OLIVER IN CALGARIA

Try out the new blog!

2009-05-13T18:51:00.001-06:00

Peep this mofos: www.oliveronearth.blogspot.com

Au revoir (and not goodbye)

2009-04-04T13:37:00.002-06:00

Well, it's been four and a half years in Calgary. I never thought it would be so long, and now I'm leaving for Vancouver. I guess I'll have to re-name my blog, and work on posting on a weekly basis. I promise I'll try!

Thanks Calgary, you have been really good to me. I've made life-long friends here. I've matured and grown. I feel sad right now.

Stay tuned for for more from the coast!

Au revoir Calgary.

2009-02-20T01:09:00.004-07:00

Now that Richard Bradshaw is dead, I'm grateful to have seen Wagner's Ring Cycle at the new Opera House before he died. I say Bravo! Mr. Bradshaw.

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/features/opera/ring.html

Workin' the Spice Souk

2008-12-28T21:44:00.001-07:00

Men With Plans #1

2008-12-04T23:14:00.002-07:00

Idea

2008-12-04T22:58:00.001-07:00

Self analysis is luxury.

Just the facts please M'am.

2008-12-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

This input really makes me want to write. Green characters on a black background. There are less distractions and I feel like I could write anything I want, with impunity!

I need to focus my thoughts when I write. My tendency is to be efficient and short, to a fault. I feel like I do not have the patience for writing. However I send many emails every day, and I take care when I write them. Writing emails to me feels like technical writing. I'm good at it. Writing prose is my challenge today.

This will be my first real blog post is a long time. I thought for a while that I could present myself with only pictures. Why am I writing again now after so long? I don't know the answer to that question, but writing seems comfortable today.

I said "prose". Here is poetry instead.

PROSE
By Oliver Armstrong

This is hardly prose I suppose.

That's the first poem I've written in years! And it only took me seconds!

I turned 31 a few days ago. I feel good about my age. I wonder sometimes if I was always 31... like when I was 11 years old I was a 31 year old trapped in an 11 year old's body. I've heard it said that every person has a real age and a "natural" age. Like when a 35 year old feels young enough to run in the rain, and clap their hands, and act goofy and naive like a 17 year old. Or when someone's 8 year old daughter says something very sensible and wise, like she would if she were 64.

Other people's perceptions of age are fascinating to me. I notice it especially when I talk about guys I like, who are usually younger than me. Believe me, if I hear "Wow, you like him? But he's so young!" one more time, I'm going to... well I don't know what I'm going to do.

Nothing I suppose, except say "Yeah, I guess, but that doesn't bother me."

Lately I've come to understand that attraction, instant attraction to another person, is often a two way street. It's called the "electric current of attraction". What I take that to describe are the intangible vibes that seem to cross through space between you and the person that you are cruising. The person that is the entire focus of your attention for that moment, however brief. The other person may be looking back at you. You may nod, or smile. They may smile back, or whisper to their friend. But for a moment, there was a connection. It wasn't electricity or radio waves, or infra-red. It was the beautiful body language that humans have developed over millennia on this planet. It was flirting, communication, an involuntary response or maybe even a little show. When you detect that a connection has been made with another person, your body and your brain take over. A little shot of endorphin there, a little pulse of past memory bursts in your cerebral cortex. You record everything. Scent, lighting, how you are feeling about yourself and your surrounds. You and the other person have sent messages to each other, and that message is curiosity, self expression and yes, attraction.

And now that you've experienced this moment, what do you do next?

Feral!

2008-08-29T12:24:00.011-06:00

This animal just got back from 4 days in Algonquin Park at Camp Feral! 2008. It's a convention for Furries at the beautiful Camp Arowhon. It was four days of meeting new (and often fascinating) people, canoeing, drinking, leather working, fur tail making and dancing dancing dancing.

If you want to know more then you'll have to take me out for beer, cause that would be best. Here are a couple of photos from the 700+ that I took.

A boy and his dog. Actually a kanga-wuff and his dog.

The wonderful Wily returning a serve.

Furries in love... truly.

A little mountain boarding just to keep the number of injuries up at a reasonable level.

At the forge.

2008-08-12T00:09:00.005-06:00

Two pictures in May

2008-05-20T00:19:00.004-06:00

This one was taken by Craig.

This is Daiva.

Animals!

2008-05-13T23:57:00.002-06:00

More precisely, wolves.

Is humanitarianism a new religion?

2008-05-12T17:35:00.002-06:00

Is humanitarianism a new religion?

Hey dude!

2008-04-19T12:31:00.004-06:00

The electric current of attraction

2008-04-04T11:36:00.002-06:00

I came across this interesting, and optimistic description of sexual attraction. Perhaps this will begin a new chapter in my blog where I post the writings of others that I like.

"But also, you know, people talk about one-sided crushes and unrequited love. In fact, it's been my observation over the years that true attraction is rarely one-sided.

True sexual attraction, if I may be permitted to use an ultra-nerdy simile, is like an electric circuit between two nodes: Both nodes have to be on for it to flow. Everything else is just static. And it's easy to tell static from genuine current. Static's frazzled and weak: no amperage. And it flies off in all directions. "

DAVID EDDIE

From Friday's Globe and Mail

April 4, 2008

Name this character:

2008-01-02T23:36:00.001-07:00

First snow of the season...

2007-10-24T23:31:00.001-06:00

If I Were An Online Quiz

2007-06-08T23:11:00.001-06:00

If I Were An Online Quiz I'd be cleverly written, and have some linked advertising in the side panel on the web page.

I'd take about 10 minutes to fill out, and throw in a few cute trick questions like "How do you like it: a) long or b) hard."

If I Were An Online Quiz I'd be written as theme-less filler by some unknown face-less drone. I'd marginally entertain the person who is filling me out, and bore everyone else who chances to read it. I'd be multi-platform, a hyper-fad and first class tripe.

If Marshall McLuhan was aware of me, he'd state: Mud sometimes gives the illusion of depth.

Bin 941

2007-03-15T22:55:00.000-06:00

Lyndee and I successfully landed in Vancouver this afternoon. We checked into the 100 year old Sylvia Hotel, and less than an hour later were belly up at the bar, chatting up cute bartender Mike. The goal?... to source out his best recommendation for dinner. A short rainy walk later, and we were at Bin 941. We grudgingly took the worst seats in the house. And by worst, I mean best... we were at the kitchen bar. Two cooks, one at the grill, one in the lead. Incredible. Above is a photo of our brie with pears.

Duck, with potatoes, cheese, bacon and frisee, and an indesribable sauce with some kind of dried fruit.

Lyndee assembling desert.

The two men that made our day.

...

2007-02-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

Life in a box

2006-12-19T06:59:00.000-07:00

My brain is mush... I had this whole theme of "life in a box" that I was gonna write about, but nothing made sense. The festival is over now, two nights ago was the last day and the party in the desert. Now comes the inevitable post-festival blahs... excitement of going home combined with the slight depression of the big event being all over. We're leaving behind friends, old and new.

Let me see if there are some photos that are interesting.

We all loved feeding these camels in the sand lot across from our hotel. They would eat old bananas and oranges and stuff. It was a bit surreal to see these two bedouin guys living in this old tent in the sand and tending these camels just meters away from ultra-modern apartment towers and construction sites.

The party in the desert was also an awards ceremony for the Arabic Film Competition. It was at this resort built into the dunes. The show was good, the food was nice, but there was no shisha!

More later, when my head is clearer and... stuff.

Oh wait, get this:

It finally happened...

2006-12-10T00:35:00.000-07:00

We apologize the site you are attempting to visit has been blocked due to its content being inconsistent with the religious, cultural, political and moral values of the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai 2006 Second Post

2006-12-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

I did my best to have a great day yesterday... there was just enough sun for about an hour on the beach. The water of the gulf was warmer than the air, so Isaac and I took the opportunity to get thrown around by waves. The salt burns the skin, and the sand gets everywhere, and the white surf tosses you like a cork and tries to throw you upon the sand and drag you back out to sea at the same time. It's awesome. Here is gratuitous proof:

Then later, we braved the sucking vortex of work, and went into the DMC office to say hi and meet the bosses and some other friends. We took them for lunch at the Lebanese buffet (the first break over 45 minutes they seemed to take in the last 3 weeks) and enjoyed a middle eastern variety of salads, dips, rice and soups.

By afternoon we managed to break free of the office and head with the newly arrived girls to a mall called Ibn Battuta. This place is twice the size of Chinook Centre, and each of a dozen sections is decorated like a different region in the Orient. Check out this snap of... a traditional mosque? nay, a food court.

Dubai 2006 First Post

2006-12-02T20:39:00.000-07:00

It's always exciting to come to Dubai. There is always something new going on to be awed by... usually in the form of construction, or hotels, or politics. The flights here were pretty boring, which is not a bad thing. Emirates continues to prove to be head and shoulders above Air Canada in terms of, well, everything. Food, service, friendliness, organization etc. My head cold kept me in state of dazed bewilderment during my stopover in Heathrow, as if I had left my head up in the clouds when I landed. But a couple of hours later I was re-united with my brain in the clouds, and thankfully it landed with me in Dubai.

Much to my shock and dismay, it rained the whole first day here... but I got to sleep off the jet-lag and head cold, and meet up with Cheryl, Isaac, Michele and Sydney.

The hotel is called the Oasis Beach Tower, and we live on the 45th floor in a semi-palatial suite. The square footage is dazzling... and the furniture is contemporary. Ironically this is considered "no-frills living" here, since we have a kitchen, and *gasp* no personal butler. Honestly it's better this way, the butlers never iron your socks quite right.

From our dining room table we can see "The Palm Jumeirah". Go here for all the video and sound effects: http://www.thepalm.ae/

The sun seems to be out today, so I'm hoping to absorb some into my pasty whiteness, and then enjoy some real middle eastern lunch. Tonight is the first official function, the welcome dinner for us Canadian consultants. We've all vowed to keep our heads down and do our jobs without being pulled into the swirling vortex of Festival Politics, which are apparently worse than ever this year.

You'll all be relieved to know that there is an espresso machine in the kitchen, so Oliver can live in a civilized manner.

That's all for now... except for these pics of my birthday food back home the day before I left: fondue and cupcakes. How's that for civilized?

Edinburgh... the overview

2006-11-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

[click on any image to see a full-sized version]

Edinburgh was just so cool. It was the last weekend of the Fringe Festival, and it was overwhelming. There were probably 500 individual shows on that weekend. Not to mention cabarets, stand up acts, buskers, opera singers, circus clowns and just entertaining drunks.

The city is medieval. The castle on the hill has been standing for centuries. Imagine what the ever changing and powerful rulers that lived up there in command of all of Scotland would think if they ever knew the tourist mecca that the castle is now.

This is the new seat of power (officially). It's the new Scottish Parliament. I don't know exactly how much power this parliament wields... Scotland is still part of Great Britain... but at least they had the courage to build this architechtural monstrosity. At the time I liked it, but now looking at this picture, it's almost like the designers were saying "You want New Bold Architechture!? We'll bloody give you New Bold Architechture!" Right across the street is the Queen's Residence in Scotland.

And then there was... Chinese Opera in the square in front of the Art Museum of course.

The weekend in Edinburgh was follwed by another few days at Neil's in Cambridge, then the flight back to Canada. I worked TIFF, and saw the Ring Cycle. More about Ontario in the next entry.

Wallis, Switzerland

2006-08-29T11:57:00.000-06:00

CLICK on any image to see the full size version!

Wallis is one of Switzerland's 26 cantons (or provinces). Ticino is the Italian-speaking one, and Wallis is the French-speaking one. This is Nima and Marit on top of the Furka pass, near the Rhone glacier. The Rhone flows from this giant chunk of ice, and runs through the valley and right past the condo-apartment that we stayed at.

The weather wasn't great, but it gave us a day to stay in and drink beer at the Larch while the girls went to the spa.

This cow stared down me and Marit as we were walking by on the way along the valley to the next little town for dinner. What was on the menu? Why, more meat and cheese of course! Always, always, meat and cheese.

Breakfast in Ticino

2006-08-29T11:24:00.000-06:00

CLICK on any image to see the full size version!

So Switzerland started in the city... Baden, and then Luzerne. But two weeks on what I'm remembering is the Alps. This is Leigh at the breakfast table at the Chalet in Ticino. The drive up the side of the mountain is actually indesribeable... Ian has a video that kind of tells the story. It's switchback roads, really steep, single lane. So what happens when someone is coming down when you're going up? Just guess.

This is the typical Swiss breakfast: it starts and ends with good bread. Then you'll have butter, cheese, jam, oh coffee for sure. The extras are juice, deli meats (local of course) usually some yoghurt, fruit if you're lucky.

The time at the chalet was so great. My cousin Stefan was our guide, and we did a couple of easy hikes to the local mountain eateries. Ticino has great local wine, their specialty is Merlot, both read and white!

A day trip in Ticino took us to Locarno, one of the most southern cities in Switzerland. It's in the Italian part, so it has a totally different feel than the central German-speaking area. We went down the mountain for the 59th Annual Festivale Internatiaonale di Film di Locarno. This is a picture of some local castle, branded with the festival's graphic of the spotted leopard. Cheryl pay attention... swag coming your way.

We were sad to leave the Italian easy-going mountainous region and head across the Nufenen pass to Wallis, but more friends were waiting! But seriously, just look how hip AND relaxed yours truly and my buddy Ian look sitting in front of this little terrace. It was some kind of city building-turned film fest venue, and was very civilized. Great wine on the terrace was followed by some of the weirdest short films I've ever seen. Loved it.

That Lake

2006-07-28T01:33:00.000-06:00

Another Happy Day In The Rockies

2006-07-25T17:21:00.000-06:00

The Fabulous Four decided at the last minute to take a day trip up into Kananaskis Country. We drove up to Spray Lakes, and then proceeded on foot up the trail to follow the water to the Karst Spring. Rainwater and snow runoff filter through the mountain and gush out of the rock face. The water is about 1 degree... as close to ice as it gets.

On the way back down we took a well earned dip in an amazing mountain lake. The water was so clear you could see the clay bottom twelve feet down.

Just in case your following along at home... here's my next series of adventures, in chronological order: on Aug. 2 fly to Toronto, connect with Ian and Leigh and fly to Zurich; spend time in Baden, the chalet in Ticino, the condo in Wallis, connect with Nima and Marit there, end the Swiss leg of my journey in Zurich; then it's off to Cambridge to be with Neil for 10 or so days, with a possible weekend in Edinburgh; back to Canada just before Labour Day, hopefully spend a weekend in Montreal, then proceed to Toronto; work the Toronto Film Fest, and see the COC's Ring Cycle at the new Opera House.

Then, and only then do I return to Calgary to rehearse with One Yellow Rabbit. The last two weeks of October we shall be in Ottawa at the National Arts Centre with the show "Dream Machine".

Back again I go to Calgary, to move apartments and maybe even decompress a bit.

Keep in touch friends, and more from the road coming soon!

Love, Oliver

Switzerland in April, The People

2006-05-10T13:15:00.000-06:00

This is my Tante Pia, Oncle Marco and my cousin Francesca. Francesca is a visual arts teacher at a high school outside Baden. She's the coolest cousin.

My mum and Tante Doris, taking a much needed walk in the spring air along the Limmat River in Baden. People have been walking along this strech of the Limmat for over a thousand years. Baden (literally meaning "bath") used to be the health and recuperation capital of Europe, and many rich traders and diplomats met there to enjoy the healing powers of the hot sulphur baths.

Francesca, cousin Christina and her boyfriend Hivi at my grandfather's funeral lunch. Over a hundered friends and family came to eat, drink and remember.

Cousin Stefan and Francesca's boyfriend Kai.

"The Aunts" Tante Ruth, Tante Trudi and Tante Rita. Quite the trio, let me tell you. They are my Grossmuetti's sisters, the Fischer family.

La vie est dur sans confiture

2006-04-03T14:07:00.000-06:00

There once was a man who lived in the country who had a beautiful orchard of cherry trees. Everyone in the surrounding villages knew him and he loved to share his cherry harvest every year with them.

Many people in the villages also had fruit trees in their yards. The man would come into the villages to help them take care of their trees. He would prune them, and tell the people how to take proper care of their fruit trees. He did not ask for any money, but instead the people of the villages would give the man some special things from their houses. At one house he would get some bottles of homemade wine from Tuscany, at another house he would get some special cakes, at another he would get special preserves.

The man became quite old of course, and one year when he came to the villages to take care of the people`s trees, he told them that this was the last year he could help them. He was getting too old to prune trees anymore. The people were sad, but they understood.

The next season, the man died. And and odd thing happened that same season... the man`s 80 cherry trees stopped producing fruit. Without the man`s attention, the trees just didn`t produce anymore, and they had to be chopped down.

The next season the man`s daughter in law came into the villages and came to the people and told them that the man had taught her all he knew about fruit trees, and from then on she helped them take care of their trees.

Ontario Anthropomorphic Antics

2006-02-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

Ah... the old stomping grounds. I'm a Lady of Leisure back home in Toronto. It's a nice feeling to be here and not have responsibilities. I've been going for lots of lunches, dinners, parties at bars and houses. Lots of riding the subway... lots of busses.

Above you can see Carole and her little guy Ethan (he's two). Check out the stylish Lego duds.

Also above is Andrew giving Growler a mohawk. Andrew (aka Dakk) and Growler are part of the Toronto "FURRY" community. The deal is that these guys (mostly young, kinda geeky and gay) identify with animals. Each one of them has an animal character that they personify, and they all have drawings of their characters and sort of mythical names like Potoroo (a half kangaroo half gargoyle), Growler (coyote / wolf), and Dark Child (an orange cat). The ones I met are all really nice guys, all work in IT and most of them actually live in a house together called "The Den". Some of them wear tails on special occasions, and all of them have sex with all of the other ones. Fun stuff.

Luckily for me, I've picked up about 6 days of work for my friend Matt at the brand new Young Centre for the Performing Arts. It's a newly built space in the Distillery District of Toronto shared by George Brown Theatre School and Soulpepper Theatre Company. The work I've done (mainly tech calls and PA work) will pay for most of my trip.

Soon it will be time to head back to my real life in Calgary. Part of me doesn't want to go! But I miss the mountains and my friends there.

More pics to come soon...

Sundance this week

2006-01-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

Here we are, the Three Amigos standing on Main Street in Park City at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. It's been a great week and a half... and only two more days to go.

I felt different coming to Sundance this year. I had a bit less energy, and sure enough, I got sick with a cold a few days ago. It's slowed me up slightly, but I'm doing well considering.

We've wrangled our share of Hollywood kids: Maggie Gyllenhaal (totally cute and sweet), Josh Hartnett (whose publicist actually combs his eyebrows before each photo line), Lucy Liu (is so mall she fits up Cheryl's nostril), Robert Downey Jr. (a bit shell-shocked) and Bobcat Goldthwait (hilarious and sweet and he's just sold a movie about a woman who blows a dog). It's not so much star fucking as it is herding cats.

On the Queer Front, we've been to a few events including the Queer Brunch (which is always a bit anti-climactic, but is a good excuse to drink vodka at 11:00am). The Homos Away From Home party last night was a ball, with lots of hot LA boys flown in for eye candy.

I haven't been taking any good photos, so I'll try over the next few days to do better.

See you kids at home in Calgary in a few days, and the rest of ya'll, hope to see you soon too.

Food food food

2006-01-13T14:43:00.000-07:00

Some of the food from my trip, in chronological order:

1) A hole in the wall Iranian restaurant in the Al Satwa shopping district (where Cheryl got touched up last year). We weren't sure what to expect when we sat down, but as soon as the pleasant man started filling our table with fresh greens, homemade curry soups, fresh arabic bread and piles of other tasty morsels, a sudden happy satisfaction fell over the table. What had previously been an assortment of hungry, grumpy and sweaty film fest staffers, became a smiling, contented and well fed bunch of folks. Seasoned chicken, cool yogurt sauce, fresh veggies and plates of tahini and olives were SO GOOD at that moment. And all for the low low price of $4, or $2 for the vegetarians at the table.

2) Question: what is the best meat in the world? Answer: Fresh whole roasted lamb, stuffed with seasoned rice and served in the middle of the desert. Sweet and impossibly soft, this lamb was really, really impressive. This party also included smoking copious amounts of shisha, and climbing a sand dune in bare feet.

3) Artfully displayed plums, courtesy of the Grovenor House Hotel. Esthetically pleasing, but sadly lacking in flavour.

4) Our colleague and fellow Canadian Ron is to thank for hooking us up in business class for the flight from Dubai to Heathrow. This was lunch... grilled lobster tail, veggies, selection of fresh bread and some lovely wine. On linen. With a purple orchid as garnish. At 35, 000 ft.

When travelling it's often a challenge to find healthy quality food. We did pretty well most of the time. And as I've come to realize (and as my friends got tired of me pronouncing) for me, food is just as important for mental health as it is for simple nutrition.

Dubai

2005-12-10T02:32:00.000-07:00

Here is photo proof that I'm actually in this city. This is a picture of the lobby of the Madinat Theatre where I'll be working. It's truly a gorgeous state of the art theatre. It's built right into the Souk, which is a traditionally designed shopping area. I don't think traditional shopping areas have Starbucks and Electronics Boutique, but it's the thought that counts.

The other picture was taken in front of the Madinat Arena, the Gala venue.

The dichotomies of this place are interesting. The hotel we're staying at is called the Habtoor Grand. It's amenities are plentiful, the decor is beautiful, it's on the Arabian Gulf... but I did not have hot water in my room for the first 4 nights. Apparently 20% of the rooms are uninhabitable.

Our days have been filled with paperwork, meetings, equipment planning and venue tours. Tonight is the dress rehearsal for opening night. Tomorrow is the Opening Gala. We've had one evening off when we went into Al Satwa, a shopping district. I haven't dipped my toes in the Gulf yet... but I must do it soon. I must!

I'll try and update again soon.

Oliver

LOVE those mountains!

2005-11-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

This is the view of Barrier Lake in Kananaskis Country on Saturday Nov. 12, 2005. My friend Christopher and I hiked up the ridge, and were rewarded with this. Perfect sun, a bit windy in the open areas, but all in all, a great day for a hike.

I guess I haven't officially announced it in this forum yet, but at the end of November I will be leaving ATP. For the month of December I'll be back in Dubai, which I'm very excited about. The Dubai International Film Festival has asked me back to help with theatre operations, this year at the Madinat Theatre.

This means I'll be available to go back to Sundance Film Festival in January. Shane and myself are planning to drive down again. We just couldn't leave the Racquet Club Theatre to be run by americans. We built that theatre last year, and we have to go back to see it through again.

But what happens in February you may ask? I dunno. I'd like to find a fun gig. A well paying gig. An exciting gig in an exciting place. It would be fun to do some work in Toronto again for a bit. However, I do intend to stay in Calgary for the time being. I really like it here. I think I'd like to work the Stampede Grandstand Show again too.

I've been in Calgary for over a year now, can you believe it? We've already had the first Chinooks of 2005. Love that.

Images of summer 2005 in Calgary

2005-10-17T22:49:00.000-06:00

Daiva spinning Poi on the weekend of the Calgary Folk Festival;

Christopher;

Gillett and Johnny on Prince's Island Park during the Folk Fest;

Special Guest Cast on the TransAlta Mobile Stage at the Grandstand of the Calgary Stampede.

Green Tea and Chocolate

2005-10-12T21:22:00.000-06:00

As my friend Ian is so fond of pointing out, blogs can often be self-indulgent and boring. And I'm not a witty or funny writer. My friend Dave Dick has a pretty interesting photo blog, and he writes well. He's one of those Radio and TV Arts guys... the kind of cool kids that I always found intimidating because they were so witty and fashionable. Even his name is funny.

Check out his place: Daviddick.com

So because of my waning confidence in this blog of mine... I think I'm gonna add more pictures. I'm hoping to liven it up... after all, pictures tell a thousand words right? Like the one above.

What do you read in the eyes of the subjects?

Something new I learned yesterday while helping organize the 31st Annual Bob Edwards Award Luncheon: you can indeed fit all the liberals in Alberta in one room. Ironically we were honouring a distiguished conservative, namely Preston Manning. He was charming and gracious, and even I was impressed by how he managed to win over a room full of theatre, arts and literary industry folks. My favourite moment was when Preston, irreverently defending politicians, said (and I paraphrase) "A lot of misunderstandings have occured over typos in political press releases. For instance a few years ago we tried to start a campaign called 'Unite the Bright'. Well, someone left the 'B' out, and look what happened!" Har har. Everyone laughed, except Stephen Harper, who was also sitting at the head table. Unfortunately for the current conservative movement in Canada, Mr. Harper could clearly not charm his way out of a wet paper bag, let alone be as universally respected as Mr. Manning is, apparently by left-leaners and right-leaners both.

Well, at this point in my post, I wanted to throw in a photo of a half naked boy, just for some balance you know. But this silly blog program doesn't want to cooperate with me. So the half naked boy will have to wait until another day.

I can't believe what I'm about to do next, but here goes. Click here to learn about ATP's latest fundraising effort. My boss' fundraising exuberence must be rubbing off on me. It's only open to residents of Alberta, but at least you can see one of the campaigns I'm working on. Sometimes I worry myself, the way I've started using the words "relationship", "partner" and "campaign" as business speak. As in "We are thrilled with the relationship that we have with our partner Hyatt Auto Gallery in ATP's 05/06 lottery campaign."

Well this has been fun. Ian be damned, I think I'll post again soon.

Mount St. Piran

2005-09-05T22:18:00.000-06:00

Mount St. Piran
8690 feet (2649 meters) elevation
Alberta, Canada
51.41 degrees N
116.25 degrees W

Here we are, myself, Chris and Tim on the summit of Mount St. Piran. We started out on Sunday morning at 10am, and drove up to Lake Louise inside Banff National Park. From there we headed up the trail past the lake. About an hour later, on a fairly easy well maintained trail, we saw Mirror Lake. A little while later we passed the St. Anne Teahouse, and kept on marching.

The guide book gave specific instructions on how to find the trail up to the summit, and Tim's altimeter helped too. At this point the trail becomes single track, starts getting steeper and rockier. This is when you start gaining altitude much quicker.

The weather started closing in a bit, and people coming down from the summit told us it was cold and the clouds were closing in up there. Undeterred, we kept on marching.

The trees started getting smaller, and then eventually there are no trees. It's too rocky above a certain altitude for trees to grow. We hit a plateau and re-evaluated. It was snowing fairly hard now, and we were basically inside a cloud. However Chris's altimeter told us we only had another 200 feet or so to the summit... so... we kept on marching.

It was a great feeling to reach the top. Unfortunately, as I said, we were inside a cloud, so the promised views of several other mountains and ice fields were obscured. I didn't mind much, and we munched on trail mix as we signed the summit log.

On the way down, it was snowing harder. Once we got a bit lower, it turned to sleet, then rain. We stopped in the awesome little St. Anne teahouse (where the owner's family and a few summer students live, and serve tea, sandwiches and baked goods with no electricity or plumbing, 1500 feet above Lake Louise).

What a great day. Tim and Chris set a pretty fast pace (probably a little faster than I would have set myself) but the burn today feels great.

Mount St. Piran is one of the easiest "climbs" in Banff National Park. It's what they call a "scramble" or a "hike". But it is my first summit. I've done a lot of decent hikes in Switzerland, at very high altitudes, but never been to the top of a mountain, where you could look around and not see anything higher than what you were standing on.

I feel great about the climb. However, this has been a somewhat dispassionate post. It's because I'm kind of in turmoil over something happening to a friend of mine right now. In fact I can't remember the last time I was this emotional about, well, anything really Not even when I got dumped by my first "boyfriend" in 3 years. This friend of mine is going through a really wacky time, and I don't know what to do about it.

That's why I had a great time on the hike... there's only one desicion to make: stop and sit down, or keep on marching.

I Hate The World Today

2005-08-20T18:47:00.000-06:00

Oh, he'd hate it if he knew I published that photo. He didn't like it that I took the photo in the first place, let alone show it to anyone, let alone publish it in this blog.

I guess it's not a very adult thing to do.

Also I think it might be a bit vain as well. Why do I get a cheap thrill from knowing that anyone of my friends, or anyone else for that matter could see the photo?

I had a long conversation with an acquaintance of mine about writing. His position is that blogging is self-publication. And that self-publication is the worst form of writing there is. He writes letters. Personal letters to friends, sometimes even with pen and paper. He feels that self-publishing is vanity. I think I see his point. He dislikes the fact that vitually anyone can write any kind of tripe and make it available to the public in the mad attempt to gain some kind of what... notariety? Fame?

I started writing this blog when I moved away from Toronto. Part of the purpose was to keep in touch with my friends and colleagues that I was leaving behind. Since then it's become an important personal activity. For a while I kept a journal. Mostly it was stupid details of all the boys I had crushes on. I wrote it with pencil and paper. To look back and read some of those entries now is mind-bending. It definately helped me through a period of my life when I was involved in drugs in a negative way. It clarified some thoughts and made me realize some things about myself that I might not have otherwise.

I happen to be sitting on my patio right now, which looks out onto 2nd street. That's the second rail thin crack-hoe I've seen walking by in the last 45 mintues. Wow, what must their life be like? I know a little about addiction, but I know nothing about that kind of addiction. From what I do understand, one's life has no purpose other than the next hit. Everything is about feeding the addiction.

Jesus, count your belssings Oliver. Count your fucking blessings.

UPDATE Aug. 22/05, 5:30pm
I have removed the picture, because it was a weird and childish thing to do. Looking back on it, this was a pretty weird post, but that's what I like about the blogging, it's an unedited snapshot of one's mind at the time of publishing. However, the pic had to go.

Another rainy Monday night

2005-08-15T20:26:00.000-06:00

So... what am I gonna do tonight? All I really want to do is hang out with somebody. Is it totally pathetic? I mean... there is someone specific that I'd like to be with, and I can't actually believe how sappy and pathetic I'm sounding. However I guess what it comes down to is I'm bored. I had a pretty boring weekend. And I'm not very busy currently... just the day job... so I've had a lot of nights off lately.

So it's Monday night, and I've got no plans. Hm. I shoudn't turn the TV on... it'll suck me in... the Idiot Box. But I do. I watch the Simpsons, Growing Up Gotti, a food show, and Airline. Oh, and CSI. I make a drink.

That's right, vodka and orange juice. With a splash of ginger ale and lemon juice. Mmm. Three bevvies later and I'm feeling better. Everything's a bit more interesting. Airline is a pretty funny show actually. Heh heh... that fat bastard ain't getting on that plane. HA HA. He's drunk, or he's a beligerent father, or something.

Ok, it's time to order some Swiss Chalet.

Done. Hope it gets here soon. Don't you love the anticipation of the Swiss Chalet delivery? How much will I tip the guy, or girl. Anything more than two bucks is quite generous.

Ok, so it's a few hours later... the vodka buzz has worn off and I'm full of chicken and salad. I feel better. Shane is home and he has some boy coming over. This boy doesn't know what he's in for. Shane is quite the provider of entertainment. It is nice to see Shane actually interested in a boy though, for more than just his bubble butt.

I, as well, feel my time has come for a boyfriend. I've become very comfortable being on my own over the past few years. However I moved to this city for new experiences. And quite honestly, being in a relationship would be a new, fun and learning experience. I'm ready to give it my best shot.

Aw, Shane's boy has come over... he's very cute. He's from Ontario.

Aw shucks.

Later kids!

My own personal monestery

2005-08-14T01:00:00.000-06:00

I had one of those days today where I was completely solitary. I meditated in bed (ie. slept in late) then spent the day by myself in my apartment. I guess I really can't compare it to being a monk, as monks actually did work, where as I acomplished nothing.

In some ways I treasure the days like today. I only opened my mouth to speak once... I had a 10 minute phone conversation and that was it. I did say "hello" and "thanks" at the grocery store though.

I heard about a person that took one day per week to be silent. I think it's a test of resolve, as well as an practice in meditation. I've thought about trying it, but it's actually very hard, and quite impractical. Therein lies the challenge I suppose.

Anyway, yes... today I was alone. I really enjoy being alone, as long as it's only once in a while. I'm proud that I know how to be alone. It's a way for me to truly relax and rest and sort of re-group for the week ahead.

Part of the reason that I had no plans today was that I was kind of saving it for someone. I'm a bit of a bozo that way sometimes... I make plans in my head with others, and then don't actually make the plans in real life. It suprises me when other people are actually doing other things. But then again, sometimes I'm relieved when the plans don't go through, because then I have a day alone, like today.

Weird I know. Amazing what the subconcious accomplishes.

Can you spot the freak out?

2005-08-07T18:56:00.000-06:00

Have just spent a wonderful day of drinking espresso on the patio, catching up on some emails, a little barbequeing, meeting up with friends at the local and helping decorate a cake for someone's birthday.

It's been several months since I've had a day to myself at home. A true day off. It's hard for me to think of anything nicer. Ok, there are some other pretty nice things, like the day I had yesterday with a certain somebody. That was very nice.

I wasn't sure what I was going to write about today. I struggle with the direction of this blog... is it simply an accounting of the cool things I do from day to day? Do I write these things down because I want to be able to look at the goings-on of Oliver and be proud? Is it vanity? Partly yes, I'm sure. I think deep down I really like talking about myself. Not in a boasting way though.

Let me tell you about a fantastic meal I had the other day with my friends Tim and Sarah. It was at a restaurant called The Living Room on 17th Ave. in Calgary.

First we had steak tartare. I was chopped raw beef, served with mustard, chopped oinions and pickles, and capers. It was creamy and fresh tasting and awesome. Then we had duck confit cabbage rolls, which were delicious yet simple, without too many other flavours getting in the way. We also had a crab and mascarpone ravioli with truffle oil that was to die for.

Then we proceeded to a seared scallop and spinach salad with bacon and red peppers. Tim had foie gras that was served on a pecan bread pudding (incredible, but a bit cruel to the geese I suppose). I had oysters. The east coast ones were superior to the west coast ones.

For desert there was a trio of creme brulees (grand marnier, chocolate and rosemary!) and a warm moist chocolate cake that oozed chocolate lava when pierced. Unbelievably good.

We washed it all down with a bottle of really nice red wine, the name of which escapes me because I'm bad like that with wines. Whoever I end up marrying will have to choose the wine when we go out, because while I love the stuff, I can't keep track of the details (grape, region, name... it's all too much).

For the past week I've been feeling kind of anxious and weird... like something big is about to happen, but I don't know what. Like I'm waiting for a big new change to happen, or a huge life challenge to appear. Even today, a very relaxing and easy day, I've had this funny feeling in the pit of my stomach. It's not a negative thing really, I'm just feeling a little squirelly, a might jumpy and just a little bit sleepy.

If you leave a comment, why not also include details of recent meal you had that you enjoyed.

Vocal Tracks and Hydraulic Fluid

2005-07-08T13:34:00.000-06:00

Last night was the first preview of the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show. "Alberta, A Centennial Story" is a massive Vegas style song and dance extravaganza. It is on the TransAlta Stage... which is the largest mobile stage in North America. The cast is 180 Young Canadians (singers and dancers), 180 members of the Stampede Showband, and over 60 circus performers, Lion Dancers, multicultural groups and First Nations performers. It takes place at the Grandstand in front of an audience of over 15, 000 every night.

Each night of the Stampede we juggle massive set peices up and down on 3 giant elevators, drive video screens disguised as grain elevators around the stage, fly tissue acts in the air and shoot off $150, 000 worth of fireworks.

It's fun, and it's ridiculous. My job is to be in charge of the elevator room, shuffling set peices and setting things up with performers. Our Stage Manager Deb Howard is the goddess of the show. Her grace under fire is impressive... especially last night with nasty sound playback issues and busted hydraulic hoses all round.

But, now we're open, and the fun has just begun.

Karma Catch Up....

2005-06-02T17:50:00.000-06:00

I can't catch up. Actually, I'm not doing too bad considering, but there's always that point in one's life when there's more to accomplish than there is time in the day.

Before I go on and on about my three jobs, I have a story to tell:

Three weeks ago I got home late from rehearsal... I was riding my bike. I was tired and lazy and instead of bringing my bike into the hall, down the stairs and locking it up in the garage, I locked it to the fence right in front of our terrace on 2nd Street.

The next morning I woke up, padded around the apartment, had a shower, made some espresso and went to the window. My beautiful orange bike was gone.

So I got really sad. My friends and I built that bike ourselves back in high school at Sherwood Cycles in Ottawa. It's a Marinoni, no stickers, bright orange, really light and it runs like a dream. Plus I'm in the middle of working three jobs, and the bike is vital transportation.

So Daiva lent me her bike as she was going away to Croatia for a couple of weeks.

Fast forward to this last Tuesday. It's lunch time and I'm sitting in the Rose Garden restaraunt on 8th Ave with my friend Lyndee. We were waiting for our lunch (we had to wait longer because they were out of spinach and Lyndee had to change her order).

I see a flash of orange out the door. I stop in mid-sentence and run out the door. After a few minutes of walking up and down the street, I see it. My good old orange bike leaning up against the front of the McDonalds.

So I went and stood in front of it and waited. The front wheel was locked to the frame with a U-lock. I waited a bit more. A greasy dude came out and tried to unlock the bike. I'm not 100% sure, but I'm almost sure that I was staring into the face of the very same person who stole my bike.

I told him to fuck off.

My orange bike has returned to me!

Raise a glass!

2005-04-25T14:55:00.000-06:00

You are now looking at the new Resource Development Officer, Special Events and Stewardship for Alberta Theatre Projects.

Sheep go to heaven, goats go to hell

2005-04-13T03:05:00.000-06:00

Tonight I had two hauls off a joint. I got high... it's been a long time since I've been high. I quit smoking pot about 3 years ago, as it was getting really bad for me. It was getting me depressed, out of shape, and lazy. I also believe it lowered my testosterone level.

Quitting pot was one of the best things I've ever done for myself. Being off the herb made me feel better physically, and especially mentally. I've only had vague cravings for it since then... nothing I would even call cravings really. I felt so good about quitting, I did not really miss it at all.

I don't think I'll do it again... it was kinda fun tonight, and reminded me of some good times. But deep down I know what it does to me, and I don't want to go back there.

I'd like us all to take a minute now to have a good thought for my friend Hilary's poor cat, who died this week. Sheep may well go to heaven, and goats to hell, but I think the souls of our pets get re-incarnated as other animals. This thought just came to me tonight... and I'm sure the pot I smoked is adding value to this increasingly rambling sentence... but that's just how I feel.

Peace.

Slice of life

2005-04-10T23:36:00.000-06:00

Do you ever wonder what your life has become?

I mean, have you found yourself in a situation, or a routine that surprises you when you stand back and look at it?

It's midnight, and here I am... in Calgary (who could have predicted that one year ago)
... counting my tips from the bartending gig (I've always wanted to bartend)
... watching Coronation Street (I started watching for the cute gay character, now I'm hooked).

I guess all I'm trying to say is, you never know where you're going to end up, and taking pleasure in the surprises and new ideas, and new challenges and new people is fun. So far it's fun.

Gigging news: I've secured a job as Assistant Stage Manager on the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show. It's two and a half months of full time work. The "Young Canadians" Grandstand Show is apparently the largest outdoor show in the world.

I may also have some tough desicions to make in regards to other job opportunities in the near future. Does the phrase "be careful what you wish for" mean anything?

Here's a tangeant: do you think some kid has ever thought it would be cool to lose a hand or a limb in an accident because of those War Amps commercials that show happy successful kids with cool hockey stick attachments for their prosthetic limbs? I dunno, it looks kind of cool to me.

Fruit & Nut

2005-03-15T00:33:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've all heard me go on about simple pleasures. Homemade soup, a great nap, looking good in a cowboy hat, finding a great song. Who knew there were 5 different channels of Celtic music on-demand on the interweb?

www.radiocelt.com

Happy Birthday to my favourite chubby bastard, Ian! His age is now divisible by 7. Next year year his age will be a prime number. No, I don't know where I'm going with this... it's late, ok?

Tomorrow I'm gonna take a drive up to Banff with friends Lyndee and Daiva to see the beautiful and fabulous Danielle French open for some party band... Spirit of the West or somesuch. Danielle is not only a talented singer / songwriter, but also a dastardly poker player. Took $7 from me last Friday... and she'd never even played Texas Holdem before, or so she claimed.

Does anyone else think the new Opera House in Toronto is going to be amazing? Is anyone else a fan of Wagner? The Ring Cycle? Anyone? Bueller... Bueller? Just asking.

Ok, this entry is definately moving along weird lines... think I'll just go with it and recommend another link:

http://trickster.org/res/transfig.html

I'm not even going to introduce it... just take a look if you have any interest in the whole Harry Potter phenomenon. It is not porn, but it is slash fiction.

For all of you who seem to be so concerned about me not working, drinking my savings away and ending up in a ditch or worse (no, it's a valid concern) get this: Oliver got a real gig. I've become the PM / TD for a medium sized dance show produced by Eko Dance Projects. It's going into the U of C Theatre at the end of the month. A month's worth of work, and enough $$ to pay for two. It's good though, cause it's gonna take a few hundey to get the motocyclette on the road. And this province is made for biking. I can't wait to head down through the foothills to Waterton this summer.

Also a potential hook up for the Spring as a stage manager for the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show. All good training for when I plan to coordinate the Opening Ceremonies at the Vacouver Olympics in 2010.

Oliver signing off... goodnight all.

Oh and PS. If anyone is going to be in the Greater Miami Area soon, can you make a visit to the offices of the Miami Film Festival for me? I still haven't seen a cent of my earnings from A MONTH AGO when I was working 15 hour days for them.

The Chinook Arch

2005-02-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

It's a wondrous thing... the sky is clear... blue... the sun is beaming down and to the west one can see a hazy arch of clouds over the mountains. It's like a halo... and it brings a fantastic jetstream of warm air from over the mountains. It feels like Spring, but it's February. It's +10C today and I love it.

I'm finally working in the city (my first actual paid gig here since moving). What's the big new job? You can find me behind the bar at the Big Secret Theatre. One Yellow Rabbit has procured the services of yours truly to sling beer, coffee, and assorted bevvies to thirsty theatre goers in the lobby at the Epcor Centre. The current show "Bigger Than Jesus" is a decent hit, and the Rabbits (as they are known) love to party, so it's been a good week.

Even though this isn't a "real job", it's seems real enough right now. I'm meeting all the cool kids in town, and it's an honour to be considered "one of the Rabbits". Besides, I've always fancied myself behind the bar. I'm having a ball... hopefully the novelty won't rub off right away.

The gang of Bunnies has been nothing but welcoming. On Saturday good friend Daiva, brother Jordan and girlfriend? Lindsay led the way to Broken City. It's a live music club, not unlike Silver Dollar in TO. On stage was Leeroy Stagger. He and his band kept the audience crammed right up to the stage. I liked this club. The crowd was an excellent mix of the best looking and hippest alterna-boys and alterna-girls.

Now I just have to go back next week in hopes of again meeting the cute boy who I was chatting with about tall ships (of all things). WHY! didn't I get his number the first time... ack.

Now if someone could tell me how to post pictures on this damn site, I'd share some shots of me and good friend Tim, and new friend Jenn hiking in the hills past Lake Louise last week. Damn, those mountains are good for the soul. Who needs the sea when one has mountain lakes, streams and pine trees. Seriously.

Ok, everyone get ready to send good Karma my way in the form of about a dozen call backs that I'm waiting for from potential employers. I mean I love sending resumes and all, but how 'bout an INTERVIEW people!

Miami Beach Blues

2005-02-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

Just over 100 years ago this barrier island was covered in mangrove swamps and wild jungle. Today every square inch is paved over and businesses rule. Hotels, restaurants, shops, drug dealers, hookers etc.

The cars, the bronzed, the elderly.

I don't mean to sound bitter. It's just that everything here is so... American. Americans are hard workers. It's just that there seems to be less happiness here. People are so wrapped up in their jobs, and making a buck, and all that.

When people need something, they yell. Literally, in the Film Fest offices when someone wanted Alex the Intern they would yell from their desk "Alex! Has anyone seen Alex?" They wouldn't even stand up or look around or anything. Just keep staring at their computer screen and yell!

I don't mean to judge either. I have to keep reminding myself that different people have different ways of doing things, different customs, different priorities.

Now I need a beer.

The festivities continue...

2005-02-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

I have delayed posting for too long.

Let's see... what have I been up to. Working like a dog, and partying like several other types of animals...

Sundance Film Festival: our team scored big. Me and Shane, Hilary and Cheryl (plus significant other fabulous kids from across the globe) ran a shift at the brand new venue, The Racquet Club. Talented technicians converted a basktelball court (!) into a screening room for 640 of our closest friends and industry types.

Festival lodging came through with condos for all right across the parking lot from the Racquet Club. Even Shane didn't mind the five boys that had to troop through his bedroom to get to theirs every morning and night.

Alas skiing was not in the cards, especially for a cash poor (but experience rich) boy like me.

Memorable moments included partying with the boys from South Carolina, mincing in inappropriate shoes across fields of snow, putting Shane on various busses in various states of intoxication, and running our celebrity heavy venue with Swiss Watch presicion. Not without serious support from the concientious Swede (aka Shane) and the Hisidic good looks of Hilary. Oh and Cheryl the Elder was right in there too.

On to Miami. Thank you American Airlines... your 777 is a lovely machine, I've never had 10 seats to myself before.

Worked the first big day at the Regal multiplex with Debbie and Amy yesterday. It went pretty well, but forsome reason there were a lot of technical problems... definately notquite as slick as TIFF or Sundance. Also there is this stupid membership program at the festival where people donate money at the"Actor" "Director" or "Producer" level. So everyone and their dog is going around with passes that say actor/director/producer, except they have nothing to do with the film or have any special priveledges at all. Ya, that's really an excellent system with no room for confusion. Yup.

Our accomodations are at the fabulously located (but slightly disappointingly appointed) Dorchester Hotel. Funny fact: it's directly across the street from the Shore Club hotel where Ossie Davis died two days ago. Ossie and Rip Torn and Peter Falk were here to film a movie when Ossie died in his hotel room. Then yesterday Peter Falk came tothe Regal to see a movie!

Miami Beach is a bit nutty... the architecture is crazy, after all we are in the Art Deco District. The food is pretty expensive, but there is a good variety.

Stangely, downtown Miami literally shuts down at 5pm and Miami Beach keeps rocking until 4am. I did stick my toes in the Atlantic. I hope to have a beach day on Tuesday, my one day off.

The long days are just beginning, but we're on a roll, so nothing can stop us. Getting in four screens with 4 or 5 movies a day each will keep us busy. Yes.

And now for me it's back out to Miami Beach where the weather is a balmy +24 celsius... and the air is dewy sweet all the time.

This city ain't so bad...

2005-01-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

It's the little things in life that make it good... I just found a jazz-lounge station on the inter-web from Baden, Switzerland. My favourite aunt was the city councilor in charge of youth and culture projects for 10 years in Baden. I bet she knows all about this internet radio station... they probably have some amazing studio in a loft built in an old mill on the edge of the Limat River or something. I suppose one day I will get my act in gear and go over there to experience these things first hand.

http://www.lounge-radio.com/liveradio.htm

But currently I'm on my "discover western Canada" leg of life.

I met a very cool couple of folks last week. They are friends of Allison, a person I worked with at Harbourfront. Jonathan and Julie have also just moved to Calgary. They are part of the Ontario Influx... the same group that myself and Daiva and Lyndee belong to. Is it right that we think we are going to liberalize and bring culture to this conservative western town?

Well, I've also met some pretty cultured Calgarians. At the One Yellow Rabbit party on Saturday I met a bunch of those. There I met a woman named Brenda who single-handedly runs the Fairy Tales gay film fest here. I volunteered to help out. Is it another one of those "big city big shot shows backwards cowtown how it's really done" situations?

http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com/

No. If there's one thing I learned in Dubai, it's that you can't move into a strange land and expect to take over and show them how it's done. Just like in Dubai, this project should belong primarily to the city it's born in. Halfway through our time in Dubai, we Canadians had to stop and re-evaluate our methods. We couldn't impose our policies and rules on them outright... we learned that we had to respect their way of doing things. On the other hand, they did learn a lot from us too.

Have I mentioned I'm flying to Miami right after Sundance to work at the Miami International Film Festival? That's right boys and girls... directly from snow, to sun.

What else have I done this week... got my Alberta Health Card... shot a demo video to enter the FoodTV chef contest... won $1.60 at poker... went for sushi witih A BOY... did some shopping.

Not a bad week.

My Blog deflowered

2005-01-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

My friend Michael decided that I should create a blog. I guess it's a bit more humble than sending those impersonal mass emails... but I have friends with blogs, and they are all geeks! (Just kidding Hilary, Michael and Mike).

All right, I'll give it a shot.

I live in Calgary. I've just moved here. I haven't worked here yet, which freaks me out a bit. The irony of quitting my job in Toronto and moving to Calgary is now I have the time to go and work these cool gigs in other parts of the world. But as far as actually settling in here in CowTown...? I have a social life, but no work life. And I'm not used to that.

So I've been to Dubai recently. Some other Canadians and I were really lucky and with the fabulous Winston Morgan as our leader, we fearlessly boarded business class and set out for the Dubai International Film Festival. Our trip was a wild experience, filled with hard work, incredibale scenery and service, amazing and different people and yes, the Persian Gulf.

Now I find myself in a 2 week limbo before the next gig: the Sundance film festival in Park City Utah. It is going to be an absolute blast with some of my best friends: Shane, Hilary and Cheryl. We craftily created a team of talented goofballs to run one half of the new Racquet Club venue.

I'm still debated the merits of the next gig after that, which is down south... the hitch is the pay is dreadful. I'll keep you up to date.

This is Oliver signing off... reminding you to help control the pet population, have your pet spayed or nuetered. Goodbye!

Oliver in Calgaria

2005-01-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

Hey hey hey....