You're Spending Christmas Break WHERE?.doc

News, news, news!

The online blogosphere is positively abuzz with reports that Keith and Emily have booked a vacation spot. There are only two places online you can find this much sought after gossip and this is one of those places. Let the suspense commence. It's not Cuba.

1. I handed in my portfolio project Friday afternoon. It was a labour of love - five days of sweat, tears, and blood. Not so much. But I did spend a good seven hours a day on it for the last five days so I was pretty proud of the results. The output amounted to 25 typed pages, a poster and program design, three proposed curation exhibits for the NAC, and original sound and video clips from yours truly. This marks the first 30% of the semester at Warwick - with another 30% for our final presentation and 40% for the 10 page essay due in January (this schedule makes UfT look like Boot Camp) It's not Italy.

2. Three of us went to see Burn After Reading Friday night at the Arts Centre. It was just what I needed after spending a week straight on this project. The performances are first rate (I always forget how funny Brad Pitt can be) and the writing and plot structure is highly clever. It may not have the depth and intensity of No Country for Old Men but I think that's even more of a compliment to the diversity of the Coen Bros. repertoire. It got some mixed reviews when it opened in September, but I definitely recommend it. Movies at the Arts Centre are 2.50£ for students - what a steal! It's not Spain.

3. I took a well deserved sleep in yesterday morning and then caught a bus off campus and a train from Coventry into Birmingham. The whole trip takes about 40 minutes but it's well worth it. It's a much cheaper and shorter ride than the one to London, and Brum is the second largest city in the UK. I felt like I was exploring all of the spots Claire must have grown up with - Millennium Point and the MASSIVE shopping centre where I spent the majority of the day. It's called the Bullring. There are many statues of bulls (I even saw an eight foot long one made of gum balls in the lower level of Selfridges). Selfridges is an amazing store. A close equivalent in Canada would be the Bay, but Selfridges has been brought into the 21st Century a little more than any department store we have in Canada. I could have spent the whole day from 9am - 8pm shopping and never been able to get to every store. Birminghamers LOVE to shop. I think Emily went to the same centre during her time in the UK (I'll have to search the Hinckster archives). Anyways, I thought about her walking in awe of the enormity of the Bullring as I did today. I also thought about the CRAZY amounts of fun we'll be having over Christmas. It's not Portugal.

4. Christmas is coming! I hadn't visited a proper mall in a few weeks so I had forgot that it's about this time that the decorations get put up and the 24/7 Christmas radio stations come back to life. It's this initial welcoming back of Christmas (like an old friend coming in from the cold...) that happens now. Sadly, by the time the event arrives in December one is usually already sick of snow and shopping. One of the Top Man sales associates told me there was a really great German Christmas Market that starts next week. I'll definitely be back for that. Apparently the Christmas spirit in London must also be seen. I look forward to getting down to catch some of the window displays, lights, and even a possible ice skate. It's not Greece.

5. A friend back insisted I have to update my fashion purchases on the blog since he said the stores over here are far superior. Firstly, the task of the day was purchasing a new winter coat. My parents and I decided we'd send my pea-coat by post, but after learning it would cost upwards of $80, I told them I'd just get a new one over here (it makes more sense and it's also an excuse for a new coat). I think I tried on a dozen different jackets today. I settled on a black knee length pea-coat from Top Man. I'm sure you'll see it in photos. I also purchased a dark green and white patterned scarf (River Island) and a pair of cheap jeans (H&M). Again, when you avoid converting into Canadian dollars, prices are cheaper here so I don't feel so guilty. I was shopped out by day's end. I should be good for at least two weeks. It's not the Canary Islands.

6. I got my haircut today. It was FINALLY time to chop off the mess of extra hair I've been growing for a few months and return to something shorter. I've still got enough length to style into something trendy, but I'm happy to be back on familiar turf. You'll see it...if you skype me. It's not Germany.

7. So, a bit of a story. I don't think Em will mind me telling this one. Emily and I have been friends for five years now having met in our Film 100 Tutorial. We bonded over Rebel Without a Cause and storyboards - our TA's name was Steph (bet you didn't remember that one, Em!) We roomed with each other in Cuba during the 4th year Reading Week trip and it was there on our balcony, with our fish friend Jamal, that we hatched a plan. We had both applied for the MA at UofT and decided "if....IFFF...we both get in, we'll live together in Toronto!" Low and behold, we were accepted and the 1.3.5. Isabella chapter was written. Fast forward to a year later in January 08 where, surprise surprise, we were chillin on our balcony, looking up at the stars. We had both applied for LONGSHOT opportunities in Europe and couldn't help but speculate about the future: "if....IFFF...we both get to go, we'll spend Christmas together!" Low and behold, we were both were offered gigs in Europe the next month. We found out in a span of less than 24 hours. I think we've learned to stick to these balcony pacts - they've lead us on the right track thus far. It's not Norway (as if...brrrr!)

8. So we booked. Originally I thought we'd get a cheap flight, stay in hostels, and cobble together a wonderful Christmas the old fashioned way. Instead, we stumbled upon an incredibly reasonable 'all inclusive' package to the Doganay Beach Club Hotel in the TURKISH RIVIERA! Please don't boo and jeer; we'll have a lot of sympathy for those of you surrounded by snow back home. And we'll lament over that fact on the beach. I jest - it's certainly not going to be boiling in Turkey, but the temperatures should be pretty moderate. It's off season, that's why we got such a good deal. We leave from Manchester on December 16 and stay until December 23. As for where we'll be during Christmas day, that is still up in the air. We're considering some options. Here are some websites of where we're staying. This is not to make you jealous but so you can picture us making friends with internationals, dancing in the disco, and looking for the Tuck Shop.

Turkish Riviera
Doganay Beach Club Hotel

OK, so I think the question is, does ITravel offer flights from Toronto to Turkey? And also, what kind of pact will be made on the balcony in Turkey? Yes, balcony confirmed.

Doc's Prescription of the Day: Christmas is coming. Have you started shopping? Have you started to plan the second annual D.T.D in Toronto? It was voted the 2007 Holiday Party of the Year by over thirty attendees. Have you donated to the salvation army? Have you hung the mistletoe? Yes, it's early, but it's been Christmas overload in the past two days.

Best Wishes for your planning!

Cue Enthralled Obama Supporter.doc

Hilarious. I stumbled upon this link today and I thought I'd share it with you all. It's too good to pass up.

I think I've been cast as "enthralled, head-nodding, impassioned speech viewer." What I'm even more surprised by is my image gracing the 'youtube thumbnail'.

The video crew was around but we didn't make much of an attempt for on-camera time. Guess they found us.

Doc's Prescription of the Day: It may not be my best angle, but it was 5:00am and history was being made. 

Yes He Can.doc

I'm on a roll today. I wrote a ten page 'Creative Practice' proposal in six hours and had time to make a well rounded dinner. I decided a blog post would be final touch to an extremely productive day.

Recently, a dear friend who I haven't talked to in a long time mentioned that she has been reading the blog with excitement. Having travelled extensively over Europe, she knows first hand the potential that the continent holds in offering perspective to those who seek it. She said, "Just forget everything you ever learned and learn it all again." While I couldn't do without all the life skills I took in at Queen's, yeah and the course knowledge too, there is something in her statement that rings true. I think a certain 'altering' comes with being a foreigner - your perspective moves from being a point and shoot to a wide angle lens. This point was brought home on Tuesday evening in London.

If you read the previous post, you know I decided to take a spontaneous trip to London for Election Night coverage. It might have been one of the wisest decisions I've made since arriving here. I opted for the cheaper coach option to the big city and wasn't disappointed. The coach was about 30% full so, naturally, I lounged out in the very back over three seats. Instead of taking a backpack to the city (I was going to an all night party!) I brought four sheets of paper and a pen in my blazer pocket so I could continue to work on my assignment en route. Being the diligent student that I am, and hyped up on excitement for the night ahead, I filled all four pages with notes to make up for the time I had sacrificed with the trip.

Upon arrival I met up with Bec and we headed to the first stop of the evening: a music club for an Aussie concert. Now this wasn't any music club, it was The Troubadour, a popular spot where the likes of Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Jimi Hendrix, and Joni Mitchell all played in the 60s. Yep, I'm sure at one point, Jimi sat in the same bench we did. I expected it would be a really big venue, but the set-up was actually quite intimate (think the Cameron House in Queen West) Bec is a huge fan of the singer/songwriter Clare Bowditch and she didn't disappoint. After three of four songs I pegged her genre: she's an Aussie version of Feist who I had the distinct pleasure of seeing at Bluesfest in Ottawa this past summer with Emma and Tom. Clare played a really fun song on a casio keyboard, sang a special tune with accompaniment from a tea pot, and was nice enough to chat with us after the set as she was packing up - Bec was over the moon.

You'd think that would be a grand night on its own, but it was merely a warmup. From there we surveyed our election party options (page three ripped from the UK metro paper) and narrowed it down to two venutes: Planet Hollywood in Piccadilly Circus or a random warehouse club we didn't quite know where. Inevitably, Planet Hollywood won out - no cover (as opposed to 20£ being charged elsewhere) and the atmosphere was guaranteed to be laid back. Bec had never been to Piccadilly Circus and freaked out a bit when we got out of the tube station; she said they don't have anything as flashy in Australia. We waited in a lengthy cue for drinks and decided to down a jager-bomb to ensure we'd be up for the marathon night. At Planet Hollywood, all of the bartenders where a button stating their name and where they are from - there was Mike from Bulgaria, Alex from Ireland, and Ashley from CANADA. I asked her where she was from (it was Vancouver) and she was happy to meet a fellow Canadian amidst a sea of friendly American expats and students. Instant bar service.

We found a great viewing spot in the lounge and never moved from the location, save for getting drinks from the bar. We chatted with a host of different people - Americans, Brits, people from Ireland and Wales, and a group from Belgium. The Americans all asked what state I was from and upon hearing I was from Canada were pleasantly surprised to know that we were following their little election. The comeraderie was overwhelming. Even though the election was for one singular nation, it seemed everyone in bar was united around Obama's message of hope, change, and reform. Highlights of the night:

i) The ritual that formed around the predictions who would win each state as announced by CNN: the group would countdown from '5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1..." and would either cheer or boo depending on who carried it.

ii) The jeers and boos that erupted over the segment with will.i.am 'live via hologram'. Cheap. Honestly, if this is what we have to look forward to in the future, count me out.

iii) The obligatory 'Yes We Can' chants that accompanied an Obama state win.

iv) The 'Bacon Rolls' that the kitchen was serving until 4am.

There were two moments of indescribable jubilation that I'll remember forever. The first occurred sometime around 4am in London when Wolf Blitzer announced what everyone in the bar was waiting to hear, that Barack Obama would become the next President of the United States. The response was deafening. I don't remember rising from my seat but I joined everyone else in the eruption of emotion - cheering, hugging, and chants of 'O-BA-MA!' From then on all of the coverage seemed a bit surreal. I was certain Obama would triumph but the historical weight of the decision really began to set in. I thought McCain delivered a wonderful conciliatory speech and was thankful that Palin wasn't given an opportunity to speak.

The moment Obama appeared on stage was just as memorable as the announcement of his win. Finally, the man those of us in the bar had been waiting for had finally appeared. It was almost as if seeing him in the flesh was a reassurance that the result was actually true - he had won the election. The bar stood like silent statues during his speech, save for a few eruptions of cheering that mirrored that of the massive crowd in Chicago. I recorded this video with my digital camera:

We filed out into the heart of London at 5:30am, exhausted and worse for wear after staying up all night, but overjoyed and hopeful. Obama won't be able to fix all the problems in the United States, but I believe he's currently the most suitable candidate to be at the helm. We had arrived at Piccadilly on the last train of the night and found ourselves waiting outside the station to catch the first train of the morning (no joke). Going back to the advice I received from a friend, I couldn't have experienced the election the same way in Canada as I did here in London.  I won't necessarily forget everything I've ever learned while over here, but the night was an example of the "relearning" that comes away from home and surrounded by new perspectives.

Doc's Prescription of the Day: A petition banning any future "live via hologram" feeds. Please don't tell me anyone thought it was cool. I'll write will.i.am a big old prescrip' for that.

Election Frenzy Takes Me London Bound.doc

I figured it would be irresponsible of me to not blog today. Not only will November 4th, 2008 be a defining moment in the history of the United States of America - whatever the outcome of tonight's election - but we may also witness the most historic speech of of the young century. That being said, when I look back on the archive of my European adventures I want to remember how I've situated myself on this important day.

I've been in the library since 10am (so for the past four hours) working away at this portfolio project due Friday when a tempting offer came my way. My Australian friend Bec is going to see an Aussie singer named Claire Bowditch at a bar in London tonight and wondered if I wanted to tag along. I politely declined since I had plans to watch the election at the student union when I had a small epiphany. Why am I staying on Warwick campus for one of the most important events this decade?! (I don't think my characterizations are hyperbolic - anyone disagree?) After negotiating with Bec, who is also a politically engaged youth, we decided to train into London for the concert set to begin at 9:45pm. After the concert ends around 11:30pm/midnight we'll hop to one of the few American election parties happening just in time for when the results will start to get interesting (7pm EST)

We have a few options: an upscale American bar in the city which indicates gentlemen should be wearing jackets, a 35£ a head full out jam with an American buffet and drinks all night long, and two parties with free cover that looks like they'll be packed. I'm leaning toward the former of the options since I'd rather avoid the upscale dress and 35 quid a head is pretty steep. I RSVPed online, along with 1200 other people hoping to attend, so hopefully this spot will prove successful. We're going to head wherever we can get in.

The plan from there is to surround ourselves by fellow engaged youth, American ex-pats will most likely be out in abundance, and follow the results all the way to the speeches at the conclusion of the evening. By the time that happens it will most likely be 4/5am - I'm certain the sun will be rising as we train back to campus. As much as this puts a dent in project time this week (I've been very diligent thus far) sometimes you've just got to grab life by the horns and be spontaneous. This isn't just an event, it's history in the making. Being in one of the world's most historic cities as the night plays out makes the experience all the more worthwhile.

A collection of interesting material to peruse while procrastinating today:

Finally by Terence Samuel at TheRoot.com

I think it articulates the mood of November 4, 2008 very well. The point of note is that whoever wins, this is a landmark decision on both the nation and international level.

The majority of us don't have an opportunity to vote today, but if you could...

If The World Could Vote

It's a well known fact that Obama's support base is more technologically mobilized so the results aren't surprising. Still, quite an interesting concept. That rally for Obama in Germany is an illustration of his international appeal.

Poor Sarah Palin. I'm sure she expected an uphill battle but the ridicule has been overwhelming. First Tina Fey then Quebec radio personalities, and now an interactive click and laugh website...

PalinasPresident.com

If you wait for the flash to load you can click your way through Sarah's Oval Office Playhouse.

And finally, an oldie but a goodie...

It still gives me shivers.

Doc's Prescription for the Day: Watch. Participate. Engage.

You Mean I Have to READ over Reading Week?!.doc

Halloween is celebrated here in England as it is in Canada. One difference I'm told is that 'trick-or-treating' isn't as popular for young children as it is back home. From speaking with Lotte, I've learned the English haven't really embraced the tradition of dressing their children as ghosts and ghouls, accompanying them door to door in the neighbourhood, accepting candy from strangers, and allowing them to eat more sugar in one week than they would in two months (when described in those terms, it does sound quite ill-planned) Nonetheless, it is still a popular night for adults and we celebrated with the MAIPR group on campus.

My costume was of course a last minute creation, we had class from 9am-6pm on Friday, but it was really well received. I went as the "Corpse of Capitalism". In light of the world economic crisis and the collapse of Wall Street I read some articles in the past month talking about the "Death of Capitalism" so I thought the corpse resulting from this death would be a timely costume. Now, please don't feel I'm being insensitive - I am well aware that the economic crisis has spelled real world trouble for many in Canada and the world, but my intent was to make light of the ludicrous idea that capitalism as practice is dead. Also, Halloween has traditionally been a time where people dress up as that which scares them and economic woes are definitely at the forefront of our social conscience.  

The costume was pretty much a disheveled corpse in a flashy suit with all the markers of capitalist society - it played particularly well in academic circles. I saw two Sarah Palins out and about, and a guy in a white lace 'teddy' undergarment with FREUD written across the front. He was a 'Freudian slip'. The group of us that went out stayed close to home and went to the Union bar which was well populated. Instead of traditional Halloween and cheese music (which I've become accustom to these past few weeks) the night was geared towards more alternative indie bands - Justice, Bloc Party, Kings of Leon, and they even played some Arcade Fire which was a little touch of home. 

Unfortunately, we faced an early morning the next day which at a 10am - 9pm conference in Coventry surrounding the work of Federico García Lorca, a Spanish playwright best known for Blood Wedding and The House of Bernarda Alba. He's kind of like the Spanish Chekov in some respects. The conference was quite interesting and made me want to learn more about Lorca. That evening we saw a really interesting production of Bernarda Alba at the Belgrade Theatre. We had grand plans of going out for a second Halloween party after the conference but we were too wiped.

Reading Week is upon me! It has been a really fast five weeks with a pretty rigourous schedule of lectures, seminars, conferences, plays, and group discussions. We now have a "week off" from course material and then return to do group projects (the schedule of which is determined by the members of the group) This means that formal classes and assigned readings are for the most part finished for this first term; I don't return to this format until February 1 in Amsterdam. I know, I know I'm a luck guy. Three months spent outside the classroom with just under two months off before the start of semester two - how can you complain?! I won't complain. It just means that Reading Week will actually be spent doing school work. It's a small price to pay for the holiday time I can look forward to post Dec 5 when week 10 signals the end of term. The trouble is that actual reading during Reading Week is a bit of a foreign concept. Without further ado, a photo essay of 'reading weeks' past:

First Year, Queen's

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Second Year, Queen's

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Third Year, Queen's

In studio for X/Why Rehearsals, Kingston

Fourth Year, Queen's

Varadero, Cuba

MA Year, University of Toronto 

Hincksy and the Doc vs. the City, Toronto

Wow, we have fun. As the photo essay has illustrated, books have not been a common staple of the past five reading weeks. I know that I have no right to complain since instead of spending the time on a beach or in a bar I'm in Europe. My point is that I'll have to disassociate from the Reading Week habits I've developed over the past five years and orientate myself towards reading, research, and output:

Second MA Year, University of Warwick

Warwick Campus, West Midlands, UK

It's probably about time to get back to the true origins of the 'Reading Week' holiday. I'm sure the scholars and academics studying by candlelight never imagined the week of grace to catch up on their Aristotle and Plato would be spent by students of the future soaking up rays on a beach. Have we lost the true meaning of Reading Week amidst consumerism and commercialization?! This week I'll find out...although I'd rather be jumping around the continent.

Doc's Prescription for the Day: I'll be reading for most of the week, so you should too. Or at least read something - a novel, a short story, a newspaper, a flier, a traffic sign. I don't think this will prove difficult, just don't strain your eyes.