One Stop Wonder Shop

Therapy made easy

2009-07-22T20:45:00.003-04:00

Gun violence is a very phallic thing.

Wow, ok so maybe I won't start my posts with similar themed sentences.

But it seriously is. I mean your holding a long, sleek object in your hand. When the ingredients inside that long sleek object get excited or "triggered". These ingredients then react with eachother, causing an explosion which then causes an object to come flying out of the hole. This object is then sent flying through the air at a rather intense speed, and penetrates mostly anything it comes in contact with (usually another human being).

See? phallic!

Now why the hell did I bring this up? Well I realized today, after being rather stressed financially, that I wanted to blow the heads off of millions of zombies, nazis, "terrorists", innocents, or other military personnel. While I am a peaceful man, and would never actually commit to such an act (except for zombies, I secretly pray for zombie apocalypses) I do love the release of energy I get from seeing a little pixelated blonde-hair blue eyed kraut marching towards me with a luger and then shooting him, let's say, in the knee. My imagination does the rest.

For those of you who are not experienced gamers or very casual let me recommend a few stress relieving titles that you can easily find on the internet or (if you have the money) invest in a PS3 and buy the latest and the greatest. These games are all very basic in gameplay, walk in, shoot, hope you live. Tactical games don't relieve stress, especially when your online.

Wolfenstein 3D
- Any real gamer knows this title. It is the original First Person Shooter. You are a lone american soldier trapped in Hitler's Castle Wolfenstein. Your mission: Kill every hitler-loving nazi there is. Oh and don't die. Simple, sweet, a classic.

DOOM
- Wolfenstein's more famous baby brother. Made by ID, the same company who made Wolfenstein 3D. DOOM takes place in the distant future, and instead of killing Nazis, you have the pleasure of mutilating demons, monsters, mutants, monstrosities of all shapes and sizes. Even, flying eyeballs! They made a movie out of this game (starring Dwayne Johnson - don't waste your time) , and also released a new version of the game for the next generation of gamers (do waste your time on this!).

Left4Dead
- Now a more modern one. This absolutely spectacular game is basically a Zombie flick in a video game. Actually its a collection of zombie flicks. Starring four everyday people as the survivors, the player takes over one of the survivors and the fight for your life begins. Hook up with friends online, or play solo. Either way, carnage is promised.

Well there you have it, now instead of taking pills, smoking cigarettes, or worse talking to a shrink, go and blow some scums head off.

I swear this is the most random post I've ever done.

- All these people drinking lovers' spit -

2009-07-11T12:52:00.003-04:00

I shouldn't have to tell you guys who Broken Social Scene. But even today I was surprised by some people not having a clue.

Broken Social Scene is one of Toronto's premier indie music makers. Forming in 1999 the band's original core members were Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning. The first album, Feel Good Lost, was rich with ambient vibes and dreamscape melodies.

After gaining some notoreity the band took on other members of the Toronto indie scene, including Metric's Emily Haines, Jason Collett, Andrew Whiteman, and the ever amazing Leslie Feist (Feist). Through the years a number of Canadian musicians has been listed as band members, such as K-OS, Jason Tait, Lisa Lobsinger, Stars' Amy Millan, and countless others.

In reality Broken Social Scene can be viewed as a collective of Canadian, specifically Toronto musicians, collaborating to give a melodic overview of Canadian new music. Rich in it's variety, and full of moving and beautiful tunes, BSS is definately something you should listen.

AND WHAT BETTER CHANCE TO DO SO THEN AT A FREE CONCERT AT THE HARBOURFRONT CENTRE TONIGHT AT 8PM!

That is right, Broken Social Scene is playing a free concert tonight at the Harbourfront Centre mainstage. I predict that it is going to be a very busy show so I suggest getting there early! Bring your friends, your family and your loved ones. It's guaranteed to be a good show!

Broken Social Scene's Myspace

- My baby girl has a synth in her chest -

2009-07-09T12:41:00.003-04:00

This is stolen directly from Kitsune Noir, but I loved it so much that I had to share it. Meet IDM_kid. No one seems to quite know who the original author is, speculation says his name is Pascal Bideau, but it is still hazy. The mixture of good rhythm and a cute kid makes for an entertaining view. Enjoy.

Let's all play the "Hey I know that place game"

2009-07-08T13:31:00.003-04:00

As you all well know, One Stop Wonder Shop is meant to highlight and focus Canadian, specifically Toronto culture. Some people ask me "why?". And the simple answer is, that I love this city and all it has to offer and I want everyone to fall in love with it just as much as I have in the past four years I have lived here. The eclectic blend of rich cultures, neighbourhoods, scenes, and lifestyles. In one bike ride to work I get to drive through Little Portugal, Queen West, Dovercourt Park, Liberty Village, and the Fashion District. The ability to see all these neighbourhoods really allows one to appreciate the beauty that is Toronto.

So now, I introduce you to Toronto Stories. A film that captures the exact qualities of Toronto that I love. The diverse communities, the every day people that make this city so wonderful, and the beautiful landscapes, architecture, and parks of our city. All of these are showcased in Toronto Stories.

It is hard to understand whether or not the film makers were trying to actually make a film or to say "Hey film industry, look at what we got! You should come here!" But either way I enjoyed seeing the familiar places I see in my everyday life. That one convenience store, the building where I work, the CN tower, or that park I woke up on a bench in.

Toronto Stories is a collection of four stories that are all connected with the interaction of an immagrant boy who has illegally entered into Canada. We are never told why, nor does the boy ever speak, so it often feels like he is used solely as a device to connect the stories. That perhaps is probably the only negative thing I have to say about the film. We then are taken on a imaginative journey with two young Leslieville children, we experience the ever-frustrating dating scene of the West-End 20-somethings, the struggles of an ex-con and an escaped convict in St.Clair West and Vaughn, and lastly we follow the difficult story of the beloved Henry the Hobo who plays chess in Union Station.

The film features the talents of Gil Bellows, Sook-Yin Lee, and Shauna MacDonald. The four stories are directed bySook-Yin Lee, David Sutherland, David Weaver, and Aaron Woodley. The soundtrack is also home-grown featuring the musical stylings Final Fantasy, Broken Social Scene, Jason Collett, Glissandro 70, and Ohbijou.

Ok so this post is long enough, just watch the trailer and get inspired.

A Ladybug with a Ukelele

2009-07-07T17:51:00.003-04:00

I swear there was something I used to do about a month ago...what was it called? oh yeah, BLOG!

So I am back from my unexpected hiatus of business, insomnia, and being a hermit. While I was away (in my bedroom), I discovered some interesting stuff. All of which I have planned to publish on here. So for our first post back let's do something simple shall we?

Ladies and Gentleman, meet Kate Sloan.

This young lady hails from Toronto and if memory serves me correct is still in high school. Kate and I have related friends (or so facebook tells me) so apparently thats how I know her. Actually, I also recall seeing her around Trinity Bellwoods a few days making music. It just so happens that today she posted one of her videos today on Facebook and so I took a gander.

Ok, so it's no million dollar production, nor does it hold the pleasent indie charm that such a songstress would deserve. (Is songstress even a viable word?) But we all have to start somewhere and I like where the girl is going! So give her a whirl, tune in, and let's help a young musician blossom!

Theatre Lab Presents....

2009-06-15T11:24:00.004-04:00

Theatre Lab Presents
BARAKAT & JACOPO
A Tale of Faith and Sacrifice

Director - Omar Hady
Music Director - David Atkinson
Lighting Designer - Bryan Batty

Featuring
Daniel De Pass as Barakat
Rob Feetham as Jacopo

At
The Lower-Ossington Theatre
100A Ossington Avenue
Box Office: 416-915-6747

Evening Performances
June 20-21
June 23 - 26
7PM

Sunday Matinee
June 21
2 PM

Tickets
$20 General
$15 Student
(with Student ID)
$10 Matinee

$5 off with postcard at the door.

So a little shameless self promotion never hurt anyone. This is the show I have been so busy with the past week. It is a fascinating play with some amazing performances by Rob and Dan. Come out and support young artists and independant theatre.

sorry?

2009-06-10T09:40:00.002-04:00

My apologies for being incredibly lacking in posts the past week or so. I have been swamped with projects, my bike broke, worked a lot, and have just been over all distracted.

But I assure you, there is more to come! I just need to clear things.

In the meantime, enjoy yourselves and get out and discover!

Luminato Festival

2009-06-04T23:37:00.007-04:00

I have been desiring some good theatre lately. Something to really awaken my lost love for theatre. The other day it was suggested that I go check out Robert Lepage's Lipsynch in the Luminato Festival. The Canadian-debut of his already world acclaimed piece.

As you may already know from reading earlier posts (See: You know you hit financial rockbottom when. . .), I can't really afford such an expense or really 9 hours out of my day. So after going through the list of events, I came across Nevermore by Edmonton's Catalyst Theatre. Visually it is exactly what I am looking for, a refreshing use of costume and technology to create a beautiful production design.

Yes, after just watching the previews, I have decided that it is definately worth my while. I am going to go see it. Anyone care to join me?

Links:
Luminato Festival
Robert Lepage's Wiki
Catalyst Theatre
Refried Bean Recipes

For the hot days of summer...

2009-05-31T14:34:00.006-04:00

May I recommend one of the amazing swimsuits from Minnow Bathers, a Toronto based swimwear line carrying some wonderful pieces for both men and women. They had their launch party last night at Penny Arcade Vintage, also the only place in the city where you can purchase them. I recommend checking out their website and seeing all the different items they have. But here is a small preview.

www.minnowbathers.com

Penny Arcade Vintasge
1177 Dundas Street.
Toronto ON
647.346.1386

How to get drunk in Toronto and still be able to appreciate the finer things in life.

2009-05-28T23:06:00.008-04:00

The other day I got an invite to Andrew Buckler's (Buckler Clothing Line) Summer Launch Party. That same day I found out about Preloved's 14th Birthday Party being held on the same evening. However could I attend both!? I found out I had to work until 9 and was dismayed when I believed I was going to miss at least one or perhaps both parties and be unable to tell you all about it.

Thankfully I worked hard and finished my pre-closing duties early and was allowed to leave early from work! Woots! So I rush on down Queen St. West and to my surprise I had gotten to Buckler just as the party was picking up.

At first impression Buckler's Toronto boutique is fantastic. The overall design of the store is an elegant but technological monochrome array of great lighting installations, mirrors, and playboy magazines scattered in and around the clothing racks. I know right? As I began to look closer at the clothing of their summer lineup I was very impressed by the overall collaboration of form and function. The dress shirts presented were adaptable from the business dress long sleeve, that could be removed to create a more summer fun short sleeve shirt. Buckler's line of suits were equally impressive. Ranging from a small pinstripe to an almost rubberized party blazer. One feature I appreciated were the two added strips of dark felt on their pinstripes suit across the waistline and again on the back of the shoulder. Finally I came across what Bram, Buckler Toronto's manager, called Engineer Boots. A mens full calf boot that had the elegance of an english riding boot but the ass kickery of any Hell's Angel. Bram said that although most men are uneasy about exposing the full boot and usually put pant leg's over them, some are actually wearing them with their pants tucked into the boot, a very attractive idea that I have been wanting to see in men's fashion for awhile. After three beers and a conversation with Toby owner of soon to be opened gallery bar The Starving Artist, I felt it was time to leave.

So, forgetting about Preloved I kept walking west down Queen St. to my bus stop when I happened upon Preloved and thought " Shit, might as well drop by and see what's up!" And so I did. Preloved is an absolutely wonderful store, oriented with the everyday fashion forward urban woman (and sometimes man) in min. The store itself is beautiful with exposed brick and concrete with a touch of teak on the changeroom doors and overhanging light fixtures. At first glance it is exactly what a Torontonian woman could ask for in a store, warm and inviting with a touch of modern glamour. The clothing at Preloved (excuse my french) BLEW MY FUCKING MIND! For awhile now I have heard of Preloved but never made it in (thinking that it was a woman's store, which it is, mostly.) but am happy I know of it now. Preloved's goal is to take classic vintage clothing, deconstruct them and use the fabrics with other vintage pieces to create a new modern look using classic and modern cuts and designs. Immediatley I found pieces that I would want my girlfriend to wear and even some that I thought my mom would love! It is the exquisite blend of vintage and modern fashion thrown into one, and each article of clothing, although similar in cut and form, is individual in unique in the fabrics being used. So again, after a few beers and some conversations with the store employees I thought it was time to leave.

I continued my walk to my bus stop when I stumbled upon Media Contemporary Gallery and their exhibit opening of artists Melanie Lowe and Kate McQuillen. Both holding their MFA from York University's Visual Arts program, these two ladies have created some beautiful installation pieces in the gallery.

Melanie visualized the everyday experiences we have in a beautiful use of water in all its forms, be it ice, liquid, or a mist. She informs her audiences that through our social connections we leave traces of ourselves on other people, and that our own emotional memories and problems are similar to a glass of water we carry around each day. I look forward to connecting with Melanie in the future and hope to do a piece about her and her work soon.

Kate's work revolved around the technological aspects of our everyday life. From the satellite dishes that feed our cellphones, to the rockets that put those satellites in orbit. Her brilliant use of paper and wood brought a very natural and organic quality to something completely fabricated by human hands and minds. I unfortuantely did not get to speak with Kate but like Melanie I hope to connect with her soon and bring you some more info and a more in depth look into her work and life.

Like all my visits that evening, I was fortunate enough to recieve some more free beer and then decided I was too exhausted to continue thinking and communicating with artists and designers and that it was time for me to ACTUALLY head home.

So my tally for the night:

Steamwhistle Pilsners drank: 6
Moosehead Lagers drank: 3
Business Cards recieved: 4
Dollars spent on the entire evening: 0

So I guess my whole point is that you guys can go out, have a great time, drink some booze and not even spend a dime if you just take the effort into finding interesting events and places to expand your mind, your capacity for alcohol, and your art and design intake. The next time you are bored on a thursday night, just cruise around the city and don't be afraid to go into a place that you don't know whats going on. I guarantee you the people there will want to share with you and hear your thoughts!

Good hunting!

LINKS: -check these people out-

www.preloved.ca
www.andrewbuckler.com
www.mediancontemporary.com
www.visualbass.com
www.katemcquillen.com

Shamed!

2009-05-25T00:47:00.004-04:00

Shamed I am, somedays, to be a Vice magazine reader. I find everyother issue I feel embarassed to be holding out in public. So often does American Apparel have a half naked girl on the back cover to make people think its a porno. If not that, then the Front cover is equally as tasteless, erotic, or disgusting.

(and thats only the front covers)

Don't get me wrong I love Vice. I think their writers have a great way of approaching journalism (if it can be called that). The Magazine itself is at least a refreshing culture shock of reality, that you continue reading it because it is not saturated with your average mediocre reporting, and your misuse of the truth.

I'm just sayin'.

you know you hit financial rockbottom when...

2009-05-19T00:09:00.002-04:00

the last thing in your cupboard to eat...is canned refried beans....and you have to eat it cause you have had hunger pangs for 2 days.

FML

A book of looks, similar to a house of cards?

2009-05-18T08:33:00.003-04:00

The other day I finally recieved my invite to Lookbook.nu. For awhile I have been trolling the site for ideas and inspiration for my next big outfit.

The girls/women on this site are truly some of the most adorable/beautiful/sassy/exciting/gorgeous creatures I have seen. Nothing is more attractive than a woman who can get creative with her fashion and not afraid to stand out of the crowd (even if it brings negative feedback sometimes).

The boys I find are generic repeats of eachother; cardigan, grey button up, skinny jeans, messy hair, loafers. Also if you are a guy you can't weigh over 90 lbs to get 100+ hypes.

So I was going to add a bunch of my favourite looks so far...but...it seems I can be computer illiterate some days.

Oops.

2009-05-16T16:39:00.005-04:00

Thursday afternoon I had to do laundry for some clothes that I was planning to wear out that night, I also had to go to work, so I hurriedly threw the items into the washer, and as I was stepping out the door, the washer finished and in they went to the dryer.

I tend to be absent minded sometimes, I think so hard on one thing that I tend to miss other things. So, this situation it is only natural that I was thinking about how good the party was, that I had to wash the clothes and get to work, that I did not feel the need to check my pockets (lesson learned). Inside my jeans laid one of my favourite pens. A pilot GreenBall refillable gel pen (excellent ink distribution by the way, though not easy for sketching as it IS gel). I get home from work and open the dryer and low and behold my red gingham shirt is covered in black spots and my white v-neck is also the same. Unfortunately the gingham is ruined but I kind of like what the ink did to the V-neck. Thoughts?

To Kill a Hipster

2009-05-16T16:01:00.004-04:00

So the other night, I was walking past The Social with a group of friends, and some guy in the line points at me and shouts "Hipster Faggot!".

Woah, woah, woah, woah! First of all I pose this question to the good man in the line. Since when did you have a better idea of my sexuality then my own self? Last time I checked I was pretty darn straight. Yet, because you lack the creativity or maybe the courage to be your own person, you lash out at anyone who is different. Do I publically insult you for your choice of date-rape central club? Or your wonderful Tommy Hilfiger Polo bought at the Bay on Boxing day? I could, and I'd mostly be right, but I don't because I still believe in the idea of live and let live.

Co-exsistance is something Canadians have to deal with everyday. We walk around claiming we are so multi-cultural, but really, most people in Canada just TOLERATE the other races and ethnicities around them. We smile at the idea that maybe we are more accepting than our neighbours to the south, yet any person who reads Craigslist Rants and Misconnections, will find that there are a lot of hateful, racist and arrogant people in this country.

Which leads me to my next rant.
Due to this strange disease that "hipsters" in New York have, apparently it is expected and believed that a "hipster" is this overly obnoxious, insensitive to those who are not "in the know", and generally more into their hair, shoes and vintage plaid shirt, than coke in Amy Winehouse's nose.

I therefore send this plea out to those who identify with the "hipster" diaspora. Fashion, individuality, music, culture, art, and partying are excellent things to be into! They really are! But if someone doesn't get why you like what you like, or care about what you care about, there is no need to hate. Each and every person on this planet was built to be them, and them only. You can't change that or ever expect someone to change. Perhaps sharing your interests and introducing them to new things is a better way for them to understand what you like then the "oh its really underground you probably haven't heard of it."

I love you guys though.

Keep it real
-B

How to make "Poor Man's Pasta Sauce"

2009-05-10T10:20:00.004-04:00

We all love pasta. You know it's true.

I find though, there are days when finances are not on my side. I have noodles but no sauce. What am I to do? A quick, easy and cheap (if you already have the basics) is Poor Man's Pasta Sauce.

DISCLAIMER: Organic lovers, vegetarians, and people who generally appreciate GOOD food...I suggest you read no further. For those of you who need to eat on a dime, here we go.

Fill a medium sauce pan with warm water and bring to a boil.

Place pasta of choice in pan and cook until finished.

Strain pasta and return to sauce pan. Turn stove to low heat.

Add 1 Tbsp of butter/margarine, half a cup of ketchup, a dollop of hot sauce, 1 Tbsp or Oregano, 1 Tsp of Salt, 1 Tsp of Pepper.

Stir into pasta until all the noodles are covered.

Plate, serve and enjoy.

Serves 1-2 servings

Ok, so it's no fine dining, but it will at least give your taste buds some excitement as opposed to dry pasta.

...anybody want a peanut?

2009-05-09T16:04:00.000-04:00

I will forever love these three.

They were my idols growing up and to this day I still visit Floren in my mind and go on adventures with Inigo, Vincini and Phesig

First!!!

2009-05-09T13:34:00.000-04:00

Last night Brig and I hit up the Hunter and Cook Issue #3 launch at their gallery. It was suprisingly busy, and Robin Fry's show Kings and Queens was a pleasure to view. I was reminded of my childhood imaginations. The vibrancy of each piece of artwork was accompanied with odd and sometimes monstrous subjects.

After touring the gallery and Silver Falls Vintage (the store connected to the gallery). We headed over to CAMH to drink our bottle of wine like the addicts that call that place their residence.

On our way up Ossington to find a good club we stumbled across Textstyle's 1st Anniversary party at Rolly's Garage. A great party! Cheap drinks (though the service was ULTRA slow), Good music and beautiful people. Congrats to Textstyle for 1 year of activity and a great part...you've earned a new follower :)