reminds me, anyone got any good New Year’s Eve stories. Mary & I stayed home, had some wine, salmon, scallops, steamed veggies, and apple pie with ice cream. Let me tell you, the leftovers, weren’t left over for very long:) Unfortunately, the nice champagne I bought for the evening, wasn’t refrigerated so we had warm champagna (as per Christopher Walken’s Saturday Night Live’s performance – I wasn’t as creepy that night though).

The Cool AGE:)

"Sad day" or "Warm Tummy & Cold Feet"

2005-12-28T14:04:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to let you all know that a sad day just passed this weekend, a dear friend of mine had it's throat slit some how. I'll find the culprit, this I vow! Unfortunately, my best friend that kept me warm those "cold, frigid" nights down under (with south-facing window), has passed away. Alas, not even I could prevent the circle of life from taking my hot-water bottle.

Yes, my hot-water bottle saved me many a night from the bone chilling 5C night time temperatures of Wollongong. I would put it in my bed about 10 minutes before going to sleep under the covers at the foot of my bed, then as I got into bed, I would pull it up to hug, just like a teddy bear as I awaited my dreams of Mary back home. In the morning, it would still be warm, and I would still be cozy.

I just bought a new hot-water bottle Wednesday morning, it's a better colour (blue - old one was yellow), but it just wont be the same, the great times, the great memories. Oh well, time to move on, but no time to forget. So, yellow water-bottle from Australia, you are now forever immortalized in blog, you are for everyone to remember, and not just for my own memory.
Viva YWB! Viva! (insert tear drop here)

The Cool AGE:)

Anniversaries, spas, jacuzzis and truffles

2005-11-29T13:54:00.000-05:00

This week was mine and Mary’s 4th anniversary. I had a few things planned to celebrate the event and it turned out better than I could have ever hoped for. We started with a day at a spa in Alton which is about an hour from Toronto. We had dinner at the Millcroft Inn & Spa a few years ago but the spa wasn’t ready yet so we were excited to try it out this time.

We drove up on Sunday, luckily we only had a slight dusting of snow which made for some great scenery. We stopped in at our now favourite local farm for some apple pie and other treats. We arrived hours early since use of the facilities is included and spent the day swimming, using their jacuzzi, steam room, etc.
We were then treated to some food and drinks. It was nice to lounge around all day in our spa robes. We were then scheduled for a couples massage, we waited by a crackling fire and a vista of snow-lined hills. Not a bad way to spend a day.

When we were done, the masseuse told us there was also an outdoor jacuzzi and by this time, night had fallen, and the air was cool and crisp. While it was a bit harrowing dealing with the initial cool burst of air, we were immediately soothed by the intense heat of the water and pulsating jets. The cold air was a perfect contrast to the hot temperatures.

We left pretty late and headed home, although it felt like we floated home. The fog was intense in the area but lifted after awhile. We exchanged gifts and got each other the exact same greeting card which was good for a few laughs.

On Monday, I booked a table at the Four Season’s restaurant, Truffles for the official day of our anniversary. We couldn’t get over how exquisite the meal was. The funny thing was they knew it was our anniversary and I don’t recall telling them that when I called. Mary finally found the soufflé she’s been searching for. The foie gras was amazing, from the truffle salad, to the terrine, rack of lamb, beef tenderloin, Japanese mushrooms, truffle foam, truffle chocolates, crème brulee, and Okanogan wine, all were truly spectacular. How they got the bread that thin and tasty, I’ll never know. They made a point to come over and wish us a Happy Anniversary and had specially decorated our dessert plates with similar greetings. They truly outdid themselves. Mary and I agreed this place is our new favourite, we didn’t think we’d find another one to outdo our old favourite.

We left full and content, strolled through Yorkville to work off some calories and headed home on a rainy but warm night. All in all, an amazing weekend.

The Cool AGE:)

Let there be pie or "Canned Heat"

2005-10-31T17:08:00.000-05:00

Some cool things happen in Ontario in the fall; the leaves turn colours, the weather becomes crisp and cool, and all the food that was harvested just a short time ago turns into pie, wonderful PIE!!!

Mary & I rented a car this weekend and we "goin up to country" to a farm to see what pies we could get. And pies we got, caramel-apple and apple crumble along with some jams, mustard and horse raddish. What a haul. After a quick 1/2hr on the farm, we were about to turn back for the city, but instead we decided "have car, will travel" so we just started driving. I'm not sure where we inteded to get to, but we eventually found the Caledon Badlands, (scroll down to see the right pic) vastly different (but in someways similar) from the badlands that Jeffie-boy got to experience during his lengthier road trip. Anyway, turned out to be really cool, wish we had brought the camera, but oh well.

Travelling further along we got some great vistas of leaves turning wonderful colours and ended up in the antiqueing mecca of Belfountain. They were selling sweets there too, which I could have gone for, but the line-up was particularly long so we just looked around, some nice stuff, some strange, and other just old stuff that belongs at a garage sale but they call it antique so they can sell it at a higher price.

After that, more great vistas of the rolling hills & the leaves and then back to the reality of civilization where we had to do some shopping.

All in all a great weekend, thanks to pie!!

Pass the blackberry on the left hand side, or the sky is falling

2005-10-26T17:08:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone,

Simone, I'll just reply to your comment here, not sure where the line is from but the only one I can remember digging is from Goodfellas.

Anyway, I'm now working for a part of the government that is planning for all hell to break loose, well, more for in the event that it does. So, in that respect they've given me a blackberry and a cell phone, and possibly soon a laptop as well. What does this mean, my private/work life are are slowly merging into one entity. Also, in the envet that the shit hits the fan, I'll be one of the people busily trying to catch it all, well, with my fellow branch members along for the ride.

I'm in the middle of reviewing a plan right now, well, I was just reviewing one. Oh yeah, I'm still having trouble getting my contacts list sorted out so I can email everyone, but the system is giving me hassles, and now I don't have access to my personal drive, but I did yesterday, argh, what a mess.

Well, that's it for today.

The Cool AGE:)

Back in the Saddle

2005-10-24T15:59:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone,

I'm back working again!! Got to keep this post short as this is this is only my 1st real working day. Last week they sent me on a course, with a final exam at the end!! This time I'm working for another ministry with the Ontario Government. It will be my job to ensure that other ministries have a plan to deal with any kind of emergency that will mean a disruption in service.

I have a new email address and it is exactly the same as the last one, excep where there used to be an "edu", you can put "mgs".

I'll try to send emails soon, but I'm having problems transfering my contact list to my new outlook. In the meantime, I'll be looking to boosting everyone's hit count on their web sites. Ahh it's good to be back!!

Talk to you all soon!!

The Cool AGE:)

" 'End Communication' 'Ah that's good ol' slick willie for ya, always with the smooth talk' "

2005-07-12T15:18:00.000-04:00

Italiano va seguire.

Well, this is my last post for a while as my time here at work has come to an end and with no forwarding details as of yet, I have no place to tell you where you can find me. So unfortunately, I don't even have a way to read your comments when you post on my site. Well, at least some others will have a chance to catch up to me in terms of hits on my friend's web sites (Jeffie-boy, Jennifer, Jacob, Thomas).

When I do get another job and am able to post some more and get back on the email horn, you'll all hear from me again. Until then, keep having fun.

*****************

Alora, mi trovo qui con l'ultima postata per un po di tempo perche il contratto qui a lavoro e finito e neanche ho trovato un posto nuovo da lavorare. Alora non posso communicare per un po di tempo, finche trovo un altro posto da lavorare.

Alora bacci a tutti, ci sentiamo doppo, e se volete, date me una chiamata:)

The Cool (unemployed) AGE:)

Dog on Wheels & New Pic Post

2005-06-23T10:45:00.000-04:00

Ok, well for all of you who have been waiting so patiently for pics of the trip to Paris & Rome, you’ll have to be a bit more patient. I found out that the link to my old pic site has died a terrible death. I can’t even get into the site anymore to modify stuff, nor can I even change my password. I bet you that if I try to recreate it using the same name, it will say it already exists! Too bad I can’t actually get to it. Oh well, further information to follow once I get the site going. If anyone is really pressed, I can email some.

Ok, that previuos paragraph was done earlier. I've just created the new site with new pics to go up daily!!
Here is the link
The Cool AGE Pics
Enjoy:)

Anyway, I just purchased a Belle & Sebastian CD this weekend based on the few tunes I heard that were on Thomas & Jacob’s computer back in Aussie-land. Man, they really kick ass, so thanks to you two (Thomas & Jacob) for turning me on to them. I got the album “Push Barman to Open Old Wounds”. It’s awesome. It’s a greatest hits package so naturally, I’m likely missing a bunch of great tunes, but it is such an awesome intro to the band’s music. They have such a great sound that’s so real & down to earth. Anyway, thumbs way up (like the friendly giant) on this one. Oh yeah, I've mentioned The Shins before and I'm still loving their album. Take a listen if you can.

Toronto was a hot haze last week, temperatures got to like 38/39C with the humidity, not fun. For those imperialists down south, they can figure out the conversion on your own. Are you ever going to go Metric (See movie Canadian Bacon for funny reference, ok I’ll just give you the line. One guy in the CIA has been investigating the threat of Canada to the US for years and one of the dangers he points out is: “For God sakes the Metric system!!” Too funny, John Candy’s second last movie, then he made Wagon’s West or something to that effect with Matthew Perry from Friends, during which he passed away during the filming). But now we’ve got nicer more appropriate weather for June, unlike Jacob in Nice. Hang in there buddy!

Star Wars Episode III: Well, no complaints that weren’t already expected. Well, maybe the gruesomeness of Anakin with the little jedi. Yikes was all I could say to that one. It was good to get closure on the series, but issues remain, although not unlike the first 2 episodes.

Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: Haven’t gotten to see it, and now it’s not playing in any theatres downtown, or anywhere with subway access. So I guess I’ll have to rely on my imagination to remember what the book was like. Although, Jocke was telling me that it didn’t follow the book to the extent that Harry Potter did.

So that’s it for now. “If you don’t like my thoughts, I have others” – Groucho Marx

And now, back to reality

2005-06-06T15:42:00.000-04:00

What a whirlwind week. We got dumped on under the falls, but not by the falls, but we didn’t let that spoil our experience. The skies did clear up for fudge & lamb burgers at the Shaw Café in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Off to Montreal to see the old port and eat great pasta where the Chivas flowed after some great pasta & Jackson Triggs. The shibbies were quite plentiful and full of excitement as we headed towards this wonderful coffee shop outside the “Place d’Arts” where I had a great latte type thing, I think it was some sort of mint flavoured. Either way it was really good and Jocke got the LARGE coffee. I finally got a menu item that made Mary jealous (it’s usually the other way around).

The next morning we awoke to a toasted breakfast, fresh squeezed orange juice and some coffee to help us tackle the humid day ahead. We checked out the lookout on top of Mont Royal before heading to this huge basilica on top of the mountain. A monstrous lunch at Tutti Fruity helped ease our panic of running near empty before heading to the island (passed in front of the new Montreal Canadiens Arena – highlight as the most winingest team in hockey plays there) which would have been a great place to relax had we actually got gas, which we didn’t and by the time we did we were really close to Olympic Stadium which isn’t very interesting since the Expos aren’t playing there any more anyway, well, even with them playing there, it’s not all that grand.

Then off to see Jocke’s friends Doug & Kelly & the twins, great people, great kids, great scenery in St. Anne de Bellevue just west of Montreal. And then home…5 hours later, what a drive, yikes. Well, the next day we woke up, went for lunch where we had great pasta with some not so great surprises, but still great pasta. Met Mary for coffee & relaxing. Then some book shopping and back home to make some pasta and relax watching Seinfeld episodes all night. Ahh, quality of life moments all over the place.

Again, woke up late, met Mary for lunch & coffee and then off to find Jocke some more great pasta. How could you not at a place called Pasta Perfection? Some more book shopping and then on to dinner at a Morroccan place where they have a belly dancing show while they serve you really great food. I fell in love with this cous cous, some deep fried cigars, not real ones, but with meat in them. Then home to enjoy some more quality of life moments on the balcony with Glen Livet & Bailey’s. I had the Bailey’s to no one’s surprise I suppose.

Friday didn’t get any easier as I had to say goodbye to my buddy Jocke whom I haven’t seen in almost 3 years after only one week. But I did get to enjoy the weekend as Mary & I celebrated her birthday by going up to the 54th floor of the TD tower to eat at Canoe where we had caribou and lamb with some very strong wine & not to mention coffee.

The next day began with another road trip to Ottawa as we visited the country’s capital to see Parliament, stay at Chateau Laurier, and eat beaver tail. The next day the 32C weather made waling around very lethargy inducing, the air conditioning at art gallery was very refreshing although the collection wasn’t. There were a few choice items I enjoyed though. And then across the street is a church, another Notre Dame Cathedral, but this one what it lacks in size makes up in detail. Wow. That’s all, you have to see it and you’ll be left with the same reaction. Then off for home and back to routine, saving money, and TV. Possibly some more blogging, heh heh heh.

Well, I’ve still got to do a write up of our two weeks in Europe, but this one seemed easier as it was a week shorter. Anyways, it was too much fun with you this past week Jocke. Talk to you soon.

The Cool AGE:)

Mini Marr St. Reunion

2005-05-26T17:08:00.000-04:00

For those of you who don’t know; Marr St. is a short little street in Wollongong, Australia where I lived with a bunch of great people for 8 months in 2002. That year my flatmates were Sabine, Julie, Dave, & Joakim.

I had the fortune of going to Dave’s wedding in the summer of 2003, but since then, I have not had a chance to see any other of my wonderful flatmates. Until tomorrow. Friday May 27, 2005, Joakim, my Swedish flatmate in Australia, will stop by Toronto for a week and I will have the pleasure to show him around. We’ll see the CN Tower, the Hockey Hall of Fame, that poster of Mats Sundin in one of the subway stations; we’ll go to Niagara Falls and even spend a night in Montreal. It’s going to be great! I’ve really missed Jocke (like I’ve missed all my flatmates who I met in Australia – not to mention all the others who I socialized with, Volleyball conspiracy, I’m thinking about you!!), and I’m really glad to be able to spend time with him again.

Hopefully next year, I’ll be able to spend some more time with more flatmates in LA2006. Well, that’s what we’re calling it now in the planning stages.

Anyway, I’ve got to go now and get some surprises ready for him as he arrives in about 26 hours from now.

The Cool AGE:)

Torna a Sorento

2005-05-24T11:41:00.000-04:00

Hi everybody, this blog will be written in Italian, and poorly I might add, simply because my knowledge of Italian is better spoken than written. Besides, I would like to properly thank all my cousins in Rome who took care of Mary & I while we were there for only week, but did so much for us while there, we can’t thank them enough.

Grazie a voi tutti, da noi due Mary e Adriano. Queste vacance passate non potreb-essere piu belli grazie a voi. Quando abbiamo arrivati a Parigi per la seconda volta, erriami represi d’una emozione che non abbiamo sentiti mai. I ricordi de tutti voi rimanano nel nosrti cuore per sempre.

Grazie a Nando, Daniella, Emanuele, Marco e Chiara per che avete fatto vede a noi tutte le cose belle di Roma, Pompei, Sorento, Capri e AnaCapri!!

Grazie anche a tutti gli altri cugini per le ricorde di la festa di tovagioli, le holykarts, non abiamo vinti, ma se siamo divertiti tanto ‘assai’. E ultimamente per la festa quella sera con il “bumalo”??, la pizza, da beve, da ballare, da festegiare.

Non lo so che altro da dirvi qui, altro che sono fiero d’avere una parente cosi bravi, simpatici, e piu importante cosi belli!!

Io e Mary speriamo da vedervi tutti voi presto presto in Canada. Spero che noi due possiamo farve sentire come voi avete fare sentire a noi.

Alora, basta prima che comincio a piangere cui a lavoro.

Bacci e abbracci a tuttie

PS
Scuza per la gramatica tutto sbranata.

The Cool AGE:)

Too Wang Foo: Thanks for the Memories ... Amelie

2005-05-06T11:41:00.000-04:00

Hey everybody,

Well, this will be my last post for 2 weeks as I will be away with the love of my life on a vacation taking us through Paris & Rome. We’re so lucky that I have relatives in Rome who will put us up for almost a week, allowing us to spend some nights in Paris in a hotel. In the 4 days in Paris, we’ve got quite a schedule to keep, which means it might be tough to just sit in a café sipping coffee or drinking wine watching the world go by. I’ll see what we can do to make sure we do have some “Quality of Life Moments”.

We’re intending to see all the greats that Paris has to offer, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Sacre Coeur, the Opera house; Musee D’Orsay, Louvre, Rodin; Chateau de Versailles, Eiffel Tower, a Seine river cruise, the churches Ste. Chapelle & Notre Dame on the island, and lastly les Invalides where Napoleon is entombed. Somewhere in there we’re definitely going to get to a café to sip the quality of life out of Paris.

In Rome my uncle & aunt have got us going to St. Peter’s Basilica, Pompei, and Capri in the first few days, after that hopefully la Piazza de Spagna and some other stuff.

I had really hoped that this trip would have afforded the flexibility to see Jacob, Sophie, Thomas and Alex in Nice; JohnnyK & Jemma in London; or Joakim in Sweden, but finances and timelines just didn’t afford it. Although next year with a World Cup in Berlin, who knows what the future holds!!

Ok, that’s it for me, I’ll be back in a few weeks with some pics and stories. Before we leave, I’ll be looking for a garden gnome to take over there to take pictures with of all the great places we see (Rent Amelie for explanation).

The Cool AGE

Dr. Gilette or how I learned to shave and start loving ... soap

2005-05-02T09:05:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's true folks. I'm sure the Gilette corp. won't be happy to read this post (ya, because they go around reading blogs looking for people who narc on their products), but I feel I must inform you (some people use blogs to inform the world of the situation in Iraq - I just saw a program this weekend - I use it for these futile messages) that instead of using shaving cream to shave, all you need to do is use your everyday soap.
Step 1: Get a really good lather going, not just bubbles, but real lather.
Step 2: Get that great lather on your face.
Step 3: Shave away.
Step 4: Rinse away leftover mess.

I think you'll notice right away that your skill will even feel softer.

Mary told me that this is what women have been doing for ages - to shave their LEGS everyone - so why must we men be prisses and use shaving creame to support a corp that has too much money already.

Well, that's my post for today.

P.S.
Just 26 days left before Joakim is the first person I get to host at my place "sans parents" (see Garth in Wayne's World 2 when he's telling Kim Bassinger he has his own place). Very excited, many places to see, many things to do. Actually, what's funny is that we're going to spend quite a bit of time outside Toronto not doing Toronto things. Is it true, am I the most exciting thing about Toronto?? Heh heh heh, not likely, but close:)

The Cool AGE:)

Pack Ice & Pilots

2005-04-28T11:38:00.000-04:00

On the way to work today, this really cool older man sits down a few seats away from me and says (as he saw me sit down): "And a newspaper to boot eh." So that got us talking, he mentioned the $20 million lottery coming up, and I asked him what he would do with it. He would just help people out as he's too old to use it himself. He and his father were both pilots, so he'd probably go sailing around the world for a year. Huh??

Anyway, I mentioned a program on Outdoor Life about a family who packed it all up and sailed around the world for 5 years. He said you have to be careful with that because of the weather, and ... Pirates!!?? Apparently, in the Carribean, Pirates aren't just entertainment shows reminding us of days long gone, they are the days of now!! Anyway, I then said, humanity always gets to a point where it thinks it can beat mother nature because of what it can build (thinking of that new jumbo jet that landed in Toulouse yesterday after a 4 hr test flight). He agreed, reminded of the titanic and then said, "you know you can smell ice bergs? Ya, the seals just go eat on them and then excrete all over them, so you are really smelling seal shit, then sometimes the fog up there in the North Atlantic is so thick you can eat it."

Man this guy was cool. I really hate how we have been taught to completely ignore anything that moves (with good reason - there are a lot of bad people out there who want to do bad things to a lot of good people) because that means we miss out on conversations like the one I had this morning. I wonder when this generation grows up, if we will tell our cool stories to anyone who will listen on whatever form of public transit exists. I hope I will be one of those guys. Although, if I want to be able to tell cool stories, I'd better start living a life worth telling others about. Machu Pichu, watch out, I will one day mount you and claim you as a great adventure! I'm definitely sure there is a better way to phrase that without it sounding so overwrought with sexual innuendo, but then I wouldn't have been able to get a giggle out of you.

Next blog: The secret to eliminating Gilette corporation from your life, well partially anyway.

The Cool AGE:)

The Rome Dodgers

2005-04-19T13:03:00.000-04:00

Could anyone reading this who has ever known me, imagine me with a gun or going through some sort of military training? I didn't think so. Well, once again as I prepare to head off to Rome, with my Canadian passport and citizenship in hand, I'm required to stop by the Italian Consulate to "ask permission" to stay on Italian soil without them detaining me for military training, yet again.

You see, when I was 18, I was drafted by the Italian Army. Nothing strange, every Italian boy when they turn 18 must go through training. Except that I was born here in Canada, granted from parents born in Italy, but doesn't that mean that I belong to the Canadian government and all the devices it can use to screw me? Well, apparently not, so can the goverment of Italy. Funny, because I have never received anything from the Italian government, except pain from the lack of a winning world cup squad, or Euro cup for that matter.

Well, just another one for the adventure album. I'll fill you in on the details of the adventure later.

The Cool AGE:)

And a hush fell over the crowd

2005-03-15T09:38:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm just writing because it's been a while and I haven't seen anything new in a while on many of the sites I love to visit and so I'm hoping this will spur some words and thoughts. So, yes I'm just updating to prove I'm still alive, and more importantly that I have thoughts, well that I can have thoughts. I wouldn't want to imply that what I'm writing here today is (are) a (some) thought(s). If anything, I've just proven once again that I can take something simple and make it convoluted.

Well done AGE, well done.

I had an interesting lunch yesterday that may open up a new career direction. I'll get more details in a month or so, but some of my Aussie friends would know it by one of my nicknames I had when I was down there. It's still too early to tell, and I would likely have to go back to school while working, so there's still a lot of thinking to do.

So, that's my update, convoluted and uncertain. Hey, have I ever been any different:)

Oh ya, my buddy Joakim will be coming to my part of the world at the end of May to stay for a week. An adventure I hope all of you take at one point or another. I'm very excited, it's been a long time since I've seen him. And this will be my first visiter hosting at my new place, but most importantly I get to see Jocke again. Who's hockey team made it to the semi-finals yesterday, congrats Jocke. I'm sure they'll still be celebrating when you get to Sweden!!

The Cool AGE:)

C'mon, hit me, I can take it!

2005-02-24T14:15:00.000-05:00

Well, I've gone on at length and ad nausea about topics of various sorts, but in particular the odd things that I see on a day to day basis (see my many transit and steam room rants). Well, now - before everyone fights back - I'll give everyone the opportunity to chronicle all the weird things that they have seen ME do on a day to day basis.

Now you don't have to list them all, just a few to give our readers all over the world an idea of how the world sees my exploits.

Just leave your 'chronicles' in the comment field for everyone to see & read.

Have fun everybody:)

The Cool AGE:)

Za?

2005-02-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

Every so often, one encounters an event that forces that person to say, “Well, this is a new one” (That Seinfeld episode with the girl who is living with the ‘dude’). Well, that such an event happened this morning on the subway ride to work. So I’m sitting there in a seat, a seat that was picked at random where there was enough personal space for me and those surrounding me, when I look across to the other side of subway car in my ritual morning people scan (always looking for material for this blog – fortunately, or unfortunately, sometimes I find it) and there is this guy talking to himself. Nothing wrong with that right, well not yet, otherwise you would’ve clicked to another blog by now. But this guy, old guy, goatee, hood, most likely homeless & smelly, is talking the dirty talk to himself. Well, not really; upon further inspection, he’s talking the dirty talk to a girl, well a lot of girls, well, girls in a skin magazine! Flipping through quickly, he finished it, put it away (the magazine, he’s not that dirty), and pulled out another one, and continued to flip through, did I mention we were on the subway?

So, as I said, every so often, you get one of those “Well, this is a new one” moments. I guess you need to balance them out with the Quality of Life moments that are so required.

Such as the Quality of Life moment I mentioned in my post yesterday about going to Il Posto restaurant for St. Valentine’s Day. Chianti, Merlot, grilled calamari, lobster pasta & rack of lamb, polished off with a yummy chocolate torte & tiramisu cake. What was odd about this place was not the décor, nor the food – pretty standard city menu, but it was the way people interacted with each other. When Mary & I were out on Saturday (see previous post - Valentine's Cinnabon), we were the only one’s laughing and actually enjoying each other’s company while the others were just there as a guise using the dinner as pay off for what would happen later that evening (one paying for dinner, the other enduring the payer's ugly goblin like mug as company). It was quite a show, well, lack there of I guess you could say. Whereas last night everyone was talking to each other, laughing and actually engaging their partner/date. There was this one couple who must’ve been well into their 50’s and they were caressing each other’s hands like they had just started going out last month and are still in the throes of infatuation. It was really great to see.

Odd, maybe this city just brings about the best, the worst, and sometimes, even seldomly, the very “new” in people.

The Cool AGE:)

Valentine's Cinnabons

2005-02-14T11:59:00.000-05:00

4:30 am on Saturday morning and the building fire alarm starts going off. Under normal circumstances, this 15-minute break in my sleep wouldn’t have been so bad, it being the weekend I can wake up whenever. But naturally this time a wrench had to be thrown in the works; I had to wake up earlier than usual to go pick up the car I had reserved for Saturday’s outing.

So I get back to sleep, and at 9:15 am, I am awoken by a telemarketer asking if I would like to subscribe to a local paper. You wouldn’t think that a paper with the largest circulation in Canada, as well as Toronto, would be able to lay off calling people this early in the morning.

I get out of bed a ½ hour later as more sleep is not forthcoming, argh.

Go grab the car, pick up Mary & we head for the supermarket to get our fill of shopping since we have a car and can get the heavier and bulkier items that aren’t possible when using transit.

Then back home to put away the shopping and get ready for dinner at The Prince of Wales Inn at the Escabeche Restaurant, in the heart of Niagara on the Lake, a ½ hour from Niagara Falls. It’s a pretty little town with not much around, but what is there is very pretty. We got some fresh fudge there last year and it was soooo good.

The décor was incredible, we were seated next to the window looking out onto the street. Soon we were greeted by the Inn’s sommelier who would have been able to help us if need be to choose an appropriate wine for the evening. We went with a local Chardonnay. The bread boy brought the bread and even described the type of breads that were served. Mary & I chose our meals and continued our Valentine’s Day celebration that began with the opera on Thursday. I can’t remember the exact menu that we had, but it included scallops, goat cheesecake, rabbit & wild boar. Mmmm so good. We skipped dessert, assuming that the local coffee shop, Shaw Café, down the street would still be open. Sadly no, it was closed, so we headed for home in anticipation of what excitement Sunday would bring.

Turns out, Sunday brought Cinnabons and the sun. Those filling cinnamon rolls filled us up enough so we could go do some shopping as I was in desperate need of pants.

And here I am today, waiting for the workday to end so Mary & I can go to Il Posto to celebrate Valentine’s Day proper. We’ve never been there before, so hopefully it’s good. I’ll let you know tomorrow.

The Cool AGE:)

Bohemian Professore

2005-02-11T16:23:00.000-05:00

So I get in to work on Tuesday to find an urgent message to contact a former professor of mine during my tenure at York University where I did my undergraduate degree. Turns out, he has taken very ill and would like me to lecture his class for the evening. Woa, so cool, never done this before. All he had to do was fax me the lecture slides and I could read them and expand on them how I liked. The course was Budget and the Federal Government, or something to that avail.

So I get to class, and everyone finds it odd that someone other than their usual is sitting at the front of the class. I explain the situation, my background and answer all their questions about government and getting jobs in the government. And then, on to the wonderful world of government budget systems!

Well, since I was just reading the slides, it was pretty easy to breeze through, and give some insight when necessary. Unfortunately, I was not able to come full circle on some ideas or relate many of the principles to everyone’s daily life (a great way to teach I think), although, I did get to quote the Simpson’s so that was awesome.

Then last night, Thursday, Mary & I headed off to see the Canadian Opera Company’s production of La Bohème. Fantastic. Great singers, awesome sets (very intricate), and just a good time overall. All except a grouping of 6 or 8 ladies who thought that everyone has seen this all before and thus talking during the show was accepted. Losers, I guess money can’t buy class. They all had this weird smell too. Their husbands were nowhere in sight, I guess they were with their mistresses. So the guys miss out on wonderful opera, have to pay for the wife’s ticket, and cheat on his wife too while paying for that too. No wonder men have traditionally made more money than women. Look at all the things they have to pay for. They need to earn enough keep 2 women. Man, that’s a complicated lifestyle. But now I’m just releasing my anger on some ladies who had no class, so I guess I should stop my nonsense, I had fun anyway.

The Cool AGE:)

Off we go, into the wild Blue Mountains!!

2005-02-09T11:35:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday, I was at Blue Mountain Ski resort with Mary, Simon, Brandi & Luca having a grand ol time skiing. Wow, it's been a while, but well worth getting up at 5:30 a.m. to start skiing around 9:45 a.m.!! Yikes:( Anyways, a good time was had by all. I've still got it, I haven't forgotten how to ski, but I'm still very timid when it comes to going on the higher runs, maybe someday I'll graduate to the bigger slopes.

Either way, I was way overdressed as the snow was melting away quickly in the afternoon as it was such a sunny day and there were so many people there, due to that fact. No pics though, didn't bring the camera:(

Click in tomorrow as I regale you with tales of my first experience lecturing a 3rd year university class!!

The Cool AGE:)

The Good, The Bad, and now The...Odd??

2005-02-03T10:01:00.000-05:00

Well, I’ve told you about the good, I’ve told you about the bad, and now, time to tell you about the odd.

Last night, after running into Mary & her friend Josie hanging out in the Eaton’s Centre (Toronto’s big mall), as we were standing around discussing things of great and little importance, out in our peripheral field of view walks in a group of 4. Now this was no ‘fab four’ to say the least. One of them, a girl had a collar on; nothing odd about that, it’s been fashionable for quite some time now. The odd thing is that attached to the collar was a chain leash.

The weirdest part is that Mary & I have seen these characters before. Only the last time, one of the guys was wearing the collar and leash.

So, that’s my story, no judgement today, no article, no philosophying, just reporting on some of the things that I see.

Oh yes, the magic number is still 7.

The Cool AGE:)

Computer trouble??

2005-02-02T11:34:00.000-05:00

So there I am on the streetcar. So what that I woke up late, in the grand scheme of things it doesn’t really matter, there are people who are much, much worse off. I still got to work at a very reasonable hour, only 7&1/2 minutes late, gees; I hope I’m not reprimanded.

Anyway, so there I am minding my own business, because as you may know I have much business to mind…what?? And on walk a man and a woman dressed in garb that hasn’t been worn since the paper press was invented. Well, they looked like pilgrims, not sure where they were going, and I’m not sure they were either because at the last stop, the lady lets everyone off ahead of her, and she was standing. For those that have no clue what I’m talking about, this point can be added to my transit etiquette blog.
Rule: If you are standing, you have precedence to proceed ahead of the person who is sitting next to you. Just helps the general flow of things. So instead, she let every one else off first. Well, just an odd start to my morning.

And then it continued.

As I’m waiting for the subway (le tram) there’s this guy who looks like he’s dancing, just bouncing up and down, and grinning as if it’s Christmas morning and he’s getting his personal field toggled. He’s looking down the tunnel, and when the lights from the subway show up on the wall, he looks at me (why me I’ll never know, I guess I just have one of those faces) and he says “Man it’s cold down here” “Oh I know” I reply in a low voice hoping that he understands that I’m not old enough to talk to strangers who are grinning the way he’s grinning, of course, I don’t think I’m old enough to say toggle:)

So then I go get on the subway car at a different door than he is using, but he ends up not being quick enough to find a seat, as neither am I, great more sense of connection, and he continues to grin as he's standing right next to me. He’s grinning at everything; people, advertisements, the litter that’s been thrown on the floor. As he was getting off the subway, he almost seems thankful that the entire experience took place. I hope he was going to go for some ice cream soon, as I thin that would be the only thing that could top that kind of a feeling.

So that was my morning, I just wanted to let you know about it. Or at least have some sort of record that it happened.

The Cool AGE:)

Correlation or Annoyance

2005-02-01T09:47:00.000-05:00

I don’t have a cell phone. I don’t need one, don’t want one, when I had one (parents got it for me for Christmas one year) my life did not improve by any means of measurement: life expectancy, Gross Personal Product (just made that one up) etc. So why is it that I see so many people participating in an activity that does not increase their capacity to participate in a capitalistic society.

How often are people calling you that they can’t wait to be called until you return home? How many people do you know? Now how many of these people would you actually want to talk to if they called??

Now I know many of the people reading this blog (that’s presumptuous of me – let me have my illusions) have a cell phone. You are not the people I’m talking about. I’m referring to a small segment of the population (although seems to be growing exponentially) who have more pressing issues to deal with (again presumptuous, this statement is based on my own moral system) than choosing between prepaid or monthly!

I just find that in this Ipod driven society, (and by no means would I think so highly of myself to think that I’m the first person to bring this up) I don’t see many of the “possessions” people have as implements to improve their quality of life. If anything, these possessions promote, or help people forget about how to acknowledge their quality of life.

Hmm, is this blog improving my quality of life? Well if it isn’t (that’s a topic for another day), at least it’s not costing me anything (well I hope it hasn’t cost me my dignity – see In Living Colour episode with Homey the Clown w flour, egg and ice cream incident, ahh good laughs).

The Cool AGE:)

Great, he's getting philosophical again

2005-01-31T13:31:00.000-05:00

10 years of elementary school
5 years of high school
5 years of undergrad
1 year of masters

In all I've spent 21 years of my life in school. Only to find out that I've got another 25 years (or probably more) left to work. But as what? Only 4 of these school years were devoted to studying public admin. So now I'm a policy analyst, well at least for 8 hours a day. Does that define who I am though, I'd like to think that I'm a lot more fun than a "Policy Analyst" sounds. I think I've even got the pictures to prove it (see link).

even before getting into the workforce, I always viewed school as just a way to get a job, a job that would pay for all the things I wanted to do outside of those 8 hours a day. The problem is, my job can't properly finance all those activities but if I did have one of those jobs that could finance them, I wouldn't be allotted the time for those activities. So here I am at an impasse, which isn't as easy to cross as a bridge in a Monty Python movie.

Ok, so I'm a lot more fun than a "Policy Analyst" I"ve decided, but I haven't decided what I am. As I approach 30 (well, 29 this year), aren't I a little late to be asking these questions, shouldn't I have gone through this in high school? Well I guess I was just too wrapped up in watching and discussing the minutiae of Star Wars. Time well spent I guess.

The Cool AGE:)

Familiar Stranger Relationships

2005-01-27T10:17:00.000-05:00

Do you have a favourite spot? Somewhere you like to go for coffee, just to think, to read a book, to hang out with your buddies, is it so unreasonable that others go through this experience as well. Now, is it so unreasonable that someone, or a group of others might have the same favourite as you?

Well, turns out that there is one "familiar stranger" in particular at this coffee shop that Mary & I frequent (almost everyday) at lunch (as much as we do - they're always there, but is that such a bad thing, we're always there). I often wonder if this person is having the same thoughts about us as we have about them. I only think this because I despise this person, they're always alone and taking up 4 good seats while alone. Good seats meaning comfy couches, bad seats meaning uncomfortable chairs which is what we get because this person is at the comfy couch.

Point is, does this person despise us as much when we get the comfy couch and they are relegated to "the chair".

So I ask you this, who are your familiar strangers, and do you like them or hate them?

The Cool AGE:)

Notes from a bike

2005-01-25T09:56:00.000-05:00

If I had to do it all over again, ... well, I'd probably do it all the same. I can't really complain about my current situation, well all except the stuff I haven't done, like go cross country through South America like a 24 year old Ernesto Guevara.

Boy did that guy have some fun adventures. Oddly enough as I was writing the draft for this blog, on comes a commertial for 'Sasha's Blend' (I think something for dog fur) comes on, and there's this lady speaking with this heavy Aussie accent! Oddly enough as Australia was where I had quite a few adventures, so anyway, that was odd.

Well, so this movie was outstanding, the good thing was, there was no need for the movie to be heavily political, except in a few instances, but the scenery was gorgeous, Rodolfo, you come from a wonderfully beautiful continent. Another odd thing, was that during the movie they go to Macchu Picchu, which is where Mary & I have been wanting & semi-planning to go for quite some time now, the only problem, as always most problems start and end with cash flow. So, after seeing the movie, we know we have to go there.

If nothing else, I hope this serves as a great recommendation for the film. There are so many reasons to go see it, but I didn't want to have that heavy a blog, so I didn't go into detail.

Oh yeah, I also saw the movie Simon Birch again on Sunday night. Love it, try to see that one too.

Last thing, I also added some more pics last week so check those out too:)

The Cool AGE:)

Transit Etiquette

2005-01-14T09:08:00.000-05:00

After having given reasons for why I love living where I do (see the "In the City, a country mouse story" post), I should be objective if I'm going to be a responsible blogger, and give the negative side to where I live. One of those is the rudeness of some people who ride transit. Remember, this does not reflect all the transit riders, just the few, and as always, it is the few that we remember and talk about, see aforementioned post.

As odd as it may see; given that I've grown up in a town that when they started public transit, a small group was formed to eliminate it, and it was done; I'm pretty good with transit etiquette. For instance there are a few simple rules that I'll enumerate here that some people just do not understand. The good thing is that the list is not exhaustive, but just a few that I need to get off my chest due to infractions I've seen others partake in, as well as infract upon me.

1) Rule: When getting off the street car, exit the rear doors.
Purpose: To ease flow on and off the streetcar so the people on the street car do not have to wait twice as long for an exchange of passengers. Also, so the people in the rain waiting for the streetcar can simply get in without having to wait for those getting off.

2) Rule: When entering the subway, stand beside the opening doors until all passengers wishing to exit the subway have left.
Purpose: If people cannot get off, others cannot get in. Also, if they are not allowed to get off, their time that is wasted is immense because they will have to get off at the next station, wait for the next subway going in the other direction and go back to the desired subway station. Where as the person waiting to get on would only have to wait a max of 2 minutes for the next subway.

3) Rule:
a) Do not where backpacks if standing
b) Do not have backpacks/briefcase etc on the seat next to you
Purpose: You are not that important to have your things taking up the space designated for people to use. If standing, by simply turning around, you bump into anything and everything. Also, why should someone not be able to sit down because your bag needs "room to breathe".

Well, as I said the list is not exhaustive, but if I went on I might get mad, & you wouldn't want to see that, Right JohnnyK & Melly:)!!

The Cool AGE:)

Quantum Leap for Everyday Individuals

2005-01-12T09:17:00.000-05:00

Hey Blog Junkies and friends of mine visiting just to be polite,

I post this blog today, but it was something I wrote down a few days ago. Having had a rude awakening Monday evening, it took all of Tuesday to get over, I'm posting this blog feeling much better now. I don't know why, guess I'm just zestfully clean this morning...what?

I don't want to call it a rut, but I wonder if that's the word you should use when you don't particularly care about what the date is, or even know what the date is. I wonder if my lackadaisical "take it as it comes" attitude is perpetuating this "rut". With the world ready to give as much crap as it can sling at anyone who's willing to catch it, I don't think this feeling (the rut) is avoidable given my current personality choice (lackadaisical).

So I think I'm saying that there is an equation here and I want to change one of the inputs to change the outcome:

Environment + Personality = Response

Now the questions is, do I run from the situation, or do I bow to the system? Of course the formula has been simplified for the sake of discussion in a blog, but I essentially got the gist of it. Well, maybe not necessarily for all of you in blog land (I wouldn't want to project my feelings and experiences on the rest of you like some city dweller who doesn't want to take responsibility for their actions and asserts these claims as universals - see any sex in the city episode), but at least this is how I see it for my life on my end of the blog.

Tune in next time to see if I've made any changes, or I'm just in a better mood for no good (nor bad) reason:)

The Cool AGE:)

In the city - a country mouse story

2005-01-10T09:47:00.000-05:00

For a multitude of reasons, I love living in the city. My metro pass lets me go where ever I need to go when ever I need to go, all for one price, paid at the beginning of the month. And since the streetcar picks me up right in front of my building and takes me to the main subway station for Toronto, I'm thinking I'm pretty fortunate.

But, ah Saturday I found yet another reason to love living in the city. In addition to talking to boat people. They actually live on boats, in Toronto harbour all year long, including the winter!! I love seeing the regulars, those who were let out of the mental institution some years back when the provincial conservative party pulled money from the mental institutions and they had to release all those poor people out onto the street. Like there was this one guy who was always outside the building where I used to work and although I was on the 11th floor, I could always hear him yelling non-sensical, non-profanities; yet whenever I would pass by the local pizza place at lunch, he would be sitting there, quiet as a mouse with his meat-lovers pizza! Then there was this other kid who goes to the UofT art school and the only reason why I know he goes there is because some local TV station did a segment on the kid and apparently he likes to draw people when he's on the subway. Well one day I spot him and I think he was drawing me! Well either that or he thinks I have pretty eyes:)

Anyway back o the purpose of this post. So Saturday, I'm going uptown to see the love of my life, Mary, and I'm waiting for the streetcar, and so is this other guy. And so is his tripod, no I'm not talking about his legs. The tripod for his camera, and his camera, which he has all set up to take a picture. But he doesn't. He didn't take one on the other side of the street either. But that didn't stop him from walking across the street with his camera & tripod all set up and ready to go. And it didn't stop him from getting on the streetcar with his tripod and his camera all ready to go. And it didn't stop him when he got off only 3 stops later with his tripod and camera ready to go, but I guess he wasn't.

Then on the subway there was this guy sitting across from me who actually went out to buy a good back scratcher! I thought they only made bad ones a novelty items that you were supposed to win at the carnival when you couldn't win anything else so they gave you that as the consolation!

Anyway, point is, I love living here because generally in the routine of the work-a-day rat race, you always get to see some craziness, some nuttiness, and some down right oddities. And I love my oddities:)

The Cool AGE:)

New, well old, pics

2005-01-05T11:50:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody,

Just wanted to post some pics I found of my trip down to the world of kangaroos & didgeridoos.

I just have to find some other cds with the Aussie pics on them. It was a really great time down there with really great friends. These few pics are just of the first couple of months down there. It's not a complete set of pics from down there, but I'm was limited to space restrictions with this site, so that stinks. But I took a shower this morning so that means that I don't.

Anyway, enjoy the pics.

The Cool AGE:)

Mushrooms, New Year's and Other Things

2005-01-04T09:51:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,

I hope you all had a great New Year's to compliment a wonderful Christmas.

Over here, I spent New Year's Eve with the love of my life eating mushrooms, don't worry, I'm still straight laced, they weren't 'shrooms', just portobellos with goat cheese. Plus some home made wine, port, absinthe (man those bohemians were nuts), and finally some Champagne to finish of 2004. Well, sparkling wine to be honest, but we'll say Champagne to be lazy.

Kjetil, this past summer at my uncle's b-day party, I had a run-in with some sambucca, well it could have been the sambucca, it could have also been the vodka, the rum, the wine etc. It wasn't pretty, mushrooms in the sink kind of episode. Although, I'm still able to say that I have never 'prayed to the porcelain god'. Anyone who is confused, se Kjetil's comment on my previous post. But many big thanks to Mary who helped me through me feeling like a heroine addict going through withdrawl. Well, I can't say that for sure as I've only got "Trainspotting" as my example of that kind of experience, but it felt nasty.

Oh yeah, I found some pics on cd of the first few months of my time in Australia, so I'll be posting those soon, I hope.

Well, that's all for now.

The Cool AGE:)

What a week!

2004-12-29T10:08:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody,

Sorry it's been so long since the last post, but I just wanted to keep the Charlie/Kermit post on until Christmas. Since then quite a bit happened, so I'll just talk about it chronologically.

Tuesday December 21, 2004
Had lunch with Dimitri at the Bowl, lots of fun. Then he came over to the condo for dinner where we discussed a multitude of interesting things, my favourite being about how society would be better off if the bureaucrats ran the government and we did away with the political side of governance. As we were knee deep in Absinthe, we couldn't end up figuring out how to change leadership if and when necessary. We'll figure it out, it's just a matter of time. We've both got world leader as our career goal:) He's got a cool blog too, go check his out at:
http://dimitrim.blogspot.com/

Thursday December 23, 2004
Cold, snow, cold, snow, cold, snow. Mary didn't even make it in to work because the street cars were not running along her street. I didn't even get to see her that night as we were supposed to do our gift exchange that night. I was sad. Because I didn't get to see Mary!! Not because I didn't get to open my gifts. Actually, I was more excited to give her her gifts this year anyway.

Friday December 24, 2004
Again with the cold, barely made it into work for our Christmas Eve holiday breakfast. I had many croissants w nutella, & others with Smuckers jam, I love smuckers jam. Went home at noon which was good as I got to shower & do laundry before the weekend at my parents.
Simone & Brandi came to pick me up (thanks guys) & we went to Bolton (small, useless home town, no charm, nothing, just a bunch of houses used for sleep in between going to work & slowly dying - no, no animosity at all). Eventually, in a round about way got in shit for there being traffic on the road & not getting a formal present for the hosts. Great, starting off the evening well.
Went to my aunt's house just down the street from my parents. Ate lots, drank lots of wine, then some shots (sambucca - yes, guess I'm over it now, vodka, B-52's), danced a lot - yes, with family I dance, I'm just odd that way.
Then home to open presents, then to the much needed sleep.

Saturday December 25, 2004
Up in the morning to find a stocking full of much needed chocolate. Then just lazing around the rest of the day.

Sunday December 26, 2004
Back to the condo with Mary to do our official gift exchange. She gave me the coolest present ever! It's an awesome gargoyle that you hang from the wall and it's got a place to put a candle, it looks all great and evil. Pretty sweet, man she nailed it right on, very cool. Then watched some Family Guy episodes (I got them for her), laughed a bunch.

Monday December 27, 2004
Went shopping for a winter coat. People are parking lot savages, nothing new, just wanted to state it again. No coat. Oh well.

Tuesday December 27, 2004
Shopping with no car for a winter coat, no parking lot savages, but a new coat: yay.
Talked with my Swedish expatriate friend (Joakim - or Jocke) in Australia (that means he's a Swede in Australia right?). Lot's of fun, we're both really jazzed about his North American tour this coming June. I hope it all works out. We've got to get a picture with Mats Sundin at the College St. subway station (where his picture hangs - he is really, really young in that picture), and also go to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Then if we're lucky, off to a cabin north of Montreal for some fun with mozzies, caribou & canoes!!

Wednesday December 28, 2004
Wrote this blog and waiting your comments.

Charlie Brown & Kermit, the Christmas Heroes of My Time

2004-12-20T09:40:00.000-05:00

As much as I love the Grinch and his last minute character turnaround, I can't help but feel some sort of connection between myself and Kermit the Frog and Charlie Brown. In each of their Christmas movies, and in their character in every episode I've ever seen, both of them are always living out life according to the theory, the principle of whatever is good for the greater good. Kermit, always playing the true host that he is to the extent that if one person (or muppet) in the audience did not enjoy the show, then it was a failure and something could be done better. His whole life devoted to making others happy simply because that's a good thing to do.

Charlie Brown in his quest to prove that the good life is attainable and good, tries to use the Christmas theory in principle and apply it to the most dilapidated ("prohibitive to repair tree" - term here at the ministry - better off to build new than to repair), i.e. give hope to the less fortunate, but he is scoffed at by all his peers. He turns because he knows he cannot change himself, and he cannot possibly make a difference to society, so maybe he should leave, as he does. Of course at the end of the 1/2 hour, all his peers have redressed the tree with love, care and the Christmas spirit, but has anything at home for the viewer changed?

We love, well I do anyway, Charlie Brown and Kermit the Frog for their never ending hope that society will get better, at the very least at Christmas time, but how many of us are actually ready to emulate even some of their wonderful characteristics (albeit they are muppet and cartoon characters)?

So for this week, maybe some of you, instead of asking WWJD? As those are big shoes to fill, why not ask WWKD or WWCD? Both have never done anything extraordinary, well maybe except living their ordinary lives, yet they do it with this hope in humanity that is undaunted, even by the harshness of reality.

So here at Christmas time, and throughout the year, I look to Kermit and Charlie as my heroes, although Spider Man is pretty high up there on the list as well. Man, I just can't keep anything serious.

Have a great week everyone, have fun with your family where ever you are or with your new family in Los Angeles, Austin, Wollongong, Cannes, York (England), Andorra, Norway, Sweden, Strasbourg and have yourself a merry little Christmas.

The Cool AGE:)

More Adventures in a Steam Room

2004-12-17T09:22:00.000-05:00

Man, I think I may have to open a blog site just for the topic of "Adventures in a Steam Room!!

Ok, so last night, I enter the room, which for some reason is more steamy than what I'm used to, but so much the better as it helped me avoid quite the site. Once again, there was this guy (I think a different one this time) who was in the buck, just sitting on a towel. Only this time he was shaving. Don't worry, just shaving his face. But I'm sure this has to be against some regulation some where as I can't see this activity as being remotely hygienic. At least the guys was wearing his sandals.

Two minutes later, another guy walks in, and he's as wiry as a fence, but that's besides the point. He sits in between me and the shaving exhibitionist, as I willfully put a great deal of space between the two of us. And this new guy, who, if you've seen any "Mutual of Omaha's: Wild Kingdom", or any other animal nature show, you would interpret what this guy was doing as 'presenting'. In reality he was stretching out his legs, but was it really necessary to do it with his butt so close to me??

Thankfully, they both left shortly thereafter, and I had the whole steam room to myself for a good minute before I could not take the heat anymore and had to leave. Oh well, maybe I'll have a relaxing steam next time.

Once again the magic number is 7, have a good one everybody.

The Cool AGE:)

Man Beans and Didgeridoos

2004-12-16T09:33:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the man bean reference Simone, I'm sure the staff @ Disney in the Eaton's Centre would have been kopacetic with that kind of display:). Although, maybe tonight when I'm in the steam room, some of the other steamers will get a little trouser snake display. For all the new readers to this post, please check the last comment on the previous post for the origin of this wonderful metaphor.

Onwards & upwards.

I heard a sound last night from the oddest of places. Well, not that what made the sound doesn't make sounds, in fact it makes quite a bit of noise. So much so, that I have to plan it so that it is on long enough before I go to sleep, or I won't fall asleep. My dishwasher. Now, I would never have expected my dishwasher to give me flashbacks of any kinds of memories othere than loading or unloading of a dishwarsher. But instead, last night it gave me a flashback of, as you can guess now by the title of this blog, Australia. The last I heard, dishwashers are not supposed to make didgeridoo noises, but I enjoyed it none the less because the didgeridoo has a particular sound, similar to the bagpipes, not specifically, but more in theory. Anyway, this blog's content is kind of sucking so I think I might save you the details of my dishwasher's didgeridoo concert last night and end this blog.

I'm nesting for a few days in order to take care of my brother's birds. They were good last night while I slept. There was plenty of food & water when I left for work this morning, there was no teflon left on the stove burning, plenty of newspaper on the carpet, so I trust all will be well when I return home tonight.

Man, keeping a web site up to date and relevant is hard work. As you can tell by today's relatively weak post. Oh well, you're still here reading this last line, so I must of done something right, or you're just being polite. In any case thank you. And as always, the magic number is 7.

The Cool AGE:)

One more picture & The Madness of ... Disney?

2004-12-13T09:03:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody,

ONE MORE PICTURE
There was one more pic to add to the curling web site that I just got this morning, so I've added it to my pic web site, see address below.

http://groups.msn.com/TheCoolAGE/pictures

THE MADNESS OF DISNEY
Now, being another weekend, it wouldn't be complete without a holiday shopping story. And since I'm quite the good little capitalist supporter, I was shopping this weekend for more 'stuff', because you can never have enough 'stuff'.
So, Mary & I are in the Disney store because they had a great 2 for 1 toy deal that was "ending today". Still a great deal even if it wasn't ending yesterday. Anyway, after some hard core searching for the right toys for Mary's niece, I leave the store as my backpack keeps hitting people in the face, in the child, and knocking things over, and I'm generally overheating (as I've disobeyed one of my rules - see previous post on Christmas shopping rules) so I go outside the store to cool down.

Well the line up Mary was in took forever, but there was a good reason; some lady decided that today, today of all days, she was going to return over $200 worth of toys at the 'Disney Store - Eaton's Centre' location! Then she was going to buy things, and then pay with a bunch of gift certificates!! Ok, I understand, you don't think that the purchases YOU MADE were the correct ones for the children in your life, but do you have to chose a Sunday afternoon to endulge in this mad act???

Anyway, it wasn't all that bad, I mean, I did get to watch some guy, in his mid 20's or so be reckless on the bench spreading his legs wide open, to make it uncomfortable for the older couple who just wanted to sit for 5 minutes and thus had to scrunch together just to sit down.

The branch Holiday Party is this Friday, so I'm excited about that, and except for Mary, I'm done all my Christmas shopping!! Hooray for me!!

Kudos AGE, Kudos

The Cool AGE:)

Adventures in a Steam Room ... sort of

2004-12-10T09:40:00.000-05:00

I guess I'm lucky there are no pictures for this one huh:)

So let me set the stage; after my first workout in 2 weeks exactly, I decide to take a well deserved steam bath which looks like... well remember the Blues Brothers when they're trying to get that promoter to help them get a gig at that big hotel, and they remind the promoter of the favour they owe him; well, the room is something like that, except a lot smaller.

So I'm in there, the steam comes flushing out of the little drain things that are at the bottom of the floor, and a guy walks in. Oh oh, I've never been in there when someone else is in there, what's the protocol? Is it like the stand up stalls in the men's washroom where you just stare ahead of you and not say a word? ... "Hey how's it going?" or something to that effect. "Good, how are you?" just one of those rhetoricals and he understood as there was no reply. Or did he make it a rhetorical by not replying? Chew on that one for a while:)

We got into chit chat, and another guy walks in and conversation continues about the differences between the various clubs in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area - for all you outside Toronto types), and how at another club the steam room is actually like the one from The Blues Brothers and how, apparently, steam rooms are incredibly difficult to maintain because the steam just wreaks havoc with the foundation as it gets behind the tiles etc. And that's when I found out there was a dry sauna downstairs. YES!! I love those things, but I'm growing more and more fond of the steam room the more I use it. Oh well, maybe next time I'll venture downstairs for a new adventure.

Anyways, I guess it's not really an adventure, but this is the most that's going on lately, you know apart from movator frenzies and lessons in curling. Point is, I learned that you can talk in the steam room with strangers, but not at the urinal.

The Cool AGE:)

Skipping, Sweeping & Curling

2004-12-08T09:02:00.000-05:00

Well my fears of falling off balance on ice wearing running shoes were completely unfounded. Oddly enough, it turns out that running shoes stick really well to curling ice. What, what did he just say?? Seriously, you actually have to put a piece of tape (similar to the kind you wrap around your socks to keep your shin guards up in hockey) to skim around on the ice.

Well cheers to a really cool sport that is incredibly easy to learn, but insanely difficult to master and a pleasure to play. All my rocks went flying down the 'lane?' or whatever it's called. But that's ok, I had great support from my team when I was 'Skip' ("heya skip" Darryl Strawberry in Simpson's baseball episode) including one CFLer who plays for the Calgary Stampeders.

I won't bore you with the details of my ugly play, although I did have one really good shot where I took out one of the other team's rocks, and hard too, it made a really loud bang:) Heh heh heh, that'll learn em. Of course if I mention that shot I should also mention the 2 or three shots when I was attempting the same thing but knocked out my team's rock instead of theirs:( Oh well, that's curling.

Oh yeah, it's sooo tough to gage how fast the rock is actually going once you've released it. Sometimes, it looks like it's going fast, but then goes slow; other times it looks like it's going slow, but is, in fact, going fast. It plays havoc on my sweepers.

Ok, I'm going to add a link to a photo album on the web where I'll post some pictures here and there. For now, there will be just a few of the curling tournament last night.
http://groups.msn.com/TheCoolAGE/pictures

sorry everybody, I can't figure out how to make it an actual link. I tried to use the actual icon they have for me, but when I did that, the text didn't even show up on the post. Maybe Jeffie-Boy can help me out. Anyway, just copy, paste in a new browser to get there.

Jacob, I'm still as shocked as you are that we have yearly office curling tournaments (or bonspiels as they like to call them). I can't wait for the next one.

The Cool AGE:)

Surviving Christmas Shopping

2004-12-06T08:53:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,

First off, let me thank all those that welcomed me to the this big pool of personal manifestos and pictures of very remote relevance & importance, well unless that's your thing. Anyway, I digress, thanks for the support.

Now, as for surviving Christmas, I don't have too many recommendations as my personality keeps me from having to deal with most of the trials and tribulations that abound during this time of year, but over the past week as I spent every waking hour (which was not at work or sleeping) at the local mart which replaced a "k" with a "wal", I learned some valuable lessons.

1) Everyone is the same, yet different. Therefore, you cannot say you have gone and not found what you are looking for, because you just haven't been to the right one, i.e. Strawberry Shortcake tops for toddlers. The more locations you attend, the more likely you will find what you're looking for.

2) "Movators" are great places to watch frenzies, be they piranas around fresh meat, or parents who have just been told on the overhead speaker system that the toy that the soon to be beleagered teenaged employee is taking out of the box is now only $10.99. The odd thing is that when the toys were $10.99 on the shelf and no one came on the speaker, nobody was interested.
P.S. The toys by the movator are now long gone, but those on the shelf are still there, in abundance!

3) Bring comfortable shoes. You will be standing for an inordinate amount of time.

4) Dress accordingly & grab a cart. You will overheat and need some place to stash your heavy winter gear.

5) Early December is the only time to get this out of the way. I wouldn't want my face to be a casualty of a movator frenzie too close to holidays and thus many family pictures. "Oh no, my face, my face" (Moe, Simpson's episode when he's on the soap opera)

Well, those are my lessons, use them well young ones. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to an office curling match on Tuesday and we've got a ringer!! Although its from the wrong sport, CFL football...that's still a sport right?

Over & out...for now

The Cool AGE:)

No longer a parasite!!

2004-12-03T08:40:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,

I've made it to the tripple W, and this is my first test post.