Riots on the Streets of Toronto

This was a good day to come to the library and figure out the internets again. There seems to be a lot going on back home in Toronto. People lighting cars on fire, and breaking windows, and doing all that jazz. Apparently people are riled up about it (claiming that all violent protest is wrong, and bad, and terrible) and here, half a world away, all I can think, is how disappointed I am that we've all become so bloody soft.

First off, Toronto is protesting about the G20 summit – kind of. It seems like they're more or less just angry thugs wanting to break things, like drunk college kids on a crazy bender in Europe. I do not support this protest, I don't even know it is a protest, as much as just senseless violence, without direction. But what I also don't support is all the people on facebook writing things about how terrible it is to destroy things, and how, “violent protest is just so stupid.”

Really people? Really – that's the stance we're going to take? Now – I am not for hurting people, or damaging personal property, but from what I've read – that's not what's happening here either. It's striking out against corporations, and governments. I am for the blockade running of the Gaza strip – which wasn't actually intended to be a violent protest, but at some point, when being friendly doesn't work things unfortunately change... You may have also read that I called for protest against the pay toilets when I first heard about them. (this may not have been a serious call, but the sentiment was there.) My only hope? They were destroyed in this rampage. At least then something good would have come from it.

Again, I want to stress, that I do not agree with what is happening in Toronto right now.

But – look at what has happened. Now, it's true, I'm not in Toronto, and all I have to go by is the Live Blogging of the Toronto star. (http://thestar.blogs.com/g20/) but here's the thing. This violent protest? It's pretty tame. In all seriousness, more damage is done after a football game in more parts of the world. More damage was done during the Queen's homecoming when I was getting my Bachelor of Education in Kingston.

It's time to look at the facts – was anyone hurt? No. Were any private homes destroyed? No. What was smashed? A police car. Fine, very well. A police car set on fire. This is bad, but it's just a car. It's a thing. And I've seen cars on fire before (Queens University home coming.) Mind you, four is a lot. Although the question should be asked how the police have let four of their cruisers get destroyed – but never mind that. From what I've read – which I hope is accurate, as it was live blogged on the scene by one of the city's biggest papers – Starbucks, Swiss Chalet (a chicken restaurant), Tim Hortons, and Zanzibar (our local strip club featured in the latest Hulk movie) were damaged. No private individual's property. As far as riots go, this has been a little tame.

Just thinking back to Italy (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/6956518/Police-quell-immigrant-riots-in-Italy.html), in January, will point out how a riot could be much much worse.

Now, again, I am completely against what is happening in Toronto right now (I feel the need to stress this point, in case it gets lost, as is so often the case when people have a strong emotional attachment to an issue). And I think we are, perhaps, better than this (though, clearly not) but what is happening – a violent protest – is not always a bag thing.

It's just not. Protests where private property and goods are destroyed are important for our world. And I think it's just so hard to keep that in mind when things are happening on our doorstep.

Rodney King. That name should mean something to people born during, or before, the early eighties. And for many born after, thanks to the music of Sublime, history classes, and the overall importance of it. The Rodney King Riot was a devastating week long riot that led to the deaths of dozens of people. But why did it happen? Because people were tired of the police treating black citizens as if they were lesser creatures – thinking they could do whatever they wanted. Now, obviously, there was more to it than this. And we need to ask ourselves, was the beating of Rodney King fully unjustified? (to the extent it went on, I'd say yes. But remember, he was claimed to be under drugs, and led police on a high speed car chase, and fought them when he was being apprehended. Still - the long tazing, and baton beating went far beyond acceptable use of force.) Was the attack of the white trucker, which was the first highly publicized incident in the riots, any less brutal? Obviously not. But it did turn the worlds eye, and made them think about the other issues which led to this - unemployment, the ghettoization of American cities, and - of course - racial issue? Yes. This was only in 1992.

People took to the streets in protest, and despite the damage and the terrible things that happened, the world took notice, and the government was forced to make a stand. The way police acted, and how they were dealt with changed. And while not everything is perfect now, steps towards a better future were undertaken during these riots. And yes, they were violent, and destructive, but they were important. Could these changes have occurred without violence? I'd like to think - yes, but if that were true, would this proverbial powder keg have exploded?

Violent protest is what led to America being America, rather that just another colony.

Even the Boston Tea Party was a protest where goods were stolen/destroyed – a violent protest, but it led to a tax reform that would change the lives of many for the better. When something is going on that you can't agree with, there are times when taking arms, and protesting as you can, is the way to make change.

The French resistance during World War II, they were terrorists violently protesting against their government (the Nazis) but I think we all value their efforts, and would not have wanted them to stop because they were hurting people or damaging property.

There is also the darker side of violent protests which Kristallnacht is a terrible terrible example of. This was November 10th, 1938. A night when Germans took to the street, killing, rounding up for camps, and destroying the property of many many Jewish citizens. The Night of Broken Glass is what it translates as. It was a terrible and dark time, protesting the assassination of a German diplomat.

Now it is this thug-like behaviour that seems to be taking over the streets of Toronto, though in a much more restrained way that is not leaving anyone hurt, or injured. Thankfully. But, can one really say that all protesting is wrong, and bad, because of some examples?

I don't think so. I think it's important we keep in mind all the historical cases where things would have worked out against our favour if protests did not occur. It's easy to cite Gandhi as proof that peaceful protest is possible, but even groups like Greenpeace strike out (who I would imagine far too many people who think violence is wrong, support.) They monkey wrench (destroy equipment), and they spike trees (basically put a metal spike into a tree, so when a logger tries to cut it down the chainsaw hits it, bounces back, and potentially kills the operator.) That's just a few of their tactics. These are tactics I disagree with, but as I see many people donating to them on the streets of Sydney, clearly some people agree.

If hungry strikes made a difference, if natives blocking roads could result in them getting their land back, that would be fantastic. It's just so easy to turn a blind eye to those cries. And nothing ever happens. Headlines change the world these days. While these are headlines I am not happy with seeing in our papers, today, I do not want to see a world where people are scared to strike out against a corrupt government, or too scared to fight back against oppression, racism, and injustice.

When people simply follow along, without standing up for themselves, and their beliefs, a better life is not often created. Unfortunately, negative things occur when thugs take to the street to create violence without thought of consequence as well.

So what's the answer? I, like many people, do not have one. However, I am willing to take a stand saying that all violent protest should not be painted with the same brush. I do not think we can say none of it should ever happen, period.

But these are big thoughts, that require far more consideration, and time to contemplate. As for right now:

I'm just glad no one has been hurt. And I hope it stays that way.

Sitting in YYZ

I am, as of this very second, sitting in YYZ (Pearson International Airport) in the airport lounge. Apparently if you fly with IcelandAir, along with a number of others, you get to come to the lounge. For the most part I think I'd rather be in the normal waiting area - cans of beer mock me through minifridges that I fear to open.

Beside me a small child plays Sonic the Hedgehog on his internet terminal. And I'm not going to lie to you, that's pretty awesome. I keep trying to sneak a look at the url he's at, but I don't want to come across creepy. All I can see is "Spelletjes Kinderen".

As always, looking as I look, crossing through security is a delightful matter. This time I thought I was safe. I emptied all my pockets, I took off my shoes without being asked, and I was my charming self. But, as I noticed my shoes coming out before my bag (despite them going into the X-Ray in reverse order) I realized something was afoot.

I have never had someone completely unpack my carry-on before. This was a first. And what did he get for all of it? A look of embarrassment when he couldn't put my book back, and a held tongue when he saw my doll (Harley Quinn.) That's right. That doll has been more places than most people I know - it's more convenient and photogenic than a gnome. I'll not defend myself further.

What was the one thing I wasn't allowed to bring through security with me, you might ask? I will tell you - it, for I doubt you would have guessed. It was a stitch remover from a sewing kit. I know - I was a fool to have the sewing kit in my carry-on, and I'll never do it again, but of all the things to take out? The stitch remover? Quite possibly the most blunt thing in my bag. It has a little plastic ball top on it, that does not get removed.

With eyes laid low, the man who spent the better part of fifteen minutes walking through my earthy possessions for the year, said he'd have to check with his supervisor to see if it was O.K. or not. I assumed that, due to many of the ridiculous quasi-logical rules it would be forever lost to me - and not missed either.

In the back I could hear him arguing, and laughing thinking it was a joke when his supervisor said I couldn't keep it.

"What?! What do you mean? Look at it. It's blunt!" he cried.
"Nope, you can poke someone with it. Look - I'm poking your arm. Look." she replied in her best supervisory voice.

He informed me that it could no longer travel with me. I was fine with this. He seemed more upset, to be truthful. Ahh the bond of going through someones bag with them.

But now let us address this situation - a sewing kit, and that's what he takes? And my pens and pencils can poke just as much - though I declined to offer this information, for I know the rule of airports. You shut up and smile. It's a winning strategy. When they joke about my beard and say they need to check in it for small animals (Thank you Miami Airport - America's most improved airport of 2008 - which is terrifying to consider what it was like before the "improvements.") I just smile, move my beard, and go on my way.

Ahh well - all that is past now, and the little boys Sonic the Hedgehog crashed - so now I'll never know where he was playing (he couldn't re-discover it either. he's now playing a fishing for gold game. I don't know.)

Well that's all for now. My next post should be from Iceland. Enjoy.

Toronto Graffiti: Kensington Market: 10 Amazing Desktop Wallpaper Backgrounds [2 of 2]

Kensington Market is one of Toronto's most diverse neighbourhoods, and is a National Historic Site. For further information on Kensington Market, please read the wikipedia article which lists history, location, and other useful information.

Aside from the variety of shops, and small grocers, there is also a number of graffiti pieces to be found amongst the sidestreets, mainstreets, and alleys. Here are but a few of them.

Toronto Graffiti: Kensington Market: 10 Amazing Desktop Wallpaper Backgrounds [1 of 2]

Kensington Market is one of Toronto's most diverse neighbourhoods, and is a National Historic Site. For further information on Kensington Market, please read the wikipedia article which lists history, location, and other useful information.

Aside from the variety of shops, and small grocers, there is also a number of graffiti pieces to be found amongst the sidestreets, mainstreets, and alleys. Here are but a few of them.

There are Dinosaurs in YYZ!

There are dinosaurs in YYZ! I could not make this up. I couldn't have even dreamed that something like this would be possible, never the less it is true. Let it be known that I have stated my affinity for dinosaurs a few times already. A term I often use is "Dinosaur awesome." Sure, some things are awesome - but there's awesome and then there is Dinosaur Awesome.

There's something about seeing the bones of these creatures that causes me to think back and really try to comprehend that these creatures existed. Next time you see cows think to yourself, millions of years ago those would have been giant herbivores. I think that's why I like emus so much - they remind me of dinosaurs more than anything else. You know, for a long while the emu was my favourite bird, but once I read Bill Bryson's A Sunburned Country, about Australia all of that changed. I learned there was a bird, much like the emu - the only difference is that it has razor sharp claws that it uses to jump at you, slicing open your belly. This bird is the Cassowary. Unfortunately this terrifying beast is in decline as its habitat is being destroyed.

But enough of this tangent - more importantly, I may not have mentioned this but - there are dinosaurs in YYZ!

Wait, what's YYZ you ask? Oh - sorry, I apologize, I just assumed everyone knew... If I said there were dinosaurs in LAX you'd have understood, but no - I'm sorry LAX - you don't have dinosaurs! YYZ does. YYZ is Pearson International Airport (better known as Toronto Airport - never mind that it's not actually located in Toronto.) I mean, come on - how could you not know this? The band Rush even wrote a song titled after it.

So where are these beasts? They are located right beside the international arrivals waiting area. That place where - oh sure, you go to pick someone up on time, but lets be honest - they'll never walk through the gate at a reasonable hour. So as you're waiting the extra twenty minutes for the corridor to connect to the planes door, and then for the attendants to fix the broken luggage belt, it's not as if you need just look sullenly at the bouquet of flowers you bought, wondering how wilted they will be before you can hand them off to she who is about to arrive. No - you can look at dinosaurs.

Two skeletons are on display for all to see in a stunning presentation brought to us all by the Royal Ontario Museum (or ROM.) Sure - some airports may have fancy monorails inside the buildings, or kitsch hanging over head - but we? We have dinosaurs!

I mean come on. There's awesome, but then there's Dinosaur Awesome!

Why I Love Toronto

I love Toronto. Even though I’ve only lived here one year, this is my city. It always has been. When I was a small child, I would come three or four times a year for baseball games, or walks, or because – I can only assume – that my parents had some errand to run, and they didn’t want to leave me alone, as I’d most likely set fire to necessary things like dryers, stoves, small animals, or chestnut dinette sets. When I was sixteen I made the trip into the city twice a month, often to pick up Manic Panic hair dye (not yet available at Shopper’s Drugmart, and just about every other store you could imagine.) I had to make the trip down to F/X, often passing Active Surplus and the large gorilla out front. F/X has since moved, and Active Surplus has shrunk, and looks to be on the verge of closing. I can list you more than half a dozen comic book stores here, what they’re each good for, and where they are located now as well as where they have moved from over the years. In some cases I can even tell you the specific smell you will find smacking you over the face when you enter (3rd Quadrant used to be Big Mac Special Sauce, and The Beguiling has, and always will, reek of pretentiousness.)

It’s not until I leave the city that I truly appreciate just what it has to offer. London may be famous for Theatre, and New York may have the night life, but Toronto – I would argue – has the best, and most diverse, food of any city anywhere on the planet. Maybe it’s our multicultural demographics, or maybe it’s just that we are fantastic.

And that’s just one aspect of the city. Toronto gives everything it has to its citizens. The amount of festivals is beyond compare. There are three big festival venues in Toronto. They are:

Harbourfront Centre
Nathan Phillips Square
Yonge and Dundas Square

These three venues are teeming with events throughout the year. In the dead of winter, Nathan Phillips Square hosts Winter City which brings free concerts by bands you actually know, and would love to see. They also have street theatre, and at times fire sculptures. There is also a free public skating rink there. Throughout the rest of the year more concerts are held, as well as large organized pillow fights, art gatherings, and many many food related events.

Harbourfront Centre always has free art exhibits within it that are not to be missed. Not only that, but they also have a number of free festivals throughout the year (celebrating things such as Mexico’s Day of the Dead, and a number of other multicultural holidays.) But when the summer hits? That’s when this place really comes to life. Every single weekend in the summer there is a new, exciting, and different festival. If you want to see tall ships, you can do so here. If you want to watch artisans from around the world they’ll be here. If you want to eat, a Toronto specialty, you better believe you can do that here.


And then we come to Yonge and Dundas Square. What can be said about this place? It’s no Time’s Square – even though I think part of it would like to be. And though we have a scramble crossing, and large video screens, it’s not Shibuya either. What it is, is a place where all things come together. On one side of the road you have the Eaton’s Centre – by far the largest mall in these here parts – just outside you will find chalk painters, human sculptures, and drummers pounding on garbage pails, and street lamps. Occasionally you’ll find someone telling you that you’re going to hell for one or more reasons as well, but it’s all part of the local flavour. Across the street, however, is where things really get going. In the summer free movies are played on big screens, bands perform, festivals are held, more food stands celebrate cultural cuisine. And even when nothing’s going on, there are lots of tables and chairs to just sit in the sun, and pass the day away with a good book. You can usually find me there doing just that.

I’ve heard people say that they hate Toronto, and I’ve heard people outside of the city asking why it’s loved so much. I can speak honestly and truthfully, I’ve never come across a city that has so much going on at all times, specifically for the people. I’ve found no city that offers so much for so little. And, again, did I mention the food is great too?

Anime North 2009: Chapter 7

After another night of sleeping between car, video screening room, and table I was ready to take on the final moments of Anime North. The Sunday is a bitter sweet time for most people. It is the culmination of a weekend that few are likely to forget, however it is also the final moments of something that will be hard to recapture, and hard to ever explain to those not present.

Like a leadership conference, or all you can eat pancakes devoured from four aye em to six, while the sun rises beyond the wall length windows of a campy retro diner, connections were formed that should not have otherwise existed. Or perhaps, connections that should have always existed, but were prevented by the walls of social conventions, and polite society.

Beside me a girl dressed as a maid is roused from her slumber. Her dream, much like this brief moment in time, has come to an end. But it does not mean that she will sleep no more. Next year the convention will come again, and for three more days – a mere oh point eight percent of the year - the lucid hallucination will return.

Phone numbers are exchanged between costumed critters, with many knowing that they will never be used. Who they are in these moments is not who they will be weeks later.

Gone is the living internet – gone is the unquestioned friendship and kindness. Social barriers return as people walk to the parking lot, giant swords trailing. Creates of manga are loaded into van back hatches. Doors are slammed. Ceremonies mark the end.

And just like that, the hotel returns to normal – the new bride no longer has to wonder if she choose incorrectly in booking this hotel for her honeymoon. The poolside is free of cat girls, and monsters, and early-teen waifs.

The dream has ended; we’ve all lost the game.

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Anime North 2009: Chapter 6

Where does Super Mario make out with Princess Zelda, before being punched in the face by Naruto? Where does a big blue tiger from Monster Rancher cross swords with Sepiroth? Where does Sonic the Hedgehog – well lets not get ahead of ourselves, no one really likes Sonic the Hedgehog… and to be honest, the fewer furries, the better.

So where is it that all these things can be seen? Why at Anime North’s Masquerade! Yes the masquerade is where people who enjoy the fine art of Cosplay can show off all their hard work, and enact a dramatic scene as well.

Seventy six entries: that’s how many scenes there were at Anime North’s 2009 costume masquerade. Each entry was about one minute in length, but there was also a minute between each entry for set up, and introductions. At the end of it all, the even probably ran three hours.

Three hours in a dark full room smelling of Otaku. Now, far be it for me to complain – I slept in a car. And now that I really think about it, when I was on the grey hound for three days straight from Vancouver to Toronto back in 2006, how good could I have possibly smelled then? But – that was different – it didn’t bother me!

By the fifth or sixth act, I knew I was in for the long haul, and I knew that it was probably going to get a lot worse before it got any better. At this point there was only one thing left to do: pictochat!

The free software that accompanies the Nintendo DS is, for the most part, completely useless. Where would you ever find yourself with other people who have their own Nintendo DS ready to pictochat? Nowhere – save for nerd conventions such as Anime North. Within seconds the Masquerade took on a different tone, as the chatroom started to flood full of people, each also bored, but with nowhere better to go.

Was the skit on stage terrible? Well you better be sure that people on pictochat were complaining about it, mocking it, or trying to support it against all odds. It was no different than any other internet chatroom. And at one point, some people grew bold slinging traditional insults and personal attacks that would be found on any message board. There is, however, one big difference between pictochat and truly anonymous chat servers, and the difference is this: When I really want to, I can look around the room, and start to identify who is whom.

Ahh – that person insulting my mother? That’s the boy in the back in the green shirt. And that guy insulting the girl up from for being bisexual, he’s over there in the yellow. As I started to point out who specific people were, it was amazing how quickly the tone of the room changed.

Pictochat: It’s like the magical world we’ve always dreamed of – a chat room, where you really can walk over and punch the person in the face when they become, shall we say, off colour.

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Anime North 2009: Chapter 5

It’s eigh o’clock in the morning, and I’m stairing at my bottle of pre-mixed brain juice. Mmm Orange flavoured. Every time there is a lull in the excitement, or boredom starts to creep around the corner from its insidious home within the yuri/yoai pavilion I have another sip. It makes me smarter, more energized, ready to take on the day!

By nine forty five my bottle is half empty. Text messages are sent out to that effect, and what they state terrifies all who receive them. It turns out that I had made my way to a part of Anime North known as Doll North, where – for the last hour – I had been sitting listening to a nurse lead a panel on how to discover your dolls true personality.

Ahh yes, I am in the world of BJDs (that’s Ball Joint Dolls for the uninitiated.) These are dolls which require their own special clothing, tailored exactly to fit. These are dolls that require careful purchasing, and selection. Each company makes its own style of faces, but once you’ve chosen that you must get the right colour hair, and then style it ever so perfectly. Things do not stop there either, for there are a variety of eyes (though the old ones must be removed with pins and hair dryers – that much I picked up from my clouded state of “way too early to be up.”) Even still, once all of that has been selected, and your doll has its head firmly on its shoulders, you must create a proper face-up.

Yes, I was learning new words and concepts! New words like face-up. What is a face-up one might ask? Well were one to pose so foolish a question, I would be forced to answer. Face-up is the doll version of Make-up. Once you’ve selected everything else, you need to paint its face to make it beautiful, not until a six year old girl who just received (some might say too early in life – others too late) her very own make-up kit.

I don’t know much about this part of doll ownership, you see I wasn’t there the day before for the hour long face-up panel. No, this panel I was at was mostly, as I stated, about discovering your dolls true personality.

You may, I am told, have wanted a nice kind doll. But its true personality might be jumping out at you, proving itself to be an angry doll, jealous of your others. It may actually be a very timid doll, terrified and afraid.

This nurse led us through a number of psychological profiles, and texts – basically giving us insight into the world of human psychology. Those in attendance then smiled and nodded, looking at their own dolls – brought along for a delightful romp through Anime North – and seemed to understand something. Perhaps I was witnessing a paradigm shift?

Truly, I was witnessing something.

As I looked around, I noticed that I was one of the only two males in the room. The other was an unfortunate sixteen year old sitting right behind me. He too had no doll of his own. Unlike myself, who was somewhat interested in all this, he seemed to be there for one reason, and one reason only – he knew eventually the panel would end. And then his girlfriend would leave said panel. And perhaps, just perhaps, he’d manage to sway her towards the elevators, back to their room, for something more delightful than Psychology 101.

I felt for this kid, I really did. It was as if every fiber in his being said, “if I can just make it through this – and I can just see past this aspect of her, my girlfriend is great!” It was like watching a girl hope that her boyfriend would change from jerk to sweetheart over night – except slightly less depressing, and a lot more humerous.

Every time the girl stood up, she would pass the doll to her boyfriend, and start to walk away to ask questions – but then she would stop, look back, and make sure it was held properly. If not held as gently as a baby, who knows what long lasting psychological effects might occur for the doll?

Heaven forbid this oafish boyfriend of hers upset the doll. Perhaps it’s not the sweetheart she thought it was; accidents might happen. After all…

One never can tell a doll’s true personality.

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Anime North 2009: Chapter 4

It had happened. In the past, I could simply engage and walk away – but here I was, in a stationary role, where I would remain for some time to come.

Why is this a problem? Because I’m never sure that I can keep my mouth shut long enough to get out of a situation like this. First rule of teaching: You must always keep a professional attitude around students. No matter where you are. You could be at a concert, a rave, a movie, the botanical gardens – heck, if you’re at a bar and a student walks in, in theory you should leave. These are the rules. And here I was at a convention where people were dressed up as giant brown rectangles with faces, as well as sailor scouts from a youth long ago. Professional Decorum and Anime North – as well as myself when engaged with Karaoke – seemed impossible. Still, I channeled some wise words: Just shut up, and nod a lot. And shut up and nod a lot I did, saving me from what could have been a disaster of a situation.

Again – it’s not that I don’t appreciate being seen by students out side of class, in fact I think it works to humanize me, which I like – I just have to remember to stay “in character.” In theory, I guess I was cosplaying as “Mistash Bee.” more or less.

My student signed up for a song, and I’d be damned if I was going to leave before that song was performed. So I waited, and I waited – growing ever more tired, reminiscing of that comfortable place on the carpet, where I’d just been napping – I also considered crawling under the sheet of a table, but assumed that I might be accidentally kicked, or otherwise injured (such as purposefully kicked) as time went on.

An hour later – and after participating in a rousing group sing of the Pokemon theme (until I saw a cellphone video camera pointed in my direction, causing me to remember my cosplaying role) – the song was performed. And marvelously too. The talent of some people never ceases to amaze me. And with that, I categorically defined my day as over, and headed to the parking lot to sleep. In the back of my van. Don’t worry – I brought changes of clothing.

From two thirty aye em, until four thirty aye em I slept in the back of my van, stretched out as I had when I travelled across Canada. From two thirty I rested, somewhat. I rested in shorts, and I rested in a t-shirt. And that was all. There was no jacket, no towel, no long pants, or long sleeves. I had nothing to keep me warm. And it was COLD! Frigid. It was colder inside the van, than outside. The next day, someone would try to teach me the science behind this – but I had no time. I was too busy complaining about how cold it was. Out of the van! Into a video room – where, as this is a fifty hour event, movies were still playing – and back to my comfortable corner.

I slept there clutching my bag, and camera, and worldly possessions, until six thirty when the great migration occurred. Everyone left the video room, to go pass out on the tables in the main hall, or the couches scattered around the hotel. I opted for the tables, with the rest of the masses. And there I slept until eight o’clock in the morning.

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Anime North 2009: Chapter 3

Night had come, and the end of Anime North Day One was upon most people. Tired children were dragged by even more exhausted parents away from the crowds, the booths, companionship into the backseats of minivans and station wagons. For some this would be their only Anime North experience for 2009. Others would be back the next day.

Some sixteen year olds, who had convinced their parents that it would be a good idea to allow them to simply stay overnight at the double tree hotel – who these foolish parents were, I do not know – boarded elevators with their new found friends. This convention is well known for its hotel parties, and overlooked discretions. Although, you do need to realize that these are parties hosted by people who dress up like Halloween for fun – yes they are still hotel parties with all the rumpus one would expect of a sixteen year old who has just finished prom, but they are also somewhat tamer. Twenty people crowded into a room do not immediately start smashing things, and screaming, instead they might just discuss the merits of Akira, and how it influenced modern culture as well as early Japanese / American relationships in the eighties.

And then they have sex – lots of role playing, in character sex.

But I am not some child, pulled to the backseat of a minivan (I would go willingly, and much later,) nor was I some lust fueled teenager looking to expand my horizon. No – for me, there was still oh so much to do. I just don’t happen to remember most of it.

What I do remember, is waking up on the floor of a video room, as an episode of Yu-gi-oh ended, with Yugi, or the spirit that possessed him, or something of that nature walking through a big portal. There was also a tear filled goodbye, and promises that he would never be forgotten. In anime there are many energy portal exits, and many such tear filled goodbyes.

Within seconds of this, the room was invaded by staff, looking to convert it into a Karaoke hall. A karaoke hall?! Certainly I would not miss this excellent opportunity. Why, I have Karaoke-ed-ed across the world, in many countries, as well as international waters (protip: my three go to songs are, in reverse order, Steppenwold’s Born to be Wild, The Troggs’s Wild Thing, and Shania Twain’s Man, I Feel Like a Woman!)

As I sat, waiting for the binders to be unleashed, and the equipment to be readied in all its humming glory, I sat at the back, by the door. This – in some cases – could be seen as my undoing. For who would walk into this room? One of my students. And where would this students sit? Beside me, of course.

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Anime North 2009: Chapter 2

There are few things sweeter than knowing hundreds of people all around you wish nothing but pain and misery upon you. It was with this feeling, lofting me ever higher, that I started to stride around Artist’s Alley.

Artist’s Alley is a hall which is staffed by amateurs – many of whom are high school students trying to make their mark in the Anime / Manga world by selling their own self published books, posters, key chains, bookmarks. It’s rare that I ever buy anything in the alley, but I always seem to spend a great amount of time strolling past all the booths. You can see, in the artist’s eyes, a real hope; you can see a real passion. When you start to slow down and look at a piece, and the sellers start talking to you about it, you know that it’s out of pure love of the form, not just some half thought out sales pitch.

Once I’d completed my rounds I took a final glace – I had been looking for one particular booth. Each year one of my old students sets up shop, and though I’d not been her teacher for the past two years, I still try and find her to support her craft and make sure she hasn’t given up on the dream. I did not see her.

I made my way into the dealers room, away from the simplicity and craft of the amateur pieces. I had entered the maw of all things terrible. Fathers everywhere must have been in tears as their fourteen year old daughters walked out of the house in less than they would ever wear to the beach. One girl laughed, agreeing, as she overheard me make this comment. Though I had brought my camera, I made sure never to take it out of my bag. Nothing good could come from that.

Luckily a number of people have posted their own creative commons images of the event, which I’ve included here for your viewing pleasure. All the understanding, without any of the distressing and troubling justification required to have taken the images myself.

Music was playing, peoples voices were screaming, and then all of a sudden:
"I LOST THE GAME!"
"I lost the game." "Dammit, I lost the game." "Lost the game!" "…THE GAME!"

The game had been lost. And as a tidal wave, threatening to destroy all those in its path, the game continued to be lost from one side of the hall to the other.

What, might you ask, is this game? Well – it is an internet phenomenon that has but one rule. The object of the game is to never think of the game. Any time you think of the game, you have lost the game. Does it sound foolish or ridiculous? No? Then you should have been at A.N. And if you weren’t, you must go next year. Does the game sound stupid and without purpose? Yes? Then you, my friend, have just lost twenty internets.

This is the type of place Anime North is. It’s the type of place where people can come together and bond over nothing. Over things that oh so few will ever understand, yet for those brief three days you know in your heart that you are not alone. Everyone around you is just as messed up as you. They’ve spent the same amount of time on youtube watching the lastest meme. They’ve embraced the same cultural awareness. The too can has cheezburger.

I browsed manga, and idol cds, and capsule toys imported directly from Japan. I also kept my eyes open for a Yuffie Action figure priced at less than twenty dollars (ultimately this was not to be.) I listened to awkward teenagers once more try to start awkward relationships with such classic openers as, "so… do you like music, and – umm – stuff?" This is an exact quote, and what makes it perfect is that it’s just what you’d expect.

A greasy haired fourteen year old approached a girl of similar age, midriff bare, and clothes distressingly limited. In a normal environment you would expect this boy to learn a terrible lesson in pain and heartache, best taught through the tinny clang of country music. But here? Here the girl turned to him and nodded. They walked off together, and started talking. I think I saw them sleeping on a couch together a day later. This is the type of place A.N. is.

And that just makes the separation anxiety that much worse when the dream finally ends.

But that was still days away. Now it was time for me to go to some panels, watch some anime, and try to get some sleep.

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Anime North 2009: Chapter 1

Right now, as I sit on a couch in the Double Tree Hotel's lobby, a maid lies curled up beside me. No, she's not a hotel employee shucking her responsibilities, or taking full advantage of her fifteen minute break. No hotel offers such delicately laced trim and eloquent patterning on their uniforms; I dare not even mention how short the skirt is. This maid, tranquilly sleeping into Sunday afternoon, is simply an eighteen year old girl who chose to dress up for the weekend, participating in what is known at CosPlay here at the Double Tree and the Toronto Congress Centre for the three day, two night, event known as Anime North. She is not alone. A loud clap; an employee wakes her from her slumber, "we can't let you sleep on the couches here." This wasn’t a problem the night before.For her, and so many others, the dream has now ended.

***

Friday, five o'clock pm.

I exit the highway onto Dixon road hoping that I’m in the right place. My google maps directions have long since been lost under a mass of clothing, bottles, and bags – all required to sustain me for the next three days. Anime North in my destination: Toronto’s premier anime convention. AN also happens to be one of the largest Anime Conventions this side of the Pacific. People will show up from all over the continent to drop, shop, and gawk here.

I begin to worry I might have exited too early, or – worse – too late. Just as this fear starts to take hold, from over a small hill comes Alucard, hand in hand with Kite and Blackrose, followed by two unknown catgirls. As I jog right, I see not another pocket of five or six unreal beings brought to life, but an entire parking lot full of them. Clearly my directions were sound.

A line stretches around the congress centre, filled with people waiting to get inside to begin spending all their hard earned (or in the case of many of the people here – their parent’s hard earned) money. This line will take them three hours to get through. Once inside they will be queued into another hour long line. Finally they will be able to wait the five minute line into the dealer’s room. For them the next four hours will be torture. Torture interspersed with awkward conversations and even more uncomfortable flirting as convention friendships and relationships form.

Angering hundreds of uninformed fourteen to twenty year olds, I simply pulled my badge out of my pocket, picked up a day before when no line existed, and walked inside.

The halls were alive with the sound of the internet.

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Anime North 2009: Chapter 0

When I travel, I normally go to see cities. Some people visit museums, some people go to see theatre, some like nature and landscapes. I travel to see cities. But all that might change with my upcoming trip. Two new things have appeared on my radar. One is the idea of following professional sports teams, and the other is following conventions.

I know people who have travelled far and wide to go to PAX, or Comicon. Now here, in my own proverbial back yard, I am presented with Anime North. North Americas greatest fan-run Anime Convention. For over a decade this con has been running strong - and for all fellow travellers who enjoy all things quirky, cute, and anime, I will present you with the tale of my three day, two night experience.

If any readers out there have travelled for a convention, please comment below with your own tale.

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Summer's on it's Way!

Sunday saw a vibrant return to life in the city. A number of things were responsible for this, I'm sure, but for me it was simply the sunny sky. I could walk around in my M.E.C. purchased closed toe sandals, feeling pretty fantastic with myself. Ohh, how I watched as my pile of potential marking piled up and up and up. But that didn't concern me (mind you, I'll be staying up late the next few nights to get through it all.) No, it was a beautiful day and I had just purchased a new camera. It was time to get out there and see the city.

I started off walking down Front Street, passing by the memorial to all those who died in industrial accidents. Some died by being killed in a bread mixer, others dies in an explosion in a fruit juice factory. Each plaque, a reminder - work place safety is everyone's concern. Think about that next time you're asked to stand inside a human sized blender (also known as a bread mixer.) David Ellis' parents will always remember. Coincidentally, my school had an assembly about him last month.

My main goal for the day was going to a Hot Doc (Toronto's Documentary film festival) but I had some time to kill, so I thought - why not take in three innings or so of the Blue Jay's game? I saw two home runs, and got a ticket that I could later use for pizza. When I left the Rogers Centre (read: Sky Dome) the street car moved me much faster than I had anticipated. I decided for a brief stop at Kensington Market to photograph the graffiti there. This was a trip I'd long since put off.

And then it was just a quick walk to the Royal Cinema on College.

Toronto - some people will tell you it's a small city, or that there's nothing to do: They're just not trying hard enough. It's a great city, a beautiful city; it's my city.

Over the next little while, you'll see some Toronto Highlights, tourist suggestions, and all number of other local things which may include restaurant reviews, and local hot spots. If you're planning to be in the Greater Toronto Area, stay tuned.

Around the World: Back to Planning

The first day of...
Any day off of work can be a good day, right? You don't wake up to the sound of the alarm annoying pulsating as you hit sleep once, twice, three times. You can shower for as long as you want without fear of missing the train, the bus, the start of your work day. You can have a relaxing big breakfast, or skip it at all to watch the morning television. Heck, you could just read a book if you'd like, while you wait for your cereal to become suitably mushy in your milk (or for the lactose-challenged, mango soy smoothie beverage. Trust me, it goes well with Peach Honey Bunches of Oats.)

But then you remember why you're not at work. It's because you have an appointment. One that can not be missed. One that you've been putting off for weeks, almost months now.

Planning the World Trip once more
It has been a long time since I wrote about the world trip plans. Yes I've seen New York City, and I've done a few other things, I've even written about Toronto - but the world trip? That hasn't been discussed since my trip to M.E.C. back in February.

For the last six weeks, I've simply breezed through life, trying to balance my work, with my friends, and everything else that exists. But one thing remained - the knowledge that at some point, I would have to ready myself to drop terrible amounts of money.

Still, I could not start buying rail passes, or plane tickets, or anything else of that nature until I picked up my travel insurance. And I could not buy travel insurance until I had the good people at OHIP extend my out of country provincial insurance.

It took some research, and sifting through disinformation, but at last I knew what I had to do. Cereal eaten, I was off to begin planning my trip once more. Next stop: 777 Bay St. Toronto, Ontario.

Sometimes, Things Just Seem to Come Together;

Chance meetings and random conversations;
It's that kind of night where the world seems so far away; it's that kind of night when destinations are the only place to stay. Spring has come to the city of Toronto. No longer will the temperature tempt us with double digit highs, only to dip down into snow a week later. The days look to reach seventeen, which leaves the nights.

The nights are open, accessable, and free. In the city, a simple stroll down the street can lead to convorsations with people not seen for months, or new relationships born out of similiar destinations, or - nothing.

This night led me to the best nachos in Toronto. There, with a friend, I devoured the King's Crown to the best of my ability. Near the final moments, I was unexpectedly met by an old friend. Joining us, he brought two others into the mix. As life would have it, these two were travellers much like myself.

Were they better travelled than me? Were they less travelled than me? None of that mattered - they were travellers, with experiences, and stories to share.

For the next few hours, I listened to tales of the Japanese music festivals, the Korean music scene, the pedistrian haven that is Hong Kong, and stories of hiking through Tibet.

The travel cult;
It is these chance meetings, these sharing of stories, that I find myself craving - now more than ever before. Once endoctrinated into the travel cult, it is hard to escape. There are few things better than having stories you want to tell, be listened to by those who want to hear them.

Travel stories can often come across as photo albums, ominously sitting on someone's living room table. There are those that will, due to common curteosy, sit through brief explainations of the shots - others will fear the books presence, hoping that it remains the elephant in the room, forever unspoken of - then there are those who will see each picture, and ask for the details behind them all.

These are those wrapped in throws of travel.

Eastern Canada in a week and a half;
As the night drew to an end, as all eventually do, talk turned to Canada. Could a trip from Toronto Ontario to St. John's Newfoundland be completed in one and a half weeks?

Three thousand Kilometers. Six thousand round trip. Nine days. Eight hours of driving every day.

At first, I said it was impossible. Not even something worth trying. But the more I thought about it - the more I really considered the concept - the more practicle it became.

What does it mean to drive across Canada? I took more than twice as long to complete the same journey, but I was headed blind. I was out to see everything. I had the time off to do it my own way.

A rushed trip is better than no trip at all. Over the next little while, I plan to put together a custom google map (as I quite like this new resource) featuring a "to the east and back" road trip route, complete with places to see, things to do, and ways to make the brief trip somewhat more complete.

When convorsation turns, it pays to listen; when you have a question - feel free to ask it. You never know, there may be someone there to calm your fears, help you out, or make the impracticle practicle.

Then again, much like a Toronto night, there could simply be nothing.

Free Walking Tour of Toronto: Focus on Anime

It's a beautiful day in this wonderful city called Toronto. The sun is shining, but due to your love of all things manga / anime, you're staying inside to catch up on the latest series, or read the most recent issues. That is, after all, what anime lovers do, yes? Well, that’s one way to look at things. I have a better suggestion: get yourself out there and actually take part in the scene. Toronto is a great big city with a bustling anime scene.

Now, I’m not going to tell you how you should live your life – or what you should do, but my goodness if this isn’t going to be a day plan full of some fantastic suggestions. One might say this is a Top 10 Toronto Anime sites guide. But it's not really. Perhaps in the future I'll make a top 10 anime / manga list, but for now this is simply a Toronto Walking Tour. Take responsibility for yourself, should you go to any of these locations, but as one interested in Anime, you might just find them delightful.

Start your experience by jumping on the subway and riding to Bathurst Station. When you exit the station, head south down Markham Street, just west of Honest Ed’s. On your left, you will see The Beguiling. This is the comic store of comic stores in Toronto. Is it the best? Debatable. But it has a lot to offer. So head in, and browse the first floor if you’re into indy titles, and locally created comics. But if Anime and Manga is all you’re here for then you need to head right up stairs. There you will find hundreds of titles, as well as intelligent staff ready to give you all number of tips and suggestions.

Now, after you’ve seen all that that has to offer, and you’re thinking, “man, I wish I had more money,” you can swing on over to BMV (books, movies, and videos) just west of Spadina, on Bloor Street. This time, instead of heading up, head down – into the basement – to the back left corner. There you will find discounted Manga books, selling as cheaply as $1.99. That, indeed, is a bargain! If you want to head upstairs, you can discounted Anime DVDs too, used though they may be.

From there, you must take full advantage of this beautiful day and then head south on Spadina – it’s only a 1km walk to 315 Spadina Ave, where Animextreme is located. It’s on the east side of the street, in amongst all the delightful little restaurants (did someone say have lunch at the Dumpling House located at 328 Spadina, for the best dumplings in the city? To mix the perfect sauce use 1 part chilli sauce, 1 part vinegar, and 1 part soy. You may want to add more chilli to taste.)

After you’ve bought all the toys, statues, and other such things you can think of you should continue to walk south down to Queen Street. Turn east, and you’ll be soon come across the Silver Snail. This is a brilliant place to go. It has so many comic books, and anime toys. It even has capsule toys imported from Japan. This is where you’ll want to find yourself.

After Silver Snail you can stop off at Tea Shop 168 for some fabulous bubble tea, and condensed milk on toast. There’s also a Nintendo Wii that you can play, if you feel up to it. Mind you, the relaxing couches there will make getting up seem like far too much effort.

Keep heading east to Yonge Street and then turn north. See if there’s anything going on at Yonge and Dundas Square, then head north one more street north, and turn east towards the World’s Biggest Bookstore. But don’t go in. Why there’s another BMV just beside it, full of new discounted Anime and Manga books in the back right.

After that, feel free to spend some time in the Eaton’s Centre – then grab the subway home, or break out on another adventure!

If another adventure is what you’re seeking, I recommend heading down to St. Laurence Market at Front Street and Lower Jarvis. From there, head back west, and walk north on Church Street. When you get to Richmond, head one alley north and then look right; down said alley you’ll see a spectacular graffiti piece of Sonic the Hedgehog and Dr. Robotnik.

There’s also a Henry’s here. The best camera store in Canada. When you’re done, just walk west on Queen back to Yonge, and you can grab the subway out of here.

Enjoy your beautiful outside world! Enjoy your time, and experience the city!


View Toronto Anime Guide in a larger map

Toronto Graffiti: Graffiti Alley: 10 Amazing Desktop Wallpaper Backgrounds [3of3]

With the failing city behind, this is my favourite piece.

When chickens have fighter jets, what hope do we have?

Reminiscent of the Machine War

Modern art merges with traditional.

Honesty is the Best Poetry.

Stretching the length of the garage, the soft tones prove contrast.

Well created tags can prove art all their own.

Toons, the sequel. The original is probably long since covered.

Winter's Gone..

Supplication for all Saints

[note: Graffiti Alley is a Graffiti Mecca in Toronto. Toronto's Graffiti alley is a lane that runs just south of Queen Street West, entering east off of Spadina. Some people will convince you that this alley ends at Portland, where you are forced onto Richmond. However, if you explore both east and west of Graffiti Alley, what is labeled Rush Lane on Google Maps, you will find much more street art lurking around. The alleys that run north and south from these lane ways also make for excellent galleries.

All of these images were shot on Rush Lane. Feel free to download these Graffiti Alley images and use them for your computer's desktop. They're all 1280x960. A perfect size. Enjoy.]

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