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.

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.]

Gallery [1. 2. 3]

Toronto Graffiti: Graffiti Alley: 10 Amazing Desktop Wallpaper Backgrounds [2of3]

One of the view "dark" images in Graffiti Alley

Of course the distressingly upbeat image is the one covered in tags.

The wall is gone.

The Eager Beaver seems to desire your friendship.

A poignant statement... but of what?

The art is not simply limited to the walls - everything becomes a canvas.

The modern style combines the artistic with the technological.

There is truth buried in the eyes, unseen.

I been here! I been lotsa places!

The ninja chicken is a well known Toronto staple. There are many.

[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.]

Gallery [1. 2. 3]

Toronto Graffiti: Graffiti Alley: 10 Amazing Desktop Wallpaper Backgrounds [1of3]

[introductory 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.

With the exception of the people jumping from the C.N. Tower (grabbed from College Street, just East of Spadina) 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.]

Local art that showcases one of the prominent city landmarks.


And now? Now you are on a photo blog, so all is well.
(I wonder how many other photo blogs are displaying this image.)


To be honest, there's really no such thing as an ugly cartoon penguin.


Timmie's cup? Snow? Toilet outside. Yes - you're in Toronto.


I like to think of this as a statement on our city.


It's 1994 again, and I need to defeat the cyber-demon?


Without a doubt, this is one of my favourite pieces currently showing.


Macabre door-coverings part their way.


Chickens, and bunnies, and pirates. Oh my.


The group dynamics - spontaneous murals - is showcased here.

Gallery [1. 2. 3]