Fun With One's Index Finger

My friend Colman has compiled a book called The Camp, which is a collection of essays on prison camps...everything from historical accounts of Auschwitz to debates about the modern camps like Guantanamo, or the illegal alien camps at the International Airports--(yes, even Pearson)... I haven't read it yet, but from the excerpts he sent me, it seems to challenge everything I thought I knew..or rather, reminded me that the little I thought I knew, was remarkably antiquated and ill-informed.

Anyhow, he asked me to design the book jacket, which needed to be completed rather quickly (uh, 6 days!) this is what I came up with:







I used pictures that I had taken last summer in Europe, and some from the Carribbean, and many from Toronto, and made the background collage. My favourite part is the blue figure on the spine, which came from the Berlin wall. It reads Die Welt In Arm, which means "The Poor World" I think...or maybe The World Is Poor" I dunno...any one want to give me a better translation?

I wish I had had a bit more time, because now I am not sure about many of the design decisions...but whatever! That's what happens...

More soon...K

THIS SUNDAY AT SLACK'S! ONE TIME ONLY!!!

Come see an amazing lineup: Christine Bougie, Paul Mathew and me, Katey Morley. We will each play a set with drummer extraordinaire Tim Shia and then back each other up any way we can. A charming triple threat afternoon, spent at a deliciously competent restaurant-- so bring your appetites (and maybe some money, so you don't spend the rest of the night washing dishes) and support Toronto's live music scene! Just like your your Grandma said you should.

But wait, there's more:



...information....


Sunday Nov. 25, 5-8 pm, Slack's Restaurant 562 Church Street @ Wellesley

See you there?

xo

Just adding a few more...

from Bryan's camera

Vancouver Hallowe'en Kicked Toronto's Lame-o-ween

I had the good fortune to be in Vancouver this year on the eve of the Lost Souls Parade, on the saturday before Hallowe'en. There was a huge parade down Commercial Drive, which was closed off, with music and dancing and thousands-- and I mean THOUSANDS --of people totally decked out in ridiculously amazing costumes. It was a but like Pride, but with less nudity and more earth tones... and lots hetero couples with matching costumes (I saw about two dozen too many "witch with her warlock" gimmicks-- but this is my only criticism of the evening). Toronto needs to get their shit together and plan one of these for next year. Seriously! We don't do anything like this do we? We must be too cool....



First a few words about my friend Nelson: he is friggin' hilarious, if you can't tell by this picture of him dressed as Andy Kaufman doing Tony Clifton.




Nelly is one of those guys who takes life to the max, and therefore, Hallowe'en costumes to the max. He wasn't just doing the costume. He WAS Tony Clifton for the evening. Unfortunately, so was this guy:



although his costume kind of sucked. He did give us a line I will forever cherish though: "Hey you two, let's skip the main course and go straight to the manage a trois." heh.


This is us trying to find a parking spot for the parade. So the photos are a bit out of order, I--FUCK YOU BOBBY! Sorry...can you tell who I was yet? No, okay wait for a few more frames...



My favourite thing about Hallowe'en in Vancouver was how into their costumes the people got. Oh, and btw, I have changed my mind. The other Tony Clifton's costume didn't suck, I am sorry I said that. It was mean and regret it. Nobody who actually puts effort into a costume sucks on Hallowe'en.

Except maybe this guy:





This guy totally rules:


And so does the evil angel standing behind him, a little bit.



Is this, or is this not Kid Rock, disguised as Beeker?



Here's me again...did you figure it out?




I'll give you a clue:



NO? Ok, how bout this:





That's actually a picture of me, as Mz. Whitney Houston, last year at the MTV awards. I had a bigger costume budget that year. So this year I was relegated to the post "The Bodyguard" pre "gave up the pipe" Whitney. Am I terribly evil? It could be the most politically incorrect costume you've ever seen, I know. Don't blame me, blame the dress. It decided what it wanted to be.

Let's take a look at it again:



What the hell is that thing I am hugging???!?!!



I pretty much spent the evening sniffing imaginary cocaine off of these:



And let me tell you-- I don't know how those girls do that 3 inch nail thing. Those little fuckers HURT! p.s. don't try prying them off with your teeth. Not a good idea.


This woman wins the "Creepiest Costume" award, for sure:



This guy wins the "Creepy In Real Life, Guy With A Pillow On His Head Which May Not ACTUALLY be a Hallowe'en Costume While Dancing and Clapping Along With The Marching Band" prize.



This guy is the clear winner for "Best Prize of the Entire Night":



He would pick up his costume, walk around, find a group of people, set it down, and whip a bottle of tequila out from a holster on his belt. For $2 you could actually take a shot. Looks like Whitney's had a few...!


These two are the runners up. She had her dad, who is an Optometrist or something, send those contact lenses for her hubby, Marilyn.




Ok, here's where the evening starts to get a bit hazy. I remember yelling: "I"LL WRESTLE YOU! at the Nacho Libre guy (who clearly had no problem taking down a drunk girl in a sequined ball gown and spray painted up-do)(eeeeeew, so tough, Mr. tough guy Nacho Libre!)










...Not so sure what prompted the Amazon Goddess Gorgeous Babe to get involved, but I am pretty sure I was cat calling her, and shouting something like "Come down here! I'll wrestle YOU!" and she was like "BRING IT, SHRIMPY!!!"








Clearly, I was outmatched, but it sure looks like it was fun.




Good thing my dear friend Bryan (dressed as Flava Flav-- we spent all afternoon looking for just the right clock to spray paint gold) was there to take lots of photos of the moment, so I could, sighhhhh, proudly present this moment to you. Sorry mom.









I hated myself for liking this guy's costume:




Who needs commercialism on Hallowe'en? We get enough of that on Christmas...



But at least he did "The Worm."