Sunday, August 31, 2008: Air Show / CNE
The morning pool...
Bright and early today we drove in to Toronto and parked at Ontario Place in order to catch the Air Show and later to go visit the CNE.
Toronto
After parking Wee Fred was almost run down by this Eco-Weenie on a bicycle who proclaimed as he almost ran her over "This is a bike path". So because the city has painted a blue and green stripe on a the side walk Mr. Boomer Scum can ride without bothering to look where he's going or slow down when a child wanders in front of him. I later regretted not pushing him over. I have to say that as much as the motorcycle on sidewalk crew annoyed me in Bangkok that the self-rightous bike crowd here bug me twice as much. They treat pedestrians with the same disregard as they would accuse motorists of giving them. Perhaps I need a car.
Ontario Place
We walked over around Ontario Place under the misconception that there would be rides that would be good for the kids, however the rides all tended to be for a much younger age group. There is the one log ride type thing which the staff claimed would only get us "a little wet". It turned out to be much more than a little depending on were you sat in the ride.
We looked at the Chinese lantern display which included some very large and complex ones. We may come back to see them again at night some evening in September.
A lantern
The water ride
The Air Show began at 1:00 pm so we went and found a good spot along the lakeshore and set up our spot. The last time I was at the CNE Air Show was in the early 90's when there was a crash and one of the Snow Birds was killed. The show began with a few old fighter jets but I didn't catch who or what they were. The show featured a USAF F-16, as well as the Canadian CF-18 Hornet. There was a display of OMNR water bombers which would land on the lake, scoop up some water then fly around and drop it. There were some stunt planes including a biplane that did various things. They had the C-130 and a submarine search and destory plane. The highlight for me though was seeing a WW 2 Spitfire. The show finished off with the Snow Birds.
a restored US Navy trainer
Water Bomber
The CF-18 Hornet and the Spitfire
The Snow Birds
After the Air Show was done we walked back over to the Log Ride and went on it again to cool down. Afterwards we headed over to the CNE Midway and got more tickets than we'd ever actually use. Compaired to the rides at Canada's Wonderland the midway's selection of rides were somewhat budget. I only went on one ride, which was the Crazy Mouse, a ride that I remember well from my youth. Will and I wandered around the games area while Paul and Wee Fred went on the Zipper and played several money wasting and impossible games. The people running the games kept referring to me as "Dad" so I began calling Will "Junior". The only prize that was won was a rather odd looking little stuffed pig.
The Crazy Mouse
Another view of the Mouse
Pig
The Midway at sunset
The Zipper
The Zipper
The Midway
When Paul and Wee Fred were finally off the Zipper we all went over to the food building for dinner. Will and I had each already had a burger and a piece of pizza. Once in the food building the search began for a meal and for a place to sit. I had some of the worst Thai food I've ever had and only ate about 3 bites of it before giving up. Everyone else got something and eventually we found a place to sit. The Corn-Dog place was also making deep fried Mars bars and I must report that they are extremely good however would probably cause heart failure if consumed daily.
Leaving the Food Building back into the fray
The Midway at night
After we'd eaten we headed back to the car and drove back to Wyndham Manor.
Friday, August 29, 2008: Microphone
Today I bought an item that I've been needing to buy for some time. A proper microphone. The big deciding factor in the purchase was that it was on sale from $ 299 bucks down to $ 99. It does look rather ridiculous however it is very heavy and sounds outstanding.
My New microphone
The Heil Sound Classic Pro microphone has a sound comparable to a fine condenser mic because of its wide frequency range, excellent transient response and low IMD. Truly a remarkable dynamic microphone, this limited edition Classic Pro is a replica of a 1930 broadcast microphone with cast steel base and famous RCA stainless trim.
The Heil Classic Pro represents completely new dynamic microphone technology designed for a wide range of professional applications such as sophisticated recording, live sound, and commercial broadcast. Its smooth, wide frequency range sounds like a ribbon but can withstand large amounts of SPL. Outperforming the tired, 30 year old technology of the industry, the large diameter of the Classic Pro's dynamic element produces an outstanding upper mid range that makes it an excellent choice for reproducing the human voice.
Saturday, August 23, 2008: Harold House
Tonight was the Harold debut. I stuck around Wyndham Manor all day (especially the pool) and at around 3:00 pm I took the GO train in to the Harold Zone. The train was packed with folks going to the CNE. They all seemed rather confused by very concept of travel by train.
GOing to play with Harold
I got into Harold Station by about 4:00 pm but none of my fellow Harolds were to be seen so I walked ten minutes to Jeff's and eventually Mat found me there and retrieved me to The Children's Peace Theatre where Harold would be performing to a select group of enthused individuals.
Our venue aka Harold House
Most of what we needed to set up was already in place. Jeff and Phil spent some time setting up the back drops for the super freakout light show. There were various members of the Harold Women's Auxillary taking care of the food stuffs and beverages as well as the area which featured a photo showing and other items.
Setting up
Putting up the back drops for the super freakout light show
Others sat outside and slowly the invited arrived. Even Harold the rabbit showed up.
Harold the rabbit
While I set up and tested my gear a strange yet lovely little bug (no doubt named Harold) showed up on the sound board and actually traversed the red quarter inch patch cable to the Podium of Power where my XioSynth and Korg Kaoss devices were perched.
The bug named Harold
Harold the bug checks the cables
Litte Harold the bug wandered about the gear, over the wires, under the wires and across the equipment as if inspecting it all for safety.
Everything is in order
Harold and the Mini Kaoss Pad
Harold and Moi
Harold the bug close up
Guitars
Harold and my note book
Harold the bug checks my notes
Harold finally picked a spot on the side of the podium covering and stayed there through the rest of the evening including the two sets. He'd disappeared before I tore down afterwards.
Almost time to play
Who's playing?
The gig was fun and strange. Jeff's super freakout light show was not visable to those playing and having it projected upon. The photos don't even do it justice as it was a swirling whirling time tunnel warpcore freakout of shifting shapes and colors. Not unlike Harold's attempts to lock into step and march forward with a groove.
Mat: fretless bass, Moi: XioSynth, Kaoss boxes, Jeff: Electronic Drums, Phil : Guitars
Freakout!
and new Super Freakout!
I had the fun task of starting the second set alone by buildling a loop on the Kaosillator and then playing on top of it. Eventually Jeff and the others joined in.
After we'd finished at around it was time to hang out and chit chat for a bit before tearing down. I got a ride down to the GO Station and took the last train to Lazy Town.
GOing home
Friday, August 22, 2008: Teaky Torture
A lovely day followed by a lovely evening dinner by the pool. The monsters return from Camp tomorrow.
Teaky Torture
Thursday, August 21, 2008: Harold House Rehearsal
Tonight was the dress rehearsal for Saturday's Harold gig. I took the GO over to the Jeff Zone and managed to score and outstanding plate of pasta out of it. Once fed I went over to Harold House and assisted in the setting up and organizing of gear.
I must say after years having to help drummers lug their kit all over the place Jeff's electric kit was a painless transfer from car to location.
I hadn't even considered what I was going to put my gear on. In the end I found an old podium that served the purpose well.
The Podium of Power
Once we were set up and prepared we went through a few things. It was great to play through a proper sound system and the House had a great feel to it.
Phil tunes
Phil plays
Harold plays
We went on until 11:00 pm-ish then I got a lift back to the GO and headed on my way back back back.
GO back
Wednesday, August 20, 2008: Up to Kitchener
Cousin Rob came in this morning and took me up to Kitchener. We drove to Val and his new digs (very nice) then proceeded to have a proper breakfast and a good feeding venue.
Kitchener trees
Afterwards we headed back to the apartment and hung out. Rob and I played Ghost Recon for a bit, which was fun, and I finally tried Guitar Hero which... wasn't as much fun as Ghost Recon. At all.
Auntie Audrey and Uncle Ken came by at around 4:30 pm and there was an outstanding dinner featuring some freshing picked and husked "peaches and cream" corn. Never let anyone tell you that "corn is just corn". Dinner was great. It required several teas and lots of sitting about afterwards.
Sunset view
The street
At around 9:30 pm or so Rob and Val drove me back to Wyndham Manor.
Driving back
Wednesday, August 13, 2008: Polymoog & Sunset
While in the City I stopped by Paul's Boutique to see what used gear they had. I was shocked to find a Moog Polymoog complete with the foot controllers. It was actually the first one I've seen in person. I messed with it a bit and as tempting it was for the price (and it being a Moog) I am able to resist temptation because I know it would require service and tuning as well as the problems the massive size and weight of thing would cause. I already have the Sigma to deal with when I get it over here so no Polymoogs for me at this time.
A rare beauty from 1975ish - Polymoog
A beautiful sunset this evening. Certainly a different view from what I've grown used to.
Sunset
Sunset panorama 1
Sunset panorama 2
Sunday, August 10, 2008: Water Damage
With all the rain that has been going on this year the basemend did see some flooding. Although all my other items which have been stored there were protecting in plastic boxes the Chapman Stick case was set on the floor in such a way that it was exposed to the wet. The case thankfully took the bulk of the moisture and the inner foamy lining absorbed it however the Stick itself did suffer and will need to be shipped back to Stick Enterprises for some repairs. I will wait until the fall to take care of this as I will have them put a new pick up on the Stick as well as a Midi pickup.
Fretboard damage!
Another view
Close up
I took the strings off and with some very careful work and a dry rag I managed to get most of the green goo off of the frets however there is definately need of some professional treatment.
Saturday, August 9, 2008: Rainy Pick Up
Today was the day that S William and Fred finished up their camps so I went up to retrieve them with Jayne and Paul. They'd borrowed Paul's folks mini-van for the drive up to an area around Bracebridge. By the time we got up to Fred's camp it was raining pretty hard. Jayne and I were dropped off there to collect Fred and Paul drove over to get S William. They collected us about an hour later.
From there we headed back towards the Lazy Town at the best possible speed in the rain and with traffic. A stop was made at an excellent roadside dinner that served the most outstanding burgers I've had in many years (Angus Beef!) We had to stand in a huge line up to order and collect our food and afterwards we ate in an old railway car that is set up for that purpose. If it hadn't been so awful out we could have sat in the park area but it was too just to wet.
Cruising for burgers
Afterwards we continued on stopping for a while at a small outlet style mall to purchase back to school footwear for the youngsters. I bought a new pair of trainers and my old battered and blood stained ones from Currahee were left in the Land of Smiles. S William and I had a great deal of fun laughing at the various ridiculous shoe stylings at certain stores. "Goblin shoes" seem to be the newest fashion rage.
After many hours we finally returned to a sunnier day at Wyndham Manor.
Thursday, August 7, 2008: HAROLD
Sleepy clouds and parking
Looking this way
Looking that way
Today I went into the City. I took the GO in and once in managed to take the wrong street car from Union Station. Who’d have ever thought I’d get lost on the TTC. I ended up at the Exhibition street car loop although my intention had been to go up Spadina and get off around Dundas to find a sim card for my phone. I ended up having to take a rather round about route and by the time I did get to Chinatown the place I’d intended to buy a sim at was overrun with back to school students taking advantage of some big promotion. The fellow was actually sold out of sim cards. In defeat I headed back up to College and took the street car towards Parliament.
View from the 509
Old familiar sites
The CNE loop
Tonight was of course the HAROLD rehearsal. I met Phil (guitar and echoness) and Mat (bass and fretlessness) over near Phil’s place. We walked down and got some pizza then headed back to Chez Phil. At around 6:30 pm we headed over to Jeff (drums and drumminess). We set up and I was indoctrinated in the ways of HAROLD. I provided noise and pads on the XioSynth with smatterings of twinkle dust and weirdness from the Kaosillator through the mini Kaoss Pad. I was rather a lot of fun.
The Wizard of Echo
I had to cut out at around 10:00 and make the incredible journey back to Lazy Town. I got a lift over to the local GO station and did the trip. At the Exhibition stop the train was boarded by hundreds of horsy faced large rumped teenage girls wearing too much make up and brand new “Backstreet Boys” concert t-shirts. I was thankfully safe in the land of iPod with Amon Tobin to protect me from the overwhelming marketability of the Backstreet Boys. (A name which I always thought made them sound like male prostitutes)
I got to the Lazy Town station and went through the usual nonsense of the Taxi drivers not knowing any addresses or streets in the area. I find this baffling, as it’s not like the streets here are that numerous or jumbled into some sort of shanty town labyrinth. I got back to W M safely though.
Monday, August 4, 2008: Holiday Monday
Today was a civic holiday, not that it means much to me right now.
I woke up at around 8:00 am which is sort of late for me. I had a nice breakfast then did some recording. I spent the day out by the pool as well as in it.
Morning recording
Kaosillator close up
Kaosillator buttons
MRS8 close up
MRS8 sliders and dust
The mini Kaoss pad
Jayne and Paul got back from camping at around 8:00 pm sans kids who have the week up in the woods still. They did bring Pho which is always welcome.
Sunday, August 3, 2008: Into The City
View with a morning tea
Another morning view
Jessie looks for the kids
I was up very early today and spent the morning out by the pool. I swam and sat around until noon when Cousin Rob and Cousin Val showed up with two friends of theirs who are visiting from Alberta. We hung out for a bit then they all went into Oakville and I remained by the pool until around 2:00 pm. I got ready and at 3:30 pm or so they came back and I went into Toronto with them.
I got a ride up to Bathurst and Olive then walked over to the Grape Fruit Moon. Unfortunately it was closing up as the long weekend hours are 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. I did get to see Sunniva and Rebecca and say hello for a bit. Afterwards I walked down to the Panzerotti Village Café and sat out the patio. I had an outstanding plate of Raviolli with meat sauce.
From there I strolled down to Chris and Robin’s and hung on their bell until Chris came down. He was surprised to see me there as I had not warned him of my return. We took a long walk down town and talked. Eventually we walked down to Union Station. I caught the 8:43 pm train back to Lazy Town and took a taxi back to W M.
Saturday, August 2, 2008: Alone
I was up early to the empty house and spent the morning recording some stuff out by the pool. Once I felt it was warm enough I packed all the gear back inside and swam. I managed to contact Cousin Val and they will be coming down this way tomorrow so I should see them then.
Out to the pool
The XioSynth, Mini Kaoss Pad and Zoom MRS8
The XioSynth and Mini Kaoss outside
I had to relocate inside at around noon when there was a massive rain storm. It cleared up by about 1:30 pm and by 2:30 pm it was nice enough out that I took a walk over to the grocery store, then headed on to the Vietnamese/Thai restaurant. I had an outstanding meal of Pho as well as a tasty jackfruit shake and some excellent spring rolls.
Summer walk
Tracks
Lazy Town
A creek
Nice streets above
The walk back took about 45 minutes. It was a lovely day and although the tempetures are about ten degrees cooler than what I’ve grown used to I don’t miss the humidity at all.
Tonight I swam and lazed about.
Friday, August 1, 2008: Water World
I was up early early and was joined by Fred in the TV zone at around 7:00 am. Once Sweet William was up we relocated out to the pool area. Jayne eventually joined us as well.
Watery goodness
More water
Jessie comes to visit
Today the T-M Massive vacated Lazy Town and went up to Camp Something or Other for the long weekend leaving me alone to converse with Jessie and the Ghosts of Wyndham Manor. They rolled out at around 3:30 pm and I quickly returned to the comforts of the pool after they’d gone.
The pool is empty
This evening consisted of pool although I did conjure myself up some pasta for dinner. It was strange to cook without the benefits of “my” kitchen, or the usual Tops Market ingredients.
