The infamous and mysterious "NAZI" Skytrain sign. Click for a wider view.

I’m only an occasional SkyTrain rider, but when I am on there, I like sitting right at the front of the train, in the little seat conveniently situated directly at the forward window, and enjoying the cool straight-down-the track views. This also happens to give me a clear view of the signage intended only for train personnel, including certain ones with mysterious codes that are visible shortly after exiting each station. These signs bear random four-letter codes like HIQZ and such.

But I sure did a double-take when, leaving the Nanaimo station, I spotted the one that read… NAZI.

I know it’s just a random code and not intentional, but I’m still startled every time I see this sign. I always look for it, and I intended to grab a photo of it when I got a chance, just to confirm that it REALLY read what I thought it did. I mean, maybe that was a number one, not an “I”, at the end?

Well, the photo op finally arrived, and sure enough - that’s what it reads.

I have to wonder, isn’t there some way they could have fudged their little code system and avoided this attention-grabbing-for-the-wrong-reason word? I mean, they leave out the “Q” and “Z” on telephone number pads, and the 13th floor is usually skipped on elevators. But I guess no such thought occurred to the genius planners of this code, or anyone right down to the sign painters - they stuck to their plan.

You’d think they’d reconsider this, considering that probably more than a few people already refer to the transit cops as “Skytrain Nazis” (though I’ve certainly never had a bad experience with them). One also thinks of the claim that Mussolini, for all the murderous abuses of his Fascist regime, at least “made the trains run on time”. (Though it turns out that this oft-heard claim is false.)

At any rate, that  jarring word is currently clearly visible to any attentive rider on Vancouver’s fine (but perhaps secretly evil) transit system.

The year: 1981. Inspired by the then-recent “Stars on 45” phenomenon, and having realized all the Village People songs were timed to the exact same tempo (no doubt for easy mixing in the discos), I put together a medley of them, armed only with the primitive tools available to me at the time:  a turntable, a cassette deck, and a dexterous finger on the “record/pause” button.

Flash forward to 18 years later and I can share my creation with the world. Enjoy the Village People Retro Megamix!

Our fearless musical leader Ashley Lambert-Maberly was on CBC radio this afternoon talking about THE SUPERMUSICAL. It was classic Ashley, funny and informative! For those who missed it, you can listen by clicking below. Enjoy!

I know that Firefox is considered a superior browser by many, with its close adherence to Web standards and a lot of flexibility thanks to the wide variety of plug-ins available. And if you’re on a Windows machine, and thus are having Internet Exploder foisted on you, it’s always recommended (though Apple’s also-excellent Safari has also been available on the PC for some time).  However, I’ve come to realize that I find Firefox’s way of doing certain things to be quite annoying, especially after having seen how Safari does the same things far more logically and elegantly.

Is the following just me? Is there a “better way” to achieve these in Safari?

1. When you enter a username and password, and Firefox offers to remember it, you have to click a tiny button at the upper right of the page. Safari pops up a dialogue box with a highlighted button you can just hit “Enter” to agree to or “Esc” to cancel. Theoretically more obtrusive on the browsing experience, but far easier to actually use quickly.
2. When returning to a page with a username/password “remembered” by Firefox, you still have to enter the username yourself before the password will get autofilled-in. Safari pops the last user/pass combo in automatically, with no typing at all required. Theoretically less secure, but on my home machine, I don’t care.
3. Firefox tabs - how do you convert them into freestanding windows? Unless I’m mistaken, you can’t. Safari - a direct drag-and-drop does it, intuitively and attractively.
4. Firefox requires a window to be already open before any items selected from the History menu will actually work. (Strangely, not the case for the Bookmarks menu.) Same for calling up your Home page with option-Home on the keyboard - unless a window is already open you can’t do it. Isn’t it obvious behaviour to open a window if the user has performed either of these actions?
5. As you type an address, both browsers suggest an auto-complete option. But Firefox keeps the popup list of suggestions separate - below the address bar and requiring you to arrow down or click on them. Safari keeps trying to fill in the address bar, which you can ignore, or - if the suggestion is correct - just hit Enter to accept. Potentially, one less step (and I find Safari’s autofilled-in suggestion is often corrrect).

Even if there is some way to resolve these complaints in Firefox, I have to say, if it involves adding a plug-in or changing some deeply-buried preference setting, then Firefox still comes up short - since Safari does these things so much better, right out of the box.

I’ve tried to switch to Firefox more than once, but with no discernible speed difference, and these nagging interface kludges, I just can’t do it. And now that Safari 4 has come out and does indeed seem to be faster (along with a few other nice improvements), I’m not going to try to switch again. Unless someone can convince me why I should. Anyone?

This year’s spectacle of silliness from The Broadway Chorus is a sci-fi spoof that’s out of this world!

When fashion designer Lance LeCroix accidentally develops shocking superpowers, it’s the beginning of a great adventure that launches him - and us - on a wild ride to infinity and beyond! Will evil hypnotist Dr. Mesmer succeed with his evil crime spree? Will the superheroes and supervillains unite in time to stop aliens hell-bent on destroying the Earth? And just what happens in a superhero support group meeting? Find out in The Supermusical!

Featuring songs from such shows as Billy Elliot, The Little Mermaid, Chicago, and more, plus two hilarious original songs from Gil and Sarah Jaysmith, The Supermusical is the most ambitious production yet from The Broadway Chorus.

Dates: June 17 through 20
Location: The Waterfront Theatre [map]
Tickets: Email ashley.lm@ubc.ca or call 778-322-7182.

Tickets are $20, and $15 for seniors, students, and children. All shows begin at 8:00pm.

The Waterfront Theatre is located on Granville Island, on the south side beside the Kid’s Market. Parking is free everywhere on the island after 7:00pm.

Good or Evil? Find out here with bios of the major characters of The Supermusical!

At long last, I’m thrilled to report that I finally booked (and, last Thursday, shot) a TV commercial. Now I can officially say that I’m in “the biz”! And I also learned first-hand just how little your perception of your audition performance has to do with the actual results.

Although I’ve been auditioning for three years, there were cycles of busy times and dry spells. The actual number of auditions I’ve been to in that time is about 35. So, still a lot of attempts, and a lot of rejection.  (I should mention, however, that this success comes only a short time after signing with Shanti Brett, my new agent at Play Management. I went on many auditions with my previous agent without booking a thing - and then was dropped by her. So things definitely turned out for the best!)

While I never had any illusions about the odds of being selected, and basically just enjoyed the process and the unique challenge of each experience, I did have more than a few moments of doubt when I wondered if anything was ever going to actually happen. So I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to now be able to say that I’ve actually done it. They liked me, they really liked me!

At first, though, I thought I’d blown it.

At the original audition, I got to do two run-throughs of the basic action of the commercial - a skinny guy trying to insinuate himself into a hot-tub packed full of giant-sized sumo wrestlers. It was me, and one large guy in a chair. On the second try, I’d been asked to make it more “physical”, to really try to “get into the tub” - but when Sumo Guy growled at me, I backed off, and the wacky physical comedy didn’t happen. My audition ended, I emerged from my haze of concentration into the bright sunshine outside, and only then realized that an opportunity for some really funny physicality had just slipped by. And I felt absolutely miserable.

I beat myself up for days over my “blown chance” to show off my aptitude for physical comedy. In auditioning, you have no idea what they’re looking for and the only way to feel successful is to have simply shown them your best. I was convinced I’d totally failed at this. I even considered writing the casting director to ask for a second chance - but I knew that was, and would appear as, an act of desperation and was a Bad Idea. So I just resigned myself to chalking it up to a learning experience. But it was still eating at me.

Then I got a callback!

It was like a gift from the gods. Sure enough, my perception of total failure was wrong - they had seen something they wanted to see again. I felt like a condemned man getting a reprieve.

At the callback audition, I wasted no time in bringing on the physical comedy - mixing it up to hilarious effect with the now four Sumo-size guys seated before me. This time, I really felt I’d done something approaching my best.

And then… I got an email from my agent saying I was “First Refusal”. OMG! I hadn’t even seen that term before, but clearly it implied that the role was mine to turn down. My head swam. I was in new, uncharted territory! I didn’t want to celebrate yet, though, until I was sure I had officially booked the job, which had not technically happened yet. But late the next day, it did.

And that’s how I came to be at a 60’s-era apartment complex in Kerrisdale, at poolside, in swim trunks, preparing to jump into a hot tub full of Sumo wrestlers! Well, actually just very large guys who had been made up to look the part with makeup and wigs.

Luckily it was one of the record hot days that we’ve had lately in Vancouver - perfect weather to spend in the water.

Before the hilarity could commence, though, there was of course lots and lots of waiting. When I arrived “on set” at 2:30pm for my 3pm call time, traffic cones were in place on the street and behind the building, but there were no trucks in sight. I was directed to the apartment located in the rear of the building, overlooking the pool and hot tub area. It was an unfurnished apartment which had been converted into a working area for the makeup team. When I arrived, they were busy hiding the various tattoos on the Sumo guys, and applying sumo wigs - complete with ponytail - to them. They didn’t need to attend to me for quite a while - my makeup needs were much simpler.

Finally, the trucks arrived, and it started to really feel like a film shoot. This is where it also got a little surreal. Until then I was able to remain quite relaxed and nonchalant, chatting with the A.D., the makeup people, and the Sumo guys, and just strolling around and observing everything. But when the crew appeared, and gigantic reflectors and equipment was being hustled into place, it hit me just how much effort and logistics were being brought to bear to enable me to do this wacky little scene.

I think the most surreal moment was simply when the mobile dressing room truck pulled up. They’d said that this was where I’d be getting my makeup done (the Sumo’s were all taken care of back up in the apartment), so it was surprising and kind of neat to know that this was just for me. (Though the truck was certainly also put to use for other purposes.) So many times I’d seen the trucks and bustling activity of a film shoot, and longed to be a part of it, not just on the outside looking in. Now, that moment had really arrived!

It was actually easy to stay grounded, though, since everyone involved was so friendly and down-to-earth. I quickly set my mind on the task at hand - changing into my swim trunks and getting made up and “ready for my close-up”.

One funny thing happened as Kyra, the makeup woman, and I walked back to the building from the mobile dressing room. A neighbour dashed over, a middle-aged Asian man with only moderate English but great enthusiasm, and indicated he’d like a photo. I was all ready to oblige, but then he handed ME the camera, and zipped over next to Kyra to pose for a picture! Somehow he’d decided that she was the “star”. So naturally, I obliged and snapped away. Afterward, we were both amused at his choice. I guess I simply looked like a guy about to jump in the pool - whereas she radiated true Hollywood glamour!

From there, it was more waiting, watching, and occasional snacking, until I was finally called down to poolside. The Sumo guys were “arranged” in the hot tub first, then I came in and we started running different scenarios. Kennan, the director, advised me on what he wanted, sometimes coming over and showing me what he had in mind.

The ad is only 10 seconds long so there were lots of different attempts to put the idea across of me having difficulty getting in a tub already filled with five indifferent, stone-faced, or downright hostile Sumo wrestlers. Sometimes I just stood there contemplating things, sometimes I eagerly tried to join in. There were a few scenes with a beach ball - the five guys laughing and playing around, then falling silent when I arrive and try to join the fun, and resuming laughter when I slink off.

But the funniest one was probably where I did just what I’d looked forward to doing at the audition - clambering right in and over them. It was totally physical, me all arms and legs sprawling and climbing around them, at one point with my legs straddling the head of one of the guys and me leaning on his Sumo wig (very carefully, of course!). After that one, the guys said they’d had a hard time not bursting out laughing!

Finally, they had enough stuff “in the can” - and it was all over. I got dressed, then bid farewell to everyone with handshakes and thank-you’s all around. It had been a total blast.

Now, I can hardly wait to see what they actually pick for the spot - and of course am looking forward to posting a copy of it online as soon as I get a copy. It won’t be seen here, alas, as it’s for SuddenLink, a U.S. cable/internet/phone company. But their service is quite widely distributed - over 17 states! - so my poolside goofiness will be seen from California to Texas to West Virginia. Cool!

Oh, that reminds me - I almost forgot to answer the obvious question: what’s the ad actually about? Well, when I was at the wardrobe fitting I happened to chat with the guy who wrote the ad, and he said the theme of this series of ads is: “Getting into a hot tub full of sumo wrestlers is hard. Using their cable/internet/phone service is easy.”

Now it all makes sense…

This week, the media is ablaze with coverage of volunteers for Vancouver Rape Relief and women’s shelter - including me.

Jewish Independent profiles my VRR work

First, the Jewish Independent has a story about me that focuses on the volunteer work I do for Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter.

It was written by my friend, writer and filmmaker Cassandra Freeman, and while I am normally a shameless publicity hound, I confess it feels a little unusual to be profiled for this work, which I choose to do for entirely personal reasons, not any public recognition. But ultimately, I’m glad at anything that helps Rape Relief (and the men’s Housefunding Committee) get more attention – especially with their annual fundraising Walk only days away. (You can read more details about the walk here.)

Click the image to view a scan of the entire article as it appears in this week’s print edition of the JI - or read it online at the Jewish Independent’s website.

Tin Can Drive featured in the Courier

The other story to hit the stands focuses on the upcoming walk and the monthly Tin Can street fundraising drive, and includes interviews with D’Arcy Pocklington and Jacqueline Gullion, two of my fellow volunteers with the Housefunding Committee. It’s a very cool article - check it out here.

Like the J.I. article above, the print version includes a photo which is left out of the online version, so if you want to see D’Arcy and Jacqueline, be sure to pick up a copy of your local Courier this week!

As many of you already know, my partner Christine and I have announced our engagement! Yes, after nearly four and a half decades of singlehood, I’m finally crossing over into the land of maturity and getting hitched. Hooray!

Now comes the fun part: planning the nuptials. Oh, boy… it’s quite the project. Naturally there are lots of things to sort out, and decisions to make. Chief among these are the food, and the music. For the former, we’re open to lots of possibilities though there are some specific dishes we’d like to include. For the latter, we’re committed to having a live band… and some horns would be nice too!

Since nothing is more reassuring than a recommendation that comes from personal experience, I’m throwing the question out to everyone: can you recommend a good source for the catering… or a great band to provide the tunes?

And if you have any other suggestions, tips or advice on putting on a fun and whimsical yet down-to-earth ceremony and celebration, while not breaking the bank, they would be extremely welcome.

Looking forward to your feedback - email me at adamabrams@shaw.ca. Thanks!

Well, the Google Street View (GSV) vehicle has at last been spotted here in Vancouver. If you aren’t familiar with GSV, it’s the feature that shows a street-level view on Google Maps, for certain locations - up to now this has mostly been the US. Now, one or more camera-equipped cars have been spotted prowling the streets of our city, snapping away with their prominent roof-mounted, multi-lensed camera.

Although some have an issue with privacy concerns around GSV, I’m in the opposite camp - I’d like to be “captured” by the Google-cam when it reaches my West End neighbourhood! My friend Brian was, down in Castro Valley, California, in front of his parents’ home - it was very cool.

To succeed in my quest, I’ll need help to know when GSV is in the ‘hood. So if you spot the Google-mobile, let me know - either email me or, for those of you on Twitter, send a tweet to @cosmocanuck . And hey, if you provide a key tip, I’ll even send you a token of my appreciation. So… keep those eyes peeled! Thanks!

How would you like to enjoy a walk around the Stanley Park seawall, a delicious buffet-style picnic lunch, and live musical entertainment - all while helping support a local women’s shelter?

That’s just the opportunity that’s coming up at the end of this month, with the annual Walk for Rape Relief. It’s a fundraising walk for Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter, a volunteer-run organization that’s been providing a “safe house” for women escaping male violence, and a 24-hour crisis line, for over 35 years.

I’ll be participating as I have since 2001 - and I encourage you to get involved too. You can support Rape Relief with a pledge (I’m always trying to set a new record for my pledge form!) or by walking yourself, which allows you to leverage your donation by giving your family, friends and co-workers the opportunity to pledge as well. It’s a fun day in the park for a good cause.

You’ll find some great photos of a recent walk here.

I hope you’ll support the 2009 Walk for Rape Relief!