Chad's Universe

Dogs & Swear Jars

2012-01-27T19:21:00.001-07:00

...from Chad's mobile device using Strip Designer.

Mr.Peabody & Sheldon ...Death Acceleratatron Antics

2011-12-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

Imperial Empire

2011-09-21T16:51:00.001-06:00

While at McDonalds (the downtown one isn't quite so sketchy BEFORE noon) yet again the Imperial Empire patch on my bag caught the eye of a geek/nerd.

I've come to the conclusion (3 years after the fact) that the patch was a good purchase.

Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo is a good event for finding unique patches, t-shirts, toys, etc.

Now I'm only assuming the male who spoke up and asked about my patch was a geek/nerd.
Or ...as I was trying to point out in "Bartender's T-Shirt" - Star Wars has been around for so long it's deeply penetrated regular media, therefore one no longer needs to be heavily invested in Science Fiction or the pursuit of similar media to recognize something like a graphic from a Sci Fi movie.

'Bartender's t-shirt'
Made up of guns from various Sci-Fi movies of the last 2-3 decades - in the shape of a gun.
Myself and another try to name all the origins of each gun. A geek's trivia test really.
Or is it?
Have all these references been around long enough and mentioned enough in main-stream media that most folks have become familiar with ....the shape of Han Solo's gun. Or the rifle from the movie The Fifth Element?
I only wonder this because the 2 man band I'm presently listening to looks like someone's 'interesting' uncles ....loads of folks in his particular crowd (really into the actually very good music) look - in some cases - older than me, but are actually younger. The age of the band members, the undulating crowd, the pop culture references here and there and every few minutes ........- all accumulate making me feel closer to middle age.

...from Chad's mobile device.

Johannesburg, SA 2011

2011-08-08T17:48:00.088-06:00

The following is a collection of (edited)notes randomly made while on my very first overseas trip to Johannesburg, South Africa - the place my wife was born and raised. After 3 years of marriage, I'm finally meeting her parents, relatives and friends.

This storm front rolled in the moment I sat down to watch the planes, sip my latte and contemplate life before my very first overseas trip. "We're not going to fly in THIS are we?" While Sandra looked for 'Genuine Canadian' gifts...
I began to wonder what it would take for me to transform into that William Shatner character from the Twilight Zone episode Nightmare at 20,000 feet. Then the downpour rolled right through, almost completely clearing. Felt like a teen protagonist in a 80's horror or SciFi movie - where no one believes the hero.
Me:"Did you see any of that?"
Sandra:"What?"
Me:"The rain... it REALLY came down."
Sandra:"No."
Me:"Thought it was going to flood the tarmac - it came down so hard!"
Sandra:"Oh..."

Turns out this was not our view screen...

2 choices for in flight meal: Pasta with meat sauce and chicken with rice/veg.
Nom nom nom!

During meal time: Looking down at what little real estate I actually have now, with a tray of tiny little plastic containers and a fold away view screen (not folded away) I'm compelled to snap a pic... Looks like I'm so busy!
Movie paused 1/2 way through, meal time in full swing and the aisle seat is bustling (traffic, serving carts, etc).

I'm 7 years old all over again and gleeful about the wonderment of food (with dessert) on a airborne jet. It's no wonder I don't embarrass my wife with a riotous laugh out loud (mouth full of pasta, or tiny bun, or tiny chocolate brownie), "Wee hee hee hee! This's awesome!" It does happen... but only in my head.

Sandra and I were seated near the lavatory. So the inevitable question is/was: Who shall precede my bathroom break? The little, slow moving, East Indian woman? PHEW! Nope... Yeow, Grandma, get that checked out!
5-6 people later (not desperate at all - just want to keep from getting desperate). Maybe after the husky gentleman, who looks over his glasses - his head permanently cocked forward.... No - Yeesh.

After meal time, are we actually any lighter? I mean, the plane, not 'us'. Thus helping the plane go faster? (providing more time for Sandra and I in London) Or is the food weight just transferring from plane to passengers?

At some point, during first movie it became night. Unstoppable. You know, with Chris Pine & that nice/handsome black actor who everyone adores?I'm kidding ...I'm sure I made Mr.Washington smile.

According to my lovely, caramel traveling companion, red wine helps one sleep. Once our dishes, then drinks are cleared, she proves that little bit of trivia. Not sure if she's actually watched even 5 minutes of Red Riding Hood before shes out.

Second movie: Limitless. You know, the one with that nice/handsome white actor.... If you took your 'tiny, little pill' you've already figured out the end of my sentence.

Not going to bother listing movies that filled up the first 8 hours of this journey. Or the movies in the later half, after our stop-over in London.

I had splurged on express train tickets to Paddington from Heathrow. Then a bus would get Sandra and I to Camden. Maybe 30 minutes all together. But it all seemed a bit rushed regardless.

It'll be a wonder if any of my shots from atop the double decker are in focus. Shooting this way and that, sitting at the front of the bus, weaving through traffic, hair's width from other cars, obstacles and pedestrians. Trying to hold the camera and myself steady. All streets to/from Camden are so narrow! Is it actually busy - or is there just less space for cars, trucks, bikes and people?

Finally arrive in Johannesburg. I'm caught up on movies - but not at all on sleep.

So Sandra and I are almost immediately in bed once we're settle, unpacked, etc at the in-laws house.

I guess I never realized how Portuguese Sandra's parents are. Seeing only just now where someone I've been getting to know for 4 years 'comes from'.
Also now experiencing just how cold this Mediterranean style home gets. Sandra's seemingly exaggerated stories weren't so exaggerated I guess.

Only after 8-10 hours of sleep, I'm restless and watching TV. I'm overseas is beginning to sink in as I peruse the 8 channels. Which all seem to be mutliligual ...or maybe I'm not quite recovered from Jetlag (words just sounding jumbled up, like other languages).

Okay ...turns out this woman I married has very Portugese parents. When at 'home', it was as if we weren't in SA at all, but in Portugal.

The style of the house and it's contents, the parents with thick accents, and the TV channels that often were on (loudly) in the background.

It'd be good to get the 'vacation' part of this vacation started.
I mean, as nice as it was to sit in the sun, in the courtyard with the 3 attention starved dogs. But want to see stuff now.

Ceasar Millan comes to mind watching these little souls dynamic with one another.

Dogs aren't security in Johannesburg, merely noisy deterrents.

Security here is high, giving me a subtle unease as to why.
All homes (in Joberg) are walled, topped with razor wire, various type of pikes/spikes, or with electric wiring. Regardless of high-end or low-end neighbourhood.

At one point while driving back late at night (after father-in-law's 70th Birthday party) I see ma & pa conveince stores. Customers do business through gated/barred doors.

Some places even have the little waist height ledge/shelf in the bars of that barred door. Yep... like in prisons.

The Punks & Goth Braai (or BBQ) at Zoo Lake had a good turnout.
What was great about finally meeting Sandra's friends, was that they all seemed similar to some of the folks I've become friends with over the years (in Calgary).

So as it turns out, I married someone not so different after all.

CCHQ the one alternative nightclub a group planned on meeting up at....

We're driving to the area our evening will be revolving around.
I'm in the backseat, knowing photos are pointless iPhone's crap for night shots - the girls in the front.

Judi(Sandra's long time dear friend): O-okay, I think this is it. It's kind of hard to tell.
Sandra: Ohh, it's so dark.
Judi: Yeah, really. They should have the street lights on - that's so unsafe!

A moment later.
Sandra: Mmm, yeah, wow... it's really dark.
Judi: Oh. Wait... it's... is there a black out? Oh my gawd, it's blacked out? Sandra: O-ohhhh... oh no. m-Maybe it's not in the area we're going?

Sure enough, we pull up to a white faced 1 storie building, with a large metal door. The entire street illuminated by only the headlights, I volunteer to check the door.

Like from a horror movie, my knock on the door is metallic and echoed.
"Nope. Closed. There's no lights inside or anything."
Others arrive and after everyone's shut off cars and gathered by the darkened club, I realize just how dark it is. I give the lighter I have a try, it seems to faintly light up the whole street. Freaky.

It's decided we'll find another place - but Sandra and I have to switch cars. Judi is unable to continue (work in the morning).
It all turned out fine... finding a place (with billard tables) in a area not as dark as a zombie movie set.

Gold Reef City Amusement Park
Heritage Park mashed up with Calaway Park

Nearing the final days of our stay, we've been 'talked into' taking this food processor from a collection of household items Sandra packed away and forgot. Which completely change how much we'd now have to haul around with us as carry-on.
The size of it, knowing exactly how large our apartment is, made me want to pitch it the moment we were out of sight of Sandra's folks.

Wait, was I having one of those 'in-law moments' that one sees/hears in TV shows, movies and stand up comedy routines? Auhhh... barf!

Said one final good bye to the 'outside' dogs.
This wee, timid girl was my favourite. But the little 'inside dog' was still standoff-ish. Yeow... what a grump.

The return trip was exhausting.

In fact I fell asleep before take off.
Woke up to what I thought was an hour later and the plane on it's way.

Turns out the plane hadn't even taken off yet!

Obviously I had become ready to return to what was familar.

Though we finally did start to Facebook on the 2nd day, I was now (in our final hours in Johannesburg) missing Starbucks, English-Speaking TV, regular jelly, milk/milk products) ...and our cat.

Many more photos at Chad's Universe
The Comic Strip: TMI 2011 #7

Community & Sharing

2011-07-22T08:36:00.001-06:00

Nice. Community spirit. But how does one trust none were used in the transportation of the dog's stool sample to the vet?

...from Chad's mobile device.

Entertainment News Media

2011-07-18T08:11:00.001-06:00

Saw something on media screen at work. Like they have in most food court areas in most shopping malls?
Entertainment News Media. It never needs to be hard, journalistic or even about something on the same continent. It can be as obscure as "Japanese Heavy Metal Rocker Taiji Sawada dies in Saipan."

Who the fuck is that?

Or it ca be as local as, "Janice wore denim cut-off short shorts to the community centre's bake sale." Or anything in-between ...it's still classified as Entertainment News. What a racket!
Wow... Looking up Heavy Metal rocker's name and found this:
Actual story, on CTV News no less!

...from Chad's mobile device.

Calgary Expo 2011

2011-06-18T00:12:00.007-06:00

I gave myself only about an hour or so for set up. But considering my minimal wares, that was plenty.

I have 3 versions of the same poster for sale. Was told by Expo vet I was "way under selling 'em, Dude!"
But the popular item, that's flying off the table is the Graffiti Bunny.
Folks are encouraged to 'graffiti' the bunny, either later or right there at the table. People, furry creatures, jawas, etc...

Then all bunnies will be on display, via chadsuniverse.
Seriously, if I'm not going to get money from someone for something, doesn't mean I still can't interact with 'em. 'Here, do something fun/creative' while at MY table.

Really did turn out to be a great way to get people to the table - long enough to catch attention from others passing by.

More images...

More story and images to come - stay tuned!

Calgary Expo 2011

2011-05-31T11:36:00.004-06:00

Although my journey to this year's Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo started much earlier - it REALLY gets going now. Actually it's only a matter of hours now...

At previous Expo' seemingly every time friends bumped into me while weaving about the booths, kiosks, displays, costumed and non-costumed hordes, they would ask why I didn't have a table.
My answer was often 'no money' - Which wasn't exactly true, but seemed the best answer from a frugal type.
Without physical product to sell, how could I justify the expense of a table?

Apparently just hearing annually "why no table?" was all it took to slip from a frugal path and send off a cheque and form to the good folks with the CCEE.

...from Chad's mobile device.

Flat Chested Controvesy

2011-05-22T14:23:00.010-06:00

Here's something I came across:

Barnes & Noble and Borders censor shirtless male model on magazine cover
By Joanna Douglas | Shine – Tue, 17 May, 2011 1:38 PM EDT

Bookstores are requiring this magazine cover of a topless male model be hidden in a plastic sleeve.

Original article here

Many magazines like Men's Fitness, Rolling Stone, and GQ feature shirtless men on their covers, but when androgynous male model Andrej Pejic appeared on the new cover of Dossier bookstores like Barnes & Noble and Borders banned the magazine unless it was housed in an opaque plastic sleeve like a porno mag. Seriously?! We've seen ladies pose with barely-there clothing, hands, or even paint covering their breasts on magazine covers, and those aren't censored either. Is this discrimination?

The bookstores are well aware that Pejic is a man. Lacking breasts. But they are worried some customers might be confused. We do understand where some of the confusion may come from. During the last New York Fashion Week, Pejic walked the runway for five men's shows and four women's shows, even wearing a wedding dress at the Jean-Paul Gautier show in Paris. He can be made up to look like a woman sometimes, but the fact is, Pejic is a man! And the folks at Borders and Barnes & Noble know this. He may not have jacked up muscles, and he may have his hair in curlers on the cover of an artsy fashion magazine, but no male's chest has ever been censored before, so why start now?

Jezebel spoke with Dossier co-founder and creative director Skye Parrot, who was surprised by the censorship. "We knew that this cover presented a very strong, androgynous and that could make some people uncomfortable," Parrot told Jezebel. "That's partly why we chose it. I guess it has made someone pretty uncomfortable." She added, "I've been talking to all my friends who work in magazines, and nobody I know has ever heard of anything like this happening. Especially with a guy. Guys are shirtless on magazine covers all the time." According to Jezebel, when Parrot asked retailers like Barnes & Nobel whether they knew Pejic was a male, they said they did but decided to censor the cover because "the model is young and it could be deemed as a naked female." There are about 20,000 copies of Dossier printed worldwide, and the censorship will only affect less that 10% of the issues.

Pejic may not look like Ryan Reynolds or Matthew McConaughey, but he has scored some prominent jobs and ad campaigns (he's the face of Marc by Marc Jacobs), and we love to see that the fashion industry is capable of accepting diversity. We just wish bookstores could be equally understanding.

My comment:

Folks are forgeting there's quite the gap between the world of high fashion (and the folks who work in it) and those who live in the suburbs, have 9 to 5 jobs, have kids and the closest they get to high fashion is walking by or into an expensive store at the mall.
I have no doubt someone would mistake a flat-chested, feminine male as a young girl and raise a stink about it.
If you're a BUSINESS trying to get things sold, you're going to alienate as few people as possible to get those things sold.
So go ahead, be artsy, edgy, and push against norm, but please don't get too upset when meet that wall of industry/business letting only the more seemingly conservative, less egdy products, people, ideas pass through ...and do business.

What?! No cheese?

2011-05-21T13:19:00.002-06:00

It IS the end of the world...

...but tasty none-the-less!

Waiting for the bus.

2011-04-21T17:15:00.003-06:00

These plants weren't so tall when we started waiting.

Practically door-to-door bus route... but with an anti-climatic, end to my work day, half hour wait.

Bad vs. Good

2011-04-02T17:42:00.001-06:00

RE: The song/youtube vid, 'Friday':

I refuse to link to the video posting. Go find it yourself, then ask yourself why you wanted to waste four minutes of your life.

Here, try this version - you'll hear the actual lyrics and feel better you watched THIS ONE:
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=o0PmWkMMs7Q

Bad things end up good, only because technology allows hundreds of thousands instant access. Then we're told how we all secretly like the bad, "look at the numbers" they don't lie.

Should something terrible, ill conceived or awful really break records with accolades?
The plus side of this and future horrific exploding trends? We can actually sometimes stumble upon 'good' ...because it is actually good.

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=Q1W5JBKeF04

So remember to celebrate, communicate about and pay attention to that good stuff out there on the world wide web.

Please... Otherwise all those 'bads' become more frequent and more popular ...and then, more accepted.

...from Chad's mobile device.

Bluey was a welcome sight at the end of an arduous day.

2011-03-02T16:21:00.000-07:00

After work I often wait 20 or so minutes for my wife to finish work. From time to time I help myself to a blue travel mug - filling it with a mixture of coffee and hot chocolate from a Starbucks machine.

Shaking head at how polar opposites my wife's work experience and mine (with the same company) are.

Dre Cooper

2011-03-01T20:12:00.011-07:00

One wonders why some people (the clever ones) walk the path they do - or make the decisions they make. Some of those people's decisions can be shrugged off with an acceptance (because one loves/likes them) and even though a "Dumb ass" is muttered under one's breath.
Some things, some decisions, have a finality to them that leave many shaking their heads, with no answer as to why... why that particular path, decision, etc.
Not like a tattoo in a conspicuous place or something like that.
I mean, a life changing or in this case, life ending type of decision.

Video shot/editted way back in '06 while seeing each other.
Then reposted for Dre's 29th Birthday in 2010.

Because I love you Dre, I'm going to have to figure out how to accept this particular decision of yours.

Miss you, Toots.

Thanks for your concern and curiosity about this awesome and amazing woman.
Many still ask about Dre, so I figured I'd address those queries here...

Dre passed away from a suicide almost a month after turning 30 (which was on Jan.4, 2011).

Even when I had dated her years ago now, there was no indication her mother's death from cancer (when Dre was young) or the difficulties with her biological father and inheritance (father had committed suicide) had really any effect on her in her adult years.
What family she did have she was very close to and a friend of her's here in Calgary was like a sister.
There is much more about all of this on Facebook - where a friend had set up a memoriam. Please have a look at it if you can.

My Facebook Note:
Dre Cooper 1981-2011

As you may already know, there's a mess of folks going to Hang the DJ (at Dickens Pub) to pay respects, talk with others (it actually helps). Add a little something in a journal, which will be taken to a private family 'celebration of Dre.'

I can't really offer much in the way of WHY, but after a long chat with Jordan Kidney and Tom (Voice in the Void) - who saw her last, it really helped out with an acceptance of Dre's decision.

Taking into consideration Dre's past, the death of her mother (from cancer) and eventual suicide of her father...

There's statistical stuff I've heard about suicides being more likely if there's one in the family – but you may want to look into that yourself.

...rough times as a teen, struggles with step-dad over inheritance, her surprisingly deep spiritual beliefs (which I was only beginning to figure out) and her countless positive encounters with all kinds of people she may have concluded that she was full.

Dre had made such an impression on so many, her life was full. Her heart was full.

The time line between the last person to see her (Sunday 11:30pm) and the following day (Monday) at around 3:00pm, seems to me Dre had a determination about what she did. Which brings me to the conclusion, that yes in fact those things in her life did have a lasting effect. Despite all the positivity she put out and got back two-fold, she may have had that one singular idea with her all this time.

As minute as it was, that one tiny thread of an idea is all it takes sometimes for a determined individual to take action.

None of us agree with the action, but maybe our disagreement with it is selfish.

We say we all accept Dre for how she is, so then let’s do just that, accept the love she gave us (during what ever times we had with her) and give it right back…

…in the form of remembrance and acceptance.
I know that sucks. But if you do actually love someone, accept them as is, then love them how ever you can.

Speaking of love, as a friend (I met through Dre) suggested…
“Tell the ones you love, you love them.”

We’ll all miss Dre, but perhaps because of her, we’re not alone, we all have each other.

Draw More ...Now.

2011-02-23T17:19:00.001-07:00

So I went the whole of 2010 producing only one comic strip. That's appalling considering I spent money I 'didn't have' to pay for a table at this year's Comic Expo.

I think I should really be producing a major amount of strips - gearing up for my first time in the Artist's Alley.

I pick and pick at my website. Much like other things I'm paying money for (my antiquated Dell)
it's doing nothing to gain a return on my 'initial investment.'

Google Ads seemed like a good idea.

Posting videos? I guess they count and I have posted a few - that I've actually edited together. Now a days, anyone with the means can throw some shit up onto the web, right?
Unlike those 'anyones', I'm not scoring hundreds of thousands of views on my postings!

I'm wondering if another room would actually help the creative process. Where I'm living is an okay space, for a single person, but not an adult couple.
Or was it really having mounds of time to myself while alone, that expedited a productive creative type?

Blah blah blah...

....just don't want to be an old man with failing health, a relationship I'd be okay without and have only produced admired creative works 'in my younger days.'

April is still a ways off, and waiting for a stylus for my birthday for my iPhone's drawing apps more painful than I thought. Will probably break down and purchase one.

The ol' Red Binder's not filling up with doodles and story lines like it once did.

May be forcing the little woman to get something else for my B Day.

...from Chad's snazzy mobile device.

Fashion Fuck You

2011-02-13T00:01:00.001-07:00

I don't consider myself a trend follower, in any thing really, especially men's fashion. But I'm not completely unaware of what's what either. I see other guys - yes, the hetero ones. I keep an eye on the magazines and even catch an episode of Fashion Television. SHOUT OUT to Jeanne Becker! Yo, what up girl!
Design is of the utmost in high end as well as casual wear. Or so I hear from professionals. Function (I'm aware this is a 'guy thing') is fairly important too.
So why a fake pocket? To keep that top from being just another grey top, repeated from the last season? Manufacturing costs are lower? If I see one more of those sort of things (especially on an item I liked) I'm going to fucking punch someone!
There's no fakery with jeans. The basic design has been around well over a hundred years. Different styles mind you. But still most all have that wee pocket. Which I've been using for keys for the past decade or so.
So when one goes to say Old Navy purchases grey faded, "loose" jeans and is happy with them ...well, one goes back for more, right? I did, and got the 'black' loose style jeans - and again was happy.
To switch things up, I got a pair of blue, faded jeans. Yeah, I know-I know, "not black, Chad?" shut up.
I noted a wee design fault. Or was it?
The loose fit was more ample than the others and that was okay. But it was the belt loops that were and have become, in my opinion, a headache. Enough to warrant not bothering to purchase jeans at Old Navy for a very long time, if ever again. Certainly now that I found this same 'fault' or 'F U' in the cool black jeans.

Now possibly this is not a fault, but one half of the pairing with the other half of the equation, their belts. If that is the case ...a: Why the hell wouldn't you have more belt styles to choose from? Instead of the wide, obviously pirate inspired type belt with only 3 types of buckles?
...and b: Forcing my hand to dress this way or the highway is a big, weird F U. When clearly Old Navy has hit the target with SO MANY other items, and not just for me!
It's only a matter of a quarter of an inch, sure - but it's only that small amount that's keeping me from going to Old Navy for that good product, for that fantastic price ...quite possibly ever again.

...from Chad's snazzy mobile device.

Uhh, Large.

2011-02-11T16:13:00.001-07:00

Not the most awful thing to happen when misordering a Frosty. 'Behemoth'

...from Chad's snazzy mobile device.

New Job, PLEASE

2011-02-10T11:48:00.001-07:00

...from Chad's snazzy mobile device.

Oh, Them Bitches!

2010-12-30T16:40:00.001-07:00

...and let's hope that love is still there long into the year, eh.

...from Chad's snazzy mobile device with BlogPress.

Winona Ryder Drinks Pee in Space

2010-12-13T10:45:00.001-07:00

Article uses Winona Ryder's photo ...so now she'll be linked to drinking water from recycled urine. Plus she'll steal your space boots, claim she didn't mean to, there must be some mix up she like totally purchased them, but can't find the receipt, etc, etc.

From Chad's snazzy mobile device with BlogPress.

Rexanda's Realm

2010-12-12T18:47:00.001-07:00

Still not sure about Rockband and why it's so much 'fun' to butcher song after song, after song, after song...

YouTube Video

...or how normal it is to have this many wigs.

YouTube Video

But it was a good time. There I admitted it, Rockband can be fun.

From Chad's snazzy mobile device with BlogPress.

Time Travel Dream

2010-12-05T07:42:00.005-07:00

Woke up from an emotional dream.
Sandra with me, I was visiting my relatives in what must have been the the latter half of the 40s. My grandfather and grandmother were maybe around my age, there were others there as well. My great grandmother, whom I remember really only in photos, was there with other relatives. She was the same size as I recall ...only a petite 5' something.
It was a family get together for them all too it seemed.
Sandra and I were just visiting with these people much the same way we had been pleasantly visiting folks (we were meeting for the first time) last night.
There was even a feeling some may knew that Sandra and I had time traveled there. We were just chatting, nothing too political or personal, but subjects San and I could relate to. Only if it was only by a cat, and a lifestyle not really fitting most adults in there late 30s and early 40s.
One would think relating to one's grandparents would be strange, but San and I were just having a really informal visit with folks our own age really. Who were in a modest house in the year following the war. One or two men had uniforms, you can understand my assumption.
In classic 40s musical style, one of them even broke out into a short song about 'greenbacks' - a form of currency, looking like home made money. Maybe because the printing of actual money was limited during wartime? Much like my limited knowledge of post wars years, eh?
Had the suspicion some even knew about how we had found ourselves there and the method of our eventual return. No one wanted a tour or closer look at the gleaming metal vessel, several blocks away (in a park?) Looking very futuristic, even in post war fashion.
Like I mentioned, no one asked any deeper questions than probably what was asked during our visit last night (with folks Sandra vaguely knew through work). We don't have career type jobs, or house or cars, or kids or even the desire for children. So much like mimicking last night's visit, Sandra and I did what seemed like a fair amount of smiling and nodding.
The history these folks held for me was beginning to get me emotional. I haven't thought much of my grandparents, and even less of my great grandmother or how any of them were long before their first grandchild came along.
Besides I didn't want to become a blubbering mess. Men didn't cry back then, right? Not to mention, the amount of explaining I'd have to do so they understood the reasons behind my tearing up.

Shortly there after I woke up. The silly, uninventiveness of my post war imagery or how in relation to my evenings previous activity didn't really subtract from the heavy feeling of what I had experienced.

Had to get up out of bed for a drink of water, and to tap out of a (apparently) lengthy blog as well.

Sandra will appreciate sharing this way more so than waking her to tell her about my time travel dream.
She really should ...Mia, the cat challenged my texting abilities with her lazy, reaching for my forearm (claws!) or mashing her face into my 'snazzy mobile device.'

Better Late Than Never?

2010-12-03T17:15:00.003-07:00

Here is what I got up to for Halloween. I know, I know ...Merry Christmas!

At some point, I'll get myself a new computer so there won't be a month or more of trying to edit/post a video.

I am River, or is it, IN the River?

2010-11-15T00:32:00.004-07:00

$60,000.00 later and still no one thought, "Some of these shots look as though they are people who have been pulled from the river (drowning victims). Maybe we should rethink these particular images in our campaign." Yikes! Just goes to show you, advertising isn't about the images, but the salemanship behind the images.
To the ad agency/artist behind this campaign - BRAVO!
This was approved by the same governing body that considered a 25 million dollar footbridge - now there's 'a body' that should be in the river.

Stuff like this only makes me realize I'm a better artist than salesperson.

No More Excuses...

2010-11-14T17:18:00.006-07:00

No more excuses about money, time, etc.
I will be attending the 2011 Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo - with table and all. On what scale that'll all happen, will remain to be seen. But none the less, watch for further details here, or on chadsuniverse.com or ofcourse, Facebook.

Photos from last year...

2009's (expensive) Expo shot...

Languishing at the Laundromat

2010-11-07T23:05:00.001-07:00

YouTube Video

From Chad's snazzy mobile device using Blogpress.

New Mobile Blogging App.

2010-11-07T14:15:00.001-07:00

Testing this new mobile blogging app.

- Posted using BlogPress via Chad's snazzy mobile device.

My Lime Got Squeezed

2010-11-07T12:39:00.001-07:00

Seems as though the free ride has ended.

Stephaun says...

2010-10-24T17:21:00.001-06:00

Stephen Ave Musicians

2010-09-20T21:21:00.015-06:00

One from Calgary, two from out of town, and one who just happened by and started playing along.

This is the sort of thing that I come across from time to time. Adding a bit of colour, to what was otherwise a beige city, on a grey Friday afternoon.
Have a listen...

The sound isn't fantastic - but much, much better than We are Scientists (earlier this month, at The Republik). It was a fantastic show, but SO LOUD the video's sound (recorded with my iPhone) was mostly, "blam-blam-blam". But in the process of trying to save the footage (video of live music isn't the same without sound, eh) I tried to mask the album version of Nobody moves, Nobody gets hurt over top of the live version. Turns out, the 3 of them were right on tempo - ridiculously well too.

Anyways ...not all the 'characters' on this avenue makes one go "Yikes" under one's breath. This motley crew definitely causes passerby's to go, "Ahh..."

Happy Mr.Bagel

2010-09-05T13:44:00.004-06:00

Happy Mr.Bagel was happy for only about 2 minutes - until I bit the smile right off his lightly toasted, doughy face. "Why ...why?" Those little, beedy bluberry eyes seemed to ask, looking up at me.

I had to finish him, it was the humane thing to do.

90210 - today's date.

2010-09-02T08:04:00.004-06:00

...from Chad's snazzy mobile device.

Chrystalized Culinary Excursion

2010-08-15T12:38:00.011-06:00

I find the inherent problem trying out a 'classy' restaurant is you, or rather I, may accidentally order something that isn't to my liking.
Who wants to force themselves to eat something that isn't tasty - but only because it is ridiculously expensive. No one - no one does!
But I certainly don't want to fulfill the impression that I'm a picky eater. Just not a very adventurous one.
So when I find myself in posh surroundings with a menu selection that includes words like reduction and enter French word here, I want to do the mature thing and rise to the occasion.

So far my 'culinary excursions' have been okay. Though going for sushi for me means, not actually having sushi ...I do actually find something tasty though - but yes, a little on the mundane side.

Aug.14 2010: Divino's was much nicer looking on the inside and made one feel they were in a higher tax bracket. At least for the length of time it took to peruse the menu, order, eat, order dessert, etc - all the while enjoying a glass (or bottle) of wine. Much later in the evening, I was kicking myself for not whipping out my 3GS and snapping a pic of the wine bottle's label. What's the mobile device etiquette in that scenario? "Uh, could you hold the bottle still? I'll want reference for when I ask myself 'you spent WHAT on just the wine?"

Our appetizer:

Later, my dessert:

After a brief change of venue and an encounter with a Parkour Guy...

...the evening went from posh & classy to drunk & assy.

We were treated to the quarter moon well over 5 times.

So it was one of those things that goes from shocking, to head shakingly hilarious, to wondering what kind of friends would let another friend expose themselves that much, for that long.

This guy's friends aren't good friends - or all that bright either. Besides there not being even one, "Dude, pull yer pants up!"

There was also a complete disregard for these modern times we live in - and the idea there might be someone nearby with a snazzy mobile device, with the ability to snap a photo at a moments notice.

Stat Cat

2010-08-06T12:23:00.001-06:00

Stat Cat reminds me to do statistics for the mailroom I work in.
Stat Cat isn't happy about it either.

Not the dishwasher I was looking for.

2010-08-02T20:59:00.001-06:00

I get help with the dishes ...from time to time.

"The Human that Endures."

2010-07-21T23:06:00.048-06:00

My wife and I, very little extra cash between us ended our work day at the James Joyce on Stephen Avenue. Took our sweet time on the fish & chips, the wine and the pint - okay, pints ...people watching, chit-chatting, etc.

Still on 8th Ave (headed for the bus) we came upon, Steve Rozema, a guy whom I probably bump into once or twice annually. I know him from my grade 8 or 9 high school days.
Like myself back then, he too drew up a storm. His were mostly of the super hero, tights wearing, body builder sized variety.

It seems every time I our paths have crossed it would be asked, "Are you still drawing?" For Steve and I both the answer is always 'yes'.

But Steve doesn't a have proper place of his own ...possibly hasn't for a while I'm guessing. I suspected it, but never really wanted to pry.

My wife and I had stopped and after introductions, he began to explain the goings on in the (multi-layered, multi-dimensional) universe of his tedious, drawing, doodles, notes and scribbles.
After a quick show and tell, of EnduroMan his flagship creation, Steve began to give us a tour of a universe, populated by not just his Canadian/Calgarian super hero, but a mind blowing plethora of other characters.

My comprehension of comic lore (for someone wanting to be in the industry) is pretty weak ...but this man, with probably very nearly all he owned in a huge, weathered, and graffitied backpack...
...laid out something akin to the golden age of comics.
With dialogue, action sounds, brief descriptions, 4-5 hand written pages, and a few gestures like that of a great auditor, he kept my wife and I suspended for probably something like 30 minutes!
It was no wonder, this guy (without a proper place to live) had a following of readers ...asking for more.
According to Steve, there's a third volume of EnduroMan coming soon.
Sorry, I don't remember how many 20-something paged comics in each volume - but it seemed like a lot.

I've got to say, Steve's illustrations haven't changed AT ALL.
Now for me, it was great to reminisce. But others may not take so kindly to these late 80's, high school days, muscle man/super hero style drawings. Which would be a shame, considering the epic size the EnduroMan story.

Steve's 'presentation' over, (like anyone would be) I was left wondering, "What could I do to help this talent see it's true potential?" Well, okay - other than helping out, and illustrating the whole EnduroMan universe. Leaving Steve to the writing.
I haven't really been doing MYSELF any favours in the area of drawing and writing lately. So to promise something on that level (deep breath) it'd be a bit much. Besides if I was an individual with good salesmanship ...well, I'd no doubt be doing this blog from a much nicer PC, in a much bigger place (without the wife banging about in the background of our itty-bitty place, despite headphones turned up).

Didn't want to whip out my snazzy iPhone ...to capture an image of what the hell I'm even blogging about! Maybe a little to do with not wanting:
"Oh hey let me take a photo with ...oh, your drawings are wrapped in plastic, newsprint and elastics?"

Blogging about Steve and his EnduroMan comic book series, is a tiny step in the right direction. Because giving my phone number and email to someone who doesn't have either himself, wasn't.

Until I can get some images of his work (possibly even a few issues?) up online, you'll have to just take my word it. But apparently talk of EnduroMan has already found it's way on to the world wide web:

Taken from some NHL fansite (I think this was a player from some team):
"So a guest at the Seed, is getting closer to making his dream a reality. He created a prototype of a comic book called EnduroMan, a Calgarian super hero. (resembles Shazam and Doctor Who). Who wakes up from a Cryochamber deep underneath the Calgary Tower, only to find Calgary and Earth deserted. Were they destroyed? did Code's curing a Pandemic experiment cause a lock down, in which a security guard escaped?

EndroMan is summoned by a an overlord, tasked with finding pieces of an artifact...

Anyways, if Canadian Arts council decides to fund this project. It would be a ingenious production, and I would have been one of the first to see it. He's a very good artist, can't really give names."

Steve's creativity and drawing has endured, just as his character has, "the human that endures" ...and has inspired too.

The volumes of the EnduroMan series that exist, have already garnered a following...

As you can see, I managed to capture SOME photos Steve's work.

EnduroMan - Volume One online now

What's that in your Trousers?

2010-07-16T16:30:00.002-06:00

Funny ...in more ways than one. Though for the record, I do in fact feel badly about the culling part.

More Lost Notes

2010-07-13T10:51:00.002-06:00

Grocery shopping at 4th Street Safeways, downward gaze at checkout...
...would've felt strange picking this one up - so snapped a pic instead.

'Reality TV' make's me hate stuff.

2010-07-05T22:35:00.027-06:00

Not these 2 people...
Jake & Vienna bullshit
...but the show that allowed them to be on TV is what finally made me hateful about 'reality' programing.

Yes, the guy who grew up with TV, now wants less of it and of life. Life has plenty of it's own drama and uncomfortable moments. Why would I want to subject myself to moments like that or others like it.
Or stay with a woman who wants to even have the shit on (in our tiny little apartment)?
THERE ...listening to/watching 2 folks fight DOES effect others.

Not at all the same way a written for TV fight would. I feel angry and less likely to want anything to do with anybody.
Reminds me of countless things I've heard or read about how even just hearing/watching fights or arguments deeply effects children. That makes me wonder about how all those little kids before and after me subjected to those moments where their parents fought (about whatever) in the next room ...or right in front of them.

The common denominator wants this on TV?

THAT makes me want to have even less to do with the 'major majority'.

I've done what I can about making light of the Bachelor, Bachelorette and other 'reality' shows. But obviously TV, or rather the crap it's broadcasting, has broken my Genuine love for it into something like...

...uh, like hate.
Omg, I like hate you TV. Jeez.!

Slowly, Painfully...

2010-06-28T14:45:00.001-06:00

So why exactly is a Close Button on elevators? I have yet to find an elevator that actually closes when said button is pressed.

At Dickens Pub...

2010-06-27T01:02:00.007-06:00

Strongest AND thusly ...the Best hand dryers EVER! Or atleast in the city. Jordan's Brilliant But Bizarre Bubble Bonanza Birthday BBQ only just continued, as 'Hang the DJ' unfolded. Glow sticks and bubbles, 5 years ago ravers would've LOVED this shit! Ummm ...not everyone was as enthused about it. Dre and Jordan (yes, THAT Jordan) earlier in the evening. The more enthusiastic bunch... While I'm at it - I should mention the vlog I shot and even editted on my new, snazy iPhone 3GS...

...yes-yes, I know, the 4G is coming out soon. Making the 3G not so new anymore - yes, I know! OOH BOY, but the savings! The savings!

Whoops ...Window Painting!

2010-06-25T12:06:00.001-06:00

This year window painting kinda slipped my mind. Mmmaybe next year? feh. Materials, paints, time, etc ...the effort never had that much payoff as I recall. But like I said, mmmaybe next year - or perhaps Christmas?! Hmmm or "feh" ...I'm not really sure which yet.

Escape Plan

2010-06-24T08:32:00.001-06:00

I've got to tunnel my way out of here ...and here's my shovel...

Tryin' out new iPhone 'n' stuff.

2010-06-21T13:24:00.001-06:00

So maybe at some point I'll be able to use this. This is voice to text, it can be really handy when I am blogging...

45 chances ...would really like one of 'em to be mine. RE: Lotto Max.

2010-06-18T07:55:00.001-06:00

Lost notes (STILL a working title)

2010-05-24T23:18:00.008-06:00

I'm STILL coming across these lost, poorly discarded scraps of paper, so ...enjoy!

This was a bit on the filthy side to be picking up (and putting in my scanner). Actually now that I've typed that, it sounds kind dirty.

Where as this one was face up and easy to read (again sounds dirty)...

If you decide to go to that address, you're on your own. though let me know how it went

BOOBQUAKE!

2010-04-27T19:26:00.002-06:00

A very special time of the year began the same month of my birthday.

It’s official – flaunting cleavage doesn’t increase the number of earthquakes.

So says blogger Jennifer McCreight, who called on women around the world Monday to test the premise of an Iranian cleric who suggested women dressing immodestly triggers and increases earthquakes.

An estimated 200,000 woman took part in the 24-hour experiment dubbed “Boobquake,” including some who posted pictures of their breasts on Facebook and Twitter. Others chose to wear low cut tank tops; a few went bare-breasted on the street. Demonstrations took place in Vancouver, Washington and West Lafayette, Indiana, where McCreight is a student at Purdue University.

Now the data is in from the United States Geological Survey and, according to McCreight’s analysis, it seems Boobquake did little to spur shifting of the planet’s tectonic plates.

“As you can see qualitatively, our provocative dress didn't really seem to effect the frequency of earthquakes,” she wrote Tuesday on her Blag Hag blog. “There were 47 earthquakes on the 26th, which falls well within the 95% confidence interval for number of earthquakes (about 0 to 148).”

According to the Geological Survey website, those earthquakes included a 6.5-magnitude earthquake southeast of Taiwan and a 5.4 near the South Sandwich Islands region.

Over the past six days, the number of earthquakes daily has ranged from 38 to 48.

“So did our cleavage/thighs/ankles/hair increase the number of earthquakes?” McCreight asks. Her answer is an unequivocal “no.”

McCreight was inspired to launch Boobquake after Hojatoleslam Kaze Sedighi suggested women who wear revealing clothing are to blame for earthquakes. “Women who do not dress modestly…lead young men astray, corrupt their chastity and spread adultery in society, which increases (consequently) earthquakes,” Iranian media quoted him as saying on April 16.

But even a 6.5 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan on Monday doesn’t prove “bosoms have supernatural powers,” McCreight writes. According to McCreight’s blog “earthquakes between 6.0 and 6.9 magnitude happen, on average, 134 times a year. That means we had about a 37% probability of an earthquake of that magnitude happening on boobquake just due to chance alone – hardly an improbable event that needs to be attributed to an angry deity.”

As for changing Sedighi’s mind, McCreight wasn’t optimistic.

“People tend to find any way possible to justify their superstitious beliefs, no matter how illogical,” she writes.

“I'm sure the next time a big quake hits we'll get a ‘See? Told you so!’ even if the event wasn't statistically significant – he didn't care about science before, and he probably won't now.”
By Debra Black
thestar.com

Calgary Comic & Entertainment Ex

2010-03-31T22:41:00.014-06:00

I’ve decided not to get a table in the Artist’s Alley at this year’s Calgary Expo.
Though I’ve got all kinds of reasons to do it: Exposure, rubbing elbows with other artists in a similar genre, being at an important event with like minded folks …did I mention exposure?
I’m just not getting any exposure as an artist in the mailroom of an oil & gas company. Yeah, I know!

In an era that many don’t, I’m paying for my website, and it’s not exactly generating the exposure (or revenue) I’d like. If it could at the very least pay for itself, that’d be one less leak in the proverbial financial bucket.

Though the word “investment” has been used to convince me to change my mind about my depth of my involvement in the Expo, it’s not a complicated equation to figure out it probably wouldn’t be an investment at all (just to be there behind a table – showing off artwork).
I am going, you’ll see me there, absolutely! But with only samples under my arm and handouts for the curious. But the cost of a table, chair, power, etc just seemed like a bit much to sit behind a table and draw for the majority of the day.
So I’ve got until around this time next year to ‘get up to get down’ and draw up a plan of financial attack, and invest in my future. Not …that I’m not going to do anything about my future now.

I am doing this blog, right?
Yeah that’s right – puttin’ werds together ‘n’ stuff is creative ya know.

I've been doing fuck all for more than just a little while.
Well, that's not true actually...
...I have been getting frustrated.

Quietly frustrated.

But little steps have been started in the right direction to getting back on track with drawing, blogging, maybe even videos. I’ve even started working out – lifting really heavy dumbbells until I can’t anymore. Eventually getting fit, which leads to a fitter mind and then a much more creative mind. Then the perversion comes along and makes for really good comic strips! Then before too long I’m freakin’ moving on up and into the place next door to The Jeffersons!

Lost Notes (working title).

2010-01-14T23:35:00.013-07:00

That white scrap of paper or brightly coloured sticky, that's lost it's stick, were surely spotted by the several people whom walked past. How could they miss an obvious little thing like that on an otherwise clean floor, vast mable building lobby, or barren sidewalk? Sure ...it's probably trash, so then why didn't any of those folks (who saw it before I did) pick it up and throw it in a garbage bin? Is it solely the responsiblity of the janitor or city worker to pick up after careless individuals?

I'm not advocating picking up EVERY LITTLE SCRAP you come across. This city can get pretty gawd-awful after a windy day. Those white plastic garbage bags are perfect for that. I bet you've caught a glimpse of one in a bare tree in winter. Or trapped on a chain-link fence somewhere some time, right? Chain-link fences are like steel traps for all kinds of once airborne crap! Wow...

Every so often I notice some of those scraps aren't trash at all. But lost or poorly discarded notes. Grocery lists, to do lists, reminders, hastlly made labels, or even love notes. Yep ...I did actually find one last summer - but didn't keep it.

Speaking of keeping ...check out what I found just today and in the same building lobby:

Seriously, how can any kind of scrap, trash, etc last more than five minutes on the floor with SO MANY people walking around?

Much like my on-going photo essay Road Clothes, I've decided I'll share discarded or most likely Lost Notes, with you - like me ...the curious, observant individual.

Choose your own inspiration.

2010-01-14T19:22:00.011-07:00

Some inspirational images I came across and thought I'd share with you.

Yes, don't forget "Love Pussy".
Isn't life better when you're loving it ...rather than hating it.

"We" as in the world, "need you" ...really apply yourself to what ever it is you do, "Know it, Love it ...Be it!"

Who would've thought half-assed graffiti on a city bus would be so inspiring, eh?

2010 and no 'Alternatives'.

2010-01-01T00:36:00.021-07:00

Several days ago in The Globe & Mail I found out: The World Health Organization considers 45 to be the begining of middle age. On average (according to the WHO's findings ...the organization, not the 60's, 70's iconic rock band) The decline of general health in men begins it's slippery slope at or around 45 years of age.

I wasn't really all that shocked about this information revelation. I have my aches and pains like anyone else, who only sporactically 'works out' and has a somewhat active lifestyle. By 'works out' I mean, over time I've seen VERY LITTLE positive change in my physique - even though I own a set of weights (dumbbells, barbell, etc). By active lifestyle I mean, my job for the past (rolling my eyes) 10 years has been 70% physical labour. So most days I'm running on empty by the time I'm home. Porter Services has been more like a glorified garbage man without the unionized, high wage.
Don't even get me started on the "there's no money (for even a 2% raise!) during this recession" slap in the face annual review ...10 years with the company too.

Yeah ...wow...

Anyways, what I'm trying to say is: I'm not at all feeling like I'm only 4 short years away from middle age. But what does make me feel old is the fucking change that goes on around me.

The Huntley: The VERY characterful apartment I got (along with a cat) when my girlfriend of 2 years dumped me, is now the site of The Montana. A highrise condo that I can only imagine tenants like Fraser Crane types now call home.

Gerry's: It was the place to eat, drink, and have post night out commentaries for those who had been clubbing downtown. Sure there were others, but it managed to hang around the longest.

The Warehouse Nightclub: I've frickin' praised this place even through the period I'll refer to as the 'rave-wave'. Which threatened to wash away most of the black-clad regulars. Yet they some how managed to hold on long enough to the place return to something less alternative but far more alternative than what was elsewhere in the city (for the most part). It was where I for the longest time (I lived mere blocks away) could almost always see friends there (or friends of friends) ...or shit, even make a few new ones...
yeah, that's right, I've been known to actually make friends.
That place wasn't just a nightclub, but a congregation point for lovers of industrial, goth, alt.rock, retro 80's, brit pop/mod, punk, and even some disco and even 60's rock. It became a secondary collective living room of sorts.

I liked the variety of what was played there, and kept going all this time hopeful (with my meek CD contributions) there'd be some kind of resurgence of those past days when alternative was just that ...an alternative to other trend following nightclubs.

2010 was going to be rung in there, but within moments of arriving (and questioning the music) my wife and I spun around, back out into the cold. Now that I think about it, I bet there were a handful of dumbasses clad in Ed (fuckin') Hardey inspired shirts.
As my wife (in her 'cyber' boots) and I returned home, I did have a looksy through the window of a few bars/clubs along the way. But nothing was saying to me, "This place and the crowd in it is TOTALLY worth a $10(x 2)cover charge."

There are special alt. events (fuelled now even more so by social network sites like (rolling my eyes) Facebook and I seem to recall something called Myspace ...oh, no wait, here it is ...under a rock!
Seriously though other alternatives are the one, single gay bar which is only fun for so long when you're straight. Yes there's possibly more, but like I said I'm a straight guy and dragging my wife around downtown tralling for gaybars seems disturbing. 'Dragging' ...shit, I'm funny!

Now that it's been several days, and my frustration about the city I convinced my wife (formally my UK GF) was an alright place to live has subsided - I figure I'll discontinue this, "it was better in my day" rant. I'm no geezer nor (thanks to my parents DNA) do I look like a geezer.

Bill C-6 Will Kill.

2009-09-23T17:52:00.012-06:00

Conspiracy theory is good for the movies and TV, but there is almost always an element of faith in which side of the theory to believe. So if you watch conspiracy theories (like me) you know most folks pretty much lose interest in them over time. Much like a cat loses interest in a piece of 'thread', once it's no longer moving - it's as if the tread can't even be seen by the cat.
Yes ...I thought the use of a thread in that metaphor was clever too. Well, now that I think about it, I could've used 'yarn' as well. meh

Anyways ...instead of blathering on at great length about governments conspiring against their own populations, I'll just show you what made my jaw drop when I read it.
It's unfortunate that TV news is ratings based, otherwise we all would've been a little bit more aware of this. Because when it comes to television news broadcasting: If it's not sensational, it most likely won't get on TV - or so it seems.

"Under Bill C-6, which is about to pass third reading in Parliament and become the law, no Canadian will be allowed to refuse inoculations for the swine flu, despite the fact that it is relatively benign and mild, and has killed only people who are already immune-compromised. Indeed, it is astounding that such coercion and dictatorial laws are being employed to deal with what the chief Canadian Health Officer has called a “mild seasonal flu”.

Clearly, another agenda is at work; but the time to ascertain and challenge that agenda has all but run out. This coming month, forced inoculations and imprisonment of those who refuse them may be a reality across Canada. And for what reason? Clearly, not for public health, considering the sickness and death caused by previous swine flu vaccines.

I believe that the real pandemic is about to be unleashed through the very vaccines being pushed by governments and pharmaceutical giants like Novartis and Glaxo Smith Kline. The shots will be the cause, not the cure, of the pandemic. Of course, those in power can disprove this by simply being the first people to take the swine flu shot: an event about as likely as these companies forgoing the multi-billion dollar profits they will reap from the mass vaccinations."

I highly recommend you read the entire blog by Kevin Annett to get the full story.

Then like the rest of us, watch to see if he was right. Do I seem a bit too complacent about what may lead to a horrific body count? Weren't we all that way after September.11th?

Opinions That Matter Are The Fun-est Ones!

2009-09-18T09:30:00.007-06:00

Unfortunately, the opinion that often seems to matter the most, isn't because of the education behind it, but the salesmanship of it's delivery.
Chad M.

The World is a Product Placement™

2009-09-04T18:09:00.013-06:00

As you can see by the following photographic evidence, there is a race for owning the world - or at the very least, to have one's name, brand, logo, etc attached (directly or indirectly) to EVERY brand name on every conceivable product known to man.
Obviously these folks are in the running:

What? I was curious.

It tastes like IMAGINATION.

Disney Buys Marvel

2009-09-02T01:32:00.013-06:00

While googling ‘Disney buys marvel’, the drop-down menu was very revealing.
It read: Disney buys Muppets
Disney buys Pixar
Disney buys ABC
Disney buys DreamWorks
Plus a few other (I assume) companies, Disney was interested in or has already purchased.

I’m not entirely sure how I feel about Disney acquiring Marvel for a 4 billion dollar deal. I mean out of all the things Walt’s minions seem be gobbling up, I figured Marvel wasn’t really in the corporate sights. But then it seems Disney’s out to get everybody and everything – that doesn’t need to be market tested, branded, etc.

I’m a bit leery (no, not the actor/comedian – that’s spelled Leary) about all this only because it sounds vaguely like…
…how most of us felt when Wal-Mart moved into our area(s) smiting independently owned stores with nothing more than its sheer size.
Yet fast forward only by a few years (if that) and we’re all exclaiming, “I can buy my favourite cereal here for a 3rd of the price! Holy shit …the grocery store I’ve been going to for years is TOTALLY gouging me!”
That is a direct quote from yours truly, after venturing into a Wal-Mart.

Anyways I think (and I’ve read on some forums already) that it would be artistic direction in any future or present Marvel projects that would be at risk.
The collective worry it seems to be Marvel’s 5000 character collection gets ‘kid friendlyized’ (I’m no Stephen Colbert with wordsmithing, eh?) and the whole company slides backwards to where it once was only a few years ago.
Thanks a lot world wide web – now I AM worried.

OH! I ALMOST FORGOT…
Seeing as how I am a cartoonist (among other things) when I read about this $4B Disney Marvel thing, I nearly had an embolismic flood of comedic scenarios. Much the same way I imagine the writers for The Daily Show gleefully write gag after gag after gag when this senator, or that political figure verbally drops a hot, steaming pile of creamy, juicy comedic rocket fuel – which causes John Stewart to ofcourse shake his head, “This BLEEET writes itself!”
What I’m getting at is, where’s the surge of funny drawings, humorous toy displays, or viral videos of this whole ‘event horizon’?

Maybe I’ll actually beat this bloody World Wide Web this week?!

Another Blow to Calgary Nightlife.

2009-08-08T13:38:00.029-06:00

Gerry's (formerly The Husky) a restaurant that fashioned it's self as a 24 hour truck stop diner (smack in the middle of downtown) ...is closing it's doors for good.

In what would be my formative ‘nightlife’ years, I learned of the popularity of the 24 hour truck stop type diner. I think it's kitsch appeal was a remnant of the late 70's, late night, drunken consuming of comfort foods at the local ‘greasy spoon’ type experience. Even earlier than that I’m sure, but hey, I was born in ‘68 and didn’t really start clubbing or having nightlife experiences until my mid to late 20’s!
It was the type of place you plus one (or more) could congregate to do a bit of a post night out commentary. Let’s face it, you can actually get to know something about the person(s) you’ve been out drinking with. As much as we all just love to scream over the volume of a night spot's music.

The first place I can remember going to in Calgary was actually just on the corner of 4th St and 17th Avenue with very dated decor. I actually still have one of their amber water glasses (now a candle holder). Also I have one of their brown coffee mugs – I’ve served my wife tea in it more then a few times!

Anyways at this ‘truck stop’ diner, one could order steak and eggs with their coffee and finish off with a piece of pie …then have a cigarette, right there at the table, remember that? You could even purchase cigarettes from that machine in what always seemed to be a dimly lit corner. You had to pull the plunger (after you inserted your change) to receive your ‘prize’ in the chute near the machine’s bottom front – much the same way a monkey might in an experiment at some laboratory some where!

A few years later or there abouts, I actually visited the real deal here in Calgary, The Blackfoot Diner. Because of it’s location (no where near any nightspots) one had to drive or if you were a frivolous money-bags, take a cab. You couldn’t miss it, it was the place that looked like a truck stop diner and how convenient, had actual 18 wheelers parked out in front.

It offered the same fair as the aforementioned greasy spoon did – and still does or so I believe.

I have yet to own my own car, so when ever I was out clubbing or what have you, something within walking distance was always preferable …and yes, I’m not going to hark on about it, but it was safe too.

You’ve been gallivanting around at night in Calgary’s downtown; 8th street SW to 1st Street SE and 7th Avenue to 17th Avenue SW - and you’ve noticed you’re hungry. Where do you go to shoo those hunger pangs away?

Well there’s the hotdog stand, if it’s camped out in front or near the place you’ve been getting your dance/drink on. No? I don’t blame you – after awhile the aroma of wiener juice and the plethora of toppings, generally take on more of a stench quality. Then there’s the crazy serving you that wiener. I’m sure the mentally ill are great conversationalists at 2 or 3am – but do yourself a favour and don’t loiter too long …I’m just saying!

How about one of those independently owned, pizza by the slice places? Always opened really late to take advantage of the post night club drunkards, like you and your friends. Maybe? I’ve often found they only offer 3 kinds of pizza and all seemed have sat on the turn-style warmer for a little longer than they should have. “It’s – it’s like pizza flavoured cardboard ..mmm, num-numz!”

If you do go for pizza, might I recommend The Wicked Wedge. It’s probably going to be crowded and they’ll have some freaky combinations but try it at least once.
Don’t forget to tip the busker out front, strumming his/her heart out …and no, a slice of pizza won’t do.

If that’s not to your liking and you, and your drunken cohorts, figure you can behave yourselves for a sit down type environment, your choice widens dramatically. Well, enough for after 12am anyways!

There’s a few places in Chinatown – so long as you don’t mind the walk or dodging bullets. Okay, okay …it’s not that bad – well, just pay your bill in full and tip well, and for gawdsakes, don’t make eye contact with anyone asian! Hee-hee-hee …asian, Chinatown …I’m hilarious.

A few places on 17th Ave SW are going to be open past 12am and let’s not forget Humpty’s on the corner of 25th Avenue and Macleod Trail SW - friends of mine (whom own a car) highly recommend the Tatertots.

The question is: How much of an effort do you want to make to a have a bite after your night time goings-on? Because I know of this place that’s close by and is 24 hours and their food’s okay and …oh, right it’s closed down.

Incidentally, 2 thirds of the way through this blog, my lovely wife made us both, coffee, brown toast, and an omelette with mushrooms, ham, peppers, and cheese. It should sound familiar, if like me, you enjoyed Gerry’s as the last ingredient to a full-bodied evening out.

A huge thanks to those on the Gerry’s staff (pre and post Husky) for their ridiculous amounts of patience with us ...your often drunk, early am customers!

Much like the alternative music scene and then the gay club scene, and then the goth/industrial scene we find ourselves again forced to be a little bit more creative in how we get our particular brand of fun …and now, type of food too.

Birdless Wings on Flickr.com

2009-07-30T10:39:00.013-06:00

How does one bump into an old friend whom they've never physically met in the first place?
Well, one doesn't ...years pass and then ker-plop - there they are. Or at least, there's their photography on Flickr.com. Which makes me a bit embarrassed about my own photos on Flickr.
What compelled me to leave a comment on one of her photos was the fact - a few years previous, while walking Teaka, I came across this:

...and today, I found this:

photo courtesy of Kristina Nordstrom
I knew Ina did photography, so out of curiosity I put her name into the search window on Flickr and the aforementioned ker-plop.

Weird, huh? Photos of the same thing? How often does this sort of thing happen to deceased birds - well, I'm assuming that they're deceased.

No, no... I didn't leave much of a comment. Nor did I message her or call, email etc.
I'm bad that way ...I wonder how I've got any friends at all!

So why isn't there 'Room' for me?

2009-07-28T20:45:00.012-06:00

After a quick trip to London Drugs + a nice visit with Jordan (Really, is there any other kind?) ...I came home to learn this:

The "Plan 9 from Outer Space" of chamber dramas, 23 February 2004

Author: NeelyO from W. Hollywood, Calif.

Forget all the three-line raves this movie has received (which all seem to be suspiciously similar in tone). THE ROOM is one of those rare laugh-riots that is so fantastically inept as to border on genius. While most bad movies offer a handful of terrible scenes divided by stretches of just plain dull, writer-director-producer-star Tommy Wiseau's film offers one moment of disaster after another.

Whether it's the made-up-by-fifth-graders dialogue, the deer-in-headlights performances, or the positively icky sex scenes (love those smushed rose petals on the chubby girl's back), you'll be howling from start to finish.

This movie has already amassed a cult of people who know what to yell at the screen and when; for a movie that's being self-distributed, this rates as some kind of crap-movie miracle.

Keep an eye out for the pointless insert shots of San Francisco, which give the idea of time passing even when it doesn't: one party scene, for example, features eight of these cut-aways.

You really can't believe how terrible THE ROOM is, but at least it's entertaining, albeit in ways that the lazy-eyed, odd-bodied, English-mangling auteur never imagined. Not to be missed.

So anyways during the conversation over tea, my wife Sandra, listed the outfits she's made to date, on this little machine we picked up for $25. But in such a way as if it were no big deal. A moment afterwards I remember nearly lamenting about how something started as a hobbie could very well end up 'making ridiculous amounts of money' on Ebay or something.

It's yet just another one of those headsakers I come across from time to time. Leaving me, like I said, shaking my head and asking, "How'd he or she get to be so famous for this? Why isn't fame dropping into MY lap?"

The star/writer/director/producer rips off the famous line from the movie, Rebel Without a Cause. Making it laughable with the over-acting and accent, "You're tearing me apart, Lisa!"

Enter ...Then Exit the Dragon.

2009-07-28T09:29:00.015-06:00

Why, why, why ...does Chinese food smell practically the same going in as when it's coming out? It's really a rhetorical question. I'm not looking for a scientific based explanation about the chemical reactions (or lack there of, apparently) between MSG and our inner workings, thanks.

GADZOOKZ!
Was wandering about the office, retrieving my coffee cup and got a hint of the same thing that assaulted my nostrils in the men's room. That smelly bastard (or poor, unfortunate soul) works in this office!

Well ...2 can play at this game, Buddy! I am a 40 year old male, with an endless supply of coffee at my disposal!

Hee-hee-hee ..."disposal" ...funny.

My First Blog ...Here.

2009-07-27T12:53:00.001-06:00

After spending what ended up probably being 3 frickin' hours, farting around with just the formatting of my blog on Myspace.com and still not getting the final results I wanted, I've decided to try out Blogger.com.
It's a shame because with that site, I could post blogs, but also post vlogs as well - which I actually kind of enjoy. Until I had to deal with frickin' DRM, Codecs, etc.
If you don't know what those are, you've been lucky so far. Or you perhaps regularly update your PC's operating software. For those of you who do know what those are, you know what kind of headache they can create ...when all that's being done is sharing ...no, wait ...I'll save that for another time!

So anyways ...I guess, I'll just have to express myself via multi-platform, public venues. Wow ...that makes it sound so technologically advanced for whats actually going on. I mean, I'm 'sharing short home-made movies' and/or 'displaying (a not so educated?) opinions in a public place.'

Here's a vlog I'm particularly happy with ...enjoy!