DIARY OF A TAXI DRIVER

2010-08-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

This list is f*cking gold. Thanks lotusmodern.

graving dock

2010-06-24T22:11:00.001-07:00

Took a couple of deep sea researchers from Spinnaker's back to their vessel at the Esquimalt graving dock, and took a second to snap this picture:

That derrick is for drilling geological core samples in places like Antarctica and pretty much everywhere else. They told me that their research is mostly focused on collecting historical records of climate change that could be used to predict future climate change events.

-- Post From Taxi

not my cab (thank god)

2010-05-15T03:48:00.000-07:00

Witnessed an accident. Everybody's ok, but car 2 looks to be out of comission. The white car turned left right into the path of the taxi.

-- Post From Taxi

2010-05-12T15:53:00.001-07:00

Lunch for one:

I’ve had a gift certificate to this upscale seafood restaurant for, like three years. I love to go out, but would never be so chintzy as to take someone out and use a gift certificate, so I’ve gone on my own. These are the famous Fanny Bay oysters and some other Vancouver Island varieties, and they’re delicious. Up next: crab cakes!

Mmmmm..! Feel so decadent. Nautical Nellies gets a big thumbs up. I’ll be back with a date and a small stack of crisp twenties. Frequent this joint y’all!

Also blogged at noahshark.tumblr.com.

-- Post From Lunch

fare from Sally Ann

2010-05-03T17:42:00.001-07:00

"In every war movie and every cop show I've ever seen in my whole life, the last thing a guy does is take a drag on his cigarette, and that's how I'm gonna go. It may be bad for me, even killing me, but not as fast as listening to people whine about where you can and can't smoke!"

-- Post From Taxi

back at it

2010-04-29T01:09:00.001-07:00

Back in the cab after about a month off. It feels good to be back on the road, out here in the dark, working to keep silly, pretty, drunken people out of trouble, using my powers for the good of the city at large.

Some highlights from the night so far:
- being flirted with by girls heading out to the bar: always an ego boost.
- cranking zz top and rush to 50 on the stereo for some chill bros. the sytem in this cab has an amp and fuckin bumps. I gotta listen to my music that loud more often.
- spotting a pretty girl drunkenly flailing on Broad St and coming to her aid. she mighta sorta fallen in love with me: I had to brush off a serious proposition, which made me feel good and wholesome. trouble would certainly have found this girl if I hadn't come along. I'm always happy to help get lonely, drunken people home safely.

-- Post From Taxi

2010-03-27T05:08:00.001-07:00

THE LAST TWO DAYS:

- Speed/Crack Dealer and Girlfriend.

4:30PM Approached the pickup at Mayfair Mall to find the crack dealer arguing with another cabbie, bags from Foot Locker swaying as he gesticulated. Other cabbie came over and said "don't take these people, they spit in my cab." Crack dealer and girlfriend entered my taxi. He was wearing a brand new Ghetto Life bomber and two new ball caps, carrying six new pairs of shoes. She had tattoos on her face and was tossing hundreds around like they were paper. They explained that they spit on the other cabbie's steering wheel because he drove by them without stopping. They were confused.

We endured the Wendy's drive through. They both bought ridiculous meals with stupid, specific omissions and substitutions, accompanied by ice cream milkshakes. Upon receipt of the meals, the male began consuming the milkshake with his index finger, pausing to smear some on his girlfriend's face. This taxi driver was nearly overcome with revulsion.

They received change for their hundred and Wendy's, and tipped badly once at their destination.

- Late night John and Trick

3:30AM My first John. "Drive down Government Street," he said, "I want to find a broad." We took a tour of the prostitution areas. There were no prostitutes on the streets. We made a second pass. We drove uptown, then back down all of Pandora below Cook street, finally spotting a female prostitute at the corner of Government and Discovery. There we also saw what appeared to be a pimp, and a hot trans-sexual prostitute. The female prostitute entered the taxi.

A negotiation ensued between the John and the prostitute. Prices were settled upon. We stopped at 7-11 for a pop for the prostitute. We continued to the destination. "Another crazy night," she said. A parting shot: "you're good looking."

- Cheap Hippie

Two males entered the taxi in downtown at 2:35am, bound for Esquimalt. At the destination, one male attempted to pay by Interac. 'Transmission Error.' He attempted to leave the cab. I began moving to keep him from exiting. A heated conversation ensued:

Him: "It's not MY fault your machine isn't working."

Me: "I'll give you a free ride to the bank machine and back. If you leave without paying, I'll have to call the cops."

Him: "It's not my FAULT..."

The customer exited the taxi. Police were called. The customer ran drunkenly down the block as I followed. He tried to hide in a driveway. The 911 operator advised me not to start an altercation, as "people are carrying weapons these days." The customer hid behind a fence.

Police soon arrived. They could not locate the suspect.

"He's booked it," said the portly male officer.

- Fun After Party

3:00AM Some friends threw a late night party at the 50/50. I dropped off my taxi and proceeded to the location. It was fun. I drank a beer and unwound after trying to get that guy arrested not a half-hour earlier.

This guy is an artist, and was at the party:

2010-03-20T03:55:00.001-07:00

via lotusmodern

2010-02-24T19:49:00.001-08:00

"Vancouver Island: Live the Pipe Dream"

...cuz you won't find many barrels like that here!

Fairmont Vancouver Airport

2010-02-24T19:45:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday morning.

dumbass

2010-02-20T02:40:00.001-08:00

MP Sgt. Seymour (left) questions a customer too drunk to produce money, or his military ID to get into CFB Esquimalt:

At the sentry gate the customer kept intermittently passing out and trying to show everyone his iPhone. After a few minutes of hilarious dialogue Sgt. Seymour convinced him to pay the fare. Thanks Sgt. Seymour.

-- Post From Taxi

tercel

2010-02-19T23:55:00.001-08:00

My personal ride is a four door version of this:

I clearly need rims, tint and shine. And possibly a suspension mod: those gaps look nice and tight.

-- Post From Taxi

streetscapes

2010-02-17T21:42:00.001-08:00

New lanterns in my neighborhood.

Lower Pandora sunset.

Hillside and North Dairy

cabbie lunch

2010-02-17T21:40:00.001-08:00

-- Post From Home

takedown!

2010-02-17T21:38:00.001-08:00

Outside Darcy's Pub last Sunday night.

-- Post From Taxi

Strombo

2010-02-15T17:53:00.001-08:00

"Massive Attack, Mezzanine, my favorite record for intimacy." - George Strombo

thanks for sharing George...

-- Post From Taxi

death machine

2010-02-06T17:02:00.001-08:00

Ducati 650(?) single.

-- Post From Chinatown

cabbie dinner

2010-02-05T21:47:00.000-08:00

9:45PM

-- Post From Taxi

2010-02-05T19:34:00.001-08:00

2:00AM

As I came down Bear Mountain I saw a bedraggled cowboy standing in a ditch across the road. He was waving his hat at me frantically.
"WHAT TIME IS IT AND DO YOU TAKE DEBIT?" he hollered.. "2:03AM, AND YES!" I hollered back. I pulled the cab around and lowered the window.
"Where ya heading?" I asked. "Up to Table Mountain road to get my horse!" That was clearly a long way up in the Highlands: pitch dark rural hill country and directly away from where I wanted to be in downtown Victoria.

He was standing in the ditch and quickly washed his face in it before putting his hat back on.
"I jest came all the way from Duncan to get my horse. Shit where's my debit card? Dang it!..."
He rooted through his wallet becoming more agitated. He had no money, no cards.
"I'm from the Coopers, we've been racing here fer fourty years!" He jestured over his shoulder towards Western Speedway.
"Take a chance on me, ah got money in the house!"
"That's the wrong way for me pal, all my business is downtown."

He stuffed a colander into the green garbage bag he had with him.
"Ah jest came from the hospital! These are mah things from the hospital!" He began to move away in the direction of Table Mountain.
"You better get outta here before ah get mad," he said. "Goddamn three hour walk woulda been a thirty-five minute drive..." He continued to mutter to himself ambled off into the Langford night. I pulled away, bemused.

-- Post From Taxi

2010-02-04T23:43:00.001-08:00

11:40PM, outside Plan B nightclub

Guy: "Do you know when the last ferry is?"
Me: "Yep."
Guy: "...so when is it?"
Me: "You missed it by about two and a half hours."
Guy: [ponders situation]..."Guess I'll just walk home."

-- Post From Taxi

2010-01-21T22:21:00.001-08:00

Just spent an hour arguing about the future of Somalia, Somalia-land and Ethiopia with the African taxi men.
All you need to do to take a trip around the world is go to the airport... and chill with the cabbies.

-- Post From Taxi

cabbie's late night snack

2010-01-14T00:23:00.001-08:00

4:35am

-- Post From Home

street fight

2010-01-08T23:13:00.001-08:00

A Strathcona bouncer kneels on a man's head and neck, while in the background other bouncers injure another man about the head.

This fight spilled into the street directly in front of my taxi, near the intersection of Courtney and Douglas at around 10:45pm.

My passengers at the time were from the Law Society and had just attended a black tie gala at Government House.

"This is not appropriate, Ralston." said one.
"I have no reason to believe it isn't," said another.

-- Post From Taxi

cloud of evil

2009-12-23T17:21:00.000-08:00

This post is re-blogged from Carey Mercer, of the band Frog Eyes. cloudofevil.blogspot.com

In Helsinki I once tried to hail a cab. It was snowing and I was exposed and in Canada we have a free-for-all approach to the procurement of taxi-cabs.

It's a lunatic's system:

You call the cab company and you order a cab. The second you are off the phone, you immediately stand on the street and start hailing all cabs driving past you. The reason for doing this, though it sounds mildly Iago-like, is that during the course of the cab's journey to you, there will be countless hooligans and businessmen and whoever else needs transport, all hailing your cab.

The cab driver knows that you are an asshole; i.e., busy hailing any and all cabs that pass you, in spite of the fact that you have requested him or her to pick you up. He or she knows that you will likely not be there, and decides "Well, I should just pick this other person up. A customer in the car is better than ten on the phone."

Of course, the reason you are hailing other cabs is that you know that the taxi driver cannot trust in your fealty, for you, the passenger, are fickle. So often when you call a taxi cab it does not arrive. You curse this cur of a driver, this boot-licking dog that has abandoned you, whilst you continue to try and steal another person's cab. It's all a bit Leviathan like: draw your weapon first, so that your opponent does not draw his first. I have decided here to use the masculine pronoun.

In Helsinki, when you hail a cab, the cab driver will zip past you. Eventually a cab is idling in slushing distance, and you slush over, and lean over the cab driver, as if to say "I am cold, sir, please let me in, sir." The cab driver looks into your eyes and senses the foreignness, that is to say North-American-ness, of your lost expression. He rolls down his window, and he will ask if my name is Melissa Auerbach. I explain that it is not, but what does that have to do with anything? I have money, let me in. Let me in! Whahhh! North America! Whaahhh!

He takes a deep breath of utter disgust and he patiently, as to a child, explains that in Helsinki, when you order a cab, you are not ordering every cab in the universe, you are not ordering every cab since the invention of time. You are ordering one specific cab, and it is very important, given the coldness in the air, that the cab arrives unheeded. He says that the relationship between the cab driver and the passenger is one of trust and respect, and asks why, oh why, should it be any other way?

I could feel Melissa Auerbach's annoyed shadow on my shoulder. Why was I talking to her cab? It was hers: she ordered it.

I cannot help but think that there is a model of conduct buried somewhere in this dull and drinkless story that might have larger ramifications. Existentialism: I think this is an aspect of existentialism: my actions are representative of all actions, and there is no getting away with anything. For as soon as one becomes a selfish agent, this selfishness becomes the norm. And selfishness, though it is rampant, is an ugly social ideal.

So now I must endeavour to wait patiently for my cab, even if it does not come. In time it will come.

Thus, we must endeavour, let us all endeavour, we children of Thatcher and Mulroney and Reagan, to throw off the ugly ideals of our adolescence and consider our place within a greater weave, or else be consigned, like the Euphonium player on a sinking vessel, to the vulgarities and the lunatic "freedoms" of sharp-toothed Capitalism.

noah shark

2009-12-21T02:15:00.000-08:00

I've started a tumblog because it's easy.

noahshark.tumblr.com

Now I can have a repository of cool internet shit with spiffy dry commentary.

back on the horse

2009-11-14T19:37:00.001-08:00

Picked up a tweaked old prostitue from an address on Pandora, going to Esquimalt. She was asking all sorts of awkward personal questions. We're waiting for the John to come down and pay the fare:

"You like horses?"
"Yup"
"Sheep?"
"They're alright."
"You ski?"
"Ya I used to go to Mt. Washington."
"I'm into rodeos."
"I went to the rodeo in Coombs once."
"These damn GPS machines are a load of shit."

The John arrives. He rounds up 20 cents.
"If it was me I'd tip you better."
"Have a good night sir.
"Oh yeah," he says with a leer.

-- Post From Taxi

shortest cab fare ever

2009-10-11T16:12:00.001-07:00

Juliet to Plan B. Four tiny Asian girls, without coats.

"You know that's only a block from here."

"We're colllld," they said in unison.

"Well you should at least walk home."

Wimps.

-- Post From Taxi

ferry!

2009-10-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

The ferry is a good place to drink beer and read blogs.

-- Post From Ferry

2009-10-05T01:48:00.000-07:00

View South from Mt Arrowsmith summit. 9/2/2009

2009-09-21T23:56:00.000-07:00

I have an article in the current issue of SBC Surf magazine. In it I talk about starting a surf blog. I have done so. Click here to read South Island Surf.

2009-09-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

via art-homes

Sunday PM

2009-09-20T19:34:00.001-07:00

Working tonight, but felt the need to go to the beach anyhow. A beautiful, sunny, head high afternoon at 2nds. Took the taxi to the beach; will start work around 8 instead of 4: worth it for a good surf. Feeling self-critical and melancholy, but at least surfing is a glorious distraction and physical expression.

Surfed last Saturday, too, but neglected to make a post at SouthIsland Surf. It was a big day at 2nds. Didn't surf my best, but enjoyed the experience of sizeable waves.

-- Post From Taxi

don't

2009-09-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

Some people think it’s stupid that Rastas are allowed to get stoned, but how else are you going to convince yourself that God was a guy who waited until 1942 to outlaw slavery, lost his country to theItalians, ordered hundreds of civilian massacres, and somehow missed out on the fact that 50,000 of his subjects were starving to death before being deposed and buried under a toilet?

...

Yes, I still love reading the DO's and DONT's.

city beat: update

2009-09-01T12:51:00.001-07:00

I was contacted today by a member of VicPD about the assault witnessed in the early hours of August 20th. Suspects have been arrested and will be prosecuted based on blood evidence and witness statements. The victim is ok, and is co-operating with the investigation.

Vancouver Canadians...

2009-08-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

suck at baseball. But have good hotdogs, decent beer and cute mascots. Proof:

PS The best part of the game was the mascot race, where one mascot fell down.

-- Post From Vancouver

city beat

2009-08-28T23:11:00.001-07:00

At 11:00PM on Friday night a turquoise late-model pickup avoided a police roadblock at Yates and Warf street by speeding the wrong way up Yates, dodging oncoming traffic and nearly striking this reporter's vehicle. The truck was last seen careening onto Langley street. A police cruiser gave pursuit, some thirty seconds later. It is presumed that the pickup escaped.

-- Post From Taxi

"moustache?"

2009-08-25T19:23:00.001-07:00

Is "moustache" really a French name? I think not. MEXX=quoi?

-- Post From Vamcouver

city beat

2009-08-22T21:04:00.001-07:00

On Thursday morning at 2:30am, a man was severely beaten by four assailants in the alley next to Still Life boutique, on the 500 block of Johnson street in Victoria. This reporter witnessed the four men kick the victim in the head repeatedly as he lay on the ground, while another man yelled, "Stop kicking him! He's a human being for god's sake!" The assailants then fled the scene on foot, first attempting to hail a cab, then running North on Government street, and West on Pandora street. This reporter followed the men and described their appearances and movements to a 911 emergency dispatcher. The men were last seen climbing the fence into the vacant lot adjacent Swan's Hotel, between Pandora and Fisgard streets.

This reporter then circled the block back to where the man had been assaulted, where Police officers were attending to the man. This reporter told an officer where the assailants had fled, to which he replied, "yes, we'll be sending a Police Car." It is unknown whether anyone was apprehended in relation to the incident. A Freedom of Information request will be filed.

...

This was an appaling assault to have witnessed, and I have been deeply disturbed by both the viciousness of the attack, and the lack of urgency displayed by the VicPD member with whom I spoke. While the assailants were disappearing into the night, the officer merely attempted to aid the victim. Perhaps I am ignorant of police procedure, but I would have thought apprehending the assailants would have been a higher priority. Surely paramedics could have attended to the victim's injuries while the police nabbed the bad guys. If these guys got away I will be very cross; they climbed into a vacant lot from which there was only one other exit: over the fence on the Fisgard street side. With a cruiser on either side of the lot these men would not have been able to escape. I am looking into this matter to discover the outcome of the situation. Further updates as details become available. Until then, be careful out there.

-- Post From Taxi

bookshelves

2009-08-21T23:59:00.001-07:00

Reblogged from booklovers never go to bed alone.

I love the collection of globes. Someday my house will be this inviting.

tiny kitty

2009-08-14T20:13:00.001-07:00

It's a tiny kitty!

-- Post From Taxi

2009-08-11T02:30:00.000-07:00

"I just had sex with a goose, you brainwashed fucking android insect... I'm going back to my prison cell."

- Guy outside Lucky Bar who was trying to sell "organic" weed to drunk teenagers.

Haha.

Sometimes work is funny.

-- Post From Taxi

"he-cession"

2009-07-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

Term describing the disporportionate level to which men have been affected by the global economic downturn. Men work more in manufacturing and construction jobs than women, and so have been vastly more disturbed by layoff and slowdowns. Will this change gender relations worldwide?

-- Post From Taxi

Lunch

2009-07-09T16:35:00.001-07:00

...following coffee, pulled pork, and cupcakes. Thanks for the invite Serge!

Pink Sugar cupcakery opened new location today at 700 block Fort St.

-- Post From Patio

Death by Chocolate

2009-07-09T03:45:00.000-07:00

Man Dies After Falling Into Tank of Chocolate

Vincent Smith II, 29, was standing on a nine-foot-high platform loading chunks of raw chocolate into a melting tank at Cocoa Services in Camden, N.J. when he fell in...

Six million ways to die... choose one.

Democracy Now! today reports

2009-07-06T23:04:00.001-07:00

Sarah Palin has announced she is stepping down as governor of Alaska to avoid becoming a lame-duck governor after having decided not to seek reelection. They also reported her lawyers have issued a four-page letter warning media outlets they may be sued if they grant space to rumors she is under investigation for alleged embezelment in the construction of a sports arena.

Way to dodge that bullet Amy Goodman.

democracynow.org

-- Post From Taxi

Death machine

2009-07-06T18:27:00.001-07:00

-- Post From Taxi

Want

2009-06-29T21:17:00.001-07:00

-- Post From Vancouver

Granville St

2009-06-29T20:50:00.001-07:00

-- Post From Vancouver

The ubiquity of Coach

2009-06-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

is killing moi. How did such an ugly brand get so popular?

-- Post From Vancouver

Wreck Beach Butoh diary

2009-06-26T12:00:00.001-07:00

Day 5 lunch break

The last two days were rather hectic: after finishing dance rehearsal Wednesday aft, hotfooted to the ferry for a performance as KEYTAR WARRIOR that night in Vic (a most enjoyable event), then two hours sleep, and back on the first ferry. Auditioned for part as 'Keytar player' in a BC Hydro commercial, zipped over to dance rehearsal, then home to bed for nearly 14 hrs. Whew!

Back in a regular schedule today, just in time for the end of the week.

This is our group doing a laughing excercise at the end of this morning's class (laughing to commence soon as I lay down). Muwahaha!

-- Post From Vancouver

2009-06-23T17:41:00.000-07:00

"Confucious had saying, wherever you go your ass is always in back. There are only two rules in taxi business. Rule one: there's always someone somewhere waiting for a taxi. Rule two: you have to find him."

- Wisdom of a Vancouver taxi driver.

-- Post From Taxi in Vancouver

Wreck Beach Butoh diary

2009-06-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

Day 2 lunchtime

Sitting on the art gallery steps, sunning, vegetating. This morning's class was really good, we stretched and warmed up then ran some of the choreography. I suck at pushups, should work on that, but they just feel so lame.

This aft will likely hitup Wreck Beach with Big Tiny, who's in town to see Andrew W. K. DJ or something. May tag along, but this body will need rest in the evening; rager nights out would be unwise.

-- Post From Vancouver

Wreck Beach Butoh diary

2009-06-22T16:33:00.001-07:00

Unwinding on the VAG café terrace after rehearsal, enjoying a tall G+T... Knackr'd.

PS what the fuck Granville street? I thought cities were supposed to have "concerte sidewalks." Yr getting my kicks dusty.

PPS Gotta find a watering hole closer to Harbour dance. VAG has annoying live music afternoons.

BONUS GPOYM: H&M dressing room edition.

New shorts. Yes I feel like a dork posting this. Had to run for the ferry and forgot to transfer shorts from my suitcase.

-- Post From Vancouver

Wreck Beach Butoh diary

2009-06-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

Day 1 lunch break

Up late last night packing and puttering. Slept 3:30-5:30. Came over on first ferry. 1 sailing wait, so left car (and suitcase) at Barnacle Rd., essentials in handbag, walked on. Bus to downtown was 15 minutes coming over bridge.

Arrived 10:00ish, straight into dance training. Expressive walks, cartwheels, Butoh walking. My body is just waking up again. Insupressable laughter bubbling up.

"Happiness is solid, joy liquid." - JD Salinger quoted in Cloud Atlas, David Mitchell

-- Post From Vancouver

Show! Wednesday! Come and see!

2009-06-22T09:22:00.001-07:00

In Van for two weeks attending dance workshop. Back Wednesday night only for above radness.

(Aside: found out I was playing gig when invited to event via facebook. Didn't even have chance to say nu. Internet, ye gods.)

-- Post From Vancouver

2009-06-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

woman soldier on the street

Jerusalem, May 2008

Leica M6 on colour transparency

from the archive

bacon wrapped hot dog

2009-06-17T18:45:00.001-07:00

@ Pig BBQ Joint. Blog anything bacon wrapped.

-- Post From Taxi

death machine

2009-06-17T17:57:00.001-07:00

Honda Honda go faster faster

-- Post From Taxi

2009-06-17T15:12:00.001-07:00

Toronto from the AGO 5th floor
Ontario College of Art and Design
AGO exterior, sunset
AGO east entrance

photo exhibit at Cafe Fantastico

2009-06-17T02:57:00.000-07:00

Matt Savage and I have hung a collaborative photo exhibit at Cafe Fantastico in the Cook Street Village Food Court. It features fashion designs by Kim Krempien, and our friends Brazley, Skott and Megan as models. Go check it out!

pandaid

2009-06-17T02:54:00.001-07:00

This is my next Keytar Warrior gig, for those who are interested in such things.

this is killer

2009-06-17T02:43:00.000-07:00

Photograph of my t-shirt by Malcolm Johnson

-- Post From Taxi

Liveblogging the AGO

2009-06-10T17:30:00.001-07:00

After more than six hours exlopring the collections I've finally retired to the bar for a restorative G&T. The AGO is humongous. I thought I was through an hour ago, but it turned out I'd missed a fair amount of the main floor, including important works. I doubled back to cover these exhibits. I was impressed with the exhibit of Cologne dadaists/the stupid group, and especially enjoyed a special exhibit of prints by Inuit women on display in the print and drawing study room on Wednesday evenings. I also haven't yet had a chance to go through either the Inuit visible storage or the Grange annex. Tampis, next time.

I'm especially impressed with the various collections of Inuit prints and carvings found throughout the museum. I once took a course on Inuit art at UVic. I found it particularly compelling, and so now am drawn to this work; I feel that I understand it to some degree. The recent seal meat controversy has only served to heighten my interest.

On a tangental note, I'm returning to Victoria tomorrow, and will be hanging a series of photographs by myself and Matt Savage at the Cook Street Village Food Court. The photos feature our friends Brazley, Skott and Meagan modelling fashion designs by Kim Krempien. The opening will be on Friday from 4-6, please come.

-- Post From Toronto

Liveblogging the AGO

2009-06-10T13:00:00.001-07:00

I've just climbed the massive spiral staircase to the fifth floor café (there's a cute cheering soundtrack at the top), after seeing the first floor and basement. The 'remix' exhibit of contemporary aboriginal artists was cool, as were the model ships in the basement. The most affecting image I've seen so far was the Slaughter of the Innocents, a beautifully rendered painting of babies being dashed on marble columns and women being put to the sword. Ugh.

I'm now refuelling before tackling three more floors of contemporary, Canadian and African art. The AGO rules. Sorry VAG, but your collections don't hold a candle. But you do have a nicer patio and café. ;D

-- Post From Toronto

Liveblogging Toronto

2009-06-10T10:26:00.001-07:00

Going to the AGO!!! So stoked, I love art galleries.

-- Post From Toronto

c'est what?

2009-06-08T17:38:00.001-07:00

We've met up with Josh's friend Max for dinner. He lives in the neighborhood, and was formerly (recently) an intern at VICE magazine:

He did production for VBS tv. We're now at 'c'est what?' meeting another friend, Maria, who got into the Neil Gaiman thing on a press pass (as a blogger: where.ca/travel). I'm demanding a play by play. ;)

PS here's me in my grandmother's trenchcoat:

-- Post From Toronto

scalper tickets

2009-06-08T15:47:00.001-07:00

Standing outside St. Lawrence centre for the arts trying to buy scalper tickets to Neil Gaiman. No luck so far.

Here's Josh:

Josh's friend had a press pass. Lucky girl.

-- Post From Toronto

Hy's

2009-06-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

stopping for a cocktail.

it's a scotch & soda.

-- Post From Toronto

Tiger of Sweden

2009-06-08T14:22:00.001-07:00

at Model Citizen

Want this suit.

Bought a tie instead:

Thanks Max!

-- Post From Toronto

Liveblogging Toronto

2009-06-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

On the Subway: I hope there's coffee where I'm going. Also, Josh called and is down for this Neil Gaiman gig. I hope we get in.

-- Post From Toronto

Liveblogging Toronto

2009-06-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

I'm on my way down to Kensington Market to see what's what in hog town, then down to St Laurence Market to try and catch a reading by Neil Gaiman. I've also a plan to meet my friend Joshua Hurwitz for dinner. Further updates as events warrant.

I told my grandparents not to worry, I'd be live blogging my adventures, so they could just check the website.

PS yes I'm wearing a pocket square and my grandmother's trenchcoat. It's windy today.

-- Post From Toronto

2009-06-08T11:39:00.001-07:00

O snail
Climb Mount Fuji
But slowly, slowly!

- Issa.

From Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger, some light airplane reading.

-- Post From Airplane

want: Italian death machine

2009-06-04T16:58:00.001-07:00

Going for a test ride tomorrow!

-- Post From Taxi

Konica photos

2009-06-02T08:40:00.001-07:00

Ish scanned some photos I took with my Konica (see previous post). Heart that girl so hard. More scans soon.

Ish n Duncan

Skott

Iain

-- Post From Taxi

paint it black

2009-06-02T08:03:00.002-07:00

Brazley has a plan to make any car cooler: paint it black, and drill holes in the muffler. Here is a prototype:

-- Post From Taxi

abbreviation of the day

2009-06-02T08:03:00.001-07:00

"B-sam" - breakfast sandwich

ie. Cornerstone has the world's best b-sams, mang.

PS hi blog. missed yall.

-- Post From Taxi

summertime

2009-05-20T01:05:00.001-07:00

AGV café terrace, Sunday afternoon.

hello summer!

how much sugar?

2009-05-19T23:30:00.000-07:00

rlly? dang.

via theslyestfox

the surfing life

2009-05-19T01:23:00.000-07:00

Sombrio, on a blown-out 1 foot day. I'm trying to use surfing as a ploy to keep Brasley from going back to Calgary, where there is no ocean. Thanks for coming along and taking sweet photos Matt!

keut British cars

2009-05-17T20:24:00.001-07:00

found these while walking around Kerrisdale. the mini is from 1996 and is for sale ($5000).

BONUS nude on black velvet

-- Post From Vancouver

another death machine

2009-05-16T20:50:00.001-07:00

PS hi Brazley

PPS stop Voldemort

-- Post From Vancouver

death machines

2009-05-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

summer love.

-- Post From Taxi

2009-05-10T23:00:00.001-07:00

That's right... Darth Vader will be at my show Wednesday night. THE Darth Vader. From space.

-- Post From Taxi

the view

2009-05-09T18:49:00.001-07:00

Photo by Veronica Best.
-- Post From Taxi

Konica C35

2009-05-09T15:27:00.001-07:00

My old/new 35mm point and shoot. This was my very first camera, and had been languishing in a box in my mom's basement for over twelve years. I needed a small 35mm camera for everyday use (that wasn't a plastic toy or my beautiful, heavy Leica), and am happy to have rediscovered this one. There's an identical model in the window at Camera Traders, for those interested to check out. I'll post some photos once I've shot a roll.

And don't forget about the Camera Traders swap meet, May 24th in Market Square, 10am to 3pm.

-- Post From Taxi

redheads

2009-05-04T20:34:00.001-07:00

Images by Amber Larsen.
We collaborated on this shoot last August; I still haven't scanned the slides of my images; I'm reminded that I should get on that.

-- Post From Taxi

new shoes

2009-04-30T21:23:00.001-07:00

Gram 399g

-- Post From Taxi

EXODUS/KREATOR

2009-04-26T23:17:00.001-07:00

Sugar nightclub, Victoria, BC
Saturday, April 24

EXODUS

KREATOR

-- Post From Taxi

something to remember...

2009-04-22T23:19:00.001-07:00

...when cleaning becomes obsessive.

hasselblad

2009-04-18T22:24:00.000-07:00

Al's Hasselblad

i can has haircuts?

2009-04-18T19:18:00.001-07:00

inspired by Hedi Slimaine

bye bye curls

miss yall

loves me some hairwash

nice one

heart u Sarah! best haircuts EVAR!!

you can call Sarah at the hive, 714 cormorant street, 250.361.4473

out the window

2009-04-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

reblogged

2009-04-16T23:54:00.001-07:00

fuck ya Sasha Grey as OG Star Trek babe!

i can has Ikea?

'Two Weeks Ago' was a good day for theslyestfox.

-- Post From Taxi

UPDATE: which dress?

2009-04-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

All of them?

This one was the pick of the night, but I'm still rooting for the white polkadots. It's the most suitable for picnics and tree climbing.

-- Post From Taxi

jellies!

2009-04-16T13:13:00.001-07:00

heart u Vancouver Aquarium!

-- Post From Ferry

contact sheets

2009-04-16T13:00:00.001-07:00

photos by Matt Savage (the Vic Chic)

-- Post From Taxi

Shopping with Ish

2009-04-14T20:24:00.001-07:00

Which dress?

Blue with white polkadots from Urban Outfitters?

Black hooded zip-up from El Cartel?

Flower print from Aritzia?

Shopping is hard!

-- Post From Vancouver

want: TARDIS

2009-04-13T22:36:00.001-07:00

...so's I can skip through tonight, landing somewhere nearer this:

(photos via Wikipedia and Mandy.)
-- Post From Taxi

Sk8boarding rulez!

2009-04-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid I wasn't allowed to own a skateboard until I was sixteen years old. My parents, as doctors, tended to see skateboards as injurious contraptions ridden only by masoquistic no-goodnicks. Of course, banning children from something generally has the effect of increasing it's appeal, so I would borrow friend's boards and over the years taught myself how to not bail too hard.

When I turned sixteen I immediately bought a longboard, and spent the next many years happily hurtling down whichever steep hills my path crossed.

Two summers ago there was a long flat spell, when southern Vancouver Island got absolutely no surf for months on end. To keep in shape and to practice my top turns and cutbacks, I started riding a normal-length skateboard in the skatepark. This led to attempting tricks, which meant a fair amount of painful bailing, but within a couple months I became reasonably proficient at riding transitions and ollie-ing up curbs. I developed a fluid, surf-inspired style, not overly impressive to the street-style groms, but satisfying.

That was the year I realized I was getting old. Watching twelve and thirteen year olds take endless bails on the concrete, I realized that my resilience was only a fraction of theirs. When I went down it took a week or more for the sprains to heal. Frequent yoga sessions helped even out the cramping. I worked out a happy medium between breaking the body down and taking care of injuries through stretching.

Once, a cool-dad showed up at the skatepark with his ten year old. The kid was afraid to even drop into the half-pipe, but cool dad was ripping, busting frontside airs and lipslides. It was a little embarassing, watching this thirty-something dude kill it, while his progeny floundered. If I was that kid I would have insisted on music lessons or dance classes, anything to avoid having to go to the skatepark with my dad.

Earlier this week I had a session of hill bombing, my first of this spring At the bottom of my first run I busted a power-slide, but was going fast enough that I went over the falls. A couple minor scrapes were all I had to show, but the body has reacted with stiffening and low energy. Is it time to give up the old deathplank? Hardly. This is a sign that I need to get out there more often, to toughen myself, and to relearn about pain. Skateboarding is mostly about learning painful lessons. This summer I will finally nail pop-shuvits, boardslides and tail slides.

Anyone want to go hill bombing this week?

-- Post From Taxi

Hi, I'm Andrew...

2009-04-13T17:30:00.001-07:00

...and when you've just finished eating a Junior Bacon Cheeseburger from Wendy's (with everything!), come on down to 2% Jazz Coffee Shop for a refreshing coffee beverage. This here is a french press mysto, with an earthy taste guaranteed to knock your socks off. And if it's the "Best Espresso in Victoria" you're after, just ask us for a double shot. You'll be up all night on these babies! So come on down to 2% Jazz Coffee Shop, at 2631 Douglas street, right next to the Times Colonist. 2% Jazz, 98% Funky Stuff.

this ad brought to you by years and years of complimentary espresso shots, and am1240-CJAV, the voice of the Valley.

-- Post From Taxi