MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC

posted by Unknown @ 1:27 p.m.

Moose Goes for Some Wasabi Peas

posted by Unknown @ 12:09 a.m.

River of the Borderline Retarded and YouTube.com

We had our June book club meeting last night, the book in question being River of the Brokenhearted, by David Adams Richards. We didn't really discuss the book too much, but we had some awesome movie theatre inspired snacks and some fun up on Maria's roof-top patio.

We always try to eat food related to the book somehow, but it was difficult with this one. The only food I remember being mentioned was pie and fries. So Gab made a lemon meringue pie and Julia picked up some frites from the chipwagon in front of City Hall (MMMmmmm). Maria made popcorn, and I decided to bring some nachos and cheese, like the kind you get at the theatre today. Nestor was a poohead and didn't bring anything... The book was about a Maritime family troubled by alcoholism; needless to say, we had the booze bit down pat. We were drinking martinis and gin and juice.

We hashed out the novel for a couple hours, and then attention wandered to Maria's computer, and youtube.com. That site is DANGEROUSLY ADDICTIVE. Here are some links to our favourite clips:

The Ten Things I Hate About Commandments (discovered by Julia)
The Shining Re-Cut (brought to us by Nestor)
Ah, Bibliotheque (a favourite of Maria's)
VW GTi MkV Unpimp My Ride I (Gab's pick)
Funny DUI (shown to me by a co-worker today)

TOO FUNNY!!

Anyways- here are a couple other pics, taken on Maria's rooftop.

posted by Unknown @ 2:40 p.m.

Cooking Experiment

So, my loyal readers will be happy to hear that I actually COOKED something yesterday. Well, attempted to, anyways.

When I was home in Windsor a couple weeks ago, my sister-in-law asked if I needed anything: money, food, etc. I told her I was not going to accept money for groceries, but if she had any food she was willing to part with, I'd be glad to take it off her hands (okay, I wasn't quite so brazen, but I WILL take food from anyone who doesn't want it, I'm no where near above that). She gave me two geese, some moose sausage, some venison sausage, a package of venison roast, a package of ground venison and two baggies of apple sauce (my brothers a hunter, in case you couldn't tell, although I'm not so sure the apples gave enough of a struggle to call it a "kill").

I decided to make a meatloaf with the ground venison. (On a side note, I'm wondering why deer meet is called venison, but moose is just moose. And why pig meat is called pork, and cow meat is called beef, but chicken is just chicken. Unfair, I say.) My good friend Neil at work gave me his own recipe for the meatloaf. I felt sure that I could make this simple, classic meal.

Alas. The problems began when I took the meat from the fridge, where it had been set to thaw overnight and all day. It was still frozen! BAH! So I nuked it for a bit, only to cook some of it in the process (of course). The second problem surfaced when I realized I'd purchased crushed tomatoes in a can, instead of whole tomatoes in a can. "Whatever," I said, "I'll just mix it in."

I chopped up some onion and garlic, crushed up some soda crackers, added some parsley, oregano and sage, and an egg (I still don't get that) and mixed it all up with the meat and tomatoes. Neil's recipe called for me to "form a loaf" (I couldn't stop giggling at this), and place it in the middle of a big baking dish with some of the juice from the tomatoes for basting. Well, MY meatloaf was not "forming a loaf", so I pressed it into a loaf pan. I popped it into the pre-heated oven and waited for an hour, relaxing and reading.

The aroma of the cooking venison made my mouth water, and I had hope, if even just for an instant, that I could make something edible from scratch. However, after over an hour in the 375º heat, the loaf was still not cooked. From what I could tell anyways... see this is the problem I had- the meat still looked red, but I couldn't tell if this was because it was raw, because it was venison and not beef, or if it was because I had mixed it with crushed tomatoes. I was completely clueless.

Meanwhile, Stef called me up and told me to come out for a beer. I couldn't refuse, so I turned the oven off, leaving the loaf in, and took a three-hour hiatus from the kitchen at Boom Shiva, a new bar on Queen Street West (nice place- you should go). Anywho- I came home and the meatloaf was dried out, but still didn't look cooked! I put it back in for another 40 minutes, and then, not caring if I got staphylococcus or salmonella or whatever it is you get from raw meat, taste-tested my creation. It was burnt on the top, crusty on the sides and mushy in the middle. Not very pretty to look at at all. But it did taste good! So my efforts were half successful. Meh.

posted by Unknown @ 3:36 p.m.

Weekend Update

Lately I've been somewhat of a homebody, wanting to stay home and relax. Going home for a weekend always does that to me- I spend a lot of time by myself here in Toronto; when I go to Windsor, I'm surrounded all the time. So Friday, I just relaxed at home.

Saturday night James popped by around 6pm and got my ass in gear (I'd been lounging all day up until then). I met up with Julia and Kevin and we headed over to Ben's party- where I was most impressed by his mohitos and mixed CDs he gave out to everyone (plus there were more than a couple cute boys there!). After, I was supposed to meet up with James and Stef, and then go to another house party with Julia and Kevin (a merging of pools, if you will), but I got confused about meeting in a bar... and we ended up in the Withrow Park. With Heinekin, sugar cane liquor, and greek food. Oh, and a poncho for sitting on. It was funny. Pictures to follow, since James is a slowpoke at uploading images.

Sunday, Bex resurfaced from her hiatus from life (that is to say, work), and we sat on the patio at Shoeless Joe's all afternoon (Joe, the Shoeless Guy!). Margaritas, lattice fries and happy Canadians kept us all content. And it didn't rain!

Speaking of cute boys... Every afternoon on my way home from work, down Adelaide and past Bathurst, there are always a bunch a cute guys standing outside of 660 Adelaide... it must be a studio space for a band or something, cause they've sometimes got guitar cases and the like. Anyways- it's a nice interlude, from gray pavement and car bumpers, to see some nice looking gentlemen instead!

posted by Unknown @ 10:04 p.m.

Your Friendly Neighbourhood Crackhead

I'm riding my bike home from the Price Chopper on Gladstone, heavily laden with bags of food, and this dude walks up to me as I'm waiting at the light at King and Dufferin. He's got pieces of black electrical tap stuck all over his face, with a ball cap and sunglasses on. I try not to pre-judge anyone in my hood, giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. Alas...

"You wanna spend my money?" he asks.
"Pardon me?" I say.
"You look like you can spend my money. You wanna spend my money?"
"Uuuuhhhhh, no, thanks," I respond in disbelief.
"You want my address?"
"No." I say.
"Can I have your address?"
"No!" I laugh.
"Alright, have a good day!"

I waited for the light to turn, trying hard not to look over at him. I rode home, looking over my shoulder every 10 seconds to make sure he wasn't following me! He wasn't. Phew.

CRAZY!!! Just another day in the life of a Parkdalian.

posted by Unknown @ 4:13 p.m.

Planting with the TBI

Last night after work Stef and I went to plant some native species in the Spadina Wetland (at the bottom of Spadina, by the Music Garden). Toronto Bay Initiative organizes volunteer opportunities like this, in conjunction with the City. It's a great way to spend some time outdoors, meet new people, and give some TLC to Mother Earth.

I found it extremely strange to be in this marshy area, surrounded by long reeds and grasses, Stinging Nettle and Bergamot, and then look up and see the CN Tower looming overhead, with condos on all sides. Very surreal. I didn't think it would be too hard to plant these little seedlings, but the marsh was full of plants, with strong roots and lots of rocks underground. My forearms still hurt from the effort... Here's a shot of me, digging away!

posted by Unknown @ 3:49 p.m.

You Like Me! You Really Really Like Me!!

It's so nice to hear that people are thinking about you.

Earlier today I got an email from Maria, telling me that one of Rannie's posts today was about me! I was like, wha?!? I headed over to Photojunkie.ca to find Rannie's tips and advice (with helpful links) about cooking for just one or two people. He was inspired by my post from yesterday! And if that wasn't enough, he goes on to day that I am "single, cute and into photography... what more could you ask for?" Awwww shucks. Thanks Rannie!!! You're the sweetest!

So far I've learned- to choose fruits in varying stages of ripeness... broken cookies work well when sprinkled over ice cream... peanut butter and bacon go well together.

And THEN... I get an Official Visitor's Guide from Tourism Vancouver, sent to me at work. I know I'd signed up for some travel guides for Scotland, but I didn't remember sending away for anything about Vancouver (to which I'm planning to travel, probably in September, in lieu of Scotland, which is just too expensive for me right now). Well, I found out that my co-worker Sylvia sent away for it on my behalf!! Now I have NO excuses to delay the planning of this trip (I'm horrible for procrastinating, especially when it comes to spending big chunks of money) .

So far, I've found that- a flight out to Vancouver will cost me less than $800 CDN, and will be cheaper if I fly out on a week day... I can stay in a hostel for $27 a night (and make meals there, instead of going out all the time)... Commercial Drive in Vancouver is where all the junkies live.

On a completely unrelated note, I dreamt that my camera was stolen last night, so I left it at home today. Alas, I won't have it to take pictures of the planting Stef and I will be doing in the Spadina Wetland this evening (maybe she'll bring her NEW CAMERA- congrats Stef on the purchase of your D50!)

posted by Unknown @ 1:49 p.m.

Un-Domestic Goddess?

I'm sick of not knowing how to cook. And I'm sick of not being able to keep plants alive. This year- I will change all that!!!

If anyone has any cooking tips- let me know. Send me some easy recipes at karigignac@hotmail.com.

I'm going to really try to cook more often, and I'm not talking pasta and sauce from a tin mixed with frozen vegetables. I need to learn what herbs and spices taste good with what foods in what amounts and I need to learn about uncooked portions as compared to cooked portions.

Last week, I made tuna pasta salad, and I made so much elbow macaroni, I had to split it in half and freeze what I couldn't use right away. Lesson #1- pasta does not freeze well. Lesson #2- neither do cucumbers. Is it common sense? Am I just a complete dolt?!?

And then again, last Thursday, I wanted to make just enough pasta to cover that evening's dinner and Friday's lunch. I'm still eating it now!! Dammit!

The problem is, it's no fun cooking for yourself. I don't have the motivation to experiment, or try new recipes. If it's just going to be me eating it, I tend to just make some Kraft Dinner or a frozen pizza. Meh. I need to cut all starch out of my diet. MEH!

posted by Unknown @ 2:01 p.m.

Freedom... At What Expense?

This weekend I went home to Windsor for a baby shower, and to visit with my family and friends. Normally, I can catch a ride with a friend and save myself from a horrid 5-hour bus or train ride. This time, though, I decided to rent a car so I could get around Windsor without having to depend on my parents or my best friend, Stacey.

The economy car I was given turned out to be a Ford Taurus. I was hoping for a Toyota Yaris, since that's what the car rental website advertised, but I wasn't surprised when I didn't get one. I didn't really care, a car is a car is a car, in my opinion. A Taurus is the most inconspicuous of vehicles, and I was able to zip down the 401 without drawing attention to myself.

I didn't have to put gas in the car until I was on my way back up to Toronto last night. I pumped $25 into the gas tank, and figured that would do me fine. Boy, was I wrong. My first mistake was getting gas at the service station in Tilbury. I knew it would be a bit more expensive than an in-town station, but $1.06 a litre?!?!? I've never paid that much for gas, and was shocked to see the needle of the gas gauge just barely break the 1/4 tank mark. Even still, I figured that'd be enough to get me home to Parkdale.

Around Brantford, a *ding* sounded and the instrument panel notified me of the "low fuel level" in the tank. Dammit. I take the 403 when I'm driving to and from Toronto, which is normally quicker for me (but doesn't have any service stations, a fact I didn't let bother me, until now). I pulled off the 403 and drove into Brantford, hunting for a gas station.

I drove down the main road for a while, and asked an idling motorist at a red light where the nearest gas station was. "One that's open?" he asked. "Ummm, yeah," I responded. Like duh. He said to keep driving straight, but that it wasn't for a while. I drove and drove, all the while cursing the home town of The Great One (Gretzky, for those who don't know), and finally I said to myself, "The next open establishment, I'll go in and ask again where the nearest station is."

I pulled into a Tim Horton's (of course!) and the girl in the hair net told me the Sunoco up the street should be open. I told her it wasn't, I just passed by there. Then the baker came out and said the Pioneer down the road will be open, he was sure, since that's where he buys his smokes. "The door might be locked, but just stand there until they let you in."

I put ten more bucks in the gas tank and continued on my journey home. That $10 barely budged the needle past the point of "low fuel level". I was astounded. All in all, I paid close to $90 in gas for my trip home. And that's on top of the $100 rental fee for the car. BAH!! Not worth it!!!

Almost. (I did enjoy seeing my nephew Evan, seen here advertising Sprite like a pro, along with the rest of my family, and Stace, and Rox.)

posted by Unknown @ 2:59 p.m.

Skinny Legs and All, by Tom Robbins... a review

I've just finished reading Skinny Legs And All, by Tom Robbins. I love Tom Robbins. No other author I've read can use the sexual anatomy of a human as a metaphor quite so elegantly. Some people can't get past his crassness, but I take it all in with a grain of salt and a chuckle. You can't take his writing too seriously, or else you'll go batty with the blasphemy.

An Arab and a Jew open a restaurant together across the street from the United Nations. It sounds like the beginning of an ethnic joke. But Isaac & Ishmael’s was no funny story.

This story follows the evolution of an artistic mind, one Ellen Cherry Charles, from extradition from her home in “Colonial Pines” to her enlightenment in an Arab/Jewish restaurant in New York. It also follows the “lives” of five inanimate objects- two ancient relics from the land of Phoenicia (what is now Lebanon), an androgynous tin can of beans, one dirty (in mind and physical state) purple sock, and one extremely fortunate silver dessert spoon.

Ellen Cherry grew up in the picture perfect Colonial Pines, Virginia. She headed to art school the first chance she got, but was mortified when her father and evangelist “uncle” stormed into a nude figure study class, dragged her out, and scrubbed her face of the makeup until it was raw, all the while calling her Jezebel. A part of Ellen Cherry carried the spirit of Jezebel with her everywhere after that, even asking her lovers to call out the name while they were making love. She’s the central figure in a series of events that end up changing the world, for a few people anyways.

The book is set during the conflict in the Middle East in the early 90s, and Robbins uses this war to make an example of humankind as a thoughtless, ignorant, lemming-colony of a species. The danger of organized religion; the risks of letting a sect do the thinking for you; the chaos and unnecessary violence brought upon by feuding countries with so much unknown history in common. These are all clear messages within the book. But Robbins does it in such a tongue-in-cheek way, it isn’t preachy or judgmental at all. It’s funny, and profound at the same time.

The personification of the five objects is definitely my favourite part of the book. The personalities the author has given to these five random articles is spot on, as close as one can get when personalizing objects such as these. At first I was annoyed by the narrator’s reference to the can of beans as he/she, his/hers, himself/herself, but by the end, it was as natural to think of the can as a genderless living being as it is to think of the pope as a Christian. The spoon was a dainty southern belle, the sock a jaded, misunderstood slacker. The 3000-year-old painted stick and conch shell were beautiful and wise, even more so than the Shroud of Turin would be, or the paint brush of DaVinci, had they been able to voice an opinion.

There is so much imagery and symbolism in this book (and every book of Robbins, for that matter); it’s a dizzying task trying to sort them all out. The narrator talks of the seven veils (the book is split into seven parts), these representing the disillusions we all have regarding life, spirituality and purpose. The Super Bowl was used as a metaphor for the consumerist addiction we face in the modern world, as well as being compared to religion when it comes to community, organized gatherings and fanaticism. Baba ganough, that sticky mound of eggplant and garlic, is used as an analogy for anything less than desirable in the world of Ellen Cherry and her foreign employers at the restaurant. And the room with the wolfmother wallpaper- I still haven’t figured that one out. If anyone has read this book and knows where this room is, let me know.

I thought of the book as a conceptual travelogue of the artistic mind of Ellen Cherry. From rebellious young painter, to a bride that compromised her creativity, to a brooding waitress, to an enlightened woman at peace with herself. Throw in some commentary on the middle east that’s heavy on the spiritual references, thoughts about the nature and business of art, and a quirky cast of characters, animated and non… you end up with this blasphemous, hilarious dance of a novel, Skinny Legs and All.

posted by Unknown @ 11:34 p.m.

As the Venerable Tom Robbins says...

"Within a broad age span, sexually inactive organisms- plant, animal, molecular, or human- could be said to be abberations, freakish or pathological misfits out of tune with the harmony of life."

- Skinny Legs and All

... nuff said. LOL.

BTW- do you like my new header? Is it too cheesy?

posted by Unknown @ 3:15 p.m.

Looking for something to look at?

I posted the photos from our walk through Forent Hill last Saturday up to Flickr. It's too bad they took up 74% of my uploading space!!! Ah well...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ravenswift/sets/72157594152703687/

posted by Unknown @ 12:11 p.m.

Friday Links

Stewie Griffin Quotes
(go and vote for your favourite... but make sure you've got some time, there are MANY)

Photographing Squirrels
(absolute hilarity... I'm definitely trying this trick next time I go to the Island)

Buffalo NY Doppler
(closest Doppler radar to Toronto, my personal fear monger during unstable weather)

Digital Blasphemy
(cool desktop images)

People and Planet Friendly Calendar of Events
(if you're bored and feel like hugging a tree or a neighbour, check this out)

posted by Unknown @ 2:48 p.m.

Super Stoked!!!

I'm UBER-stoked for the summer. I always am.

I'm looking forward to more of this...

Photo fun on Toronto Island

and...

Good times in Ottawa for Canada Day!

and...

Sweet scenery on Lake Muskoka at the Adams' cottage (that's Bex's parents!)

posted by Unknown @ 12:00 p.m.