New Pulp Cards: Launch Party!

Superstars! Missing: Sam, Lisa and Lauren

 A huge thank you to everyone that came out to support us!

Raffle Ticket-Cards

 Cake, expertly made by Katrina Tenbroek

Schiller - Liebesschmerz (Lover's Pain)

I have always been a big fan of Schiller, more so when it was Christopher von Deylen and Mirko von Schlieffen. Mirko was from a club music background while Christopher was the ambient/world music expert. Together they have made some amazing music and one of my favorite tracks of all time (also my ringtone for when my girlfriend Renee calls), Liebesschmerz, which is German for Lover's Pain. Liebesschmerz was one of the last great songs of the 1990s and the last songs produced by Mirko von Schlieffen before be left Schiller due to creative differences.

I tried to translate what the German guy says during the breakdown of the track and here is what I got:

Weit im Nebel grauer Ferne, liegt hier das vergangene Glück
Nur an einem schönen Sterne, hängt mit Liebe noch der Blick
Aber weh des Sternes Pracht, ist es nur ein Schein der Nacht
Die Liebe kann alles verlangen, doch auch vergänglich kann sie sein
Was dahin ist und vergangen; kann es denn die Liebe sein?

Wenn das Liebesglück auch flieht, der Liebesschmerz wird nie vergehen...

Far in the distance, gray fog, here is the last chance
Only on a beautiful star, with a view of love is still
But woe to the star's glory, it is only an illusion of the night
Love can demand anything, but they also may be transient
What then is passed and, because it can be love?

If the love and happiness flees, the pain of love will never go away ...

The Internet Has Made Over Reported Stories Too Surreal

When I first thought of this blog post I was going to say that it made bad journalism too readily available, but it's always been something where there's been a surplus. Rather, there are so many sites reporting on every case, new information or not, with hastily written updates and copied and pasted "informative" pieces that I feel it's gone beyond the repetition and sensationalism of cable news into a New World of circularly linked "facts", alien "human" interest stories, and talking heads whose lack of credentials are painfully illuminated by the marvels of Web 2.0.

Case in point (or rather, the sole inspiration for this post, though I could easily touch on the Norway massacre): the Grand Threat Auto: Rapid Fire murders.

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/07/live_coverage_police_report_mu.html

(check the latest update).

Long story short, black man with a history of violence who describes himself as a "tech building engineer" on his Facebook (haven't found it in my brief search, I don't know if Facebook is just immediately taking down anyone who is involved in a news story like this or if he's private/I missed him in my search) guns down a total of seven people in two different locations (both shootings involving a woman he was previously in a relationship with). He then engages in a high speed chase, takes an old baby boomer couple hostage, demands cigarettes and Gatorade in exchange for one of the hostages and finally ends the hysteria by shooting himself. Along the way he got in a couple of road rage incidents that resulted in no serious injury, with one victim in particular having been saved by his childhood Wolverine obsession:


http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/grand_rapids/Titanium-plate-saves-man-shot-in-nose

We're treated to the expect wave of sympathetic murmurings from public figures, incoherent and alternatively maudlin or vindictive babbling from public commentators, and writers slavishly devoted to dullness who try to make things like

"At one point during the chase, the suspect crossed a wide grassy median on the interstate and drove the wrong way down the highway with more than a dozen squad cars in pursuit. Hours later, the highway remained closed."

interesting.  It's supplemented nicely by pictures of people milling about because they heard Little League Games were cancelled

And stock educational articles like this one:

http://www.mlive.com..._rodrick_d.html

That would enrage anyone with a cursory knowledge of unusual crime gleamed from Dexter or Wikipedia. What makes this interesting to me is the "since he's black can we really call him a mass murderer?" spin it takes, and the fact that the community college professor level "expert" who was advised on the article not only indignantly defends himself in the comments but has a link to his Facebook:

http://www.facebook....stopher.kierkus

It all feels just too close, too mundane to me. It's become like watching the police show up in my neighbourhood after local kids who were trying to use a retractable dog collar to grapple up the side of a car but instead broke its window. Searching Mr. Dantzler on Facebook and finding a dozen groups like Rodrick Dantzler Youu A Stupid Mutha Fuckaa makes virtual rubbernecking feel so uninteresting. It's more fuel for my increasing ambivalence to our connectedness.

NEW PULP CARDS has Officially launched!

Check it out! NEWPULPCARDS.COM

Norwegian Cruise Line

Hi Everyone!

I am a first time blogger and am really excited to be part of a collective that my good friend has started through her eco-friendly greeting card business, New Pulp.

My name is Irene, I just graduated from Ryerson University in Fall 2010, and I am a costume technician. Back in February, I was offered a 2 day job as a dresser with The Capitol Theatre in Chatham, ON working on the musical CATS. I wasn't sure if I was going to take the job for the reason that I would be spending more money than I was going to receive. But having thought it through and talking to family and friends, I decided to take the job for experience only since I had no professtional jobs coming out of university. And boy I am glad I did!

While I was working on this gig, I started chatting with the CATS touring company's Wardrobe Supervisor, Gillian, and she mentioned that she had worked for Norwegian Cruise Line for 2 years. Now I had been doing research on cruise liners throughout my 2nd year of university hoping that I would someday work as a costume technician, however, heard that it was very difficult to get on one by yourself and especially in the entertainment department. So once Gillian mentioned Norwegian Cruise Line, my eyes lit up and I started asking questions. After asking the basics like what is ship life like and is the food good?, she saw the excitement in my facial expression, and offered me direct contact to the Wardrobe Manager of Norwegian Cruise Line (the person who puts people on the ships to work). Gillian gave me an AMAZING recommendation and I got an interview. One and a half hours later, I got my first contract with NCL!!!

So here I am! Ready to embark on three upcoming contracts; 2 - 2 week contracts and 1 - 6 month contract starting October 29th. I will be posting pictures, videos, and keeping you posted on what ship life is like, the good and the bad.

Coming up...
Taking a look back at my first contract on the Norwegian Star!

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF NEW PULP CARDS AND NEW PULP: THE BLOG

THE TIME HAS COME! New Pulp Cards and New Pulp: The Blog are throwing a big party at Harlem Underground (745 Queen Street West, Toronto) on Thursday, July 28th at 7pm. Everyone is welcome, stop by and help us celebrate!

The website will also be launched at 12:01am on July 28th so look out for the debut collection of cards. We'll also have them at the party, so come and take a look at them in person.

The Skin of Our Teeth

Hello from Hong Kong!

This is my first post here, and am really excited to talk about the show I designed for in Hong Kong. The play is called The Skin of Our Teeth, and is a play that was written originally by Thornton Wilder back in 1942. The play itself is quite abstract, in a sense that it jumps back and forth between present time back to cavemen era and back.

So the one that was done in Hong Kong was basically adapted from it and the director made it set in present time Hong Kong for Act I, then to the early 1900's of Shanghai in Act II and finally ending the play in the 1930's WWII era in Shanghai. The story itself revolves around the Antrobus' and all the dysfunctional happenings that go in between the relationships in the family. And through these events, it tries to tell the audience the truth about mankind and that a lot of screw ups, mishaps and catastrophes of the world stem from us, and in the end it'll all repeat itself so long as the existence of human beings. It also talks about how arts and literature in society help improve ourselves as people and teach us love and what not; whereas technology sometimes, can actually backfire on us.

It was rather interesting for me when I designed these costumes because I had so much interest in clothing from that era, especially in Shanghai. Here are some photos from the play: (these photos are taken by the AFTEC and I don't own any of them)

My bio!

annnd I've recently just updated a new make up tutorial on Tinkerbell that was from another show I did back in June please visit Mmmhmm That's what she said .

Crystal Light Canada: Designer Purse Challenge - Jennifer Burland

Crystal Light Canada recently put on a contest to promote some new flavours of their popular powdered drink mixtures. It involved submissions from people across the country of a custom-designed purse that was inspired by one of the new flavours. The criteria was minimal, allowing amateur designers much room for creativity; it must have a space for a water bottle and three Crystal Light single drink packs. Only 8 designs would be chosen to receive $1000 towards building the purse in a workshop, and then they were later featured on the runway at a private fashion show with three judges from the industry. The competition was narrowed down to the Top 4 category, and the purses were then subject to a voting spree by the public. Top purse design and designer wins the grand prize of $5000, and anyone that votes for the winning purse has a chance to win that bag filled with Crystal Light goodies.

Our very own Jennifer Burland, stylist and fashion designer, entered the contest back in April. Not to my surprise, she surfaced as a top contender and was quickly placed in the Top 8 category! This meant she was given the chance to build her purse and have it viewed by people all across the country. Jenn's purse is inspired by the flavour Grapefruit-Tangerine, and has many, many features: the purse is a handbag AND can be morphed into a beautiful clutch! Made from exotic stingray leather and gold studs, the purse offers space for a bottle of water UNDERNEATH the purse compartments (it won't crush anything you have inside), expandable bottom for a roomier handbag, a gold-studded pocket on one side for the Crystal Light single packs, and handles that can easily be hidden inside the purse. The really great thing about this purse is not only the shapes and colours, but the feel of the stingray leather - it's like little glass bubbles ontop of the leather's surface (natural for a stingray, not synthetic), it is extremely durable, and IT GLITTERS in the lights!
Please take a moment to check it out on the Crystal Light Canada: Designer Purse Challenge on Facebook and place your vote for her purse (you can vote once a day if you like). The pictures really do not do the bag justice, but I am sure from the description above you can get a better idea of what you are voting for. Plus, you can win sweet stuff. Help bump Jenn into the top spot! Voting ends August 2nd, at 5:00pm ET. 



Co-Ed Roller Derby Game in Toronto!!!! July 23!

Hey New Pulp Followers!

I know I am supposed to share a little bit about me but I've been pretty busy lately. For those of you who don't know me, and that would be all of you, I am a rugby playing roller derby fanatic and a full time (theatre costumer) working girl.... you can call me eSkimo Jo and for now that's all you need to know.

So I will need to keep it short and sweet tonight, because I'm really on to spread the word about a roller derby event this Saturday! It will be the GTA Rollergirls' first ever co-ed scrimmage. Sure to live up to its name and the picture in the poster, Co-Ed Catastrophe will feature the graceful ladies of GTAR and the fumbling men of our league as well! There are also a few skaters from the 2 other roller derby leagues in Toronto (TORD and WEWRA). If you want to see spills, this is the game to watch. I've been spying on the boys of both teams and let's just say I've been practicing hopping so that they can't suicide dive and take me out!

Here are the deets:

Doors open at 6, game is at 7. Be early and watch the teams warm up, then you'll know which one you'll want to cheer on! Also you can snag the best seats or get your camp setup in the suicides (this is on the arena floor, so bring cushions/or camp chairs!)

$8 advance tickets are available in person at Red Tent Sisters and Way Cool Tattoos on Queen. To buy advance tickets online check out Brown Paper Tickets.

Tickets will be $10 at the door, so get em early and save! Kids under 12 get in for free.

We will be selling Mill St beer at the snack bar! So you can have a cold frosty while you watch these teams duke it out on the track.

Parking is FREE, but for those of you who want to ride the TTC to Ted Reeve Arena (175 Main St) just walk south from Main Street Subway Station. Or via the 506 Carlton Streetcar (get off at Gerrard and Main)!

Coming from further out of the GTA? You can take the GO train to Danforth Station! Walk south over the bridge!

Can't make it out to this bout? Check out the Chrome Mollys vs Peterborough Roller Derby August 12 at the same arena!

Want to give roller derby a try? Come out and talk to us after the games. Our next fresh meat intake is August 30th, we have spare gear to lend out and we'll help you get up to speed, no skating experience required!

For more information about the GTA Rollergirls, check out our website!

Blue Neptune at TOTA Night Club

Our very own Blue Neptune is playing a live set tomorrow, Thursday, July 21st at 10pm at the TOTA Night Club (Queen and Bathurst), 19+ and NO COVER. Also playing that night:

Kowall
http://soundcloud.com/kowa​ll/organics-vol-1

AndNow!
http://soundcloud.com/andn​ow/andnow-minimal-minimix-​live

Ainsworth
http://soundcloud.com/ains​worth

Check out Blue Neptune's sound at Sound Cloud

Blue Neptune - Just Show Me (Original Mix) by Blue Neptune (Minhaj)

The Hydrant (Toronto's Hidden Doggie-Lover Secret)

In today’s hustling and bustling world, where everyone wants “ease” and “convenience”, where big name corporations run the show, it is a breath of fresh air when you locate that special gem.

Gem: –noun

1. a cut and polished precious stone or pearl fine enough for use in jewelry

2. something likened to or prized as such a stone because of its beauty or worth: His painting was the gem of the collection.

3. a person held in great esteem or affection.

The Hydrant is the very definition of a Gem. 

Every dog needs a collar and leash. Everyone loves a patterned collar and leash. Sadly, most get their products from those big named corporations. Cheap prices. But what most people do not realize is that cheap prizes equal cheap product. 

The Hydrant offers you beautiful patterns, beautiful craftsmanship, and extremely durable products. Each and every piece is lovingly slaved over by Lindsay Shostal. And you know you are guaranteed the best of her work because she puts her name to everything. It is all a reflection of this creative, innovative, businesswoman. 

The Hydrant initially began with the adoption of her beloved Doberman Pinscher, Logan. When, as Lindsay puts it, Logan proved to be the worst puppy in Toronto, and her hired dog walker gave her the “sorry, but I don’t think it’s working” notice, it inspired Lindsay to find a solution for people who have more problematic dogs, whom are also larger than your typical lap dog. The Hydrant was born. 

After The Hydrant got off the ground with dog walking and boarding, Lindsay’s creative urges began to tug on her. Thus, the one-of-a-kind leashes and collars were born. You get to choose your pattern from quite an array of fabric and Lindsay gets hard to work, resulting in your pup being the hottest thing in the park!

Want something more for your dear puppy-poo? You can also deck out your pooch in some vibrant, eye-catching leg warmers, a tie (attached to your matching collar) or a bowtie! 

Basically, The Hydrant offers everything a dog owner could want, right in the downtown core. Boarding, walking, collars, leashes, the list goes on. And I am more than positive that the list will continue to grow! So please, help support the small businesses of our massive city. In a world where beauty and quality are quickly overlooked, if you just take the time to look around, you would be surprised at the wonders around the corner.

Personally, I’m waiting for the pretty girlie headbands for my pooch. ;)

To contact Lindsay for your personal order today:

By Appointment Only
Nearest major intersection
King St West/Spadina Avenue
Toronto, Ontario

Tel: 416-562-5499
Email: dobermanmom@gmail.com
 

All pictures are property of The Hydrant. Printed with permission of owner.

New Pulp Cards: COMPETITION!

Papyrus has just opened up two stores in downtown Toronto, and they happen to be absolutely gorgeous. Aside from the card tycoon being a top competitor to my precious, new-born New Pulp, I really love the designs Papyrus uses on some of their cards. The whole store concept is also very boutique, bright and exciting, much unlike a Hallmark or Carlton Cards... which makes it painful to walk past as it is situated near my work. The stores have their walls lined with brightly coloured graphic cards, expensive gift wrap sheets (not tubes!), boxes of thank you cards, small gifts, and a Custom Printing section in the back that offers consultation for making any kind of printed matter you might require (aside from posters and the like).

I must sound like an idiot for promoting their new stores and products, but hear this! They are quite expensive, especially for the fancier cards (obviously). Another drawback to their brand is materials. What I noticed from their shop and website is their giant ecological footprint. Below is a statement from their website on the paper and ink they use:

PAPYRUS & the Environment Paper Papyrus papers are made from fiber harvested using sustainable forest management. Sustainable forest management means the environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of forests for present and future generations. Inks All Papyrus cards are printed with soy-based inks. Soy-based inks are made from soybean oil, a renewable resource. Unlike petroleum-based inks, Soy inks have low levels of volatile organic compounds which help to reduce air pollution during printing. Soy inks also respond to de-inking better than petroleum based inks, and facilitate the making of paper waste into recycled paper.

Sounds a bit better than what I thought they may have been using, and although they say their sources are renewable... it's still a whole lot of sources for the amount of stock each store carries (online and offline).

BT - Flaming June (1997)

Before Brian Transeau did original music for films like Monster, GO, and The Fast and The Furious, he produced trance music under the name BT. Flaming June is one of the greatest works in the trance music genre. Co-Produced by a once brilliant Paul van Dyk, the song appeared on BT's second album titled ESCM before getting a single release of it's own. The single reached number 19 on the UK Top 40 charts and still continues to sell countless digital and physical copies.

Sweat: an Art Show (July 15th - 29th)

This past Friday, I spent a portion of my evening attending the opening night of "SWEAT" An Art Show at Oz Studios, 134 Ossington Avenue. Organized by my dear friend Kate Thornley and her colleagues Sam Singh, Kira Shaimanova and Chelsea Canlas, this specific setting showcases works by local artists surrounding the theme of "sweat" or: "Each artist will explore the physical, ideological, social and cultural notions of sweat. Ultimately, "Sweat" will be a study of a most basic human condition, interpreted through a collection of witty, humorous, and dynamic illustrations," as the organizers eloquently put it.

The collection was exactly that: bizarre at times, but totally mesmerizing and charming. Taking a walk around the long, crowded room, I got the feeling that many of the artists didn't take the word "sweat" literally in their works. Many of the pieces were elusive and offered the sensation one gets with sweating; that slight chill, tingling, full-body reaction (minus the gross aspects of the bodily-fluid). Although many of us in attendance were actually sweating due to the large crowd and summer heat, the show was a huge success.

 The Artists:

Terry Baker Alex Beaton Inga Borisenoka Chelsea Canlas Will Cardona Anjo Chiang Inkyung Choi Gillian Goerz Jesse Graham Yoojin Guak Ko-Hsin Hong Jacquie Jeanes

Kassem Haena Kim Diana Luong Jessica Mundell Taj Nabhani Javier Ortiz Irva Saraci Kira Shaimanova Sam Singh Caitlin Taguibao Kate Thornley Kat Verhoeven

Organizers Kate, Chelsea and Sam

Merch

Diana Luong

Diana Luong

 Kassem

Kate Thornley