moving sucks

Christ, I hate moving.

I'm trying to stay calm, but it gets me so fucking worked up. I hate it. And its not a fear of change or something like that... because I enjoy new adventures.

It's the sorting through stuff part that really bothers me, i think. It's kind of like editing your memories, or at least it feels that way this time. I found a box containing the 3 broken walkmans I used from grade 9 thru College along with dozens of AC adapters and a mess of twisty wires; after examining all this BROKEN JUNK, I taped it up and labeled it 'semi-fragile'. I keep crap like that for years. why? i dont know. I have no love for those adapters they just seem like they're bound to come in handy at some point. hopefully. Probably not, really. I think my frustration stems from a combination of laziness and inherent pack-ratedness. I'm trying to change that with this move, but its not really working..
My GF and I are moving into a friends basement and we have a really limited space to work with.. He's doing us a huge favour by putting us up for very little rent while we save some dough for a trip we're taking in Septemeber. Also allowing us to leave our crap there while we're gone. I'm really hoping to avoid an 'Odd Couple' scenario, cause I've traditionally been a Felix, but I think I've become an Oscar.

Anyway, just spouting. I've got a lot of crap to do..

Les Lye- comic genius

Ran into a frighteningly comprehensive fan site for "You Can't Do That On Televison". - barthsburgery.com, check it out. You can see photos of all the former cast members- including Moose, Lisa Ruddy, lil Doug, Adam and Allistair.. as well as treat yourself to several pages of Les Lye character stills- with an awesome rendition of MMMbop jammin' to keep you wondering who in hell is behind this page. And who took the time to digitize that composition....? kudos, sir or madam... I grew up being a huge fan of the show and definitley followed it through at least 10 years worth of Ottawa kids, starting out freshfaced, small and cute right up until they are removed for being too puberty-ugly. In a weird twist of fate, I actually went to school and became great friends with Les' grandson, Ben. He also has a dramatic flair but uses it only to entertain the dance floor at weddings. Also, another weird twist, one of my best friends (and an even bigger Lye enthusiast), found out his grandparents are in an old-age home with him, so he's become pals with him. I think he even created a Les Lye bobble head. (edit to add- I was wrong about the bobble head)

Les is a definite influence on my sense of humour, as well as a true cultural icon in Ottawa.. and I just wanted to take a second to give him some props.

I think the creepy father is my favorite character of his. But I also like Torture chamber guy. and Ross.

Ottawa Bluesfest

Living in Ottawa guarantees a few different things...

- You know someone involved in politics.
- You've grown accustomed to watching the Sens choke like a squad of shallow-mouthed fellatioists*, in the 2nd round of the playoffs..
- You have felt the wrath of winter and cursed it violently while your eyeballs glaciate like tundra.
- You know shawarmas are better than donairs
- You have at least a basic understanding of french or you understand the need to pretend like you do...

It also means every year you look forward to a world class music festival that descends on our city centre; the Ottawa Bluesfest! This festival started out at Lebreton Flats about 13 years ago, focusing on the local Blues scene as well as International preformers; but over the years it has diversified to the point that its an all over the map, goodtime rocknroll, festival. Something for everyone, as they say. The festival is held in the heart of downtwon on our city hall's grounds.. providing 5 stages worth of entertainment, with very little hassle and mucho value, this is a festival I'm always excited about.. Couple of big treats this year include: Wilco, Calexico, BSS, Bonnie Raitt, Blue Rodeo, New Pornographers, Grande Mothers, Dickey Betts, Metric.. man. Im excited. So much so, that I thought I would post about it.

a few tips for first timers:

1)- Tap beer ain't cheap, but its fair @ 5.00/beer.. King cans can be a good way to save money, but not usually face. Enjoy carefully and with restraint. If you're smart you can get a healthy beer buzz for under 10.00 bucks every night.

2)- Dont be a lawnchair douchebag. There is a growing anymosity between most bluesfest concert goers, and the old masters of self-entitlement (Lawnchair Douchebags). Unless you are injured, of poor balance or old. Stand up! Enjoy the show.. If you really plan on not moving for an entire show, fine take a seat, but at least don't be rude if someone standing blocks your view- this is not assigned seating; roll with the punches for gods sake! and please dont be a prick show about it, its a concert and no one ever said planting your ass somewhere early guarantees the same view..

3)- Nervous whizzers and stinky #2'ers take note. ALthough there are regularly cleaned porta-potties everywhere, there are full facilities inside city hall and if you find the right one, there is a chance you can unleash that explosive diarrhea your pursed anus has been holding for all TonyD's set without your old janitor from highschool, and the Meat-man from LOEB overhearing and exchanging a grin at your expense.

4)- Be nice! If you arent a regular concert goer, you might not know this, but nowadays people are nice to each other at concerts. It makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

5)- The Black Sheep stage is usually awesome. Stop by before you leave for the night (its the only stage that runs to 11pm)- you'll probably hear something cool.

6)- Buy a pass and come often. If you pick up a pass with a group, it works out to like 9.00 a day for 4 stages worth of amazing entertainment. Just do it!

YAY- I'm off to see Calexico // Broken Social Scene in 2 hours!


*I invented this word