The Upchuck Dumptruck

Classic Disney Wisdom - Be Yourself!

2011-01-11T09:03:00.000-08:00

I always loved Disney’s Aladdin as a kid. One moral admonition in the film is the importance of being honest with who you are. Aladdin has convinced himself that Princess Jasmine has little interest in a “scoundrel” and is clueless that he has already won her over with his ‘street rat’ charm. Today I was reminded of why we should always be ourselves, for when I would have normally hid my feelings from my friend (for fear of reprisal), I received the very reassurance I was looking for.

Often times, we get too caught up in the cares of others to care about what we ourselves are doing. Becoming fearful that we might be rejected or dismissed by those close to us, we never truly divulge what our heart is telling us. Deep meaningful conversations are avoided in fear that our beliefs, opinions, and personalities will be judged – and rightly so. We live in a culture of comparison and judgment. We have become a shallow people, accustomed to expressing our opinions of what we think of others, but are afraid to express what we think about ourselves.

Take Sally for example. Sally loved to collect buttons and wanted to be a painter. Afraid to tell her friends about these things, she painted in secrecy, as her friends thought artists were “too dramatic” or “too crazy”. If her friends thought this about other people, wouldn’t they think she was also crazy?

Then there’s George. George had a particular fondness for antiques and never was very interested in sports like his other male colleagues. In order to dodge judgment, he kept up on all the latest stats of famous athletes, just so he’d have something to talk about with them. Soon the charade took its toll, and George became sullen and moody.
“But I could never tell them about how much I love 1920s Art Deco and Antique Bottles! They might think I’m fruity!” George thought.

Lastly there is Vanessa. Vanessa hated country music, but her new best friend Bianca, loved it. Wanting desperately for Bianca to like her, Vanessa went out and bought a few country albums and pretended to like them. After months of carrying on like this, Vanessa snapped at Bianca one day, for she wanted to listen to something different.
“What’s the matter?” said Bianca, “I thought you liked country music?”

It is my experience that these things make us unique – why would we want to hide it? However, there is also just cause if we suffer from a level of shame. I’m sure not all of us want our friends to know that we came from the streets like Aladdin, or really enjoy the smell of our own farts. Yet on a serious note, sometimes we have shame or guilt hidden in our past. Having committed an immoral act, we hide this part of ourselves until it rips us apart from the inside. If our friends are truly friends, then these things should be shared.

Perhaps it all boils down to that old fear of rejection. It’s normal for us wanting to feel accepted and we all want to fit in. Yet we must realize that friends who judge us because we might be different or have quirky hobbies are NOT your true friends. It is too futile a task to put on a mask everyday and pretend to be someone you are not. None of us can do it for long. My friend Mike taught me the first time we hung out together, to never be afraid of being who I am. He confessed that he never had a drink of alcohol in his life for he didn’t care for it. Here I was pretending I was allergic to it so my friends wouldn’t judge me for not wanting to drink.
“That’s bullcrap!” Mike said.
“Anyone who doesn’t like you because you don’t like getting drunk is an idiot and you shouldn’t be friends with them.”

If you are suffering from not being yourself and care too much about what others think, I suggest you try lifting up that mask today. Prepare to feel a hefty relief. Anyone of your friends that judge you for it, will not forgive you for your mistakes, or don’t like you when you’re feeling grumpy, well…

…I suggest you find new friends.

Take Time for Yourself - Don't Be an Impatient Turkey!

2011-01-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

The following, is an excerpt from a journal entry I made yesterday, and I wish to share with you some insights that surfaced.

Friday, January 7th - 2011

When I woke this morning, a gentle snow was falling, dusting the world like a dessert covered in icing sugar. Today is a day for me, and I'll be taking a "poetic afternoon" – an afternoon dedicated to seeing things beautifully and the way I want to see them. Sweeping the dust bunnies out from under the bed, I’ve tidied my bedroom preparing for an afternoon of writing. I am relaxed today, but terribly warm. I opened my window a tiny bit to let the fresh cold and dense air creep into my room.

The wild turkeys outside are clucking away at an impatient pace, but I am at peace with myself today. No impatience for me. I don’t feel rushed to write, as I have set out to have the entire day to myself.

The words flow freely out from my pen when they want to. Downstairs, I can hear my mother taking down the Christmas decorations as it is time to start anew. I am very thankful for a new year. I am comforted to know it is set before me like a blank page, waiting to be written on. Starting today I will not forget my mantra of wanting to take more afternoons for myself, for I daresay they are needed.

When we take the time to spend an afternoon with ourselves, new ideas and insights may surface for us. Having taken the time to relax and be alone with my thoughts, I suddenly remember where I wanted to continue with various creative projects, or how I can fix a creative problem. While cleaning, I found some old drawings I had done back in highschool. It was humbling to know that when I thought I was making absolute garbage at the time, I took my own gifts for granted.

When we take an afternoon to do the things WE want, rather than the things we should, you’ll find the responsibilities we had waiting for us, aren’t as scary or overwhelming. I can remember a particular weekend in my younger years at University, when burden after burden seemed to spring up like wildfire. An essay here, a shift at work there, and two group projects due on the same day, I was overwhelmed. I took an afternoon for myself, and I suddenly had piercing clarity. I knew what responsibilities needed prioritizing, and what could wait.

Since then, I’ve made darned sure to set aside time for myself. We live in a society today where everything needs to ‘get done’ quickly. It becomes harder and harder living a fast paced life to take the time to sit down and savor each spoonful of cereal in the morning. We struggle to keep up with the “endless workload” so many complain about. No wonder people are left feeling exhausted and disgruntled heading into a new work week.

Taking an afternoon for myself gives me a new spring in my step, and I know it’ll do the same for you. Nothing can compare to time spent in personal reflection and relaxation. It doesn’t have to be an afternoon either. It can be in the morning, or after everyone else has gone to bed. What matters is that you MAKE the time, and It is my very humble suggestion, that you do so. Right now.

Worry: By "Definition" a Scarry Thought!

2011-01-06T09:14:00.001-08:00

wor·ry
[wuhr-ee]
-v.i.
1. to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret.
2. to move with effort: an old car worrying uphill.

-v.t.
3. to torment with cares, anxieties, etc.; trouble; plague.
4. to seize, esp. by the throat, with the teeth and shake or mangle, as one animal does another.

Okay, so I accept this post may seem a little silly but hear me out. Realizing not everyone shares my nerdy habits of looking up words in the dictionary on a daily basis, I stumbled upon a dramatic definition of the word "worry" in the dictionary app on my blackberry.

For the purposes of making my point effective, and because I think it'll be more fun or poignant!

4. to seize, esp. by the throat, with the teeth and shake or mangle, as one animal does another.

How very horrifying! I'd be worried if an animal "worried" me. Often times I find that speaking my worries to people catches me in the throat. I find more often than not that I tend to get a dry throat when I am truly nervous or worried about something. This is the rare occasion when I truly can't help myself.

3. to torment with cares, anxieties, etc.; trouble; plague.

To torment. Does this mean we might possibly use worry as a device to attack people emotionally? I certainly know it feels intrusive when other people try to create worry for me saying things like "are you SURE you want to do that?". Of course I'm sure! If I'm wrong than I make a mistake. So what! I learn from it!

Another word that pops up here is plague. Worry tends to be infectious. The more you get people to worry, the more it spreads like wildfire!

2. to move with effort: an old car worrying uphill.

God... doesn't that just sound awful?

1. to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret.

Okay. I think I'm starting to get it. Why would I want to torment myself? I mean, I can see wanting to torment others, but doing it to myself is a whole other story!

The point I'm trying to make here is when you see this word by "DEFINITION" you realize there really is no place for this word in our lives. Sometimes worry can be a good thing, like intuition telling us when something is wrong. But most of the time it's a fruitless use of mental energy.

My friend Jason MacDonald always says that old quote "Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere!" - sound advice indeed.

So don't let worry control your life, or you'll find yourself rocking yourself silly.

Negatifluenza - How to Fight the Common Cold-Hearted

2011-01-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

Too often during the winter months, people come down with a bad case of what I like to call "Negatifluenza".

People proclaim their hatred for snow, or cold weather. They proclaim how much money they've lost buying Christmas presents or how awful it is having so many "family obligations" to attend. Don't be caught catching this bug. There are a few healthy precautions you can take, by following these 5 simple and easy steps.

Step 1) Cover your mouth when you complain.
Nothing is ever as bad as you think. Stop negativity before it spreads by not letting it escape your mouth.

Step 2) Wash your hands of other people’s problems.
Don’t let other people’s problems become a source of negativity for you. There’s nothing you can do about it, and making sure to keep clean from negatively infected people will give you peace of mind. We have enough problems of our own to think about.

Step 3) Get lots of rest.
It’s a lot easier to stay infected with negativity, when you are sleep deprived and a workaholic. Take time for yourself. Others will appreciate you more and you’ll have more energy to concentrate on the good things happening in your life.

Step 4) Take lots of multi-positive supplements.
A dosage of journaling, childhood photo reminiscing, or a good book is enough to get even the most positivity-deprived person back on track. A good movie or your favorite television program can help boost your happiness systems as well.

Step 5) Stay Positive.
Not letting negativity bother you is the best way to remain positive. More often than not, I find that people are using negativity or complaining about this or that to just 'have something to talk about' with other people. Why not change the topic to something good that has happened over the last few days? More often than not, a truly toxic person infected with Negatifluenza, will find a way to take this good news, and shower it in negativity.

Symptoms of being infected with Negatifluenza include complaining, lack of sleep, or using phrases like “Yeah…maybe that’s good for you, but it still doesn’t help my problem.”

This is a curable disease. Let’s fix this problem before it becomes a worldwide pandemic.

A Fresh New Look

2011-01-01T12:49:00.000-08:00

Well I decided my blog needed a much needed face lift for 2011. One of the mandates for my new blog's direction, is found in my "about the author" description on the right hand column. My posts will be written to 'Upchuck" negativity, and put it where it belongs - in the trash~!

A New Year - Some Dumptruck Changes

2010-12-31T18:58:00.000-08:00

2011 is hours away, and I had the uncontrollable urge to update my blog with some much needed information on how to move foreword into the new year.

First off, in the months since my last post, some significant changes have undergone in my life.

1) I completed my university education. Five and a half years of painful studying - struggling with perseverance and self discipline melted away the second I shook the university president's hand at the graduation ceremony. Framed on my wall, is my degree, 4 year double major in BA-Drama and Communications Media & Film Studies.

2) I found a job. Indigo books is the name of my employer, selling people an experience in literary arts. I love my new job albeit challenging and the early morning shifts aren't exactly delightful. However, it is my first work experience working with a staff that appreciates my energy, and enjoys having me as part of the crew. I can safely say that I'll enjoy my time there... and the discount on books.

3) I've learned to be happy with my time away from friends. Last year, a very dear friend of mine and I got into a big fight. It was a stupid fight, but a fight necessary for my own growth. I was obsessing over his friendship, and confused why he was pushing me away. Now I realize, it is because I suffocated him. It didn't help however, that he was an insufferable asshole who never thinks of anyone but himself, and doesn't show the glimmer of care the second something nice happens to you. That is however, beside the point.

I had to deal with my best friend Michael moving away to his NET ministries missionary trip across Canada. I must say that his departure has allowed me to complete a great many things, and gave me the opportunity to be happy with whoever I spend my time with. This lesson with both friends has taught me the gift of friendship, and when it's necessary to stand your ground when someone isn't treating you the way you deserve.

Posting these changes is necessary for me in this blog, as I am also posting to report a radical change in the format of how I'm going to be posting things.

- I may be moving to a different blog host. There are other websites where the formats and interfaces are much better, and I can create a blog more unique to my tastes.

- My blog's format will be changing a bit.

- I will no longer be posting about personalized license plates...as I found out it was illegal. I've since removed the pieces.

Overall, I want 2011 to be a year for me to grow. I want to explore new areas of my life, and become a better person. I don't want to wallow in negativity or sorrow whenever something remotely bad happens in my life. Focusing on the positive is a necessary part of moving on from the past.

Too often my attentions are brought to those who don't want to be around me. I can't see why because I'm such a fun an likeable person! Nevertheless, those that don't want to be with me, don't have to be. I don't care. The point of my blog is not to use it as a means to complain. Rather, I wanted to inspire people with my writing - to make the right choices in life. This has been my mission for years.

So from this day foreword, 2011 marks the Upchuck Dumptruck's official departure from negativity, to posts that inspire people to make better decisions.

Wishing everyone a happy new year!

---D.P.

Storytime with Daniel: "GETTING IN TROUBLE"

2010-08-18T00:34:00.000-07:00

Gather friends, and I shall tell you a tale of rule breaking, and law enforcement.

Many people who know me, know I have a terrible irrational fear of authority. I live in fear that "I'm going to get into trouble". Commonplace for most, I was never the child who dared step out of line. I always followed the rules never once getting a detention. I managed to weasel my way out of trouble due to my untarnished reputation and adherence to the rules.

I shall now chronicle a few poignant stories in my life, which suffice to say, outline the ridiculousness of this way of thinking, and are stories that never manage to disappoint...

- "I'm allergic to ALCOHOL!" -

Fearing what may happen to one who drinks beer or wine, I always had the sneaking suspicion I was doing something wrong by imbibing alcohol. I was terrified to think of what might happen if I drunk underage! I would make up any excuse to avoid the awkward 'drinking' discussion I was frequently subject to during highschool. To this day I wonder how different my highschool experience would have been, had I not literally "run away" from my prom party, in fear of getting arrested for underage drinking.

When asked "Daniel, you've NEVER been drunk? Come on man! Live a little!", I'd simply reply "oh, I can't sorry, I'm allergic to alcohol, it ugh... the toxins affect my bloodstream and, I can't breathe!" - This abnormality made matters worse, as I'd repeatedly be asked about this odd allergic reaction. I carried this excuse with me well into first year university *sigh*

It did however make a startling turning point in my friendships, for one evening I just decided to have a drink. I just wanted to start 'living a little'. My friends jaws dropped when I revealed my cunning deceit...

(note: My father actually suffers from an alcohol allergy to red wine. Although I dare say he's never been tested for the merit of this allergy, and I have the sneaking suspicion the phrase "like father like son" might come into play.)

- The "Eat Everything On Your Plate" Police -

While dining with my friends Kyle, and Michael at Swiss Chalet, my fear of 'getting in trouble' embarrassingly surfaced. I ordered the "holiday chicken platter" which came with cranberry sauce, and stuffing! I however, did not want the cranberry sauce, so I ordered an extra serving of stuffing instead. The waitress was happy to alter the order.

The trouble arose however, when I was nearing the end of my feast, and could not finish the second helping of stuffing. Thus erupted my fear of "you're going to get into trouble!" as I took the opportunity to mush around the stuffing on my plate, making it appear that I had worked at it but could not finish it...

When asked what I was doing, I explained to my friends what I feared. Kyle and Michael being much cleverer than I, seized the opportunity to use this fear against me, and I found myself walking into a trap. I got up to go to the bathroom, and unbeknownst to me, while I was relieving myself, Kyle spoke with the waitress to thoroughly scold me for not finishing my stuffing after having asked for second helpings.

Needless to say, when I came back, my worst fears had been realized, and I found myself the blunt end of an unsavory joke. I do however, thank my friends for doing this, as it opened my eyes to the world of silly paranoia I was living.

- The Police Officer Will Arrest YOU -

This facet is one of the newer fears that has transfered into adulthood. No longer a sign of protection and safety, police officers will arrest you if you do something wrong! While camping with some friends last summer, Kyle and Monica got the wondrous idea to bring an empty bottle of whiskey in the car with us. Kyle made the wrong turn down a one way in a small southern Ontario town, and my heart raced tremendously as a COP caught us doing this, and pulled over Kyle. I was not worried about Kyle getting a ticket... No.... I was worried about the empty whiskey bottle sitting menacingly at my feet. I thought "What if he thinks we've all been drinking and driving! We're going to get arrested" ... when the officer smiled and nodded and let us leave, I breathed a sigh of relief, as my friends chuckled knowing how deeply I feared authority and breaking rules.

This particular fear however, follows me whenever police offers ask me a question, or talk to me. It makes for nerve-racking trips across the border with border crossing guards, as well as heart stopping moments, when I am stopped by a ride program, or traffic directing officers! What if I do something WRONG?

- The Lesson Learned -

I don't know where my accelerated heart rate comes from whenever I see a police officer strolling down the street... I don't know why I am suddenly stricken with a case of "DON'T DO THAT" in completely superfluous circumstances. Perhaps it is the intuitive assumptions of my blessed mother, who unfortunately being an alarmist was one of her less endearing qualities.... This lead my sister and I as children to always stick firmly to rules, and health conscious actions in order to avoid the 'repercussions' of straying on a different path.

However, this story is not without a grain of morality. For I did not stray into addictive drugs, or alcohol abuse. I've managed to keep a clean record of all wrongdoings (aside from several speeding tickets, to which I will write about another time). So I thank my mother for being the 'safe path' treading warrior she is, always being careful to spot potential dangers that might arise.

I however, intend to "live a little" embracing the 'daredevil' tendency to try new things, and break a few rules now and again.

(GASP... what if the internet police see me typing this?)

Storytime with Daniel: "Toilet Slumber"

2010-07-05T17:49:00.000-07:00

Gather friends, and I shall tell you a tale of exhaustion, embarrassment, and a toilet sleeper.

Many people who know me, know this story, but for your entertainment, and those that do not yet know, I shall recount the high school year I fell asleep on the toilet for 9 hours.

It was grade 11, and I was responsible for the preparation of 'modules' that would be held on a religious retreat weekend by those in Peer Ministry at Cardinal Carter Secondary School in Leammington. I had spent a great deal of time staying up very late Thursday night making sure I had everything I needed for the weekend. Friday came around, which was time just for the peer ministry leaders. Naturally we didn't get much done, so I was left to finish my work later in the evening. While people were concentrating in the Auditorium, I decided to fore go doing work to play the out of tune piano on stage.

Kelly Bryant, came to yell at me that I was distracting her and others, and my playing had grown quite tiresome. So, knowing when I had overstepped my bounds, I decided to go to bed early, and get up early to finish my modules. The peer ministry boy leaders decided they were to sleep in the Drama Room and the girls in the Chapel. I was fine with this, but I had stashed away all my things in the drama changing room to avoid getting in trouble with Mrs. Butera the school Campus Minister.

Tired beyond belief, I went to the bathroom before going to bed early ahead of everyone else. I sat down on the toilet...

...and fell asleep.

Words cannot describe the incredibly odd experience of waking up to a P.A. system saying "Will Danny Pike PLEASE come down to the chapel! Nobody knows where you are!" ... My butt had sealed itself upon the toilet, and it was an incredibly painful experience peeling myself off the seat.

Word accounts say, that people had been looking for me all morning. The boys in their worries of getting in trouble, decided to move their stuff to the Gymnasium leaving me alone in the drama room. Poor Kelly Bryant was beside herself believing her scolding my piano playing the night before had led me to do some terrible self mutilating deed. People thought I had ate peanuts and died. It was not looking good.

I however, mustered myself to waddle down the hallway to the Chapel, where everyone was sitting. When I walked in, I knew it wasn't going to be an easy task telling people what had happened.

Mrs. Butera marched up to me and demanded to know where I had been. When I whispered into her ear "I know it's hard to believe, but I feel asleep on the toilet" ... she screamed confusedly "You WHAAAT?" ... telling everyone had now become unavoidable.

For the rest of my high school days, I was therefore known as "Toilet Boy", and whenever I yawned or showed signs of fatigue, people would say "Do you need a toilet Daniel?" or "hey Daniel! Try not to fall asleep on a toilet today!".

Luckily, high school ended... surely this meant I could avoid this story for the future. Little did I know that this was the highlight of most people's high school experiences that I would never live up, even into my young adulthood.

The End.

A New Series of Posts: Storytime With Daniel

2010-07-05T17:34:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. I realize it has been a long and neglectful few months since my last blog post. Let me bring you up to speed on the various 'doings' of my life since April! First, I'd like to point out, that I only have 2 more months before I finally graduate from my long haul of a University Degree. I'll be receiving my BA [DIS-Honours] Drama, and Communication Media and Film studies degree. (Well double major ... but you get the idea.)

I've also been spending a great deal of time screenwriting. Many have the habit of saying "Oh I've been working on a screenplay", but we all know this is a lie, as everyone has a 'screenplay' they're working on now-a-days. However, My esteemed reverence goes out to those Windsor filmmakers, who have completed screenplays, and have put them into production. This said, I have truthfully spent the last 2 months perfecting my treatment for a script, and I'm almost ready to move onto actual screenplay. Huzzah!

NOW ON TO BLOG FUN~!

Given I've have more than my FAIR share of stories of blunders, mistakes, and whacky events that have happened to me, they seem to entertain a great deal of people. So I've decided to create a new series called "STORYTIME WITH DANIEL" explaining detailed instructions on weird social situations, accounts on things that have happened to me, or how to avoid being a fucking idiot.

=)

The Struggles of Honesty – Knowing when to say “Yes” and “No”

2010-04-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

Far too often, I fall into the category of ‘people pleaser’. As many who have experienced this moral dilemma, it seems to be a phenomenon where on the surface going above and beyond for somebody matters more than our own personal needs. The truth that lies in this seed of truth is moderation.

Far be it for me to assume to tell people what is right and wrong, but I have to play a delicate balancing act when it comes to doing things for other people. I was born with a generous heart, and raised in a household where generosity reigns supreme. My parents are the most loving and generous people I know, devoting oodles of time and money to who ever may need it (Mostly from their expensive-financial-leeching children).

When somebody asks you to do something, and you don’t really want to do it, ask yourself why? For me, I will do almost anything for a friend. I love to hang out with people. I love to do things for people. However, lately, I’ve been struggling with saying no. I just can’t do it. I spend way too much money, and I do not devote enough time to self reflection – or personal creativity time.
As an artist, I find I do not take nearly enough time to nurture my inner creative self. I leave social situations, school, and obligatory meetings feeling drained and exhausted. It’ll take me over 30 minutes, just to push out 3 measly pages of journaling. When I set aside myself a little bit of time every day for ‘thinking/writing’ – I have the replenished energy to spend time with others, and open up that generous heart.

Doing things for other people feels good. It’s a great thing to do. However, when you’re feeling exhausted, and you are simply ‘spent’ – you must know when it is the appropriate time to say no. You must train your friends and family to understand when you need you time. Everyone needs ‘you time’, and without it you’re left feeling unappreciated, unnoticed, and lethargic. You start getting grumpy, wondering, “why doesn’t anybody do something for me?”.

Far too many times, I see myself & my friends going above and beyond for each other (all the time). The problem with doing this (all the time), is that this becomes a level of expectation in your friendship. You start to expect your friends to do things for you; to uphold this level of ‘giving’ which can become very very exhausting. A couple years ago, I had one of the busiest schedules I’ve ever had at this point in my young adult life. I was working 35 hours a week, devoting a full university school schedule, planning an independent film project, preparing for a religious retreat weekend complete with meetings at every corner of my schedule, as well as being onstage for a musical production for a local theatre company.

It was simply exhausting. I took too much onto my plate. However, I could have saved myself the trouble, if not for one simple thing; learning to say no.

My manager asked me if it was okay to up my hours, because she ‘really needed the extra help’. I said “sure!” thinking, because she was my manager, I didn’t want to upset her! I undertook a large independent film production, and I was not being honest with myself an others, when it came to saying “yes I’m ready for this”. I devoted a lot of time to a religious retreat weekend because “they were desperate and needed my help” – but had I said no, I wouldn’t have gotten into a large (unnessesary) argument with my friend Mike, and I would have avoided a lot of stress.

To add fuel to the fire, a couple close friends of mine at the time, seemingly ‘needed’ me to be there for them at a moments notice. I couldn’t say no to my friends. I found them complaining to me, and their negative personalities to be so exhausting. So much so, that I nearly slipped into their world of woe myself. I ended up quitting the independent film production, loosing my job, and dropping out of school. My tower of “yeses” become a pile of “failures”. Certainly this is also a lesson in "tackling" too much at a given point in time.

The bottom line is - I took on too much.

The important thing to realize, is that learning to say no, to yourself and others, when your time does not allow you to go ‘above and beyond’ is one of the most life saving important life lessons you can learn.

If your friends are truly your friends, they will understand. This is not however a dismissal to stopping you from having a generous heart.

Rather, it is a message to learn to be generous to yourself.

Without setting the time aside for yourself you will be lost in a sea of giving. You must set yourself up for success, or you’ll fall flat on your own face. Your ‘people pleasing’ will soon turn into ‘people upsetting’ to those around you.

Do yourself a favour – say NO or YES when you need to. Your mind, heart, soul, and friends will forgive you when the time comes.

Keep your Dreams in View and Ignore those Bad Eggs: The Wisdom of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

2010-01-21T00:08:00.000-08:00

Over the last two weeks, I’ve noticed a lot of suffering, sorrow, and negativity swimming around. Given the after holiday blues, and regular down in the dumps mindset, I’ve also noticed that people are seemingly ‘down on their luck’.

I understand how awful it feels to be depressed this time of year. I know what it’s like to wake up and not want to do anything or see anybody. It is extremely important this time of year, to stay focused on the positive things we have in our lives. Nothing’s worse than a “Bad Egg” that we all know, who complain about how their latte was too hot, or how there’s a scratch on their new iPhone.

The most grotesque thing I have witnessed are the children that enter Willy Wonka’s factory (not including Charlie Bucket of course). There are girls in my class that embody the very personality of Veruca Salt. I've seen Agustus Gloops eating fist fulls of food, Mike TeeVee’s never stopping till they get what they want. It’s just absolutely disturbing. I present to you the wisdom of Charlie and the Chocolate factory.

First watch this clip:

Now, juxtapose this kind of selfish behavior to the 7.0 Earthquake in Haiti. It’s all over the news. What an extremely unfortunate situation. Not only has the economy gone down the tubes, but I’ve spoken with a lot of people lately that just can’t seem to ‘get past’ their bad luck phase. Why then, would you take the time to confess to me how selfish you are? What does that make you look like?

This post is for all you Charlie Buckets’ out there.

Now, I’m not a believer in luck. I believe in fortune, in the sense that some people are more fortunate than others. I’m here today to give some of you people a reality check. If there is something that has been bothering you lately, or if you’ve been depressed about how your life is panning out, just turn on the 6:00 news. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out how fortunate you are to not have to be in a situation like Haiti. For those of you who have been affected by it, my heart goes out with you as well as donations from my pocket book.

I find that a lot of people don’t truly understand what –real- suffering is. Only those who have experienced it know what I’m talking about. The point of all of this is, take the time today to give thanks for the privileged life you have. If you do not live a privileged life, here comes my moral of today:

Keep your dreams in view. Now matter how unfortunate life may seem for you, it's important to keep your goals, hopes, and faith in front of you at all costs:

We are fortunate to have loved ones that care for us. We are fortunate to have a roof over our heads. We are fortunate to be alive.

The important part of this clip to remember, is to cheer up already! It is not immoral to think positively, and it’s important to work towards that goal you’ve always dreamed for.

If you are patient. If you have faith. If you believe in yourself, and what God has in store for you (or fate, or whatever you believe in), than someday you just might get your Golden Ticket. This song encompasses the point I’m trying to make today.

GOOD MORNING! LOOK AT THE SUN!

Devonshire Mall and Christmas Shoppers

2009-12-17T12:01:00.000-08:00

Normally, Devonshire Mall is a relatively painless place to go. I for one, enjoy the low hum of conversation that generally mulls over the food court on afternoons. I use the mall as a place to feel social, while getting some much needed writing done. It was much to my surprise this year, when I discovered just how busy the mall gets around Christmas.

I always knew Christmas is a busy shopping time of year. I always knew how busy Devonshire Mall can get during the holidays. However… I didn’t it could get THIS busy. Let me give you some examples of what I’ve experienced over the last little while.

- While in Chapters Book Store, a woman pushed me out of the way to grab a book that ‘it can be argued’ she thought I was going to buy instead of her. Paranoia can be a powerful tool to be an annoying git.

- I waited 15 mintues in line, for a crappy cheeseburger at A&W… and when I decided maybe people wouldn’t be as busy going to a place like Ms. Vanilles, I found I waited with my cousin Brittany an extraordinary amount of time… only to get cold pasta.

- The day I did go with my cousin Brittany, we went with the specific intention to find a spot to write and get things done, that was definitely not going to happen. We could barely navigate the food court crowds. I doubt we could have even gotten any shopping done.

- While shopping for my nephew’s birthday and Christmas present, there was a crowd of kids fighting over toys. I mean a literal CROWD of children. Where were their parents? Lord only knows.

- Every bench at the mall was taken. No place to sit down.

- I had to wait in line to use the public restroom… {{{shutters}}}

- While walking through The Bay, the air had become so ‘perfumed’ by ladies testing various ‘scents’ it sent me into a sneezing jag. I’m not even allergic to perfume…

All in all, I’ve never seen the mall THAT busy. Moreover, I’ve never witnessed more awful displays of humanity’s worst qualities. I’ve seen ladies arguing over products, parents letting their children roam free to do whatever they wish, teens mucking up the food court and making large messes for the janitors… it just makes me ill thinking about it all. I swear people must be insane to try and get anything accomplished there. My normal peaceful calming social escape zone, has turned into this wild jungle of human putrescence. What the eff Windsor? Maybe I’ll try and go to Techumseh Mall instead… but I’ve never really enjoyed going there for anything… so we’ll see.

For now, I have to just ride out the holidays…

CDS or – “Cellphone Dependency Syndrome”

2009-12-13T19:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, so as much as I do NOT want to admit it, after today I’ve realized that I suffer from CDS – Cellphone Dependency Syndrome. My Blackberry 8330 officially broke today. The USB charge port decided to disintegrate. Yes, I’ve called the phone company, I’ve called the repair lines, I’ve gone to the store, I’ve talked to pretty much everyone. Either way, I’m looking at spending at least $100 to get it fixed. $250.00 will get me a new phone… but that’s only if I renew a contract and the phone originally cost $450.00. Either way, I refuse to give big cellphone corporations any more money than I already do! HUMPH!

But alas… I sit here at a fork in the road. My CDS has officially surfaced in full measure. I really miss my freaking phone. I’m paranoid as to what messages I might be missing – what calls I might have missed. My “superphone” literally did everything. It was my pocket access to the digital world that had the utmost convenience. It saved me from when I took my car into the ditch. It saved me when I had flat tires, burnt out batteries, and faulty starters on my stupid car. (VDS – “Vehicular Dependency Sydrome” I’ll get to in another post…)

It pains me that I don’t have my phone working, and quite simply that aspect of myself makes me sick. How did our parents do it? We live in a privileged rich and frivolous financial world. No wonder cellphone companies can get away with charging what they do… because we’re idiots enough to pay for them! It’s like cigarette addictions… the companies make them, because they know they’re addicting, and we’ll just keep paying for them.WHHHHY! As hopeful and “angry” in protest as I’ve become, I know I’m just a shallow idiot who’s going to go out and get a new phone at some point or another… for now I’m stuck trying to find the cheapest and easiest way to get my blackberry fixed…

FML

Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah

Panophobia? - Fear of the Unknown

2009-11-22T22:22:00.000-08:00

Panphobia

Panphobia, from the Greek 'pan' and 'phobos', also called omniphobia, Pantophobia or Panophobia, is a medical condition known as a "non-specific fear" or "the fear of everything" and is described as "a vague and persistent dread of some unknown evil".]

Given that I cannot find a single definition for "fear of the unknown", it can be argued that it has no real definition. Not a phobia, but fear itself. A lot of people may argue, that fear of everything or 'the unknown' is an incredibly irrational fear. However, given that this has been a disturbing source of 'fear' for myself over the last two days, I feel the need to talk about it.

Call it a general paranoia, or paranoid schizophrenia, but I've had an incredibly overwhelming feeling of 'uneasiness'. I feel uneasy about tomorrow. Uneasy about my steps. What roads to turn down. Is what I'm seeing right now actually real? Do I exist? I had a dream last night, that I was on a great ship. The ship capsized, and I fell into the ocean. I was in the water, but I realized I was dreaming. I did not wake up. I understood that in my dream I could breath underwater. Going down into the sublime caverns of the deep blue, I was approached by a whale. The whale came to me, and guided me to the bottom of the ocean. Only...It wasn't the bottom of the ocean, I was floating down to my house. I could see the house. The whale disappeared. I floated over to my window, I flew into the house and I saw myself. I saw my body sleeping. I laid down into my physical body, and awoke startled. I was very frightened by the experience.

I have had an irrational fear since then. It's taken me the latter part of the evening, to slap myself in the face, and realize what a ninny I'm being. However, this has not deterred me from the prospect that everything - to some people might be frightening. Imagine the implications of the soul if you truly found everything terrifying. Would you soon adapt, and learn to be comforted by terror itself?

The fear of the unknown has always fascinated me. The extreme depth and vastness of our own ocean has consistently blown my mind. It's extreme depth frightens me. The extreme vastness of space frightens me. However, what about fear of a dark room? Fear of what's to come tomorrow? Fear of what's to happen at a party, or at a church? Seeing someone new? Seeing someone of an old acquaintance. These are fears everyone has. The unknown. That period of space/reality/time that we do not 'understand' - have not had the time to learn about, or experience. The fear of the unknown -essentially is fear of things we have not experienced - or do not know what to expect.

I fear today, that I do not know what to expect for tomorrow. However, I've learned this does not need to be a fear... but a thrill...

... an adventure, our lives take us on every waking second of the day.

Picture from the movie Sphere - "I make a journey. You make a journey. We make a journey together."

Sphere is a fantastic movie on "manifesting fears" if you're looking for a thrilling/mysterious/suspenseful adventure flick with great writing, acting, and music.

University Groupwork...

2009-11-16T20:32:00.000-08:00

My experience working with people has been extraordinarily difficult in university. Don't get me wrong, there were many instances where working with an awesome group of people has been a pleasure. I get along with people for the most part in every other aspect of my life - accept for school. There is nothing worst - for a C average student's fate - then getting stuck in a group with people who are much better than you.

Group work can seemingly turn from this:

Into this:

Yes, the ostracism of academic group work brilliantly creates a microcosm of the holocaust. From first hand experience, I know this greatly. Perhaps this is a glimpse into the way people truly care about others in our world. You miss a Lab, or a group session, you're instantly ridiculed as a slacker. Yes I've been subject to the worst of these reactions, especially as of late.

The worst part about group work, is seeing how your own skills/intelligence is put under a microscope for all to see, and if you don't quite make par, you are not worthy of their respect. For a C average student like myself, and a notorious people pleaser, this a tragic paradox. How can I please my group if I'm a stupid dumb fuck?

They have no patience for you. No mercy, and without warning, will turn on you in a flash, giving you a failing grade in peer evaluation.

Alas, this is probably not the last of this type of situation I'll encounter in my lifetime. I love working with people...I truly do. I've had such a blast on film sets, volunteering with community theatre, and I can get along with pretty much anybody. There's just something about University Group Work that is unsettlingly painful and reminiscent of days in 1941 Berlin...

The people in charge of my group right now, are "Mini Hitlers" , with grand ideals of the perfect project. Unfortunately they've sent me well on my way to the gas chamber.

A letter, to yourself Daniel...

2009-11-15T17:46:00.000-08:00

Dearest Daniel,

I need to take the time right now to help you settle your stress and unnecessary woes. I've noticed a few things about you over the last few months, and you need to take a few notes. For starters, you need to learn to start trusting your friends again, and trust yourself to keep them. A lot has happened to you over the last 3 months, and it's high time you got rid off a lot of old baggage, and start buying some new thoughts.

In order to help yourself, you have to stop procrastinating your homework. It only gets worse the longer you leave things to the last minute. It is painful to see you being such a source of negativity in your own life. Just stop. Make a list of things to do - and do it. Even if it kills you.

Stop fantasizing about a life you cannot live. Live only the way you know how to right now, and if that means being an average student, and a hopeless dependent on your parents - so be it. That doesn't mean you cannot be a productive creative person.

Great job in your hunt of musical theory knowledge! It's nice to see that some of your talents aren't being neglected... wouldn't it be nice if you got some writing done this week? hmmm?

If you put half as much energy into your art, writing, and music as you did school, you'd have no problems getting by in this world Daniel. Don't fret. Things will get better soon. One more semester and then you're done. This is your own personal race to the finish line. I'll be there to cheer you on when no one else will.

Here is a to-do list to follow this week:

- Apply for your Passport

- Acquire Ford History Materials for your Father that he's asked so many times for.

- Acquire the tupperware you lent out to people on Halloween.

- Finish your homework and do your reading.

- Finish writing the script - then you can work on your own script for once without feeling like you're wasting your time.

That's all I need to say for now. I'll probably see you around Christmas time... or exams. Feel free to write me back!

Affectionately,

Daniel.

PS> Don't worry about feeling incredibly lonely at this time in your life Daniel. Someone will come along eventually and whisk you off your feet. Also, Pay little attention to what people say about your love list.

There is NOTHING wrong with your love list - because they are things that are from the heart. Nor is there anything wrong with PRAYING or your FAITH. People who don't like anything you said can suck your massive cock.

Meat and Potatoes

2009-11-14T13:33:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I dine on white food.

A Letter, to Huron Church traffic...

2009-11-12T01:33:00.001-08:00

Dear Huron Church traffic,

How dare you be such an aggressive and unnecessarily painful thing! Every day I have to drive through you, and I wish I had an alternative! Since when did driving have to be so stressful? You always make me late. I've had several near death experiences with you in the last 4 days. I very much dislike how many trucks travel are on you. I very much dislike how many people STILL text/talk on their cellphones while driving on you!

3 people today, nearly collided with me, all of them on their cellphones! How DARE you traffic! Do you want to get someone killed? I can't afford any more vehicular repairs, nor can I afford to purchase a brand new vehicle!

The WORST part about you is, that sometimes there's so much of you, that the intersections make me late too! I hit every single red light on the stretch from the University of Windsor, all the way out to Sandcastle! This is only possible, because there's just too much of your TRAFFIC! A normal 40 minute drive home, took me an extra 25 minutes!

I never want to see you again. Unfortunately, right now I have no choice - as I have to finish my university education. It is my hope and prayer we can learn to get along. You'd better start behaving because I can't afford an accident. I don't want to die having collided with the likes of YOU. I suggest you learn to get along with me, as I have no intention of being bullied by you any longer!

See you tomorrow. I hope you're going to take what I say to heart...

Travelly Yours,

Daniel J. Pike

PS> I see you picking your nose a lot while you drive. That's another bad habit you should think about stopping...

Love List - #1 - God

2009-11-09T16:51:00.000-08:00

Ya ya ya... I know. A typical "Miss America" style answer. I'd be lying to myself if I didn't say that God played and plays an integral part of my life. There's a kind of distinct love I have for God that is unexplainable. Not everyone understands it. It's not a typical idealized "Christian" viewpoint. In my opinion God is bigger than any religion on the planet. He is a 'universal' being - which is why I am happy to call myself a Catholic. To be a part of the Universal church. I'll admit my imperfections as a human get the best of me - as it does with most people. However, I've had many miraculous and profound experiences with God. I would be a fool to ignore the love we share.

I love what he has given me. I am thankful. Grateful. I love the people he has put and taken out of my life. I love the path he has set me on (even though it pisses me off a lot). I love the person he has created me to be - a loving, creative, talented individual with a cleverness most people don't understand. There is an irony in the way I journal and write that not a lot of people understand. It's an irony that is an intimate relationship between God and I - that is kept between us and only us. A covenant of sorts of mutual comprehension/understanding and forgiveness.

I feel protected and guided by God. I feel secure and can trust he knows what's best. I respect his divine designs of the world where most don't. I can see the complex structures and patterns he uses to touch people's lives. I can see how he's working in other people's lives (some who don't even know it). The most important thing I can say, is that God guides me where I need to go - and he has never let me down. Everything happens for a reason. Even the bad things in my life have proven to be invaluable gifts. Whether you believe in a benevolent deity or not, ignoring my love for God would be detrimental for my life. That is why he is number 1 on my list. He defends and fights evil, while remaining just and true. For all these reasons and more, I love God very much.

Love List - #2 - Family

2009-11-06T23:13:00.000-08:00

Without my family, I don't know where I would be in this world. They continue to provide emotional and physical support for me. One of the biggest challenges in my life, will be taking flight from this nest I call home, and starting a new family of my own. It's a difficult position I'm in, as my parents provide unending financial support. They allow me and support me in everything I do. Never giving up on me when I've given up so many times myself. Who to know you better than your own parents.

Another big part of support in my life is that from my Sister. She is such an intelligent woman who continues to astonish me with her knowledge. She married an amazing Man, Phil who has been the brother I've always wanted. He gives me much needed advice in every facet of my life, which has proven to be invaluable to me. Together, they made one of the most amazing bundles of Joy to ever grace our family. My little God-Nephew Xavier has taught me the values of responsibility, the importance of family, and most importantly - honest simple emotion - what it means to be human.

As time moves on, we all need to take a step backwards, and take a look at the bigger "family picture". Never take those around you for granted. Especially blood relatives. You'll find that love can be a powerful tool in bringing you out of the darkest times in all our lives. Naturally, our Family can be that source of inspiration. They know us best. We grew up with them. We grow old with them. They know our ins and outs.

There's a reason why you can pick your friends and not your family - as more often than not - sometimes our family knows what's best (and that's never easy to hear). From extended family members, to new arrivals, to sometimes pruning of the branches... no matter what shape your family takes, the family tree is always a shape that grows. The fruits it bears is sweet as nectar.

Love List - #3 - Friends

2009-10-27T20:28:00.001-07:00

Now this is a post that's been extremely difficult to work myself up to. As of recently, it's been very challenging going through some major changes in my life and dealing with the added stress of loosing friendships...

However... challenges, and trials aside, this does not defer or diminish my love for my friends.

My friends have been there through the worst of my emotions.
My friends have been there through the best of my emotions.
Without friends, I would have not made the difficult transition through high school to university with ease.
Without friends, I would have not gained the appreciation and love for humanity that I never had before.

Friends are my life source.

Although I put a lot of emphasis and obsess over friendships at times, I cannot deny the joy they bring me. I cannot deny the satisfaction and happiness that surrounds me when I'm around the people I love.

This summer I had to deal with the difficult battle between choosing to surround myself with those that Love and Respect me - as opposed to those that abhor and disrespect me. I found that friends I had for a very long time, came to treat me with disrespect, disgust, and unloving behaviors. Because I obsessed over those friendships for so long, it resulted in me letting them treat me that way - until I couldn't take it anymore. Nothing was resolved and there isn't a day I wake up that I don't miss them.

It came to a point in my life, that a close friend of over 4 years learned to dislike me very much. I don't doubt a lot of that was my doing. In essence he was one of the first and closest friends I had. I took advantage of that, and I clung to it for my dear life. In essence I smothered him, and the result was devastating.

Although I've lost friends along the way, a good friend of mine once told me "Friends come and go. It's a fact of life" Truer words could not have been said. This friend also taught me that everything happens for a reason. Although some friends have gone, it's important to remember that God will provide people who care for you. You just have to trust him.

It's been hard however, for me to trust making new friends, and re-connecting with old ones. I'm afraid of getting hurt, or hurting them. I do however need to take a moment to acknowledge, that the friends I have right now - have given me the support I needed during this time.

As over-dramatic and emo as this all sounds - I know EVERYONE goes through this in their lives.

EVERYONE.

So why not stop, and take a moment to give thanks for the people who are in your life. Your best friends, your colleagues, friends lost... they have played an integral part in all our lives. I truly do love my friends.

Especially the ones who stuck by me every minute. Just like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, I'm glad to have my Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and Scarecrows.

Love List - #4 - Writing

2009-10-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't already guessed, and my blog wasn't enough proof, I absolutely love to write. It's a fantastic form of expression for me, and it helps me let my imagination run wild. I don't yet know what the future has in store for me in terms of a career - especially with writing. However, what i do know, is that writing will play a cornerstone in whatever I end up doing. I've invested so much time. energy, and money into Screenwriting. It's what I hope to eventually do in life... but as we all know... everyone wants to be a screenwriter. The likely hood of everyone getting what they want is very slim. Will I be so lucky? We'll see. I just know that for now, it's what I enjoy doing. So I'll stick with that.

As a lot of you know, I love writing other stuff too. Strange and silly short stories. Random poems and rhyme schemes... but what really get's my whistle blowing, are writing Limericks...

... not just any kind of Limericks...

... dirty limericks...

Call this my dirty little secret that isn't so much of a secret anymore, but they help me express myself sexually without having to commit lustful, immoral, sexual acts. I remain a holy moral person (For the most part... *gulp*) but I won't let my sins stop me from being who I am. After all, that's what freedom of expression is right? What better way to do it than by making people laugh with something dirty and vulgar?

I leave you with one of my best limericks to date~ Cheers

There once was a smelly old bum,

who'd do anything for a crumb,

so hungry he got,

that there on the spot,

wanked off and ate all his cum!

...God I love writing.

Love List - #5 - Music

2009-10-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love music? Freaks... that's who.

I'll admit, my taste in music is far from normal, however, only recently have I begun to full appreciate the values music has in our culture. What a profound medium of expression. From Orchestras to Ozzy Osborne, music seemingly translates through time and space. It's a medium that connects us all, through every culture.

Some of my favorite styles of music are mainly Film Scores, and Musicals. As it stands, I currently have over 167 Film Scores and Musicals in my vast collection. It's a fantastic way that helps me write, and there is sincerely a soundtrack for every mood I'm in. I never get sick of adding to my collection. More recently, I've dived into the realm of BANDS! I know... as corny as this is, I've come to appreciate other forms of music over time. Bands provide a necessary break from Chellos and Trumpets from time to time.

Some of my favorites include, Coldplay, The Goo Goo Dolls, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Afters, Starfield, and Great Big Sea. I attribute much of this to my friend Rob, who's tastes seemingly introduced me to a new flavour of music I never dreamed of. Unfortunately I never really did get into Country (Sorry Rob).

Although I love to play the piano, and I love to sing, writing music is one of the hardest achievements I think I'll never master. I'm always in awe of my friend Mike, who writes and records his own music. He's so talented, and I wish I knew how to do what he does. One of these days I'll learn how to read and write sheet music... (probably one day after never, but we'll see)

All these things said, nothing brings me more joy than film scores and musicals... but picking a favorite film composer is a LOT harder, so I'll name some of the artists I tend to collect a lot of:

-Jerry Goldsmith
-James Horner
-James Newton Howard
-Marc Mancina
-Michael Giacchino
-David Arnold

and of course,

John Williams

These guys have composed some of the most memorable amazing scores of our time. They are the new Mozarts, Beethovens, and Tchaichovskys (I had to look up how to spell his name...) I had the opportunity to see John Williams play live last year. It was one of the greatest musical experiences of my life. Never underestimate the power of Cinematic Orchestration, as it will make you laugh and cry. It was such an amazing concert, and I'd give anything to see it again.

I leave you with one of my favorite pieces from any film: The Gravel Road, By James Newton Howard from The Village

The Lunch Pail Tree

2009-10-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite movies of all time, Return to Oz has had a major impact on my taste for movies. Check out this and other arts of mine at my Deviant Art account!

http://dan-arbro.deviantart.com/

Documentary Shmockumentary.

2009-10-15T20:09:00.001-07:00

Dispite his evident flair for political favoratism, and popularity/vanity - Michael Moore's new Capitalism: A Love Story is absolutely terrifying and riviting. Go see it. Maybe it will make you smart... but I doubt it.

Love List - #6 - Theatre, Cinema, and Art

2009-10-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

How dare I jumble these three very vast and monumentous things together! Alas, there's only so much room on my list, and thus these three things get to snuggle together. No doubt many who have met me understand my tremendous love for these things. First I shall start with theatre.

As if my being enrolled in the Drama program wasn't enough, I have a very large love of stage theatre. There is such a magic that happens during the live event that cannot be explained. Much like movies and film, the audience gathers together, however there is an infinite danger in the live event that makes it so much more real, and sometimes a more enjoyable experience. Anything could happen on stage. Costume malfunctions, set disasters, fires in the theatre, you name it, it has happened. One of my greatest joys is Musical Theatre. There's nothing more satisfying for me to watch a famous musical onstage, and leaving the theatre humming the tunes that unavoidably get stuck in your head for hours. They are inspiring and I absolutely love them.

On top of my love for theatre, I also have a tremendous love for Art. Salvador Dali, Michelangelo, Windsorites, my Nephew, whether it be scribbles on a page to extravagant works of art, I appreciate art in all it's forms. Windsor is such a great city for artists. I'm always amazed at the amount of Talent this city has. A love of Drawing myself, makes art one of my favorites. Art Direction for the Stage, and Cinema astounds me. The people around here that are capable of dreaming up and imagining such extraordinary things is jaw dropping. Local talent is extremely invaluable to a city.... can you see where I'm going with this?

This leads me to probably my favorite item in this cluster, cinema. I love movies. I love making movies. I love watching movies. I love music from movies... there is something intrinsically bizarre about movie goers. Think about it. You pile into a theatre shoulder to shoulder, for 2 and a half hours of uninterrupted entertainment. Having to get up to go pee is the most embarrassing and self-torturous thing in the world. It draws in crowds like cattle. People stop to watch, escape, and transform themselves. People leave to go to coffee shops afterwards, and talk about the fundamentals of a movie. There's something about cinema that is transformative - and that is one of the reasons why I love it so much. If I can write or make a movie, that transforms a person to make the right choices in life, or be a good person - that would be such a gift of employment for me.

For all these reasons, it's extremely important to support local talent. Artists, Actors, Filmmakers, Exhibits, Short Films, Feature Films, Musicals, Stage Plays, you name it- go and support it. There are countless organizations and groups in Windsor that need your help to keep art alive in this city. If you love any of these things as much as I do, you'll do your best to keep them alive.

Motivation and Contemplation Sensation

2009-10-08T01:46:00.000-07:00

You ever wake up one morning, and get this sinking feeling that something significant, whether good or bad is going to happen to you? This has been the fleeting and sinking feeling I've felt for over a month now. I guess when it comes down to it, I'm really only suffering from a bad case of "uncertainty".

After all, how many people can honestly wake up and think "I know exactly how my life will pan out over the next month!". Nobody on earth can make such a bold statement. Life can change by the flip of a dime. Why then, do some people manage to beat the odds, and 90 times out of 100 will flip heads instead of tales?

For me at least, I feel that for every step foreword I make, I take two big steps backwards. "That's one small step for Man, one Giant leap backwards for Daniel Pike". The way I look at it, the world of academia for me, has been a significant roadblock in my path to "beat the odds". Assignment after assignment, it would appear that I can't even manage to get an 'average' grade. Last week, I went to the library, researched for over 2 and a half hours, and left the library with over 5 literary sources for my paper. I spent hours sniffing through the books for quotes that would make a marvelous, cohesively thought out thesis. After pouring every last ounce of 'academic' energy I had into that paper, I received the grade of C+. Here's what the professor graded:

17/25 67% C+ (on the cusp of B- ... could be much higher)

What the balls is that supposed to mean? Since when did grading papers become so subjective? ... oh wait...I forgot ... I'm in "Drama"

This brings me to my point. Regardless of these grades I receive. Regardless of doing well or doing poorly in school. I just... don't ... care. I wake up every morning, feeling like there's something bigger, something better out there waiting for me, and I'm wasting my time being in school YET AGAIN. I am not making this bold statement blaming the world of academia for my problems. Oh no sir. I'm blaming myself.

I don't have the self discipline, the organization, the time management, the prioritization, and the determination to do well in school. Where did that go? Has it been snuffed out by the wet fingers of "subjective marking professors"? Or am I simply just a twit? Maybe it's a dynamic combination of the two.

I feel like I'm a good for nothing lazy son, who doesn't provide any sort of financial or emotional support for my family. If getting up every morning to fail at school is the biggest struggle in my life, heaven forbid I try and make it on my own in the real world.

Where is my wake up call? Where is my motivation? I know in my heart when I set my mind to something, I can accomplish anything. I just want to graduate. Unfortunately I've surpassed that pivotal point of bringing my grade point average to that of an "A" like I wanted ... but like they say... D is for Degree ... right?

All is not lost I guess. As frustrated as I am, I persist in knowing why I feel this way. What triggers my lack of motivation? Do I enjoy having fun too much? ... what fun have I had in the last 2 months anyway ... ?

All of this may sound bitchy and fraught with complaint ... and... it is. However, I say it, also with the idea that I feel like something major is about to happen to me. I have no idea what it is. Something significant is going to change my life. I will wake up feeling powerful, and courageous. I will wake up feeling confident, and comforted. What makes this happen, I have no idea...

... but it's coming... I can feel it. I guess it's up to the flip of a dime to find out the Where, the When, The What, and the Why?

Love List - #7 - Drawing

2009-10-02T15:11:00.001-07:00

From James and the Giant Peach painted and drawn for my nephew last spring.

Although visual art's is not my greatest of talents, it certainly plays a very big role in everything else I do. I recognize that I do have a lot of artistic talent, but I am most certainly no Michaelangelo. I am a very visual thinker, and one thing that comes quite naturally to me, it's how something should look aesthetically. I took art every year I was in highschool, and I was very close to taking Visual Arts as my major in University. However, my love of filmmaking took over and I decided against that option.

If you haven't already, I highly suggest you check out my DeviantArt gallery! There are lots of my photographs, written peices, and photoshop/traditional art pieces that I've uploaded to the site. I have some more coming on the way.

Daniel's Online Art Gallery

There is just something really special about drawing that I enjoy. Doodling helps me keep my sanity in boring classes. Painting, sketching, and colouring helps me calm down when I'm feeling angry or blue. I don't know how else to explain it, other than it is a very relaxing and enjoyable pastime for me. After all, I even drew the logos and banner for this blog myself!

Feel free to check out my deviant art profile page on the right hand side under "worthy opponents" or click here

It's been sort of difficult finding the encouragement lately to do anything artistic... however thanks for my very good friend Kyle, he's given me the encouragement and motivation I've needed for a long time. Expect to see some new stuff! Even if I am not pursuing a career in art, most certainly I utilize art in my filmmaking, and wherever possible... because I love to draw.

Love List - #8 - Miraculous Events and Surprises

2009-09-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

One of the more debatable items on my "Love List" for some people, is no doubt one of the more profound beliefs in my life. As most (some) of you may know, I am a very spiritual person. I live happily as a Catholic, and one of the biggest things I have come to know is in the power of miraculous events, and stunning surprises.

As one of my favorite movie quotes, "There are no Coincidences" in Signs that is a testament to how amazing life on this planet can be. My good friend Rob always told me "Everything happens for a reason", and I agree. Here is one really neat story of something miraculous that has happened in my life, and I'd like to share it with you. (unfortunately I don't have time to share the DOZENS of amazing things that happen to me all the time) ...I find a lot of the time, we are bogged down thinking of the negative things that happen in our life, and we don't often enough stop to think about the strangely coincidental things that happen.

The Old Man in the Parking Lot.

Driving home at 2:30 in the morning from my friend Mike's house, out of NO WHERE I felt the overwhelming urge to drive straight to my church. At 2 in the morning, I don't know... but at any rate, I'm glad I did. I parked my car in the parking lot, and just sat there. I prayed to God about my career path, which I find a daunting path to take most of the time. I had my windows rolled down, and out of the blue I hear "Heeeelp!" - I turn and look out my window, and there is a man laying in the parking lot. I look over at him and he's obviously very hurt...and very drunk.

I drove up to him, got out of the car, and asked him if he was okay. He told me he'd been out for a walk, and he hurt his leg. He couldn't even stand properly. I was very apprehensive, and I asked him if he was planning to rob me or something. He chuckled and said no, I really need a ride home. So I helped him into my car, drove him home, and helped him into his house. Coincidence that I got the sudden urge to drive out there at 2:30 in the morning? I think not. When I was driving him home, he turned to me and said "This is a real blessing my son. I've been out here all night with no help. Thank God you were out there". Even if you aren't remotely spiritual or religious, this experience has had a huge impact on my life.

One of the biggest reasons why it has made such a lasting impact on my life, was that it affirmed to me that filmmaking was most definitely going to be the path I chose. It was thinking about movies, and being frustrated with my film life that brought me to the church that night. I felt the uncontrollable urge to pray at that exact moment. It was a wonderful and miraculous experience for me.

What pleasant surprises lurk for me in the future? Who knows. What I do know is that I very much look foreword to it.

Love List - #9 - Acting

2009-09-29T13:25:00.001-07:00

As one of my other loves of Being Entertaining and the Centre of Attention, no doubt Acting comes next. Where else can you do both of these things, and get away with it? ;)

I love to act. I'm not an entirely serious person, so acting in serious roles is more of a challenge for me. More often than not, I usually end up acting in the side lines, never really attaining the spotlight, but when I do it makes me giddy inside. I absolutely adore being in Musical Theatre, and I've done several stage productions with Windsor Light Music Theatre. No doubt some of my greatest times there where when I could just let loose and have fun while singing and dancing for people. Unfortunately you get the stuck up art snob who takes Family-Oriented musical theatre WAY too seriously... then they spoil my fun.

I also love acting on film. It saddens me that I have not had more opportunity to take on comedic, fun roles in our Windsor community, because more often than not, the film scene makes movies that are either

A) Extreme Drama/ about people's "relationships" ... More often than not, this will involve graveyard scenes, unneeded sex scenes, or worse the "Character walking by the water front in deep moral contemplation." usually featuring a shot of the bridge.

OR

B) Conflicts about Rebellious youngsters who either find a gun and use it unwisely, or about drug/alcohol using youngsters who get into all sorts of trouble with their foolishness. This may also involve a gun.

SOMEONE DEAR GOD, WRITE ME A MOVIE THAT LET'S ME RUN LOOSE, BE CRAZY AND FUNNY!
I have yet to see a large independent Windsor comedy. If there has been one, SOMEONE please kick me in the face and tell me what it is. I would love to see it. Call me ignorant, but I somehow think those who have made comedies tend to get overlooked by the spotlight.

Needless to say, Acting is most certainly going to be a part of my future someday. I also love voice acting, which I think may be a more realistic goal for my life, however that won't stop me from fantasizing about getting the lead roles on the huge broadway stages.

Bloodshot Eyes and Leeky Skies

2009-09-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I know it's been a while since I've posted anything. I've had a hell of a whirlwind for the last 2 weeks. Diving back into the University life has been a lot more challenging than I realized. I'm doing well though, and I'm keeping up quite nicely with my school work and reading. (One of the reasons I haven't posted anything in a while) - Just wanted to give people a heads up of what to expect soon!

-Finish the Love List - VERY QUICKLY this weekend.
-Limericks, Limericks, Limericks Round II... oh have I been busy.
-License Plates! Round II - These are gunna blow your mind... or your pants...
-A new fun project I'm excited to announce later! But it's gunna be a surprise!

Anywhos, I'm off to take a much needed relaxing night to myself. I promise that I haven't given up on my bloggyness -as surely cramming tons of information into my brain will require MUCH dumping.

If you're inquiring about the title, it reflects the sleepless nights I've had in regards to school work, and the sad rain clouds that have cried all over the county. (unfortunately for the clouds I love rainy weather) KEEP IT COMING!

Later Days~

---D. P.

Love List - #10 - Filmmaking

2009-09-13T02:46:00.000-07:00

One of the career paths I've chosen in life is the enormously competitive and insanely backbreaking profession of filmmaking. Writing, Directing, and Making movies has been a passion of mine since gradeschool. It brings me such joy and satisfaction to realize that I'm finally doing what I love, even if everything I have done here in Windsor has been completely voluntary... but hey - who hasn't?

This is my big opportunity to thank you all for including me in some way in your projects, or even just chatting with me about film. It's such a joy to know all of you, and I can't wait to work on another project. This is however, a big opportunity to tell everyone about myself in a way that (hopefully) can get me some more experience, but also help people understand what being a filmmaker to me is all about...

From the moment my father purchased me my own video camera, I couldn't wait to set out and make movies!

Unfortunately I had two major set backs...

1) I had no freaking idea how to use a video camera...
2) I had no crew or friends to make movies with...

Fortunately, the solution quickly presented itself through my cousins. The only friends I had growing up, my cousins and I had many adventures and games we enjoyed playing together. The introduction of a video camera into our antics seemed only fitting. The greatest thing I have to thank them for, goes specifically to my cousin Chris. Who single handedly taught me how to use my camera, by picking it up and learning it when I had no ambition to do so. What Chris allowed me to do was essentially write, direct, and star in my own movies. What more could a guy ask for? Well, fortunately I know well enough to be sick of seeing myself on camera, and that's where my other cousins Andrew and Timmy came in. (Chris made several onscreen cameos). We had the best time creating our own spin-offs and stories based off our childhood joys.

The list includes:

1) An Original Piece: The Life of Lance - and most notably - the Life of Lance Christmas Special (A Christmas Story spoof)

2) Star Trek + Star Wars spin offs utilizing my many toys, props, and models. (not to mention Casio Keyboards as a ship's
navigational array)

3) An Original Piece: The Tales of Super Baby - and most notably - Dr. Psycho and his assistant Schnauzer-bot setting off to kill super baby.

4) Duke Nukem Saves Christmas

5) The Adventures of Alex Flingdingeree (Re-Creation of the One Saturday Morning Cartoon starring the guy who also played Manny the Uncanny)

6) Our X-Files - Halloween - Unsolved mysteries - Horror - Episode of Mass Grim Reaper Serial Killings. (With hitchcock's "Psycho" shower scene - for a "Zest" - "Fully Clean" commercial break)

and finally,

7) Nully Worm Stop Motion Animations - This process my cousin Chris taught me - and I've never been more dazzled by the effects - that WE could recreate stop motion. This was clue # 1 that there was no doubt I wanted to work making movies.

Since then, I've made countless stupid video projects for school and such, but nothing quite compares to my life now.

For the first time ever I've been given enormous roles with responsibilities and trust on several small windsor film projects.

It pleases me to know that my film colleagues trust me enough to do my job. I've since found a love for Art Direction - which utilizes my creative control over the artistic side of filmmaking, as well as maintaining a look for any film project with my many God given talents. I've done everything from musical composition, to gripping, lighting, cinematography, editing, acting, prop-making, set design, make-up, wardrobe, directing, and my greatest joy - screenwriting.

I'm so proud to be a part of the Windsor film community. The connections I've made here, and in my film program are invaluable to me. Through good times and bad, they've helped me through constant trials, and have stuck by me even in the worst of times. Thank you everyone for your patience with me and my shenanigans. If you need anyone to help screenwrite a project, or you are looking for scripts - come to me. I shall write you one in a moment's notice. As well, one of my new year's resolutions was to get more involved in the windsor film community! So if you need help on a project, let me know! I'm back for a full semester at the university, but if I find time, I'll gladly help out!

Also, if you're looking to make some dumb but fun side projects, let me know. I've NEVER lost that love for filmmaking that I gained as a kid. I don't think that part of me will ever go away.

Love List - #11 - Playing the Piano

2009-09-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

As many of my closest friends and relatives know, I truly enjoy playing the piano. One of my greatest joys in life is letting loose on the ivory keys when I'm feeling low. I've played as long as I can remember. I distinctly recall, playing the piano with my Grandmother Pike. She'd sit on the bench with our baby grand piano in our living room and listen to me pluck on the keys. I never really knew how to play anything, and I was always amazed when she started to play some old song like "Turkey and the Straw" or "Heart and Soul". Music runs very deeply in my family from both my mother and father's side. It's been engrained in me since childhood. One of the first songs I ever learned by ear, was "heart and soul" - is there any other?

Playing a real piano now is a privilege. Is say this, because my father got the bright idea to take apart our baby grand in hopes to place a stylish new keyboard inside the wood! UGH! I do however, forgive you father, and realistically, the thing took up our whole living room... so it was never really practical. However, I miss the thing more than our dead cat "Peanut". For me to play a real piano now is such a treat. I can never pull myself away. The immeasurable quality a piano delivers rather than one of the more expensive keyboards is undeniable. My heart breaks every time I walk into someone's home and their beautiful upright pianos are covered in dust.

Some memorable piano moments. The Piano at the famous Studio B in Nashville which Elvis played on. I would have died to play it. Playing the piano at the Windsor Light Music hall... that thing has been there forever it seems. You can feel the history and see the weathering it has endured. Playing my Aunt Mary's piano in her cute little St. Clair home. Finally, playing the piano in perfect solitude on my high school's auditorium stage. It was horribly out of tune, but I would always sneak into the auditorium on lunches or on my spare and play to my heart's content. It sucked when I got busted by the Drama teacher who's classroom was right behind the stage...whoops.

One of my goals in life is to own my own piano. I do however, understand the importance of having your own living space to accommodate such a dream. Delivering or transporting a large grand piano up a 20 story building is not very realistic. Nor is having a grand piano turned sideways through our current front door... One day I swear I'll have one. I just don't know when. I do know that although it can't quite measure up to a Steinway or a Wertheim, a keyboard is an easy and practical replacement. After all, I've never had piano lessons before, and I've never learned how to read sheet music or notes in anyway. So, I guess the promise I need to make for myself, that as long as I cannot read sheet music and have not had proper lessons, I am not worthy of owning my own priceless Steinway... not yet anyway.

Love List - #12 - Antiquing and Flea Market Shopping

2009-08-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

Nothing is a more inspiring, entertaining, and exhilarating activity than Antiquing. Honourable mention also goes out to Flea Market shopping. Many day trips and vacations as a kid my parents would take my sister and I 'antiquing' to various places across Southern Ontario. We would stop at every small town all the way to Niagara, or the Northern parts of Ontario. We'd find the wackiest of places. One of my favourite places to shop for antiques is Gravenhurst.

It's a fantastic town for me, because it's filled with history and amazing architecture. There's a little red antique shop at the top of the hill on the main street in town - with the name that alludes me at the moment. Another fantastic place to shop for Antiques is in London. There are two antique "malls" which are basically a large department stores sectioned off by dealers and their 'stock'.

My friends and I have found some bizarre things antiquing as well. From freaky clown dolls, to bizarre portraits of people long deceased. It's been a fantastic ride and I highly look foreword to the next random antique shop I hit next. I love collecting antique flash lights, salt and pepper shakers, and all sorts of quirky things. Flea markets can be an awesome place to find some stuff too.

Unfortunately there is a growing trend where flea markets now have become "crappy surplus merchandise" zones. Instead of finding neat collectables or ornaments, or other such knickknacks... I find they are being replaced by bins full of marked down FLIP FLOPS.... or other crappy Dollar Store inspired clothing materials. Knockoffs of brands and impostors of quality. It's hard finding a decent flea market anymore. If you have any suggestions I'm wide open. All in all, I love shopping for antiques and traveling to flea markets. If any of you want to make a day trip with me - let me know! It'll be an adventure!

Love List - #13 - Games

2009-08-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

If you've met someone who doesn't enjoy playing ANY kind of game, or hasn't enjoyed playing any kind of game the past, run away from them - they aren't human. I can't even begin to describe the simple joys of game-playing. It stems back to our earliest forms of childhood and humanity. What baby hates playing Peek-A-Boo? The joy of having a baby in the family, is so grand, that I can enjoy mindless wasted hours playing Peek-A-Boo, or Catch, or "Bah-Ball" with my nephew. He enjoys it so much. I've always loved playing games. Whenever the teacher would break from curriculum to say "okay guys, instead of doing hard work today, we're gunna have fun!" What kid DOESN'T get excited about that?

From Video Games, to Board Games, to Outdoor Games, to Sports - I've loved them all. I'll admit, I was NEVER the avid sportsman I imagine my father wanted me to be - but instead, used my wild imagination to invent all sorts of games and adventures for myself -which no doubt has had a profound impact on my career path as a storyteller. Of course you have times where games are just not appropriate... like at funerals... or at office board meetings, when you feel like 'games' and 'icebreakers' are just a pathetic excuse at corporate 'humanity'. We all know corporations and large businesses have no souls...

However, I feel that games are a necessity to life. They bring a sense of spirit and thrill to the mundane. They help us forget the problems in front of our eyes every waking moment of every day, for a few minutes to an hour of entertainment. They help ease tensions and conflicts between enemies. They help ease the suffering of being sick in the hospital. If my mother hadn't made up all sorts of games for me for all the countless hours I spent in the hospital, I'm certain it would have been far more traumatic an experience for me. Essentially, games can bring us happiness - at least for me anyway. For these reasons, and the sheer enjoyment of doing something fun, I love playing games.

The Wisdom of City Slickers: Finding your one thing

2009-07-28T00:55:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be honest here people. I had "a thought" tonight. Yes I know, it happens very rarely, but, when it does, I can move mountains on such thoughts. However, today I hope to leave that mountain where it is. Instead of regularly complaining about how big the mountain is, or how hard it is to move or overcome, I realize that this mountain is one I must face alone. It just won't budge. This mountain my friends, is finding my one thing. Every once in a while, a movie comes out, where the wisdom far exceeds the boundaries of the film emulsion or the projector it's running on. In today's cinema, more often than not it seems like profound writing doesn't exist anymore. How can someone get a screenplay's ideas to jump into the hearts and minds of the audience? I've seen the movie City Slickers before, however I've never watched it when my passion in life was for screenwriting. Tonight, I saw a movie for the first time.

The scariest part of watching this scene, was that I've felt like this for months, and I'm only 23! What the hell am I doing with my life? Checking facebook every 5 minutes? Driving 10 minutes just to buy a slushy? Wasting countless hours doing nothing, where I could be productive? Then it hit me. I have to make a decision! I can't live my life like this? What am I to do? I'm tired folks. I'm tired of petty insignificant things and problems affecting my productivity and outlook on life. I'm tired of arguing, and disappointing people.

This is where I understood why I was watching this movie tonight. Most of my filmmaking friends think I'm a silly nutcase for believing in the spiritual power of cinema. (They also think I'm crazy for a lot of other things, hahaha but I won't get into that). One thing you cannot deny is the synonymous intertwining nature cinema and theology. Back at the turn of the century, our greatest composers like Beethoven and Mozart, wrote beautiful music for the church and the spiritual experience. Now, our greatest composers write beautiful music for film and it's theatrical experience. We go to movies to be moved. We go to movies to feel, think, laugh, cry. It's funny how God in my life works sometimes. Usually, when I'm at my lowest of lows, the second I watch a movie I haven't seen before or in a long time, God's wisdom hits me like a locomotive.

I need to find my one thing. We all do. Curly was right in saying the secret to life is "one thing" - you stick to that and everything else 'don't mean shit'. Billy doesn't find out until the end. The one thing means different things to each and every one of us. That's one of God's many mysteries. I have decided however, that if I want to content with being me, I need to find that one thing that matters to me most. I already know part of the answer. For me, what matters most, is using my talents in every way to make God happy. To make others happy. Using my talents to make a difference. In what capacity, I guess that's my little adventure I need to embark on. That's going to be the mountain I intend to climb instead of avoid. What's your 'one thing' ?

A Note on Arguing. No it Isn't! Yes it IS!

2009-07-26T02:18:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more painful in the world than to argue with someone very close to you. Furthermore there is nothing more STUPID than to argue with someone very close to you. Sometimes arguments cannot be helped. We are all human. We all falter- and do things to each other we don't mean to.

What separates us from being complete pushovers, to justified human beings is the art of arguing. Where many humans are unsuccessful is by making 'rational' arguments. Some people are just out to sink their claws into you, and drag you down to the miserable level they are at. We are all guilty of it. Some of us seek out arguments with people, and others create them. Most irrational arguments conjure up radically pathetic standpoints. Here, I've listed some of those lines others have used with me, and I have used with others:

- "Because I said so. That's why"

- "I don't even need to explain myself!"

- Defender: "You're not even listening to me!"

Arguer: "Why SHOULD I?"

- Arguer: "Stop being so over-dramatic..."

Defender: "Stop saying that! My life IS OVER! You don't even CARE!"

- "Why should I bother arguing with you? I already know you're stupid."

-"I'm not trying to be mean or anything... but you're a really big asshole"

-"I'm not trying to be mean or anything... but you really suck huge balls"

-"I'm not trying to be mean or anything... I just think you're a stupid idiot"

-"I don't mean to be rude ... but you don't even know what you're talking about."

-"I don't mean to be rude ... but you're a stupid loser sometimes."

-"I don't mean to be rude ... but I think you're a cocksucker."

And then there's my all time favorite...

"I'm sorry ... BUT I think you 're a stupid shit face"

"I'm sorry ... BUT I think you are the worst friend in the world."

"I'm sorry ... BUT you aren't even WORTH my time."

What amuses me the most about that statement, is that by apologizing at the beginning of it, you can say whatever you want at the end. At the end of the day, when you've both argued till you're blue in the face, where has that got you? Until you learn to speak like an adult, and learn to rationalize your thoughts, the truth will always show it's precise in an atmosphere of learning and open minds. If the truth is on your side, you'll have won the argument. Everyone is guilty of arguing out of passion. Myself included. When you sit down to put rational thought into what you say, sometimes you can stop yourself from looking like a fucking idiot - that's worth it's weight in gold. The best and most satisfying kind of argument, is one where both parties leave shaking hands and apologizing to one another.

This post is dedicated to my friend Rob, with whom I've butted heads with for 4 years. Cheers buddy. Here's to counseling and rational thinking! No more will I burden you with my stupidity.

Gavin

2009-07-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

Gavin is a friend of mine,
he can kiss my big behind,
for a nickel, or a dime,
fifty cents for overtime.

Love List - # 14 - Traveling and Vacations

2009-07-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

No doubt some of the most exciting, thrilling, and memorable moments of my life have been when I'm traveling or on vacation. From my 900th visit to Toronto, to first times like going to Florida last winter with my friends, I never get sick of the opportunity to leave this shit hole of a county. I'd like to take a moment to share with you some of my favorite traveling and vacationing moments.

First, I can never forget the trips we'd take to Toronto as a family. I remember when my father would tell me and my sister we'd be going on a trip there, and I would instantly think of what toys to pack, and what packages of new legos I'd find. We've seen numerous musicals in Toronto, including The Phantom of the Opera at the former Pantageous theatre (now Canon), The Producers, and Spamalot. From dining in the CN tower, to the bowels of Toronto's shopping centers, you name it, we did it.

More recently, my favorite trips have been to a small town which seems to avoid being put on some maps. Our iconic visits however, never go unnoticed, and through our rants & raves, we've begun to put this town on the maps of our friends. The town I speak of is, Bridgen, a small community outside Sarnia in Lambton county. It's a peacefully quiet community, but there's one house in particular that seems to get lots of attention. The Muller Family residence has been one of my favorite places to go with my friends. Canada, Jen, Eric, and Leslie have been some of the most entertaining people I've met. In particular, Leslie seems to have an unavoidable abundance of energy I never thought could rival my own. From horse back riding, to endless hours of the night laughing, I've never had more fun in my entire life.

Florida. Last year I took one of the biggest trips that I've ever had. Unlike most children one of my many many privileges, was unfortunately not visiting Florida. I still haven't been to Disney world, but no doubt with my friend Rob leaving in September, I'll find myself going there regardless of financial ruin. I had such a blast going to Florida. The tropical weather was a surreal experience to behold. We went riding through the everglades to see Alligators. I went swimming in the ocean for the first time. Snorkeling for the first time. It was just amazing. I can't wait to go back.

Lastly, one trip I will never forget, is with Rob to Toronto for one of his first acting agencies, (which ended up being a huge iconic mistake for him, but a lesson learned for everyone). This was the first time I visited Toronto without my family, and my first time on the TTC subway system in which I experienced Toronto in a whole new light. We ran for blocks because we were late, and this day trip went down in absolute lunacy. I had such a blast, and it was one of the first times I realized I'd made a friend for life. I still look back and remember what a day it was.

However, with all these memories, it's time to make new ones, and I look foreword to my future travel plans, which include 2 train trip across canada. The first being to the West Coast, and the second to the East. I also plan to visit Florida again, and visit Rob in Disney World. Eventually, I'll get brave enough to get on a plane for the first time, and maybe venture overseas.

Love List - #15 - Being Funny

2009-07-16T01:43:00.000-07:00

Again... very rarely does this ever happen to me... but when it does... the choirs in my mind rejoice.

Love List - #16 - Being Right

2009-07-16T01:42:00.001-07:00

Very rarely does it happen... but when it does... it's a sweet sweet victory. Otherwise, I'm out of cash on a LOT of "quarter" bets I make and then loose.

Love List - #17 - Being Entertaining/Center of Attention

2009-07-16T01:34:00.001-07:00

From hosting exorbitant amounts of guests at my home, to just being a crazy goof to keep a party/gathering interesting, I love being the center of attention entertaining goofball. My close friends and relatives can attest to this behavior by using several thousand different examples.

I've been known to cook delicious orange marmalade glazed hams, to botched Swedish meatball recipes, to ornately decorated birthday cakes, to sloppy malformed cake mountains with icing. Whatever the food may be, through disaster or success, I love baking and cooking dinner for people. I love being the host - the chef. This much I get from my father without a doubt.

Being the center of attention seemed to be a habit in an of itself I developed from being the cute baby of the family. I've just developed an abnormal habit of attracting attention, which believe it or not, can also be a curse some days. Overall, I love making people laugh. I love hearing memories of good times had by all when I'm at my most silly, or at my most-host-ness. It brings me joy and happiness slaving over my house and my friends. I love to entertain them.

Somedays it can be particularly draining - especially when I don't get a single thank you *grunt* ... but then again - it's sort of a thankless job. My friends shouldn't have to say thank you all the time to me. I know they appreciate the things I do for them. I go above and beyond where most would say "meh, whatever". The fact that they keep coming back to listen to my silly antics, and to let me entertain them is thank you enough ;) I guess they can't hate it at any rate.

The Madcap Romantic

2009-07-13T00:04:00.001-07:00

The blogging bug has reached my sister! Check out her new blog!

madcapromantic.blogspot.com

She's the type of person that would die for some comments.

While you're at it, don't forget to check out the blogs of two

other good friends of mine:

Mike McPherson's sickofscreaming.blogspot.com

and

Gavin Booth's How Many Days?

Love List -#18- Swimming

2009-07-12T23:35:00.000-07:00

Several sessions of wrinkled hands, and clogged ears later, I discovered my love of swimming at my Uncle Archie's cottage on Lake Erie near Point Pelee National Park. I always looked foreward every year to that family reunion, where I was allowed to put on my bathing suit and spend an entire day swimming in the lake with my cousins. We'd play all sorts of games, and find neat treasures in that polluted water.

What really solidified my love of swimming, were family vacations to various hotels across Ontario, where in my youth, the one thing I looked foreword most about vacation was diving into that pool. The downside, was that until I turned 16 or 18 depending on the hotel, I was never allowed to go to the pool on my own. To a kid, having to wait for your parents to wake up from a nap in the hotel can seem like an eternity when you're already wearing your bathing suit.

When it came time for me to turn 18, family vacations became even more enjoyable, as I'd get to spend as much time in the water as I wanted, with the freedom of going in while my parents slept. One of the most memorable moments in my swimming life however, was always finding out friends had pools that I could swim in. We never had a pool at our house, which was a real bummer. My best childhood friend, Jason Cabinaw lived next door, and I remember swimming at his house for hours on end. When he moved, this was a sad day for both of us.

Many summers I spent in that pool, and now I've spent the last two summers swimming at my friend Mike's or The Bondy's house. When Mike told me he thought they were going to get rid of their pool due to a leak, my heart sank. I remember first meeting Mike, where time and time again I'd try to get him on the topic of conversation of pools and swimming, in hopes that'd he'd eventually invite me over. I'm too sheepish to ask you see, because I'm the type of person who feels it's not appropriate to invite yourself to things at the expense of someone else's time or energy. I know one day I'll eventually own a pool, but I always think that it may be better if I didn't. The times I look foreword to swimming wouldn't be as special.

Love List - #19 - Food

2009-07-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

From junk food, to rich cheese cake, to a savory steak or watery chicken, I absolutely love food. It's so delicious. It's so scrumptious. It's so savoury. It's so mouthwateringly-flavourful and tasty. Of course you can get really really bad food...

... like Sushi...

but for the most part food never seems to fail with me. Even poorly prepared food, or half-assed goulashes I can appreciate. Candy has a special place in my heart as well. Especially candy that tastes like other foods, like Jelly Bellys.

I love to cook food as well. Orange Marmalade glazed hams, pastas, chili, and chicken!

Sometimes things I cook don't turn out... like my chicken gravy sweedish meatballs... but we don't talk about those times.

I've also learned to appreciate going without food. I've done numerous fasting events, and fast-a-thons throughout gradeschool and highschool - to help us remember those in this world who go without food from day to day. It's a sad fact that far too many people starve to death each day. I'm extremely thankful that I'm in a position where I can appreciate the food that is put on my table.

Tom Cruise wants money.

2009-07-02T23:36:00.000-07:00

"Show me the money!"

Love List - #20 - Birthdays

2009-07-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

Seeing as it’s my birthday, I thought it only fitting to express my love to everyone on how much I enjoy celebrating this day with family and friends. I had always enjoyed celebrating and planning birthday parties for my friends. Albeit, that sometimes it can be a thankless job, it doesn’t come without it’s rewards.

Seeing the excited expression on anyone’s face when a room is decorated with balloons and confetti… or the satisfied and jovial expression when seeing a large birthday cake plopped in front of their eyes… and even the occasional prank birthday cards or inside jokes no one ever seems to get sick of. It’s always nice to see what joy you can bring to someone, without having to say a word.

I love my birthday especially, because I’m the type of selfish vain person who loves being shown affection by other people. I thrive on affection. It’s my one day that I’m allowed to be special, especially when 364 days of the year I tend to feel unimportant. It’s a celebration of life, and my time here on earth. I enjoy being alive, and feeling loved. Most importantly, it’s great to celebrate this love with God and the ultimate plan he has in store for me, when he decided I was special enough to be created.

A very special thank you for all the birthday wishes! They never go unnoticed, and I highly appreciate them! Thank you guys! I love you all.

The Love List

2009-07-02T15:48:00.000-07:00

Alas, I had to succumb to the advice of several readers of my blog, and formally announce the creation of my Top 20 LOVE list. Yes, I promise that I am not as hate filled as people may think, and there are many many things that I love… it’s going to be hard narrowing it down to 20. Only now after releasing all my hate and anger for things, I feel compelled to express my up most love. I apologize if this may seem boring for some, so if that’s the case, I say, go suck a lemon - this isn't a Michael Jackson scandal/memorial/entertainment blog.

Hate List - #1 - Satan

2009-07-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

Abaddon, Accuser of the brethren, Adversary, Angel of the bottomless pit, Antichrist, Apollyon, Beelzebub, Belial, Destroyer, Devil, Dragon, Enemy, Evil spirit, Father of all liars, Great red dragon, Lucifer, Man of Sin, Murderer, Old serpent, Power of darkness, Power of death, Prince of this world, Ruler of darkness, Satan, Serpent, Son of Perdition, Tempter, Thief, and The Wicked One... whatever you call him, there is a reason why he is #1 on my list of hated things.

Regardless if you believe in Christ, or a loving benevolent God as I do, there is no doubt in my mind that even in hearing of his ways, people would despise the wickedness that is Satan.

Revelations 12:9:

"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the devil and satan , which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."

He is the representation of everything that is the opposite of good. He manifests himself in many ways, and uses your weaknesses to make you fall into sin. He uses your weaknesses to keep people in depression, and use their paranoia to cast their loved ones out of their lives, by telling lies and making scenarios. He uses the sins of other people as weapons to attack you. Tempt you.

It is said, that if God made all the demons of the world visible, they would black out the sun. I loathe satan and all that he does. I praise God that he made me so that I can fight off the devil when my courage and strength are vigilant. To me, the devil represents everything I do not wish to become. We are created in the likeness of God, not Lucifer, the angel of light that fell from the sky when he wanted God's power. It's so foolish to assume we could be God in anyway. That was Satan's downfall, and he is very good at taking God's children down with him as revenge.

A lot of the times I've talked to people who believe in God, but do not believe in the power of the devil. In reality, this is true. If we were perfect beings, the devil would have no power. Unfortunately in our imperfections that is a part of us that makes us human. How can we be divine beings and sinners at the same time? This is God's paradox and part of the mystery of faith. I spit on you Satan. Your powers are nothing compared to the awesome power of our benevolent God. Who is capable of great Love, and great justice as well. Surely, if I love God with all my heart, there is no possible way I could love any small fragment of what Satan is. This will be my life lesson. Thusly, Satan you are #1 on my top 20 hate list. You disgust me!

Pikachu Balloon Design

2009-06-28T23:40:00.000-07:00

This made me giggle... because I'm awful.

New Poll!

2009-06-28T18:34:00.001-07:00

Everyone.... scroll down on my sidebar, and vote on my new poll!

VOTE ON IT! OR DIE

Hate List - #2 - Flip Flops

2009-06-26T22:16:00.000-07:00

*flick flack flack flip flip floppy flip flip flap flap flap flap flap flap flip flip flack flackit flackity flippy flop flop*

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!AUI@G#H$OQGH@EG

There's a reason why I saved Flip Flips for Number 2 on my hate list... I effing hate these shoes. No, I will not call them shoes. They aren't anything. They are shaped pieces of foam and plastic loops. The way they sound, the way they smell and look after a week of use, their lack-luster-laid-back-hippie attitude, and their natural wearing/weathering in close proximity to harsh floors + ground.... I just HATE IT. The only way I could be comfortable wearing a 'flippy floppie' is on the beach, or in grass...and even then I'd prefer REAL sandals... which last longer... and barely cost more. I hate when people drag their feet in them, especially the big thick foam based flip flops that cut and scrap into the ground like a barbaric destructive monster.

Just imagine taking a piece of cardboard, or a sponge, and viciously rubbing it on a harsh concrete surface keeping your fingernails in close proximity to the cement as well. This is the vision I get from people who drag their feet in flip flops. Their existence nauseates me. The foot-fetish-freedom-freak that invented them must be held accountable for the hundreds of wasted flip flops in this world.

I'm gunna go throw up now.

Hate List - #3 - Emotional Attachments

2009-06-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

We've all had them. Whether they be for a dog that has died, and we mourn over for years. A priceless old vase that belonged to our Grandmother, who'd roll in her grave if she found out that you broke it trying out your new golf swing. That TV show we adore, and we miss a single episode, then complain about it to everyone around us. Loosing a home to a mortgage or fire, and never forgiving powers that be for the unfortunate accident that was bestowed upon you. That ex boyfriend or girlfriend that you've been separated from for years and years, but you still can't let it go. That grudge you have against God, or a family member that you feel the need to call me and complain about. That girl or boy you try to date, yet they don't want anything to do with you, and you still persist in following them with your heart. Or in my case, having close friends leaving, that I cannot seem to let go.

It's been a challenging time in my life since 2005. I left highschool, thinking that I'd never make friends again, or that I'd never have close friendships with anybody. Two of my first very close friends moved to Toronto at the end of highschool, and I found myself in the vast environment of university knowing absolutely nobody. To make a long story short, I met 2 new friends that saved me from myself, and through them I've met dozens of new people that have all meant dear to me. It's always hard saying good bye to the people you love, but it shouldn't stop you from attaining your own goals and ambitions. Emotional attachments can be a very good thing. The attachment of love you have for your wife or husband, your niece or nephew, mother or father, and son or daughter. However, in the end, should you loose someone close to you, it will be one of the more trying times in your life. This is when emotional attachments become difficult, and the very thing I hate.

I wish I was more independent like a good friend of mine. He has no fears of the world, is excited to live life, and isn't afraid of leaving the ones he loves behind to reach his goals. This isn't the life for everyone, but it's just something I cannot see myself ever doing. How than, can I fulfill my emotional attachment of being a filmmaker? What if one day I loose all my limbs and become deaf and blind? Can I still achieve this goal, or should I rethink my strategy. I'm not saying disabled people cannot become great people. Quite the opposite. I'm saying that emotional attachments can get you no where and anywhere. The passion and drive you have can make you or break you. Seek something blindly or look at something realistically?

My point is, everything in your world can change in the flip of a dime. You get pregnant. You loose your house. You loose a loved one to cancer. Good friends come and go. Masterpieces of artwork are lost in a spill of paint thinner. No matter what happens to you, change is unavoidable. How you deal with your emotional attachments is the most important part. As for me? I'm still dealing. I know that I'll learn to move on with my life, and I have many amazing friends that I hope to maybe get closer with like I have in the past. I do know however, that hurt comes for a reason, and that I can truly be thankful God has given me friends that I can share my life with.... and more importantly my faith.

UP

2009-06-23T23:01:00.000-07:00

I forgot how satisfying and emotionally fulfilling it is to see just a really really good movie. It's funny how it can dramatically alter your mood and leave feeling every penny was worth it. This is the feeling I had tonight after watching Pixar's latest: UP

This movie not only made me laugh as Pixar always manages to accomplish, but it made me cry too. The heavy emotional themes set this movie apart from your usual 'children's cartoon'. Although the context is very emotional, Pixar dishes out what thousands of people already learn how to handle...

Children are a lot smarter than we realize, and it's great to see writing that is timeless, seamless and well thought out. UP gets my vote for Best Animation of 2009... and probably best movie.

Go see it. Support Pixar.

Also, as a great side note, read this fantastic article that is sure to tug at your heartstrings:

Pixar flies employee, DVD to dying 10-year-old Calif. girl whose final wish was to see 'Up'

Hate List - #4 - Video Rental Stores... Specifically Movie Gallery

2009-06-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

Remember the day, when renting movies wasn't more expensive than going to the theatres?

That day doesn't exist anymore. We live in the century of downloading, and infinite internet accessibility. I frown upon deliberate downloading (As guilty as I am of it), however, when movies cost 5 dollars to rent for ONE NIGHT. Give me a break. I can go to the theatres and see a brand new movie on cheap tuesday, and save money.

The worst part is, especially with companies like Movie Gallery that badger you when you walk in the door to sign up for their "powerplay" accounts, which, if they didn't overcharge you for movies in the first place, you wouldn't have to sign up for a 30, 40, or 50 dollar a month powerplay plan... 50 bucks a month sounds like a lot right? But you can rent as many movies as your powerplay plan lets you... which is 3 at a time! (but only with the Platinum or Diamond plans)... Also There are NO LATE FEES... during your subscription time. So if your subscription runs out, and you still have the movies, you need to pay a late fee.

I lost 2 movie gallery movies once. I went in offering to pay for them, however, my charge came out to 91 dollars... They wouldn't let me just pay for the base value of the movies, instead, they charged me for the lateness of the movies, and for the movies price (brand new) plus tax.

Unfortunately, given it's incorporated status, Movie Gallery has opened 200 hundred stores across canada, and has over 2000 stores in the U.S. They are the second largest video rental corporation in the western world behind Blockbuster Video. However, as we all know, Blockbuster and Netflix offer way better deals, and are just better.... my greatest sadness, is that it is the ONLY video rental store around my house for miles! I have to drive 30+40 minutes to find a blockbuster, or a locally owned rental store.

Suck it movie gallery. I'd rather spend money on gas than fund your effing store. ( I say this knowing, I'll probably go rent a movie from there next week. I'm such a tool.)

Hate List - #5 - Being Overdramatic

2009-06-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

No one likes someone who makes things a bigger deal than they need to be. More often than not, when people like this blow the smallest things out of proportion, they are at a loss when they actually have something to depress about. I am one of these people.

It gets me into the biggest trouble. More often than not, we usually do it to ourselves, which causes much pain and friction amongst our friends. Wounds and arguments can be mended, but if confidence and trust is lost, you might as well consider the friendship over. No friend likes a fool that opens his mouth at any convenience, and proclaims "The end of the world" when he stubs his toe.

This is the bane of my friendships with people. When something I do goes wrong, or something my friends to do me, which isn't particularly fair... instead of waiting, and calmly talking about it, I go crazy and make it a big deal by being overly sensitive and hurt. I wish I was more masculine that way. No one likes someone who is a drama queen (or king). It's like walking on eggshells or thin ice around them. You never know what you say or do will make them POP.

This has been one of the hardest things for me to see past. Consider this, an age old, and constant apology and reminder, that I really really am working on solving this problem in my life. Considering the simplicity of what's happening in September... it's just a drop in the bucket compared to the things I have to go through in life. So I promise friends, I see that this isn't as big a deal as I'm making it out to be.

I hate Sushi... but this is pretty cool.

2009-06-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

Who'd a thunk? Legos are still really awesome. *runs off to make different lego things*

Sick of Screaming Blog, and Today's Windsor!

2009-06-12T01:09:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

My friend Mike, whom I've known for a few years now, has caught the blog-bug! Make sure to check out his new blog at

: sickofscreaming.blogspot.com

It's an awesome blog that is sure to make you put your "theological thinking cap" on.

Also, I've been working for a little while now doing random sound capturing and using my equipment for a new online news source for Windsor that promotes a positive community outlook! Check it out!
Today's Windsor

Hate List - #6 - Butterflies

2009-06-01T22:59:00.000-07:00

Like a Plague... they swarm the trees and the sky.

In gradeschool, one of my class bullies thought it would be a hilarious opportunity to clap his hands voilently, as I was gazing closely at a log covered in Monarch Butterflies at Point Pelee National Park. I’ll never forget that school field trip. If you didn’t already know, Monarchs breed and migrate yearly from Point Pelee National Park in Ontario Canada by the hundreds of thousands. When the bully clapped his hands, butterflies immediately jumped off the log and into my mouth. Crunching down on their powdery and poisonous wings, I freaked out, threw up, and I’ve been terrifyed of Butterflies ever since.

Another horrifying incident which happened quite recently, was also coincidentally at Point Pelee National Park. On a trip with my friend Robert, a large oversized Moth – the size of a piece of toast landed on my leg during the trolly tour. I nearly died.

Visiting the Butterfly Conservatory in Montreal was also a horrifying experience. At the Botanical Gardens, there is a large greenhouse filled with exotic butterflies. Some are as big as dinner plates. Several nightmares, daydreams, and negative experiences later, I’ve come to loathe the creatures. I find them revolting and gross. I cannot admire their beauty for they strike fear into Soul.

Denial Art -> Check out this video.

2009-05-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

It's nice to see people in Windsor doing something productive.

CASTING CALL: Mimetic Productions

2009-05-29T23:24:00.000-07:00

Casting Call

Mimetic Productions is holding open auditions, looking for male and female actors for an upcoming comedy feature film “Green, R.: On The Other Side”, written and directed by Gavin Michael Booth.

Both leads and supporting characters are being cast. The majority of roles will not require actors for more than one to two days maximum on location. All roles are non-paid. Production will take place between July – September located in Southern Ontario, Windsor Ontario, and Los Angeles.

No previous acting experience required. Improve skills are ESSENTIAL.

Please prepare a contemporary comedic monologue. In addition, you will be asked to improvise various characters and scenarios. For FEMALES auditioning, also please prepare a fictional character monologue as if you were speaking to a video camera to record a personal video dating service profile.

This film is a massive ensemble piece and you will be likely to be acting alongside cast members from such films and television series as “The X-Files: I Want To Believe”, “Saw V”, and “Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia”.

Auditions will take place on Wednesday, June 3rd and Thursday, June 4th between 12:00PM - 4:00PM. The location will be at the University of Windsor in the Jackman Dramatic Art Building. It will be in the Movement room, 102.

People auditioning for any role, except for extras, must be over 18 years old.

Characters:
2 Male Leads (brothers, Rory age 27, Ryan age 23)
20 (apx) Female Leads (dates, ages 20-40’s)
1 Male Supporting (father, age 40’s-50’s)
1 Female Supporting (mother age 40’s-50’s)
1 Female Supporting (sister, Roxy age 17)
Many Extras

Extras – If interested in being an extra, e-mail your name and number to the Casting Director and you will be contacted closer to the production date in the summer, if needed.

Please contact the Casting Director to be scheduled into the audition time slot. If unable to attend the above dates, please contact us to schedule another date and time. If you don’t live in the Windsor area and would like to audition, please send a videotape DVD audition to the below address or post your audition to YouTube and e-mail us providing the link.

Casting Director
George Ibrahim
226 - 678 - 0950
Ibrahim_george@hotmail.com

Gavin Booth
1512 Church St.
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
N8X 1B3

Hate List - #7 - Poorly Made 'Successful' Movies

2009-05-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

It seems to be a growing trend, to make the biggest blockbuster films, and get them into theatres as fast as possible without paying any attention to making a ‘quality’ feature. I’m so sick of going to the theatre and seeing shitty films. There have been signifigant leaps in terms of quality filmmaking and writing recently, which makes me very happy. However, if you sit back and take a look at some of our latest commercially successful pieces of shit… you’ll see what I’m talking about.

- The Happening – I love a lot of Shyamalan’s movies... but I mean come on! “Run! It’s the WIIIINNNDDD!!!” seriously… what the eeefffff were you thinking?

- Star Wars III – I understand a lot of people liked this saga… it has amazing moments. I too am a die hard starwars fan… but I and II weren’t THAT good, and lets be honest here… did anyone actually pay attention to how terrible these films are? Or are they blinded by the fact that it’s “ZOMG STAR WARS! I KNEW I LOVED IT BEFORE IT EVEN CAME OUT”

- Awake – Hey I know! Let’s make a movie about Hayden Christensen laying asleep on an operating table, but make him not really asleep! Then have him narrate the action for over 2 hours… wait… what action? I’m sure a lot of you don’t even remember this movie. I just remember it being absolutely god awful in every possible way. How can’t it be with Christensen playing the lead? I didn’t even see “Jumper”, but I already know it’s bad just because he’s in it.

- Spiderman 3: … what was it about again? Oh yeah. Hardcore comic fans always remind me… The Sandman! and That 70s show Venom!

The list goes on and on. However there is one film that gets honorable mention for being the worst movie I think I’ve ever seen in my lifetime.

INDIANA JONES AND THE KINDOM OF THE CHRYSTAL SKULL

Don’t get me started… if you need to read how much I effing hate this movie click here -> Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Consumer Crap

Overall… I’m tired of bad movies being made. There’s still hope though right? *runs off to go watch Terminator Salvation* (You can’t screw up a solid storyline like Terminator … right?)

Windsor Light Music Theatre Presents: THE PRODUCERS

2009-05-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I don't know if you know this, but I am part of the chorus for Windsor Light Music Theatre's production of "The Producers". I'm going to be singing Springtime for Hitler in the second act, and I'd love if you guys could come. It would be amazing for you guys to come support local community theatre, as without ticket sales in our dying economy, we cannot continue to put on professionally done shows at a fraction of the cost.

Here is a blurb from the Windsor Light Website.

The Producers
Directed by John Whatley
Windsor Light Music Theatre is proud to announce Mel Brooks’ award winning Broadway show and hit film “The Producers” for it’s spring 2009 show.

“The Producers” show dates are:
May 22, 23, 24 & 29, 30, 31, 2009.

Chrysler Theatre. (click for tickets)

The Producers

"More belly laughs per minute than any new musical in years!" says Variety. "The Producers" is the winner of more Tony Awards than any musical in history, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book! Max Bialystock and Leopold Bloom have discovered a surefire way to make a fortune on Broadway: raise millions from little old lady investors, produce the worst play in the long history of flops, and then run off with the money when the play closes on opening night. They think they've found their play in Springtime for Hitler - but anything can happen when the lights go down on Broadway! Contains occasional strong language and suggestive dialogue.

PLEASE COME TO THIS SHOW AND BUY TICKETS~! I'D LOVE TO SEE YOU AFTER THE SHOW TO TALK TO YOU!

Hate list - # 8 – Allergies

2009-05-21T14:27:00.001-07:00

As some of you may know, or get to know me, you will soon realize how many allergies I have. As it stands, I currently have 4 major food allergies including eggs, fish, strawberries and peanuts/nut products.. The eggs need to be super cooked, or in bread/pastries in order for me to eat them, I cannot have raw fresh strawberries, or any type of seafood or else I get MAJOR hives/rashes/sneezes. More recently, Soya Milk gives me sinus problems. If I eat Peanuts/Nut Products however, I go into instant anaphylaxis (I swell up like a balloon and die)… thank goodness for Epinephrine injections! Food allergies are relatively easy to maintain though… it’s the environmental allergies I have a problem with.

Animal Dander, tree mold, pollen, ragweed, sumac, dust, hay, manure, dead leaves, spoors, and the list goes on. Springtime gives me much heartache, as well as the winter seasons with dust collection in our households. I have a cat, so therefore I am my own doom. It’s a consistent battle between me and the environment. I’m just glad I’m not allergic to something in the air that makes me want to commit suicide (Great plot to the Happening M. Night Shamalan… NOT *pukes himself*)

The worst part about other allergies like food, is that it ruins the fun for everyone else! Sorry kids, we can’t have a campfire with Marshmellons! Cindy will die! *all the children go awwwww* “but sir, can’t we just leave Cindy at home?” … “I wish we could Johnny…I wish we could…”

Intolerances are terrible to. I have a lot of lactose intolerant, and celiac friends who cannot eat wheat products. ALLERGICS JUST SUCK BALLS.

Top 20 Hate List - #9 – Windsor, Ontario, Canada

2009-05-16T17:10:00.001-07:00

“Mos Eisley spaceport: You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious.” – Obi Wan

I effing hate this city. Obi Wan said it all in Star Wars, Although Windsor in my opinion is much worse than Mos Eisley. It is the suck hole of crap mouth, the center of the universe of putrescence.

Stripclubs, Rub and Tug parlors, the highest unemployment rate in Canada, an apathetic mayor who does whatever he wants, low tourism, poor schools and high poverty. The only thing that could be worse is if we were Detroit… and even then it’s right across the river. The list goes on and on.

People here are assholes. They are bad drivers. As a hilarious side note, one that is sure to date itself in this post, but our city is currently on strike, so garbage pickup is a no go. We are left to stink in filth and refuse.

Our city council is quick to pass up employment opportunities, and slow to pick up on possibilities. The arts community receives no support. It’s a disgrace. The university is filled with the worst professors, and accepts all students of the lowest common denominators. We are the southern Canadian hick town that acts high class.

We are a contradiction to ourselves.

This city was once the pinnacle of beauty. Canada’s gateway to the states. Now look at us. At LEAST the city is working on beautifying itself, and job searches are now underway. It’s time we picked up after ourselves Windsor. Learn to take our heads out of the clouds and see the filth in front of us. I cannot remember the last time I’ve heard someone declare their love of Windsor.

Declare their pride in our city, and I don’t blame them. Compared the the REST of Canada, I can't think of another place in our country that can compare to how disgusting this city is. I’m just thankful I’m from the county… at least I can escape the city when I need to. I feel sorry for the people who can’t. Windsor has it’s good parts. Windsor has it’s amazing history. Windsor has amazing restaurants, and grand possibilities. Unfortunately, no one gives a rats ass right now because the rest of the city is a shithole.

Hate List Sidetrack: SATAN VISITS!

2009-05-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

Satan visited my blog today... ! :O omg! I hope he thinks it's real "smokin"

Top 20 Hate List -#10- My 'Secrets' Syndrome

2009-05-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

This is by far one of my worst weaknesses. I hate secrets of all kinds. I think this is the result of my 'know it all' syndrome which runs in the family. The worst part is usually my 'secrets' investigations just turn out to be senseless and mindless information that has nothing to do with me. This especially effects my friends. It's awful.

I'd like to blame gradeschool, or highschool, where in turn I was sort of shut out from knowing things, and excluded most of the time... but deep down I know it's my fault. Now that I'm 'included' in my friendships, I feel the constant annoying need to find out everything they are doing at all times. It's incredibly frustrating.

The worst part is, when people genuinely keep secrets from me, whether they be co-workers, friends or family, it doesn't matter if it's in my worst or best interests, it still bothers me because of my dumbass syndrome. I hate gossip more than anything in the world, and it affects me when people are saying things about me behind my back. If you have a problem why not just come talk to me about it? I promise I'm not like most people that get frustrated, angry or upset when you do. In fact it's worse when there is something wrong that I am doing, and nobody tells me. I think that in and of itself is the single most frustrating thing that I deal with.

So POO POO on my Secrets syndrome. It's a weekly battle, and it's only a matter of time before I win... even if I have to jab screwdrivers in to my ears.

Top 20 Hate List - #11 – George W. Bush

2009-05-05T17:50:00.001-07:00

My loathing for George Bush needs no explanation.

Top 21 Hate List - #12 – Drunken Stoo'peers'

2009-05-05T17:49:00.001-07:00

Before I begin, let me get one thing straight. I have no quarrels with Alcohol, or consuming the occasional ‘tipsy amounts’ of Alcohol. I do however, hate people that drink in excess. Binge drinking, clubbing, frat parties, parties like it’s 1999, they all have one thing in common that I really cannot stand… drunkenness. It really is the stupidest cheapest form of entertainment I can possibly think of, and even then, alcohol isn’t cheap.

I don’t understand why people like drinking so much. I have nothing against people that drink responsibly – by all means have a good time. I do not however understand the need for teenagers to ‘discover’ what it means to drink, by throwing up and doing dumbass things. It’s even worse in University/college, because by then they KNOW when they are being dumbass idiots. I caught 3 drunk drivers last year on the road. How dumb can you be to get behind the wheel when you are like that? Are you some sort of inbred bottom feeder?

My least favorite thing, is when people use being drunk as a LAME excuss to be a complete dumbass. “Oh man, I pissed on the kitchen floor… huuh huuh huuh… but it’s okay cuz I was plastered at the time”… or “Ugh, I smoked my friend Brittany in the face with a baseball bat…but it’s okay cuz I was drunk at the time” … or better yet “I fell down the stairs, and got my sister pregnant last night, but it’s okay because I was drunk”.

Effing idiots. Oh and Ladies, when you get drunk, it just makes it easier for guys to have their way with you, so if you plan to go out clubbing, bring a group of very tight friends, because it’ll be easier for you to get taken advantage of. Unless that’s what you prefer. (A lot of girls will deny this… but it’s true).

I’m not going to be a total bigot here, and say that everyone who decides to get drunk is a horrible person. By all means this is far from the truth. However, if you are a dumbass, and you become more of a dumbass when you’re drunk, you’ll get no praises or highfives when you throw up on yourself. My idea of a good time, are parties with hotdogs, marshmallows, Mario cart, soda pop, and great conversation…

I guess I can’t hold other people up to my expectations … I'm sure parties like that are not as fun as waking up with an empty wallet, a massive hangover, and no recollection of the evening’s festivities. *sigh*

Top 20 Hate List - #13- “Life is a Highway” – by Tom Cochrane

2009-05-02T22:46:00.000-07:00

“Life is a highway, I wanna ride it all night long!” - BARF. I loathe this song. It, like many other repetitive rock songs, makes me want to bash my head into the radio to the point of hemorrhaging, where in turn, I clot my brain and stupefy myself into a state of vegetation. THAT I fear, is a better fate than having to listen to that song.

I’ll admit, these songs make #1 on the charts, because they are catchy. I however, cannot stand overly repetitive music. We’ve all heard them. Seger’s “Like a Rrrock….OOoohhh Like a Rock” .... "start me up" by the Stones, or U2’s “vertigo” … and I “FEEEEEEEEEEEEEL.”
As annoying as these songs can get, I cannot help but “feeeellll” more hatred towards Cochrane’s “Life is a highway”.

It’s a clever comparasin, that our lives are like traveling down a highway. Sure, I’ll admit that isn’t a bad thing at all… but… but the song… it’s just so…. UGGGGGH. I can’t explain it. It just comes on the radio and I want to jab screwdrivers into my ears.

I think they just repeat the chorus one too many times for my liking. I think that’s the only real reason I don’t like it. It has it’s place in rock history. It’s a well crafted song I guess… but you won’t catch it being played at my wedding…

Life is a highway
I wanna ride it all night long
If you're going my way
I wanna drive it all night long

Life is a highway
I wanna ride it all night long
If you're going my way
I wanna drive it all night long

Life is a highway
I wanna ride it all night long
If you're going my way
I wanna drive it all night long

Life is a highway
I wanna ride it all night long
If you're going my way
I wanna drive it all night long

Life is a highway
I wanna ride it all night long
If you're going my way
I wanna drive it all night long

Life is a highway
I wanna ride it all night long
If you're going my way
I wanna drive it all night long

Life is a highway
I wanna ride it all night long
If you're going my way
I wanna drive it all night long

Top 20 Hate List - # 14 – SUSHI

2009-05-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

Why on earth would ANYONE want to eat raw fish, wrapped in slimy seaweed? Just stop and think of that question for a minute. I’ll admit, I was very ignorant about eating Sushi. I tend to do that about trying new things if you read #15 on my list…

Now, I can honestly say without any remorse or fear of scrutinization that I utterly despise Sushi. I’m allergic to fish you see, but I thought “What the hell, I’ll try some, a little bit can’t hurt?”. I was right. I was perfectly fine and had no allergic reaction. I did however have a reaction I didn’t think possible. I gagged, and nearly vomited.

People say “Sushi’s not supposed to taste fishy and gross”. Then I say, How can’t it? It’s made of raw fish and wrapped in SEA PLANTS! I’ve tried veggie Sushi, and other Sushi from many establishments in town. It seems to be the food of choice amongst Starbucks Baristas, musicians, actors, and other artists around town, so naturally I can’t avoid it.

It is vile. Food, purged from the bowels of Poseidon, and wrapped in Shamoo’s feces. Why people eat it, is beyond me. It’s smell, taste, and texture offends me. At least people can look cool eating it... right?

Top 20 Hate List - #15 – The American Border Crossing

2009-05-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

I love traveling to America. They have amazing retail, cool restaurants, a diverse history and great culture. However, there is one thing about going to America that scares the crap out of me. Crossing the border. I have no reason to fear crossing!

In fact, I’m one of the cleanest, crime free people I know, however they instill you with fear the second you walk in the door. The room just feels like a heavy weight thrown on your shoulders. American border crossing guards are so terrifying, they make you FEEL like you’ve done something wrong, and that’s how good they are at their job.

It’s a completely irrational fear, and I suppose I’ll get over it the more I travel across. Hundreds of Canadians and Americans cross the border every day, and I of all people do not need to fear such an act. I’m a goody two-shoes.

It’s taken every ounce of bravery inside of me to even post this on my list. “What if they go on my blog and see this? Then ask me a bunch of questions at the border!” … “What if someone in the FBI or the CIA sees this and thinks I’m some sort of crazy person! Then knocks down my door looking for me! My dreams and goals of being a famous artist will be shattered! ”

… then I remember how boring, and unpopular my blog is… and my fear melts away…

Top 20 Hate list - #16 – Ignorance (It is NOT bliss)

2009-05-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Picture yourself, walking into a restaurant, sitting down and eating the most delicious feast you’ve ever consumed, and receiving the best service you’ve ever had. Then you go to tell a friend about the fabulous restaurant you’ve just gone to,

Danny - “Hey Johnny! I just went to The D-Pike Grill!”
Johnny - “Oh yeah? I’m never going there, my other friend who complains all the time said it was bad…”Danny – “Never? But I just had the most amazing experience…”
Johnny – “I don’t care. You won’t see ME eating there. I don’t care WHAT kind of amazing meal you had”

O___________O

This happens to me on a daily basis it seems. I however, am the most guilty of this travesty. More often than not, I tend to play ignorant towards the things I’ve never done, or the places/things I’ve never seen. A lot of people like to feel important by holding strong opinions about things, especially me. How then do you think they feel, when a close friend of theirs shatters their world by making a simple, irrefutable statement that is the exact opposite of your ‘strongly held opinion’.

Let me tell you from experience, that ignorance is not as blissful as people lead it on to be. I hate when that happens. It crushes me, and I’m forced to change my ways. This however, is a good thing, but I can’t help but feel that I am bound to have incorrect ‘strong opinions’ about things I haven’t tried yet. Movies I refuse to see. Books I refuse to read. Philosophical opinions I refuse to understand or agree with.In some cases, having a strong opinion on something is a good thing. I’m very adamant about my faith, and my opinion on filmmaking/writing/movies. That’s what makes me who I am.

The second I am an ignorant fool, who refuses to experience something new with a friend, I am at a loss. Americans are terrible for this. Not all of them mind you, but quite a few. It’s like the world around them doesn’t exist. How many of them have you met that cannot name more than 2 provinces, and believe we drink maple syrup, live in igloos, and have beavers for pets? My mother worked at the Duty Free store at the border crossing for years, and on one very HOT summer day, a group of 4 Michiganders crossed the border wearing full winter sky getup. They packed skis and warm clothing for a week. They walked inside and asked where the nearest ski resort was. My mother, being the type of person she is, simply said to them,

“Well, if you drive about 48 hours North, and you get above the arctic tree line, you should find some good hills to ski down.”How ignorant can you get? The entirety of Canada has snow year round? I’m the type of person who has to know everything, so people who don’t really know anything make me angry… then again…I’d assume they’d make other people angry too. The last person I want to be is a ‘know-it-all’, believe me, I’ve had enough of that with my grandmother… I do however seek knowledge, information, and new experiences. A quality I think a lot of people SEVERELY lack.

Top 20 Hate List - #17 – CELERY

2009-04-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

Celery is evil. It’s a vile crunchy vegetable, with disgusting flavour, and a texture that reminds me of biting into a cockroach. It’s stringy and gross. I’ve tried eating it with ranch dressing, cheesewiz, and numerous vegetable dips. The only way I can tolerate its putridness, is if it’s minced and diced into unrecognizable pieces. I’ll eat any vegetable. I’m really not that picky anymore. There was a time when I wouldn’t eat anything green, but that time has long since passed. However, there is one vegetable hatred that has outlasted all distaste for greens, and that is of the devil’s veggie stick: Celery.

Top 20 Hate List - #17 – “1337 sp33k”

2009-04-27T05:51:00.000-07:00

There is nothing about the internet I hate more than leet speak or ‘1337 sp33k”. It’s the dumbest human form of communication I think our race has ever come up with. “It doesn’t take a genius to figure out this language” a former 1337 friend of mine stated, “It’s just a bunch of numbers and keyboard characters used to look like the alphabet”. However, for people like me, who are really “7-3 57UP1D” when it comes to numbers and deciphering code, ‘1337 sp33k’ becomes a class system. The dumber you are at reading it, the less cool you appear on the internet. My question is, why would you want to appear cool on the internet? Isn’t that just as dumb as trying to look cool in real life? Do you have to pwn everyone that you see?

Mr. Canadian Oxford Dictionary would be rolling in his grave. I know, I know… typing like that is all in the name of good fun right?
WRONG.

It’s not fun to type like that. Maybe if I’m a sick person, who gets a mild kick out of people saying “wtf does that mean” and I can fluidly without a problem type 1337 like it was second nature. Maybe, JUST MAYBE, I would find it fun. The real nerds I have respect for, are the ones who can read binary code, or use C++/PHP/CSS/HTML/any other coding I don’t effing know how to do.
The bottom line is 1337 is dumb. It’s very dumb. My problem is that I spend too much time on the internet to begin with, to have this sort of problem. Therefore, I hate 1337, and I hate that I hate it.
1'/\/\ /\/\'/ 0\/\/\ p4r4D0><

Top 20 Hate List - #18 – “les artists”

2009-04-26T12:18:00.001-07:00

We’ve all met them. We’ve all been them. They are “les artists” - society’s elitist social group of misfits that consistently without fail, or rational thought, go against the grain… at ALL costs. They are the talented, the creative, the musical, the artistic, the writers, the directors, the ‘thespians’, the filmmakers, the photographers, the cinematographers, and one my favorite terms, the “scenographers”. Not that there is anything wrong with any of these people. By all means they are the artists/creators of great thoughts, works, and meaning. However, there are those that stand against them. They are “les artists”. They are those that abhor traditions, movements, or quality works of art, slandering them as “inartistic and uncreative”. They are the cynics that believe there is no creativity left in the world.

How many times have you heard “I could write a much better film than that!”, but until they see this statement to fruition – they are classified as ‘un artist”. They are the ones that consistently undermine our best creative efforts.

They gather together to talk about how great they are. They are the actors that flock together to gossip about one another. They look down on the less fortunate. They are the directors that disregard humanity for vision, and take for granted the people that do all the work. They are the ones that overlook everything that goes into ‘behind the scenes’ work. They are ‘les artists’ the infection to the art world that spreads like wildfire, masquerading as talent, like a wolf in sheep’s costume.

They attack without warning, and if you are not careful, they will do a bad job at criticizing your work. They judge books by their covers, and have dozens of books on their shelves that they’ve ‘claimed’ to have read. They are those that ‘have a screenplay that they are working on’ but you never see it complete. They are the judges on ‘who’s got good talent but not as good as mine” shows.

Overall, I hate these people. I admit, there are times where I fall prey to their infection, and I feel like I’m getting sucked into their vortex of depression and self righteousness. They make me sick. If you know one of these people, don’t look them in the eye, for they will judge you on sight and tear apart your soul as easily as they’ve torn apart all goodness left in our artistic world.

Top 20 Hate List - #19 - Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

2009-04-23T13:51:00.001-07:00

Move that fatass bus! I hate this show. I highly appreciate the fact that they renovate homes for the blind, the deaf, the physically impaired. I think that’s fantastic. I really honestly do. Far too often homes and places are inaccessible for people with physical disabilities, but they don’t need 15 flat screen televisions.... especially blind people.

I’m astonished with the amount of money that goes into the homes of these shows. I think the college funds they set up for big families are fantastic, but the excess that goes into the design and luxuries of the home make me sick. We’ve all heard stories of how the homeowners cannot afford to pay the electricity bills afterwards?

With the amount of money they spend, did anyone stop to think about how they could change and renovate 3rd world countries? Here’s a show pitch idea you’ll never see on ABC:

EXTREME MAKEOVER: HAITI EDITION

Top 20 Hate List- #20 - Young Managers

2009-04-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

Nothing is worse, than going to work for someone who has no clue what they are doing. These people I have categorized as “young managers” as it seems that inherently youth and lack of wisdom creates such monsters.

Everyone has worked for older wiser Managers that are also terrible. However, instead of “Young Managers” these people are just considered assholes. I’ve had the misfortune of working for a very inexperienced, yet extremely demanding manager. She was an insufferable beast. She arrived, and moved all our stock around to her liking. The store was in upheaval, and service plummeted because no one knew where anything was. The most unfortunate thing about her, was that she was so enthusiastic and blinded by regulations, she failed to see the humanity in their staff.

The only three emotions she had were happiness (to the extreme), depression (to the extreme), and angry conspiracy theorist (to the extreme). I filled out 7 time and availability sheets within a 5 month period, only to have them blatantly ignored. To make matters worse, at the edge of summer I had 15 hours part time. However, when school began, I suddenly found myself at 40 hours a week (daytime shifts) in my final year of university. Have you tried working 40 hours during the day on top of your classes? Her inability to rationalize the rational, and understand the simplicity of the position is astounding. I say this knowing if I were to be a manager now at age 22, I would be the worst manager imaginable.

At least one thing is certain. Within their little managerial world, they have infinite power. I quit on January 19th, and it was the only power I had over her… to escape. District managers look at them as “young and enthusiastic” which seems to be a good quality that blinds them from the fact that they suck.

Daniel's top 20 Hate List!

2009-04-21T06:54:00.000-07:00

Upon delicate and bawdy scrutinization, I have felt the inexplicable need to express my hatred toward a few things. I’ve narrowed down my most hated things into a “Top 20” list. I shall spend the next few days posting each topic. Yes, I realize that being so ‘hate filled’ is a rather indecent and uncivilized use of my time, however I cannot help but feel empowered to express my distaste for certain things. As I stated before, this blog was to serve as my infinite form of expression, and I shall use it for all sensations of my brain. More importantly, I shall use it to release the anger and tension I feel toward these things. Some may appear completely mundane and obtuse, but I assure you, for me they are quite the opposite. These posts will be far from banal, as I hope you find amusement in my dispisement.

Affectionately yours,

Daniel.

Sick....Busy... Busy....Sick....Busy Sick... Bleh

2009-04-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't updated my blog in a while. I've been disgustingly ill, while somehow maintaining a busy schedule. I promise there is more to come tomorrow. For now, and for your amusement, here is a picture with a man with a snake up his nose...

More posts tomorrow!

D.J. Pussy Cat

2009-04-13T23:52:00.000-07:00

Meow? Muh-muh Meow Meow?

Am I a crazy person?

2009-04-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

I stayed up all night last night... drawing... playing the piano... composing music... writing.... singing.... and now I'm watching the extended editions of The Lord of the Rings.
Am I mental or something?

I swear being up this long has given me hallucinations.

I went to make myself a cup of tea and low and behold! This happened!

Well not really... this is a picture we took last week after the Windsor Light poster run... see Mark!? I told you i'd find an appropriate blog post for this picture. I'm just sorry it had to wait till I was on crazy pills.
I think my nose hairs are falling out.

The Great Food Surplus Warehouse, Bargain, Market, Furniture, Stock Exchange, Farming, Organic, Grocery, Canadian SuperStore!

2009-04-11T04:05:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get the irrefutable, uncontrollable urge to punch someone in the face? Or thoroughly dislodge their nose? I had that feeling yesterday as I walked into THE GREAT CANADIAN SUPER STORE! I HATE that place. It's like trying to shop for a box of cake mix in a giant jungle of groceries, where apes and other wild animals fight you for the food.

One woman whom I crossed paths with, insisted I was cutting in front of her... but we weren't in line. There wasn't a line at all. She was coincidentally looking at cake mixtures when I approached the isle, and skimmed through the selection. I guess she didn't like my perusing style. At another point, a different woman who was morbidly obese stuffed in her cart, 5 tubs of ice cream and 9 bags of chips. I know the number because my Mother and I counted while we waited for my Father.

At the checkout, a man gave someone the finger - who actually cut in front of him. This man proceeded to walk up in the line beside him and throw his groceries carelessly onto the conveyer, knocking food over, and being a complete asshole. If someone took my spot in line, I wouldn't be a crybaby about it. Grow up people.

The store itself is laid out extremely inefficiently. The isles are extremely cramped for such a "large" and "great" store. In fact, it seems that they made the isles smaller, so they could fit as many surplus items having nothing to do with food as possible. They do however, sell kitchens. Complete kitchens. As well as toys, games, clothes, and furniture ... you name it - they have it. I should have known better than to go the day before the long Easter Weekend. The people there were on some sort of animalistic rationing frenzy...

"I gotta stock up! The store will be closed for a whole day! I'm going to run out of food!"

I just don't understand this place. To make matters worse, the cherry on top of this shit sundae, were the THREE employees that failed to direct me to a box of cake mix! Why do these people have jobs here? Damned if I can find anything in these giant warehouses....

I really could have saved myself trouble by just looking upward at the isle signs placed at a eagle's view. That could have saved me some time, had I not been an incredibly non-observant dunce. Unfortunately, I was too busy concentrating on the festering crowd of food shoppers, bumping and barging into me like an "Edward Cullen" school girl mob.

I'd like to say I'll never let this happen again... but given today's consumer market, and our growing demand for gluttony, I have a feeling this can only get worse.

Those Poor Cows

2009-04-09T16:14:00.001-07:00

I saw this and chuckled.

Thanks for the Link Coldplay!

2009-04-08T03:40:00.001-07:00

As I'm signed up for Coldplay's Monthly newsletter, I thought I'd share this link they gave this month. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did. These kids are awesome.

Personalized License Plates - Part 1

2009-04-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

Over time, I've began to realize. A lot of people own personalized license plates. I guess it's not a bad thing to have... but I really can't see any reason for me to get one. I find that I'm obsessed with taking pictures of them. Here are a few of my favorites. I'm certain to have more to come. I think they are kind of stupid and dorky to be honest. Here's my point:

"poker"- pretty straight forward. I like this in a person. Obviously something they feel is a very important representation of themselves, and they get great enjoyment out of. Note the Montreal Canadians bumper sticker. Call me a sexist, but I'm going to assume a man drives this car.

"wamby"-HAHA! Wamby! I have no idea what this could possibly mean? Let's look up "Wamby" on google! ...

... well apparently "Wamby" is a popular last name... sorry for laughing at your last name... Mr. Wamby ...

"Mrs. Zig"- I love this. The name reminds me that of a muppet, or an old gradeschool teacher we are all fond of! Or perhaps a cleaning product ... "Try new Mrs. Zig stain remover! Clean your duds with our suds!"

"Jimmeh" I'm JIIIIIMMMMEMEEEHHHHH!

MYBRROOM - NO MIIIIIINNNNNE!

and finally,

cucumba- all I can say is watch this video:

Invasion of the Box-Elders III

2009-04-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

Death cometh to me! These bugs are Satan's minions. I swear it. Today I poured myself a glass of milk. I walked away from the counter to go answer my phone. I come back no more than 5-6 minutes later and what do I find?

BOX ELDERS IN MY MILK

Certainly you can appreciate my frustration. Even if I wanted to look at this in a positive way, my glass is half full- with BOX ELDERS IN IT.

EFFING THINGS.

Invasion of the Box-Elders II

2009-04-06T01:29:00.000-07:00

So, this evening I was indulging myself to a bag of Dill Pickle flavoured sunflower seeds. Specifically the Spitz brand by Spitz International. After several hours of playing Mario Kart Double Dash, and talking to people on MSN, I failed to realize a Box-Elder crawled into my bag of sunflower seeds.

I grabbed it, and unknowingly put it in my mouth. When I felt it's wiggling legs, it was too late. I crunched down on him like I would a seed. His body split in two, and I gagged out of control. Now my mouth is making that gross saliva spitty solution which tingles the sides of your mouth making you want to puke.

EFF MY LIFE!

When I was your age, we used iPhones, and Laptops!

2009-04-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

You know you're in a technological boom when...

once 'High-End' Keyboards and Mice can be purchased from a bargain bin...
I took this picture in London at a discount computer sales place.

It makes you stop and think when iPods or Smartphones will reach this stage... moreover, what sort of technologies we'll be using when that time comes!

Microscopic computers anyone?

5 Pen Computers

Invasion of the Box-Elders

2009-04-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

We've cut down all our maple's... we've sprayed the house with insecticide...we vacuum them up daily...

...BUT THEY ALWAYS COME BACK!!!

Box-Elder Bugs have invaded our county homes once again. This yearly phenomena has finally gotten the best of me. I can't STAND these things. They fly past my ears. They fly into my ears. They fly into my eyes, on my face and into my mouth. They congregate around my soda pop. They land on my computer screen. They crawl on my face while I sleep. When will it end?

If anyone else is struggling with this, please believe me when I say "I feel your anguish". I thought it useful to give some people advice as to how I deal with these creatures.

1) Vacuums. A short term- but effective tool for eliminating these pests.

2)Dust Destroyer compressed gas dusters. Children, do not use these things unless under adult supervision. Adults, flip the can over and avoid contact with eyes, face, and your skin. However, when flipping the can over, instead of spraying condensed air, you're spraying 100% difluoroethane! This fluid may cause frostbite so take caution ... it does however act as an effective capital punishment for the creatures. Turn it up the proper way, and you can spray them out of your way!

3) The Kleenex. Age old method of squishing, and flushing critters. Just grab, squish, and flush. Fast and easy.

4) Call an exterminator. They are expensive... and they kinda work. An added bonus: You kill all the other gross bugs in your house. We've done this...and really... they just come back in a month.

5) Cut down all your box elder trees or silver maples. All of them.

and finally,

6) Picking them up and slamming them on the ground. Can you imagine if someone picked you up several hundred feet, then sent you speeding towards the ground? It would hurt wouldn't it? Do it to the box-elders. I know you'll feel good inside.

Limericks: I

2009-04-01T19:57:00.000-07:00

Ever since my aunt Mary unknowingly purchased a "Dirty" book on limericks, and to her embarrassment yet excited nature, it's been a popular book in our family. Since then I've been obsessed with writing odd limericks. It's a great way to kill time if you're bored.

Here's round one ;)

Old Man with Rabies

There once was an old man with rabies,

and skin stuffed with hundreds of scabies.

He'd walk down the street,

eating handfuls of meat,

and would bark at all women with babies.

Hungry Wesley

There once was a tyrant named Wesley,

who'd eat everything and be messy.

He gobbled up leaves,

and chewed on his sleeves,

then ate a blonde school girl named Leslie.

Rebecca

There once was a girl named Rebecca,

Who whilst reading a book on Seneca,

trod with her shoes,

into large camel poos,

which disgusted the pilgrims in Mecca!

Ms. McClain

There once was a girl named McClain,

who decided she was far too plain.

So she crafted some hats,

made of various stray cats,

then opened her legs for all Spain.

Little Miss Pervert

There once was a perverted young girl

who smelled of wet cabbage and hurl.

In public she'd stand,

and fondle her gland,

then when spotted, she'd giggle and twirl.

enjoy friends~!

Three Stooges Movie?

2009-04-01T02:23:00.000-07:00

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0383010/

This can either go really well, or really badly...

Sean Penn as Larry?

Benicio Del Torro as Moe?

...

Jim Carrey as Curly? ... skinny skinny Jim Carrey?

Funny Monkey

2009-03-31T16:16:00.000-07:00

Is it just me... or does his nose look like a ballsack?

Arab Blood and the Importance of Spreading the Word

2009-03-31T00:53:00.000-07:00

It's very rare that you find an artist who isn't afraid to speak the truth. Some artists tell the truth using lies, others, use metaphors and subtext. However, Ali the Don, a local rap artist here in Windsor, speaks the truth as plain as the words on a page. I had the amazing opportunity to work and shoot behind the scenes footage of the making of this music video. It was cold, and it was tough, however I was staggered at Ali's perseverance and dedication to his craft. We buried him alive and he had no complaints.

How many people do you know that are willing to be buried alive for their message? It would be a shame if you didn't check out this video.

It has a great message about spreading the word. Raising awareness to the war in Iraq, and bringing out the injustices in the world since 9/11 - this message is worth a click. A lot of people worked very hard on this, including the director Gavin Booth who at times balanced direction and shooting the film synonymously. We had great support from Ali's friends, family and our local community.

If you are an artist, and you are passionate about your voice, I encourage you to spread the word. The only way you are going to affect change is by staying true to who you are, at all costs.

Creative Teen Masterminds

2009-03-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

They may not have the experience some Windsor filmmakers have under their belts, and they may not have the best film equipment. However, these kids do have, what a great deal of people from Essex County can learn from; talent and creativity. They don't let inexperience and lack of 'material' equipment set them back. One thing an accomplished friend of mine told me, you don't need a professional camera to make a good film. These guys make great films, and some are more clever than most university level student films.

These two kids are some of the most gifted and talented young writers I've seen in a long time. They are witty, clever, humorous, and most importantly excited to make movies.

Look out Essex County for Matt Steckle, and Jakob Skryzpa. Jakob I have yet to meet face to face. However, I can't bump into several people I know without hearing this boy's name. Gavin Booth sings his praises. Matthew on the other hand, I've known since he was in "bag-dad". Matt shows an immensely positive attitude that puts some of the people I've worked with to shame. Matt has acted onstage in the lead role of JoJo in Windsor Light Music Theatre's Seussical The Musical. Jakob, I have yet to experience. On the shoot for Gavin Booth's music video for The Afters Jakob was ready and willing to do anything; something Gavin told me first hand. Jakob and Matt have attitudes grown men I've worked with can learn from.

They are aspiring young filmmakers and I highly look foreword to seeing more work of theirs.

You can check out their YouTube pages here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/jakobskrzypa

http://www.youtube.com/user/SmellsLikeVictory1

Matt and Jakob - we need to schedule a production meeting for the summer. Soon...

The Falcor I don't quite remember...

2009-03-30T01:46:00.000-07:00

As funny and clever as this video is, I can't help but feel a sense of disappointment. I feel disappointed, because for some reason our society has perverted itself to a point where you can't have a decent conversation with someone without having an opportune "That's what she said" moment pop into your head. Old men can't carry around candy in their pockets without being immediately coined as a "pedophile". You purchase a lollypop or candy sucker and cannot eat it in public without fear of humiliation. Worst of all, people ruin ideas, films, books, and anything free of this "perversion" by planting sick thoughts into your head. I cannot watch this scene the same way twice in the Neverending Story...

...

Alas, I still laughed my ass off.

What has the world cum to?

If walls could talk...

2009-03-30T00:18:00.000-07:00

...there wouldn't be any need for socialization :O

Fox News: Red Eye show insults Canadians

2009-03-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

Shared with me from my connections in Ohio, I felt the need to share this with you guys. In case you didn't know.

If you think thier stupidity was humourous, perhaps you'd enjoy some of Canada's responses:

Tom Green
Colin Mochrie
Mr. Insane Threats

I emplore you to send a letter of complaint to fox news expressing how we truly feel about Douggie and his Red Eye show.

The Ultimate Adventure

2009-03-26T21:33:00.000-07:00

Everyone dreams of going on an adventure. Everyone dreams of doing something, or becoming something more than they are. Everyone yearns for excitement and thrills. Why then, don't we have more adventures? Why do our lives go on fulfilled one day, and saturated with sadness another? Why do stories like Peter Pan or The Wizard of Oz have to be fiction?

For one thing, flight achieved by pixie dust and happy thoughts is not scientifically possible. Moreover, if tornados whisked us away to magical lands there would be no need for storm shelters, and Wal-Mart would be stockpiling red sequined shoes.

It frustrates me that sometimes reality hits me in the face. No one wants to permanently live with their head up in the clouds, and on the other hand, no one can live being dragged through the mud all the time. The Ultimate Adventure is the goal not easily attainable. You can't find it. It finds you. We unknowingly stumble upon it, or are thrust immediately into it's spinning vortex.

The Ultimate Adventure is the journey of a lifetime. The chance to break away from routine and throw ourselves into a direction we've never been. Although there are trials along the way, the outcome usually ends on a positive note. Why then, do adventures seem impossibly intangible?

For most people, routine and work consume our lives. We have families to take care of, finances to pay for, and jobs to do. We go to school to receive an education in a field geared for our strengths, and others live unemployed. Many live with a university degree, a mountain of debt, and no job to pay for it.

Some waste away their lives by drinking a superabundant amount of alcohol, or spending their last few dimes on an addictive drug.

Productive people don't waste their time and seem to prioritize well. Still, being productive can lead to routine and hard work. Most of the time, those that excel in the workforce, and get the highest grades in the class, usually live without socialization or... fun.

We find love in our lives. Sometimes lust blinds that love. For others, love never seems to find them. Relationships break and strengthen. Friendships dwindle and bloom. These people are companions, and fortunately we have them to walk with in times of great need.

Our economy has dwindled, and all our focus; our attention goes to the absence of funds. We hopelessly consume fossil fuels, our icebergs melt, and our churches have lost attendance. What breaks us away from these lives? What break can we get from this seemingly impossible maze?

One of my favorite films is Stephen Speilburg's Hook. What if Peter Pan grew up? Stop for a minute and think about that. This perfected story of Peter's trials and tribulations is a fantastic parallel to how most people deal with aging. A lot of people come up to me feeling age slowly creep upon us. I've heard countless times from people that 'they are getting too old'. They hate feeling old. I always say that you're only as old as you think you are.

In the film Star Trek Generations - Captain Picard positively speaks on time;

"Someone once told me that time was a predator that stalked us all our lives. I rather believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey and reminds us to cherish every moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we've lived. After all Number One we're only Mortal"

I refuse to believe that we cannot feel young, that we cannot do what we dream. I refuse to believe that the Ultimate Adventure is impossible. I refuse to believe that I live in a doomed world. I refuse to believe that life has no meaning. Most of all, I refuse to believe we live lives of pure coincidence, and that I cannot have a positive impact on our society.

Our lives are the very adventures that we seek. It's a path that was paved for you, since the day you were born. How you fair on that adventure is up to you. After all, "middle aged" Peter Pan managed to learn to be young again, defeat Captain Hook and rescue his children. I realize that not all lives and adventures have happy endings.

Too often, tragedy blinds our sight to happiness. It's like a giant veil you can't remove. With work, and an open mind, you can learn to overcome the obstacles in your adventure. In Peter Pan, J.M. Barrie writes "To die would be an awfully big adventure!" ... For most, this is our Ultimate Adventure. To fear death is to fear that which is our destiny. To fear life is to fear the path that leads us there.

As for me, right now I'm 22, going on 23. I am very young, yet I also look foreword to getting very old. If my life doesn't lead me to old age - that's my adventure, and I'm not going to let it stop me. I leave you today with the last few lines of Hook,

Ol Wendy Lady -"So. All your adventures are over..."

Peter Pan - "Oh no. To Live. To live ... would be an awfully big adventure."

DOWN WITH BRAIN CLUTTER!

2009-03-26T03:18:00.000-07:00

After much consideration, I , Daniel J. Pike, have decided to start a blog. Not just any blog, but a blog devoted to getting every idea, concept, drawing, story, and useful/useless piece of information out of my head. The Upchuck Dumptruck is born! A very special thank you goes out to Daniel's Brain Co. for providing the means of unloading all the dizzying information that consumes my life.

However, as hopeful as I am that this will become an essential discipline of my life, this set-up is by no means permanent. I intend to use my next few months as a trial run to test if this is an effective means of creative transportation. If this fails, "Plan B" is to execute an effective plan of action to unload information at an accelerated rate, such as tape recorders, or paper and pen. If all else fails I can resort to alcoholism, drugs, and hours of television viewing...

One thing is certain... we're going on an adventure!

- Daniel J. Pike