On Saturday night I went to a friend's bday party at downtown @Cobalt. It's a bar/lounge cocktail bar, located near Bathurst and College. It's a very chic place, and i was a bit underdressed for the atmosphere. I just came from band practice, and i was wearing a long sleeve beige shirt with a black Clockwork orange Tee above it..

This was more of a trendy collar shirt venue, but not in a "business casual" sort of way. Think striped short-sleeve shirts or zippered fitted sweater tops. The women in the place were very stylish, ranging from arsty prep-punk to Club Monaco sleek monochromatics to Aritzia/Queen St. urban mod (accents like a chic hat like a friend wore to the Phoenix a few weeks ago* or a scarf). The music was unfortunately a disappointment, because the Dj was playing quite dated and radio abused music, reminiscent of a friend bringing over a CaseLogic 100 CD holder and appointing himself as the " house DJ" for the night. So we heard stuff like The Vines ("Get Free") and White Stripes ("7 Nation Army"). There were some "newer" music playing, but to my chagrin it was shit like "The Darkness". Arugh. I remember the music being much better that last time I was there, so perhaps it was the pop alt-rock night or something..

Anyway, I arrived quite last because of the band practice (as well as a going out for dessert with a friend who just hooked up with a great guy! woo hoo!). It was quite tired, and debated whether I should go. Once I did arrive, I was SO glad that I came. I met some very cool people, as well as got to see the birthday boy himself! One of the guys is in an old school hip hop rock band, and he plays piano and the cello. I hope to check out his band sometime, because it sounds very cool and they've won many battle of the bands competitions in Toronto.

There was a story recounting events from last weekend, where 2 of the guys were possessedby the upper Pool gods. They were just playing a game of pool at a pub, and this busload of high school students came in like they owned the bar. A few of the macho adolescent males challenged them to a friendly game of pool, of which my friends whipped their asses in under 2 or 3 turns. They OWNED the table for 2.5 hours (over 10 games), totally possessed. It was funny b/c they were saying as they got drunker, they kept on sharp on the ball before the shot. It was hard to walk over to the pool table and put the cue in hand, but once it came down to the shot, again it was a bulleye--they were even placing the ball for the next shot, which is incredible. When they finally lost (i bet the drink finally took it's toll--they accidently scratched on the 8-ball), the entire bar cheered!! Crazy!! I wish I was there to experience that.

What was also funny was a conversation they had with some of the girls. They were apparenly hot, but had nothing upstairs:

"So, where are you from?"

"London"

"Oh yeah whereabouts?"

"I don't know..."

"What? How do you not know?? OK.. well are you from the North or South?"

"uhh.. I don't know about those sort of things.. "

Sad sad sad. You don't even know if you're from the NORTH or SOUTH? We joked about asking "OK, what mall are you near", which i'm sure she could have easily answered something like "Oh, like, it depends on what direction dad's driving." Ah well. They have some years to grow up, right? Let us pray they wake up and smell the scent of reality rather than the Ralph Lauren parfume they're soaked under.

3 More Months...
One topic I had to discuss was the new Toronto bi-law that will take in effect May 2004. I can't believe it's been 5 years since I first heard this in 1999. Way back then they said they were transitioning the stubborn city through multiple phases, taking out smoking in any indoor public space. Remember when they said that phase 1 was banning smoking in any restaurants, and watching all these owners being forced to be either an all ages restaurant or a 19+ bar? The days of going to a local pub for lunch for under-agers were no more.

Anyway, i remember hearing that distant year of 2004 saying when bars/clubs/bingo halls/casinos were going to be added to the list. Well, gosh darnit, it's actually 2004 and come May the next phase will come into effect. The birthday boy is one of those Denis Leary "SMOKING IS A HUMAN RIGHT AND WILL EXCERCISE MY RIGHT TO SMOKE WHENEVER I WANT" guys who'll be kicking and screaming all the way to the hospital when he gets lung cancer at 32. I can't wait until this come into effect, and i won't have to wreak of smoke when I get home and cough my way through the haze of bars/lounges/clubs/pubs anymore. He says he'll bring his own ashtray if he has to.

Pathetic. It's like a tireless old man yelling and screaming about "the good old days" and "how 'the man' has taken our rights away. Watch my single tear fall from my face for you. It's funny how such a small group of ppl can be so freaking loud and cranky. No one is listening, don't you get it? the louder you get, the better ear plugs we have to get. That's about it. While they're enjoying their cigarettes in home bathroom close to the toilet fan, cross legged listening to Leonard Cohen and muttering about their freedom, I will be out downtown and enjoying my right to breathe inside again. :)

All in all, I had a great time there and I was glad I came by. I wish my superboyfriend was with me, but i know he had to get up v. early the next day.. I was actually in his area when I was dropping the bday boy off (ah yes, Taxi Man was rearing his fine head again -- na, it was a special occasion being it was his bday though!) which was by Pape and Gerrard, but I don't think he'd appreciate a 3:30 a.m. wake up!! :P. Afterwards I went back and had a few hits on my pipe with one of my best buddies also came out that night, and watched about 45 mins of "Old School" (see image left) .. Pretty funny movie! i'll have to watch the rest some other time.


Anyway, It was good times had by all, and I hope this is will be a good 24th for him!

Take care,

RE

*see January 9/04 entry