I'm not quite sure when the collecting bug bit me; I don't recall being overly interested in collecting toys as a child, but then again, we didn't have too many, and the family toy budget was limited to whatever I could find at Salvation Army.
When I discovered comic books on my local depanneur spinner rack, a lightbulb flashed in my young brain, and I've collected stuff ever since.
I remember tracking down issues to ensure I had a run (a sequence of numbers without interruption), even if I wasn't particularly keen on the stories or art. Over time, I became more discriminating with my comic book tastes, culminating in my current love of 1950s issues. I love landing a vintage comic book on Ebay for a tiny price, such is the simple joy of the frugal collector!
During the sports card explosion of the early 1990s, I spent most of my allowance on Baseball and Hockey card packs. Once packs became too expensive for my taste, I dropped the hobby. I've become hooked again on Hockey cards over the last few years on account of the promise of autograph and jersey inserts that pop up in rare packs. Of course, I focus on $0.99 packs at Toys R Us, which keeps my spending under control.
I'm not sure what the appeal of collecting is for me; opening a hockey pack and finding a rare card of a favorite player is quite thrilling. Maybe collecting is about trying to capture moments of time, since there's a memory behind each piece of cardboard. Collecting gives me a warm feeling, and I can see myself continuing to build my collections!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Time sure flies....
The past year has been an interesting one; it began with a surprise birthday celebration, including unforgetable cheesecake. Christmas was lovely, the Winter relatively mild. February was a dark month, as I struggled with eye inflamation that was crippling, yet opened my eyes to how important health is and pointed me in the direction to discover the root of my health issues.
The Vancouver Olympics were amazing, and I was proud to witness our medal haul; unfortunately, I missed the game-winning goal for the men's hockey team! Summer was filled with barbeques, activities with family, and continued work at my drawing board. With the advent of Fall, I'm feeling a new energy, as if the year is truly beginning for me. It helps that the NFL and Fall television season both promise excitement galore.
I mulled over ending this blog by tomorrow, since my 40th year will be history. However, having started to flex my writing muscles, I realize I have alot more to say, and have really enjoyed the experience of putting my thoughts down on 'paper'.
Here's to year 41!
The Vancouver Olympics were amazing, and I was proud to witness our medal haul; unfortunately, I missed the game-winning goal for the men's hockey team! Summer was filled with barbeques, activities with family, and continued work at my drawing board. With the advent of Fall, I'm feeling a new energy, as if the year is truly beginning for me. It helps that the NFL and Fall television season both promise excitement galore.
I mulled over ending this blog by tomorrow, since my 40th year will be history. However, having started to flex my writing muscles, I realize I have alot more to say, and have really enjoyed the experience of putting my thoughts down on 'paper'.
Here's to year 41!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Two of my all-time favorite movies are Superman (1977) and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
I know, I'm a geek, and proud of it.
Mulling over why these films appeal to me so much, it hit me recently: both prominantly feature heroism and self-sacrifice. Superman declares to Lois Lane that the reason he is here is to fight for 'truth, justice, and the American way.' A jaded society smirks at such a boring and simple coda: a simple, clean desire to do good for the sake of good. How wonderful a character is that? Superman isn't motivated by a desire to make money, or impress someone, or seek attention; he doesn't have any 'edge' that makes him 'relatable' or 'interesting' (some would say), but I find his desire to lead humanity by example wonderful and inspiring.
Similarly, Kirk fights valiantly to save his loved ones, and Spock selflessly gives up his life for the same end in Star Trek.
In today's world, there's alot of self-absorption and desire for the spotlight. Folk want to know what's in it for them, 'What about me?' they continually ask. There's too much emphasis on personal gratification and not enough willingness to sacrifice or consider the needs of the many, over the needs of the one.
I love these two movies and the messages they express.
I know, I'm a geek, and proud of it.
Mulling over why these films appeal to me so much, it hit me recently: both prominantly feature heroism and self-sacrifice. Superman declares to Lois Lane that the reason he is here is to fight for 'truth, justice, and the American way.' A jaded society smirks at such a boring and simple coda: a simple, clean desire to do good for the sake of good. How wonderful a character is that? Superman isn't motivated by a desire to make money, or impress someone, or seek attention; he doesn't have any 'edge' that makes him 'relatable' or 'interesting' (some would say), but I find his desire to lead humanity by example wonderful and inspiring.
Similarly, Kirk fights valiantly to save his loved ones, and Spock selflessly gives up his life for the same end in Star Trek.
In today's world, there's alot of self-absorption and desire for the spotlight. Folk want to know what's in it for them, 'What about me?' they continually ask. There's too much emphasis on personal gratification and not enough willingness to sacrifice or consider the needs of the many, over the needs of the one.
I love these two movies and the messages they express.
A bit blunt, but still functional
About 10 years ago, I worked at an animation studio in eastern downtown called Cine-Groupe. I started off doing clean-up for a Teletoon series called Bad Dog ; my job in the beginning involved inking rough sketches so that they could be photocopied for model packs.
One day when I returned to my drawing table after lunch, I found a post-it clinging to some drawings I'd been working on. In bold letters, standing out glaringly from the yellow sticky paper, was written: TOOL
I knew who had left the message. Marc was an incredibly talented artist designing characters for a Sony Wonder production I was also involved with; he was confident and outspoken, and this wasn't the first time he'd directed this word my way.
At the time, I raised a confused eyebrow; I admittedly jumped through hoops for my paycheque, working very hard to meet ridiculous deadlines with little praise from supervisors, but 'tool' felt like a deragotory slander. I crumpled the post-it, but mulled over its meaning.
Eventually, the studio downsized, and I was unceremoniously released until some new promised project could begin. That was the warning Marc tried to give me with those four letters stuck to my desk: a tool is often used until worn down, and casually tossed aside.
I'm grateful that Cine-Groupe hired me back in the day; I appreciate the folk I met, and am proud that I played a role in having some fine animation like Sagwa The Chinese Siamese Cat grace the small screen. I may have been a 'tool', but my work ethic is an integral part of my personality.
One day when I returned to my drawing table after lunch, I found a post-it clinging to some drawings I'd been working on. In bold letters, standing out glaringly from the yellow sticky paper, was written: TOOL
I knew who had left the message. Marc was an incredibly talented artist designing characters for a Sony Wonder production I was also involved with; he was confident and outspoken, and this wasn't the first time he'd directed this word my way.
At the time, I raised a confused eyebrow; I admittedly jumped through hoops for my paycheque, working very hard to meet ridiculous deadlines with little praise from supervisors, but 'tool' felt like a deragotory slander. I crumpled the post-it, but mulled over its meaning.
Eventually, the studio downsized, and I was unceremoniously released until some new promised project could begin. That was the warning Marc tried to give me with those four letters stuck to my desk: a tool is often used until worn down, and casually tossed aside.
I'm grateful that Cine-Groupe hired me back in the day; I appreciate the folk I met, and am proud that I played a role in having some fine animation like Sagwa The Chinese Siamese Cat grace the small screen. I may have been a 'tool', but my work ethic is an integral part of my personality.
Nowadays, I work as a freelance artist, responsible to noone save myself. Looking back on it now, I'm glad Marc left that post-it; he was reminding me about self-respect, suggesting I not let myself to be taken advantage of, or hide my unique identity trying to please some boss.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Hot off the presses?
One of the best parts of Saturdays when I was a young lad was buying the newspaper. The Montreal Gazette was a fat mass of pulpy paper and ink, loaded with articles, movie reviews, TV Times, and my favorite section, the comics. Calvin and Hobbes (arguably, the finest comic strip ever) always brought a smile to my face, and The Farside was hit-or-miss, but always interesting.
It was easy to spend a good hour leafing through the paper, and I inevitably left smudged fingerprints all over the room afterwards. Even the Classifieds were a substantial section, and it was cool to note the stuff for sale and jobs offered for readers.
This past weekend, I picked up a copy for the first time in years; I was shocked at how thin it had become, and the sections that I used to enjoy pouring over were brief and dull. After a few minutes, it ended up in the recycling bin, and I was dismayed that I couldn't replicate the simple enjoyment I'd felt in the 'old days'.
Obviously, the sad state of this paper is a reflection of lower interest in print media, and little need for an English newspaper in Montreal. Folk have a multitude of options at hand for their news, weather, and sports: cable TV channels and the internet have effectively whittled down the necessity for a newspaper.
Which is a shame, in the end. But that's the price of 'progress', I suppose.
It was easy to spend a good hour leafing through the paper, and I inevitably left smudged fingerprints all over the room afterwards. Even the Classifieds were a substantial section, and it was cool to note the stuff for sale and jobs offered for readers.
This past weekend, I picked up a copy for the first time in years; I was shocked at how thin it had become, and the sections that I used to enjoy pouring over were brief and dull. After a few minutes, it ended up in the recycling bin, and I was dismayed that I couldn't replicate the simple enjoyment I'd felt in the 'old days'.
Obviously, the sad state of this paper is a reflection of lower interest in print media, and little need for an English newspaper in Montreal. Folk have a multitude of options at hand for their news, weather, and sports: cable TV channels and the internet have effectively whittled down the necessity for a newspaper.
Which is a shame, in the end. But that's the price of 'progress', I suppose.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Bon appetit!
One of my fondest memories of adolescence was cooking Saturday suppers. My lasagna was pretty decent, and I actually enjoyed preparing meals. I can't recall where I learned my meager skills, but I'm grateful that I've always been able to cook for myself.
Over the years, my cooking could be described as hearty and relatively simple, but light on seasoning. I always liked meat and potatoes, spaghetti, or chicken-pot pie. When I lived on my own, I must admit I ate pretty badly; I remember heating microwave meals in a toaster oven, and relying on Burger King for lunch when I worked downtown. Dessert has always been an essential end to a meal for me, I never could turn down a piece of cheesecake or pie a la mode.
When I decided to change my eating habits for health reasons, I found myself in a pickle. Deciding to drastically reduce my fat and sugar intake meant no more steak, rich desserts, or greasy fast food burgers. In the beginning, it was difficult to adapt, but my new eating habits forced me to rethink my approach to eating.
Instead of the bland fare I'd always been comfortable preparing, I've discovered (with the encouragement of my lovely wife) herbs and spices: chili flakes and banana pepper rings in a turkey burger, peanut thai sauce with rice noodles, salt and fresh cracked pepper sprinkled generously.... I began to rework recipes to maximize flavour (Bobby Flay would be proud) and choose interesting new snacks; I love garlic topped humus with a baked pita chip, and Crispy-Mini's drizzled with chocolate are simply divine.
I used to wolf down grub just to fill my belly; my attitude has changed significantly over the years, and I now appreciate foods that challenge my taste buds and palette.
Over the years, my cooking could be described as hearty and relatively simple, but light on seasoning. I always liked meat and potatoes, spaghetti, or chicken-pot pie. When I lived on my own, I must admit I ate pretty badly; I remember heating microwave meals in a toaster oven, and relying on Burger King for lunch when I worked downtown. Dessert has always been an essential end to a meal for me, I never could turn down a piece of cheesecake or pie a la mode.
When I decided to change my eating habits for health reasons, I found myself in a pickle. Deciding to drastically reduce my fat and sugar intake meant no more steak, rich desserts, or greasy fast food burgers. In the beginning, it was difficult to adapt, but my new eating habits forced me to rethink my approach to eating.
Instead of the bland fare I'd always been comfortable preparing, I've discovered (with the encouragement of my lovely wife) herbs and spices: chili flakes and banana pepper rings in a turkey burger, peanut thai sauce with rice noodles, salt and fresh cracked pepper sprinkled generously.... I began to rework recipes to maximize flavour (Bobby Flay would be proud) and choose interesting new snacks; I love garlic topped humus with a baked pita chip, and Crispy-Mini's drizzled with chocolate are simply divine.
I used to wolf down grub just to fill my belly; my attitude has changed significantly over the years, and I now appreciate foods that challenge my taste buds and palette.
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