HONK IF YOU'RE A KNOB...

The First Thing I've Seen Worth Posting in Months..

2011-05-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

Brutal Yet Sooo Enjoyable..

2010-05-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

Watch it right through, she's awesome..

The Good Old Days..

2010-03-05T19:01:00.000-08:00

Shag carpet, bad wallpaper, pumas, pole lamps, giant black ashtrays in a stand with a lighter attached, bean bag chairs, lava lamps, bell bottoms, black dial phone, transistor radio on the fridge, homemade popsicles, Kool-Aid, matchbooks jammed in behind the channel changer, Salisbury steak, console stereos, mustang bikes, matador statues, doctors making house calls, smoking everywhere, leaving your kids in the car in the bar parking lot, riding in the back of a pickup truck, tree forts, wallpaper, ball hockey, spankings..

It's Too Big A Eat..

2010-03-04T07:10:00.000-08:00

This commercial was huge..

Now THIS is Olympics..

2010-02-27T13:32:00.000-08:00

Whatever Happened To..

2010-02-21T17:32:00.000-08:00

The Pole Lamp?

New threads and a fresh bowl cut for my first dance. Pic with Gramma Johnson..

What Was I Thinking?

2010-02-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

I was relating a story to a friend the other day of a time when I was around five years old. I've never been a bully except for this brief period in my life (well maybe a couple other times--but usually I got bullied)-- for some reason even though I would call this kid my friend, I felt strangely compelled to pick on him. His mother was Japanese and she used to have these delicious tea candies that were wrapped in clear, sweet rice paper that actually melted in your mouth. Even though he wasn't allowed to have them, I used to force him to sneak into his house to steal a handful...if he said, "No", I would pick on him until he did.

After one such occasion, I came through the back door of my house and Mom immediately said to me, "You were picking on Jackie, weren't you?" To which I replied (fearing for my life), "No I wasn't." Mom instantly retorted with the classic, "Don't lie to me, mister!" For the life of me I couldn't figure out how she knew (Jackie's Mom had called). I couldn't swallow because of the lump in my throat, my eyes welled up with tears and I felt sick inside... it was the first time I got busted lying.

That really wasn't the story I wanted to tell though but it sort of sets up the next horror, I'm shocked and appalled that I could even come up with something so diabolical. Jackie and I were playing in the ditch one day--way back when there were ditches. I had an Export "A" tobacco can and the grass, water and mud mixed together made this completely putrid smelling concoction. Mixing it together in the can, I forced him to eat some by telling him I wouldn't be his friend anymore if he didn't. With friends like that...who needs 'em? Anyway, grimacing he forced some down (because of course you'd want to hang on to a friend like me) and after he did, I told him he was going to die in two weeks...what the?? I still wonder to this day where I came up with that and how I could be so cruel.

I don't know if he remembers the event at all but he who laughs last, laughs best. Jackie grew up to be world famous Canadian pianist Jon Kimura Parker...and me? Painting company...not that there's anything wrong with that..

Blogged Out...

2010-02-04T22:06:00.000-08:00

But this brought back some strange memories..

Hilarious..

2010-01-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

Always Funny..

2010-01-21T07:00:00.001-08:00

Pants On The Ground..

2010-01-18T18:04:00.000-08:00

Jimmy "Neil Young" Fallon has turned his attention to another lyrical masterpiece: Pants On The Ground, the bizarre song American Idol contestant Larry Platt energetically busted out on the show last week. (With the gold in your mouth/hat turned sideways/pants hit the ground/call yourself a cool cat/lookin like a fool/walkin downtown with your pants on the ground..

American Idol..

2010-01-14T07:28:00.000-08:00

Pants on the ground, pants on the ground, lookin' like a fool with your pants on the ground. This dude cracked me up..

Ah, The Eighties..

2010-01-08T13:21:00.001-08:00

Some Good Clean Adolescent Fun..

2010-01-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

My good buddy Dan Carter (forefront) and I trying to stuff a whole banana in our mouths (I said PARDON?) when we were around 13. You wanna talk about good times..

That's Some Pretty Racy Stuff Right There..

2010-01-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

Was looking through some old photos when I found this one of my Mom (second from the left) and her friends from high school--shocking..

One Of My Favorite Cartoons..

2010-01-05T17:54:00.000-08:00

I was primarily a Looney Tunes fan when I was a kid but this really used to crack me up..

A Buddy Of Mine..

2010-01-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

...made this video of the Port Moody Legends from back in the day. Talk about a trip down memory lane--or lack thereof..

Stupid And Funny..

2010-01-04T08:26:00.000-08:00

Our Mom's Must Have Been So Proud..

2010-01-03T18:05:00.000-08:00

Port Moody Drinking Team, circa 1976..

I got last pick at t-shirt colour..

The Fog Rolled In...

2009-12-30T12:18:00.001-08:00

WTF??

2009-12-29T09:40:00.000-08:00

After painfully wrapping presents at the 11th hour Christmas Eve (as usual), I needed a large plastic bag to put them in for delivery--I keep a supply in the bottom of my towel and bookkeeping closet..

The bags were stuffed in other bags rather tightly and as I reached in to pull one out there was an explosion of these light, white plastic flakes (not unlike the white peel on the outside of a garlic bulb) that kind of freaked me out..

Following the initial shock, I realized the shreds must have come from one of those bio-degradable plastic bags and crumbled to the touch fairly easily. I have no real way to wrap (no pun intended) this post up, other than to say the technology works rather well. Either that or I've actually had the bag for twenty years and it was beginning to decompose anyway.

Q; What did Adam say at Christmas? A; Merry Christmas, Eve.

Not For Long..

2009-12-26T10:56:00.001-08:00

New Hat..

2009-12-26T10:42:00.001-08:00

WTF?

2009-12-21T18:37:00.000-08:00

When my computer is at rest is flashes pictures I have in my iPhoto. Quite often shots I took from the pilgrimage to New York are displayed, and on occasion are pics I took in my hotel room..

While none of these photos are particularly interesting as you can see..

...this one has been catching my eye ever since I took it. They were a lot of renovations being done on the older buildings around town, including the one we were staying in. If I recall we were staying on the 32nd floor of the Radisson and this was the view from our window...

What finally prompted me to post this blog was the constant puzzlement over what this van was doing on the roof. Who's driving it, why would anyone need a van up there, and how the heck did they get it up there in the first place? There wasn't a crane in sight, and even if there was... I mean, a van, on a roof, probably 25 stories in the sky. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Christmases Past..

2009-12-18T18:04:00.000-08:00

First Christmas with li'l sis..

Always had our picture taken on the hearth..

Center of the universe..

Wendy hated the flash and I hated holding her hand, although you wouldn't know it by my look. Could my face be any fatter?

Who Among You Doesn't Enjoy Some..

2009-12-16T21:33:00.000-08:00

Hot rubberized crack fill..

The Other Morning..

2009-12-16T20:16:00.000-08:00

Now Them's Some Moves!

2009-12-15T13:27:00.000-08:00

Mmm, Chocolate..

2009-12-15T07:20:00.000-08:00

I hired a cleaning lady a couple of weeks ago. I'm generally a neat person but lately I've been lazy and figured I may as well get somebody else to do it. She was over yesterday and when I got home from work, this was on top of my desk..

Inside the stocking was tucked a small box of Lindt Lindor chocolates..

The dust you see on the box is from a Noodle Time flavour pack. I'd already thrown it in the garbage when I decided to write this blog.

Since she had only been working for me for such a short period of time, I thought this was an awesome gesture and really felt the spirit of Christmas. Having just got off work I was hungry anyway and proceeded to gobble the whole box down--it then occurred to me to call and thank her for the gift and a job well done polishing my crib. We were on the phone when she asked me if I got those chocolates. I said I had, thanked her for such a nice gift and told her I had just finished eating them. She replied, "I didn't buy them for you, I found them when I was reorganizing your closet."

We both started howling! I said those chocolates must be at least a year old and I just finished eating them! To which she replied, "I don't think chocolate goes bad." I said, "Well, they were delicious!" More hilarity ensued. I guess what had happened was, when I brought my loot home from Mom's place last Christmas (or possibly the year before) I had put in in a large plastic bag which I store in this closet. She found the stocking in one of them when organizing the spare bags and threw it on the desk, obviously without a note. I guess milk chocolate doesn't go bad after a year because I feel alright today...physically anyway. The brain may be another matter..

Some Things You Never Forget..

2009-12-14T18:25:00.000-08:00

Invictus..

2009-12-13T18:51:00.000-08:00

I haven't been to a movie for a while so I decided to check out Invictus, the true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa's rugby team, Francois Pienaar, to help unite their country. Great film.

Nelson Mandela used the poem Invictus as inspiration while he was incarcerated for 27 years. I'm not much of a poetry fan but this one touched me..

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

My Spoon Is Too Big..

2009-12-13T13:49:00.000-08:00

Way Too Much Time On My Hands..

2009-12-11T23:03:00.000-08:00

The Pink Palace Gang, 1987. First Steve Earle show at 86 St.

On Friday night I came up with the bright idea to try and name every band or concert I'd ever seen. After completion of the list (I may have missed a few) I realized I had a little blurb or memory about some of them..

Deep Purple (First concert. My hand was pressed up against a girls bum for the first time in the crush to enter--festival seating.)

Electric Light Orchestra (backed up Deep Purple...cello exploded during Roll over Beethoven...cool)

Nazareth (favorite band at the time, saw them twice...once with Rush and once with Mahogany Rush...that's bizarre)

Rush

Mahogany Rush

John Mayall Blues Band (backed up Suzi Quatro at UBC War Memorial Gym. Great musician but bad choice for a Quatro concert...he was booed off stage. Also saw my first real kick ass fist fight between a couple of "greaseballs"--freaked me out. The sound of fist hitting face and boot hitting balls isn't pleasant.)

Suzi Quatro (saw her twice...huge crush. Bass between her legs during Devils Gate Drive..."Let's do it one more time for Suzi!")

Heart (first time I saw them they played my Junior High School dance. Second time...see Ted Nugent comment.)

Ted Nugent (sort of, I passed out in the can...never smoked Thai stick before and guzzled a mickey of CC on the way from the car to our seats.)

Alice Cooper (he fell of the stage during the first song and broke some ribs--couldn't finish.)

Steve Miller (first laser light show.)

Ramones ('78 show at The Commodore.)

George Thorogood (Kerrisdale Arena--loudest show I'd ever heard. First song was Gearjammer and it just about blew my head off.)

The Who (It was the '94 Quadrophenia tour but they were still put on a great show.)

Steve Earle (6 times--the best was the first time I saw him at 86 St. with the Pink Palace Gang.)

Dwight Yoakam (twice. The first time he came out in tan leather pants and from where we sat, looked like he wasn't wearing any. Women went nuts.)

Matthew Good ( The Vogue--rocked.)

Bruce Springsteen (last time I saw him he was almost 60--what an entertainer...The Worlds Bar Band.)

Tool (Maynard James Keenan wouldn't face the crowd and spent the entire show singing behind the band...facing the speakers.)

Depeche Mode (first time I saw them at the Coliseum. We left right after the encore (midnight) because it can be tough to get a cab from there. We got one right away but let some cute girls have it. We couldn't get another one till 3AM. There are times I wish chivalry was dead and that was one of them. Second time Stephanie and I saw them at GM Place...Enjoy The Silence.)

Oasis (Big fan of Oasis but the concert was pretty lame.)

Radiohead (very Radio-heady.)

Cher (lots of gaiety, great show. A couple of weeks after the concert one of those "man in the street" reporters came up to me and asked what the highlight of my summer was. Because it was fairly fresh in my mind, I said, "The Cher concert." She asked me why and I said, "Oh, I guess I enjoyed the nostalgia of it." I ended up picture in the paper with my lame ass reply. I'm a painting contractor, so that page of the paper was in all the paint stores I deal with and endless ribbing ensued. Be that as it may, it was an extremely entertaining show and the trip down memory lane was fun... in hindsight I probably should have said REM.)

Pink (my buddy Dave and I, plenty of gay men and Mommies with their 8 and 9 year old daughters. Good show though.)

Blue Rodeo (what Canadian hasn't seen Blue Rodeo?)

Queen City Kids (Toronto band that had a brief stint of fame around 1980.)

Headpins (a staple at The Boo, eh. Then off to The Centerpoint for a top 40 band.)

Chantal Kreviazuk (awesome voice and songwriter, great Canadian talent.)

Matchbox 20 (not much of a fan but they were huge at the time--best light show ever)

Romantics (this show and the Dave Edmunds one are two of my favorites.)

Dave Edmunds (we knew most of the staff so we got free beer.)

54 40

Lucinda Williams (I'm depressed, let's drink.)

Psychedelic Furs (kind of washed up but entertaining. Some of my favorite songs.)

B-52's (Queen Elizabeth Theater...they're a dance band and security wouldn't allow anyone to stand up...wrong venue.)

Rolling Stones

Lindsey Buckingham (phenomenal guitarist.)

Collective Soul (A classic!)

Marvelous Three (opening act for Collective Soul. Never heard them before but they won the crowd over.)

Pete Yorn (saw him twice and met him back stage, nice guy. My buddy worked for Sony music.)

Have another beer stupid..

Ben Folds (Commodore.Was touring a new album of songs I hadn't heard yet...loved it.)

Pearl Jam (one of the last concerts I saw in the Pacific Coliseum...a 25 beer day. Started at Rupert pitch and put in the morning and continued on from there.)

Billy Idol (he was drunk but who wasn't? UBC War Memorial gym.)

Black Crowes (first date, smashed.)

Burton Cummings (the Commodore...fat and drunk, not me, Burton. Disappointing because he's such a talent. I could have been a little bit drunk.)

Colin James (ticket said the show started at 9 but he didn't come on till 12:30 so people could fill up on expensive beer.)

Cowboy Junkies (excellent.. laid back.)

Foghat

Harlequin (The Sweet Things In Life.)

Bryan Adams

Supertramp (it was the first concert in BC Place...the sound was awful and I left. Bryan Adams opened.)

John Cougar ('89 Lonesome Jubilee Tour. My last crack (pardon the pun) at experimenting with blow--totally f@#ked up and had to leave early. Pattern here??)

John Mellencamp (2001. Hadn't been to a concert in a while and was shocked at paying $185 for two tickets. It was a first date with Cate. He opened with a killer version of Gimme Shelter.)

Metallica (great show. My friend worked for Sony music and we had excellent seats in a box. Canucks defenseman Jyrki Lumme spent the night giving me a hard time.)

Moist

Barney Bentall

Pavement (Sunday night all ages show at The Vogue...no booze except for the swill in my stomach.)

REM (summer show at Thunderbird Stadium. Went in a limo with a group and spent most of the day in the beer garden--what are the odds? Had my second panic attack in my car at a stop light on Hastings the next day...brutal, thought I was going to die.)

Raveonettes

Stampeders

Stereophonics

Tragically Hip (seen them a few times...one of them a make up gift from a buddy of mine. Gord Downie always entertaining.)

U2 (Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For and Streets Have No Name.)

Violent Femmes (started drinking in the morning and was in a blackout by the second song. Good thing? That was my last blackout.)

Offspring

Trooper

Sweeney Todd

Bim

Platinum Blonde

Alfie Zappacosta (Klub Kaos circa '85.)

Doug and the Slugs (always a hard working entertainer. Nice shiny forest green suit.)

Licorice Goodies..

2009-12-11T18:24:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while I develop a craving for these stupid things--almost as stupid as this picture..

The problem is, they're delicious for a couple of small handfuls and then the addiction kicks in and I can't stop until I've eaten half the bag. Then my head is racing, my heart is pounding out of my neck and I feel sick. What makes it even harder to stop wolfing them down is like it says on the bag, "Now even "Goodier." Which is true, they are all plump and soft and licoricey--not like the rabbit pellet version I ate at the Dolphin Theater when I was a kid.

I guess the one saving grace is that there are "no trans fats" (but plenty of sugar to rot your teeth) and, oh yeah, somebody told me that licorice makes a great laxative...bttthhh!

Who Doesn't Enjoy A Little "Happy Time" Every Now And Again?

2009-12-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

I've used Nivea Creme on my face on and off for 30 years (way more on than off). It has a great scent but the consistency and look of Crisco shortening. Be that as it may, it has assisted me in maintaining my youthful glow for a long time..

Whilst perusing the aisles of London Drugs the other day, I saw that Nivea had added a new product to their roster--like the old standard wasn't good enough... but this one made me chuckle. What market are they trying to target here?..

Happy Time, with "feel good sensation" and "bamboo" milk (for stiffness, maybe?). I didn't really need any but it was too funny to pass up...and it smells great. Suuure I didn't need any..

Israel..

2009-12-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

I've Neglected Blogging For A Few Months..

2009-12-08T18:22:00.000-08:00

...and I'm not sure why. There has been a lot going on but I'm sure just plain laziness may have played a part--that and blogger burnout. Anyhoo (haven't used that term in a while and probably shouldn't) I received an email from a friend that led me to a blog called "Sketchy Santas"--seemed appropriate for the time of year...

While I'm at it I thought I might as well throw in a couple of my own..

I Got This Email..

2009-10-09T18:54:00.000-07:00

Why Men don't write advice columns...

Dear Walter,

I hope you can help me here. The other day, I set off for work leaving my husband in the house watching the TV as usual. I hadn't driven more than a mile down the road when the engine conked out and the car shuddered to a halt. I walked back home to get my husband's help.

When I got home I couldn't believe my eyes. He was in our bedroom with the neighbours daughter. I am 32, my husband is 34, and the neighbours daughter is 22. We have been married for ten years. When I confronted him, he broke down and admitted that they had been having an affair for the past
six months.

I told him to stop or I would leave him. He was sacked from his job six months ago and he says he has been feeling increasingly depressed and worthless. I love him very much, but ever since I gave him the ultimatum he has become increasingly distant. He won't go to counselling and I'm afraid I can't get through to him anymore.

Can you please help?

Sincerely, Sheila

-------------------------------

Dear Sheila:

A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there is no dirt in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the vacuum pipes and hoses on the intake manifold and also check all grounding wires. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty, causing low delivery pressure to the injectors.

I hope this helps.

Walter.

The Man With Two Brains..

2009-10-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

A classic scene from a hilarious {and underrated) movie..

Sunset..

2009-10-08T07:17:00.000-07:00

A Little Low On Ideas Right Now..

2009-10-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

Glen Campbell, Less Of Me..

2009-09-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

Love these lyrics..

Glen Campbell

Let me be a little kinder. Let me be a little blinder. To the faults of those about me, let me praise a little more.

Let me be, when I am weary, just a little bit more cheery. Think a little more of others and a little less of me.

Let me be a little braver when temptation bids me waver. Let me strive a little harder to be all that I should be.

Let me be a little meeker with a brother that is weaker. Let me think more of my neighbor and a little less of me.

Let me be, when I am weary, just a little bit more cheery. Let me serve a little better those that I am striving for.

Let me be a little meeker with the brother that is weaker. Think a little more of others and a little less of me.

And this classic video..

And The Eyes..??

2009-09-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

Mmm, Orangey Red Tube Top Dress..

2009-09-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

With a side slit as well--hot..

West Vancouver Seawall..

2009-09-23T17:27:00.000-07:00

I haven't felt too, too terribly, too, too much like blogging the last little while. Plenty of change has been happening (I think, well hope actually) and it's been a time of emotional turmoil as well...but I do get out for a scenic tour every now and then..

First Love..

2009-09-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

I remember the moment this photo was taken my heart was as well...I knew I was sunk. Never felt love like that before or since..

Suddenly through the miracle of facebook she's back in my life and I don't know what to do..

Keep It In The Shower..

2009-09-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

Vitamins..

2009-09-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

Dropped one in the keyboard..

Metallica Or Thin Lizzy..

2009-09-09T06:54:00.000-07:00

Performing a cover of the Irish classic, Whiskey In The Jar. You make the call..

Love the Thin Lizzy version but I think I'll go with Metallica. One of my favorite songs ever and a pretty cool video.

The Camera Setting Was On Video..

2009-09-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

Back To School..

2009-09-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (Labour Day) was the last day of the Pacific National Exhibition. They used to take these pictures of you at the PNE if you wanted--this was the only one Mom ever had done..

Mom, Sis and I on the left. That was the powers family on the right, Robert was the boy. I hardly ever picked on anyone in my life but for some reason I did him..

The closing of the PNE (always the last 2 weeks in August) meant school was back in. I found these back to school photos but for some reason there weren't very many of when I was younger. I started grade one pretty young (5 years old) and I remember absolutely hating this light blue raincoat Mom made me wear on the first day..

   I look like I'm three..

   Here was a couple of Wendy and I in our later years..

   Since there weren't very many back to school photos, I thought I'd post some of my daughter..

How Great Thou Art..

2009-09-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

I'm not really one for hymns but her rendition of this classic chokes me up every time..

Hawaii Pt.2..

2009-09-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

Vacation Footage..

2009-08-30T18:43:00.000-07:00

Kind of a crazy summer so I haven't done much blogging but here's something from a little trip I

took..

Like We Need Another Time Waster..

2009-08-26T16:15:00.001-07:00

Madmen yourself..

Stings..

2009-08-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

Greatest Metal Video Of All Time..

2009-08-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Water Bottle Tops Don't Make Very Good Glasses..

2009-08-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

But with a little tweaking, maybe..

ALWAYS A Sucker For This Classic..

2009-08-20T22:32:00.001-07:00

Flip Or Slide..

2009-08-20T22:13:00.001-07:00

Thunderstorms..

2009-08-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

I realize I dropped a bomb about having met my 24 year old daughter from my first love. I haven't followed up for a few reasons which I may explain at a later date but I will say she's gorgeous...who knew? I lost the internets since Thursday because lightning hit the ground near my place and blew out my modem--here's my new one, I'm back baby!

And these shots were in my camera..

Girl probably texting boyfriend..

This morning, bathroom window..

Bet you're glad you waited days for this.

Charming Chaps Club..

2009-08-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't been blogging much lately because I recently found out and met a 24 year old daughter from my first and truest love--what an awesome surprise! I don't have time right now to tell the whole story but I thought I would post this photo from around that period of time (1982).

Ian Kerr, my best friend and roommate had received one of those Sears Portrait Studio coupons so we decided to go get one done with our other good friend, Shane Melnuk. Here are the results that Ian fondly named, the "Charming Chaps Club". We handed out photos to everyone we knew...at least my Mom kept a copy..

Shane left, Ian rear and yours truly--nice lid. For some reason I had shaved off my moustache...too bad.

GI Joe PSA's..

2009-08-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

This Will Be 10 Seconds Of Your Life You're Going To Want Back..

2009-08-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Occasionally, the sound doesn't work when I record a video, so I thought I might share this..

Worry..

2009-08-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

Something I found on the intro-webs..

"Worry is an addiction that interferes with compassion. Worry is a problem that seems to be rampant. Perhaps it is due to the nature of our overly advanced civilization; perhaps it is a measure of our own spiritual degeneracy. Whatever the source, it is clear that worry is not useful. It is a cancer of the emotions-concern gone compulsive. It eats away at body and mind. It does no good to say, "don't think about it" You'll only worry more. It is far better to keep walking your path, changing what you can. The rest must be dissolved in compassion. In this world of infants with immune deficiencies, racial injustice, economic imbalance, personal violence, and international conflict, it is impossible to address everyone's concerns. Taking care of yourself and doing something good for those whom you meet is enough. That is compassion, and we must exercise it even in the face of the overwhelming odds. Whenever you meet a problem, help if it is in your power to do so. After you have acted, withdraw and be unconcerned about it. Walk on without ever mentioning it to anybody. Then there is no worry, because there has been action." 365 Tao, Daily Reflections by Deng Ming-Dao.

Ain't it the truth.

Skylark, Wildflower..

2009-08-06T07:59:00.000-07:00

Music Producer David Foster was a keyboardist for the pop group Skylark whose song “Wildflower” was a top ten hit in 1972..

I think I read somewhere that this vocal was done in one take. Whatever it took, it's a classic..

My Spoon Is Too Big..

2009-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Warning, Not For The Squeamish..

2009-08-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

But an awesome example of Mother Nature at work..

Sunday Afternoon..

2009-08-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes...let me rephrase that, most of the time I feel helpless. Every path leads to another dead end, quashing any hope I may have been building on until hopelessness becomes my reality. It feels at times that my brain is out to get me and as I'm typing this think, "Quit feeling sorry for yourself, it's not that bad." But it is. I know I have plenty of things to be thankful for and maybe I just hate Sundays, I don't know--that's it, I just don't know. Apparently it's always darkest before the dawn...or before a complete blackout. Dad has a saying that goes," I started to see the light at the end of the tunnel and got run over by the train" Hah! I feel so exhausted. I try hobbies, prayer, exercise, talking to friends/therapists but always lurking is this restless, irritable and discontented feeling that has been there for a lifetime of Sundays that only self medication seems to relieve. There are occasional moments of respite but they seem to be short-lived and I'm left fighting through this general malaise that grips my reality.

It's now Monday morning and when I went to get my coffee, this was playing in the background. Felt appropriate..

Worst Fight Scene Ever...

2009-08-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

This one really lives up to it's name..

Strathcona..

2009-08-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

I've lived in the Lower Mainland all of my life (except for 5 years in Penticton) and until a couple of weeks ago I'd never wandered around this part of Vancouver. Pretty cool..

My Dad Has A Million Sayings..

2009-07-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well maybe not quite a million but he has a few. Like, "One thing about a pair of glasses, they make a guy look more intelligent than he really is." I'm not so sure about that one. How intelligent can you be when you walk out of the glasses store after being suckered into spending $700 for reading glasses (and a pair of sunglasses I didn't need) that I could have bought at London Drugs for 20 bucks. What a knob--but they're Ray Bans..

Anyway, another one of his classics is, "The harder you try not to think about bananas, all you end up thinking about is bananas all weekend." The apple definitely doesn't fall very far from the tree because I've suffered from obsessive, scary and unwanted thoughts most of my life and for me that saying is absolutely true. To put it in the modern vernacular which I found in this article, "Trying hard not to think about something almost guarantees that it will pop up in your consciousness." There was also a book written about the topic that I should probably pick up..

Which brings me to another thought, "Maybe every thought I ever had was wrong".. Most of them anyway.

Burrard Street Bridge..

2009-07-29T07:16:00.001-07:00

Mom Can You Fill Up The Pool Today?

2009-07-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid there seemed like no greater summer fun than when Mom filled up this silly little plastic pool they bought at Simpson Sears (way better than running through the sprinkler). We were the only family on the block that had one so it was quite a big deal--all the kids would come over to cool off. I remember the smell of the water as Mom would stick the garden hose in it in the morning and we had to, "Wait till it warmed up a bit" until we could use it. The bubble burst (and the side of the pool) when Ross Fullbrook took a running slide into it--instant heartbreak. We never got another one but I do remember being super jealous of kids that had one of those giant above ground pools.

I think there was "boys" and "girls" turn..

Sis and I cooling down pre-pool..

Swoosie, Love That Name..

2009-07-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

A Walk Across The Granville Street Bridge..

2009-07-26T07:54:00.000-07:00

Abreva And Breathe Right..

2009-07-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

Some More Boring Photos Of North Vancouver..

2009-07-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

Baba O'Reily..

2009-07-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

I had this Who song stuck in my head all day, one of their best-- and not to come off as a "Music Nazi" but I have to laugh at how many people think it's called "Teenage Wasteland"..

I'm always amazed at the shape Roger Daltry keeps himself in, not that I'm gay or anything...and not that there's anything wrong with that.

The Roof Cat..

2009-07-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

I call him that because he hangs out on the roof. What an imagination..actually I've never called him "Roof Cat" before but I needed a title for this completely retarded blog..

Dwight..

2009-07-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

   I'm not a huge country music fan but I've liked Dwight Yoakam since I read a review of his first album Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc. in the Province newspaper circa 1986 and bought the album--a desert island classic. I was listening to my iPod at work today when Lonesome Roads from his 1993 album This Time came on..

   There was no video for it on YouTube (not that anyone watches them anyway) but here's the lyrics. Who hasn't felt like this from time to time...at least I have..

Where did I go wrong
You know I've never had a clue
I must have just been born no good
cause bad's the best that I can do

Was it just my fate in life
To end up here this way
Lost and all alone
One more black lamb thats gone astray

Lonesome roads are the only kind I ever travel
Empty rooms are the only place I ever stay
Im just a face out in the crowd that looks like trouble
Poor ol worthless me is the only friend I ever made

Lonesome roads, the only kind I ever travel
Empty rooms, the only place I ever stay
Im just a face out in the crowd that looks like trouble
Poor ol worthless me's the only friend I ever made
Poor ol worthless me's the only friend I ever made

   I do thankfully have some friends however..

Lonsdale Flowers..

2009-07-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

North Van, Early Morning..

2009-07-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

Weird..

2009-07-16T06:03:00.000-07:00

This dude always hangs out on Lonsdale, usually in the exact same spot outside of the CIBC Bank-- although occasionally on the other side of the sidewalk..

The other morning I was out for a walk (6:00 AM) and just his chair was parked in the usual spot, sans him and the cushions. Seems really strange is all. New panhandling tactic maybe?

Spider..

2009-07-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

I Got Nuthin'..

2009-07-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

But here is one of my favorite Seinfeld bits of all time..

"See you know how to take the reservation, you just don't know how to hold the reservation. And that's really the most important part of the reservation, the holding; anybody can just take 'em."

Rocks..

2009-07-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

There's this dude that takes the time to balance these rocks along the shoreline in Stanley Park, it takes some time and people gather to watch him. He had just started this day so he didn't have very many done but I was reminded of this twit I dated for a while in the late 90's-- and how stupid men can become when in close proximity to a nice pair of breasts. We were walking along the seawall and she ran out and kicked all of them over (at least half a dozen), howling all the while (the artist was long gone BTW). Maybe it's just me but I was shocked and appalled at her course of action and when I asked her why she did it she simply laughed and said, "I don't know."

I had a longer video of him in action but it wouldn't upload. At least this won't take up much of your time..

Breathe..

2009-07-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

I have been going through an extremely difficult time recently due to an on going struggle I've always had with anxiety, obsessive thoughts and some sort of low (or maybe even high) level of depression. It has been a battle for me for years/tears (real or imagined) and for the umpteenth time I'm seeking answers. It's hard to sort out whether I'm just imagining all this pain and confusion or if it's real but one thing I know, it's always lurking just under the surface--I might say I'm "good". This may be too much information for a blog post but just thought I would put it out there in the hope that one of you fine bloggers may have a tidbit of information you may have had with your struggles.

Lonsdale Quay..

2009-07-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

Mouse With Bird Legs..

2009-07-10T05:32:00.000-07:00

Pretty darn cute..

Went For A Walk This Morning..

2009-07-09T18:38:00.000-07:00

..and took a whizz in one of those porta-potties. I had to post this graffiti because it's so bad it's almost funny..

I Know Absolutely Nothing About The Plant World..

2009-07-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

..and even less about botany but it seems unusual that we are barely into summer and the leaves on these trees on Lonsdale are already starting to turn colour..

It Always Interests And/Or Amuses Me..

2009-07-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

..when I see a solitary shoe somewhere in the early morning (usually a sneaker) and wonder what the story may have been from the night before..

Mole-B-Gone..

2009-07-07T17:07:00.000-07:00

Had that mole removed today (warning if you're eating lunch)..

Probably too much info but I felt it may help someone else going through the trauma of mole removal.

Comfort Might Be Their Business..

2009-07-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

But they're never going to win any awards for sexy..

Oops, how'd those get in there?

It's Not Major Surgery Or Anything..

2009-07-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

But I'm getting this mole cut off my forehead tomorrow..

It's too bad I couldn't just fix it with iPhoto..

Late But In Earnest--Again..

2009-07-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

I was going though some photos of a trip to New York I took last year and came across this short video I took of our cruise around the Island (Long or Manhattan, I get confused which). It was breathtaking (and I never use that word) to come around the corner and see the Statue Of Liberty for the first time. Happy 4th of July to all my American friends..

Awkward Family Photos..

2009-07-04T07:54:00.001-07:00

This kid looks completely demonized..

There are no words..

Who hasn't felt like this from time to time?

Far and away my favorite. Inbred anyone? Inbred everyone!

Aww, C'mon Mom...Why Not??

2009-07-03T07:03:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid there was absolutely no way I was allowed to put posters up on my bedroom walls, which totally pissed me off. But now that I'm a painting contractor, I understand why--have you ever tried to remove old scotch tape or fill one million tack holes? Brutal. Nonetheless, I was still totally fascinated by the posters of the late sixties and early seventies and loved to flip through those giant poster book thingys that hung on the walls of the various "head shops" we had around town..

And don't even get me started on the "black light." My best friend had posters floor to ceiling and and a black light..

Late But In Earnest..

2009-07-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

I meant to post this in honour of Canada Day but being the patriot I am, completely forgot. This song was written for our Centennial (I think that means 100 yrs.) in 1967. As kid I remember hearing it everywhere and we even sang it in school--now I can't get it out of my head..