The Toronto Inside Out LGBT film Festival officially starts May 17th and goes to May 27th. Everything from screenings, artist talks, panel discussions, installations and parties. So many events for everyone to check out. This LINK gives you a tease to movie trailers for the films this year. You can follow them on Twitter @InsideOutTO

The Festival started in 1991 out from “a small community of people who yearned to see film and video created by and about lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people.” It is now Canada’s largest festival of it’s kind and in the top five world wide. Over 200 films and videos from Canada and around the world will be welcome to the over 35,000 who attend. In short, The Toronto Inside Out LGBT Film Festival has a reputation “as an international leader in the presentation of queer film.” This year, the Festival celebrates their theme of “Fearless, Shameless, Timeless” with films that have come from international film makers. There is so much to see, and do this year. My blog is merely the surface of what is available this year at the Festival.

Haven’t you always wanted to be a Virgin again? Well now you can. It’s simple.

Ah, Gay Xmas, AKA Pride … its just around the corner. To support fellow members of the Queerio community is always a good thing when getting ready for our once a yearly celebration. In my opinion, you can never start getting ready too early. Here are a few gems worth shares, tweets and likes for your fellow Queerios! You may have started wondering where you are going to get your a custom T shirt, a new hair cut, or who might be looking for volunteers for the Pride Festival. I also consulted with my resident fashionista, Cee from The Art of Wor on tips for Pride 2012 and on “what to wear.”

From Left to Right: Brian Oblivion, Nathan Aguilar, Gabriel Rodriquez, Madeline Follin

If I can remember the Poutini’s orders correctly, Gabriel had the smoked meat, Nathan had the bacon, and the duo shared the maraschino cherry. I mean, the cigarette. I mean, the small regular.

Outside my reservations of speaking on camera, interviewing Cults was as close to the life of Barbara Walters I ever thought one could get. Sure, it took a solo head count down a bottle of grigio, followed by an hour of pacing and scribbling outside the margin of a Moleskin, and a meltdown on Gorevale to prepare, but no one got hurt, so let’s move on.

Not only did the majority of the band batman the second they arrived at the Gladstone (a publicist’s nightmare), but Cults traded in their handbags for whisky at the door and were pretty enthusiastic about bird nests, mobiles, cigarettes, poutine, talking to strangers, disrupting hotel guests, bathroom breaks, hugs, etc.

Brow furrowing though, Brian and Madeline are a dynamic most worthy of additional comment – despite Nathan’s approval of my inclusive approach to interviewing – they are WAY fascinating comme deux. Moments with them that might never leave my head: a) endlessly whispering to one another all night long and b) sitting adjacent to their conversation and seeing the look in Brian’s eyes as Madeline’s laughter filled the hotel’s entire fourth floor. Easy. Bake. Oven.

If it weren’t for the fact that I knew Gabriel didn’t drum for the band (because they were in a big fight with the drummer and left him at home for the night), at first I thought Gabriel was crazy enough to be a drummer. Instead of crazy though, he turned out to be really fun! One of those fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants kinda dudes. The one who’s always down for whatever but still totally capable of killing someone if you needed him to. You know, the guy who makes you laugh a lot but you’re scared to be alone in a room with (in a good way). That’s Gabriel. He’s also officially now competing for the ‘best hair’ award. Go Gabriel!

Personalities aside, “Go Outside” is a great single, and I think as far as throwback Motor City tunes that meet feminism and hit you like malt liquor and cocaine go, Cults owns the genre. I call it Shoegazer Bubblemint in E Flat, you call it Hipster, Snax calls it lame. Cults 7″ is still music that’s selling records and constantly under the fingernails of youth around the world. No matter how you look at it. Whatever happened to ‘don’t hate the player, hate the game’ anyway?

Sure, the band wouldn’t be where they are today if it weren’t for cliché dreams art school and the internet, or because somehow California still plays the coolest place on earth in every blockbuster film. But who cares? It’s Cults! They brought bandcamp to life!

Regardless, there’s a lot less irony associated with this band than I think a lot of people would like to admit. Quirky names aside, The Tipping Point sat on their bed stands for years and I bet Silicon Valley references always fly when in-house inspiration bursts. They’re just another great band in America making friends along the way. The music is good. The timing is right. The people are legit. What more do you want? Opie to end it with the porn star? Not going to happen – Jax would never let that happen.

All photography ©Courtney Lee Photography 2011

WORDS BY KATHERINE ALICIA SNACK

Its countdown to the 2011 Pride Festival. Amazing events are happening for the Queerio community. These organisations planning to entertain you with their wit and grit, also work all year round to provide support and various fun things to do.

Stud Magazine

This magazine was started to provide information and support for “non-gender conforming females.” Being a Stud isn’t about sexuality, but “gender performance.” Education is an important topic for the ‘zine. Studs often don’t find the same opportunities as other people, as their gender expression usually isn’t well received. The site provides youth info about how to best get from high school into post secondary education and beyond.

There are a variety of other topics. My favourite is the Image Gallery, where you see pictures of Handsome Studs, and Fine Femmes. Oh, so hot. Also, check out the the health and artistry sections as they deliver info in a very sexy way.

The official Launch Party is happening Sunday July 3, 2011. $10 for the first 100 tickets with $15 after. Strongly suggested to get the tix as soon as possible, as this could be a sell out, and missing this would be a disappointment. There maybe $15 tix at the door, but if you really want to go, get them now. The dress code is “Clean fitted and fly.” Expect to hear awesome sounds from 5Star* DJ Mary Mac* As well, Home grown T.O talent Dey, dope vocal artist Mo with host Alana Lowe. The event takes place on July 3rd starting at 10:00pm going to 02:00 am. It will be held at the NSC Gallery 5 Brock ave (Queen st West & Brock) Its 19+ ID REQUIRED.

Fruit Loopz Youth Stage

This is a returning event for youth under the broad spectrum of LGBTQ. It is the home base celebrating the community of queer and trans youth. SOY, or -Supporting Our Youth- partners with Pride Toronto. Many artists, singers and spoken word performers illustrate through their mediums of choice how it is to be who they are in this day and age. Join them on Saturday, July 2 · 1:00pm – 10:00pm at Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, Alexander Parkette, 12 Alexander Street

The Sherbourne Health Centre is the supporting organisation. The services that they provide year round include a Trans Person group discussion, the “It gets Better” campaign and “Youth Speak OUT” If you are looking to meet up with fellow Queerios for the Dyke March, Trans March or the Big Parade, check this out

The Flying Beaver Pubaret

This new style of pub at 488 Parliament Street isn’t just a place to go out and get a bite to eat and drink ale. Shows feature hot local talent to the world famous. Everything from Comedy to Dinner and Show events. So, as the owner Maggie Cassella says “Its a Pub its a Cabaret, its a Pubaret!” Two new chefs bring a menu to please any picky palate. This is the perfect place for Sunday Brunch before that long wait on Yonge Street for the Parade to Start.

Pride at the Flying Beaver starts on Thursday June 30th with Match Fever. Its $10 to get in. It is both a Youth 19 + AND a Plus 40 event. Translation? There will be more than one round! Last time they held this event, there were three rounds. This version of “The Dating Game” features “little eager beavers deliver(ing) your beavergrams to anyone with whom you might want to build a dam!” Starts at 7:00 pm and onwards to close. On Sunday, it ends with the ALTERNAQUEER after party. DJs MKW, Michael Venus, and Triple X – No Cover. Starts at 10pm. Here is the complete list of all their Pride events.

Switch Porn Party

At this awesome venue, Oasis Aqualonge. you will find a great place to get laid, or at least, watch other people doing just that. Their last one was in April, and more are to come (pun intended…) The SWITCH! crowd is unique from other play parties in that it INCLUDES cisgendered men, transmen and everyone in between. Carrie Gray of Aslan Leather states “no gender police..just a whole lot of kinky queer fun!”

There will be a live porn shoot w DrewDeVeaux and Lily Cade, and Dj Sasha Van Bon Bon spins the tunes. 2500 sq ft of luxury play space complete with dungeon, pool (thats right, I said pool) and lots of places to “watch, play and fuck.” Tix are $25 adv, and $30 at the door. Here are the deets to how to get them You can find it at 231 Mutual Street, half a block or so from Church and Carlton. The event runs from 9 pm til 3 am. The poster says otherwise, I guess Carrie was just being a bit ambitious! A party of this size is just crazy.

Have a Gay Old Time

As one who has done more than a few Pride festivals, let me fill you in one a few words of advice. There is nothing worse than the “Pride Hangover.” It’s a combination of sun stroke, not drinking enough water and drinking WAY too much beer. Eat a bowl of Pho. before boozin it up instead of scarfing down street meat when that drunken urge hits you to eat something. Sunscreen, while yes can be sticky, really -IS- a necessity. A hat doesn’t need to be dorky, but its best to keep something on your head. Drink LOTS of water and dont feel a bit of shame to dump water on your head to keep you cool. This is especially important if you are heading to the never ending Beer Tent on Church Street. Fellow Queerios, have a safe and fun time. HAPPY PRIDE EVERYONE!!!!

words by shona

I really don’t understand the hatred felt towards Valentine’s day. I thought we were over the whole 1973 celebrating Christmas in October because then it won’t be commercialized anger towards the man schtik. To me Valentine’s is a mid-winter pick me up that gives the world permission to gorge themselves on chocolate, unnecessarily rich food and champagne. Obviously, like any woman, I’d rather be surprised with a bouquet of daisies out of no where, but I try not to expect these things from a boyfriend on a student budget.  Men on the other hand, hate Valentine’s day because not only is it another date to remember but the appropriate gift can be impossible to find. Personally, I set a low budget and gave express instructions: underwear and cheesy chocolates. Guys seem to get the short end of the stick on valentines, if you take the time, nothing says “I love you” like a vintage playboy and a six-pack.

On the other hand men’s underwear have taken a sharp turn thanks to the efforts of Andrew Christian and his built in penis underwear . Check out these, uh, flattering briefs.

If embellishing underwear isn’t your thing or it’s too early on to figure out a gift that doesn’t scream, “Look at me! Notice me! Marry me!” the homemade meal for two is my personal favorite. Not only does it give reason to splurge on lobster, tenderloin, and oysters but it’s cheaper than a night out and cozier too. For Valentine’s I’ve got your basics covered with these two options: A) A sexy brunch in bed preferably served in your skivvies or B) Romantic candlelit dinner on the couch. There’s no need to be too formal or you’ll just end up run ragged with the details. The following menus are perfect for most any occasion where you want to make an impression, not just Valentine’s.

BRUNCH

Brunch is one of my favorite meals because it’s so frivolous. You can eat food from any set “meal category” sweet or savory breakfast, a sandwich, whatever. Valentine’s is a time for indulgence, here’s a menu that manages to satisfy cravings for both sweet and salty. The french toast is insane and if you don’t feel like making caramel sauce it goes perfectly well with both maple syrup and melted chocolate. Make a big pot of coffee or tea, throw a couple flowers or hershy’s kisses on the tray and prepare to be worshiped.

Brunch in Bed Menu

Freshly Squeezed Orange or Grapefruit Juice

French Toast with Salted Caramel Sauce and Creme Fraiche

Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon

Scrambled Eggs/ Eggs Sunnyside Up

DINNER

If you’re going to make a fancy dinner make it rich, rich rich. If you save your pennies for one showstopping ingredient it’s easy to use cheaper staple items to make a spectacular meal. I urge you to try your best to find organic, fairly raised meat and seafood products if not for your health and the environment but for the flavor. The potato risotto included is so delicious and so much easier than the traditional rice-based risotto. The point of this menu is to curl up with a big bottle of cabernet sauvignon and eat together comfortably.

Night In Dinner Menu

Green Salad

Pepper- Crusted Duck Breast/Steak with Stout Pan Sauce

Potato Risotto

Stemaed Green Beans/ Asparagus

Strawberries and chocolate- easy

If all else fails, order a platter of sushi, and pick up some Sapporo and Sake. Sake bombs and sushi all round

The Tales of a Canadian Girl Living in Southern Virginia

By: Kimberley Cuachon-Haugh

I love this column for the reason that I am able to share with all of you the ridiculous bullshit that I encounter on a daily basis here in Hampton Roads, Virginia.  As disconnected as the region is where all the cities strive for nothing more than being individual from the other, it clearly mirrors the majority of the people in the area that lack the synapse to prevent them from acting like such dumb asses.

Lend your ear if you will to this crap.  My husband and I headed to Virginia Beach Town Center, about 20 minutes away from home.  Running late for the 8 p.m. comedy show that we were invited to by Quincy Carr himself, we were turned away at the door at 8:10 p.m. due to “lack of attendance”.  Yes, let me paraphrase, we were not let into the comedy club because the turnout was weak.  After my husband said, “But we’re here to spend money on food and drinks” they still refused to let us in.  While trying to make sense of all that was going on—I still can’t fucking understand it—I managed to divulge that I was writing about the evening’s show.  Due to the manager’s lack of education and perhaps reading ability, he wouldn’t let us walk through the door.

Allow me to paint the picture for you.  The bar was completely empty, heck, the servers were drinking and hanging out.  It was d-e-a-d and they still refused our business.  The obese manager would rather continue trying to get his underage waitress drunk in order to bone her (hopefully) by the end of the night.  In order to defend himself, the manager stated that they have been seating for the past hour and a half.  My question to that: Who the hell were they seating?  Did I mention that The Funny Bone has a policy that all attendees must call to make reservations ahead of time (for which we did)?

The more I thought about it, the more ridiculous the manager’s reasoning sounded.  We were not allowed in because the computers were closed down and we had to be issued a ticket, but yet we had complimentary tickets from the comedian himself and that would not be accepted because the theater is not full because hardly anyone came out for the show.  Are you with me?  Does this sound ridiculous?

What floors me is that people are still being left in awe as they continue to ask the questions such as:  Why does no one know anything about Hampton Roads?  Why is this area not striving?  Why are we not evolving into the competitive market that we should be?  Let me answer those questions in three words: Country bumpkin mentality.  There’s no sense of urgency, there’s no sense of surpassing expectations, there’s no sense of sense.  As a girl living in the US for the first time ever, I pray to God, Buddha, and anyone else who may be up there that Americans cannot be this fuckin’ stupid?  Right?  What’s scary is that the largest naval base in the world is located here.  Great, dumb fucks with guns, “America the great”?

The Christmas shopping season officially arrived two weeks  before Halloween. We are sent on a quest, to  find the perfect prezzie for all the good boys and girls on your list. It’s a hustle and a bustle all around with stress and long line ups. Well, it’s the year to find a balance in all of this. I present to you, the solution to prezzie buying and giving to charity that isnt all that painful. Here’s our picks for the top charities to give to this holiday season.

Canada Helps

Canada Helps is an online Canadian charity that  “allows charities to accept donations over the Internet.”   Gift cards can be purchased to be sent via email, or you can print them yourself, ready for gift giving.  You buy the card, and the person who gets it, chooses who they give it too.  This makes Secret Santa gift giving a breeze. Everyone can get in on it, and see what different charities people end up supporting.   This also works for  awkward gifting. Perfect for the  distant cousin that you have never met, and will be popping by  for Christmas dinner.

Daily Bread Food Bank

A great example is the Daily Bread Food Bank. Being hungry is never pleasant, especially at this time of year. They are also always looking for  dedicated volunteers.

CHUM Christmas Wish

CHUM Christmas Wish drive is in it’s 42nd year. Here’s the scoop. “Donations in the form of cash, cheque, and new unwrapped toys for newborns to children 18 years of age will be accepted at most RBC branches across the GTA, our home at 299 Queen St. W., and our new Wish headquarters located in Mississauga at 1366 Blundell Rd.”

Events around the city also welcome you to give to their  drive. The Cheval Bar is holding their own Charity Drive on Saturday December 11th and Saturday Decenber  18th 2010. Bringing in a new unwrapped toy will win you free entry to “Just Because We Love Our Heels – Holiday Edition.”   You get to give to a child, AND dance the night away.

Sistering

Here at PinkMafia, we are supporting  Sistering. This is  “a women’s agency serving homeless, marginalized and low-income women in Toronto.” In short, they struggle with providing basic necessities of being a woman.  Imagine not having the funds to  buy pads, tampons, make up, shampoo, or conditioner.

A  full list of needed items is on our website. And dudes, you can help out as well. Laundry soap and tokens are always needed.  Donations can be dropped off at the PinkMafia Lair, at 600 Bay Street Suite 403  until Monday December 13th 2010. Any donation big or small counts. We will take any toiletries you can spare.

Tis the season to be jolly, and thankful that you have what you do. Giving to charity is never out of style and you literally will be making some one else’s day.

words by shona

Tales of a Canadian Girl Living in Southern Virginia….

By: Kim Cuachon-Haugh

Last week I went in for my six-month dental cleaning.  Now, I have been to this dentist before but yet again they had me fill out the new patient forms just as I did six months ago.  And so I succumbed to the tedious forms, “No I have not been diagnosed with HIV; No I do not suffer from any respiratory difficulties….”

After all that nonsense I was sat in the dental chair, enter the dentist and he said, “Oh, I remember you, you’re that Canadian.”  That Canadian?  Really?  I quickly ran through the latest Canadian news I caught upon and I don’t remember my name or face being associated with anything illegal or humiliating.  And then I realized that maybe I was his only Canadian patient.  I felt kind of special right then and there even when he went on and on about the CFL which I could care less about, just like most Canadians—unless you live in the Prairies.

With the spit sucker in my left cheek he jumped right into the Raptors and how this NBA team is nowhere near the other teams in the league because of its rookie players.  I really wanted to bow this shit out of the water and totally debunk this, I love Chris Bosh!  But I had heavy suction happening.

A few days ago I was the floor manager for a pilot being shot in Arlington and as is customary working on set with new people you intro yourself and that brief relationship grows with every re-take.  And so I went on with my I am a Canadian spiel.  I instantaneously became a point of interest to everyone on set.  One of the camera guys came up to me in between a take to ask me where in Canada I was from and tried to regurgitate as much info about Canada as he could.  While he thought Toronto was on the west coast, he certainly receives an A for effort.

Living in Canada I repeatedly heard about how ignorant Americans can be, but I guess over the last week or so I experienced it firsthand.  A dentist, a man in media, these people are not your average country bumpkins, how do they not know about us?  It’s a shame that a couple of people can ruin it for many but quite frankly one of the only reasons why Canada has any resonance here in America is because of the Olympics and that the Winter Games were held in Vancouver.  I can’t tell you how many people tell me how much they want to visit British Columbia, many of which cannot even remember the name Vancouver or British Columbia, they just call it “The place where the last Olympics were held.”

Geez, okay.  This is what I have to deal with.  While I certainly enjoy the attention of being “that Canadian” or time and again “the Canadian” it’s quite pathetic that we Canadians lack a presence here.  The only real existence that has any ounce of meaning is the fact that you can pick up a case of Molson Canadian at any 7 Eleven, something I admit is kind of cool.

Montreal native MELISSA AUF DE MAUR is definitely no newbie in the industry. With an extensive resume playing for Hole for five years and touring with bands such as The Smashing Pumpkins. Melissa is now touring for her second solo album “Out Of Our Minds”

Melissa went to an arts elementary school and high school then went to Concordia University to which she got her BFA in Photography. “Out Of Our Minds” is not only an album it is also a film and a graphic novel. When I asked Melissa as to why she decided to make the album multi-media based she stressed how important it is for her to “grow as an artist” and that it was about time she got back to her “roots” of visual arts after being a “full-time rock musician“. “ Over the years technology has been growing so much that I was easily able to intertwine various arts for the album.”

As much as I was excited (nervous) to interview Melissa I got even more anxious in knowing how broad her talents range from. She worked with Ric Ocasek (former “Cars” front man), Rufus Wainwright and had many of her photos were published in magazines such as Bust and Nylon. For OOOM she had Chris Goss produce the song “22 Below” and Glen Danzig sing with her on the track “Fathers Grave”. I asked her what it was like working with them and she responded in the most down to earth manner. Apparently Chris Goss produced half of her first record while Jordon Zadorozny produced the other half. She told me how Glen Danzig (former Misfits vocalist) was her all time child hood hero when she was sixteen. She gushed at how shy she was upon first meeting him and that she never had collaborated with someone like him before. She sent him a personal letter telling him what he meant to her as an artist and how when she was in Hole she wore a Danzig sweatband at every show. The letter obviously paid off. Melissa went on to say that the album was “a journey on how amazing people are”. She hopes to at some point have a “mini danzig..a mythical warrior” inside her.

While listening to OOOM there is no denying that it has dream like images. Melissa told me that dreams have always had a big impact on her during the creative process and partly why she started playing bass, “dreams guide me thru my music”. This record she was inspired by aliens, 3D sounds, dreamscapes, psychedelica and time-travel. Her music is a way on how to live her life, “a quest thru life in a creative jungle”.  Along with her belief of life after death and haunting ghosts fading in the background Melissa invites us to travel OUT OF OUR MINDS.

Another exciting thing about Auf De Maur’s tour is that its worldwide. She’s excited to use Canada as a launching pad for the tour especially since she hasn’t played in Canada for a while and this is her chance to explore its greatness another time. She’s also immensely excited to travel to Poland/Prague because it will be her first time there. She stressed that every city she gets to bring her art to is a pleasure.

My last question for her was one I always thought about as an artist myself. I asked her what piece of advice she would have given herself about the industry before getting into it. As a true artist would say she said “keep everything at hands reach. Be as creative as possible. Don’t treat it as a business. Do it for the honour of respecting music”. She told me that she never really thought music would actually pay her bills so she feels very lucky whilst still living a simple-modest life. She’s most definitely a true artist. Check her stuff out at: xmadmx.com/

The Tales of a Canadian Girl Living in Southern Virginia….

By: Kimberley Cuachon-Haugh

What is making front page news is the policy that is banning teens from the only Norfolk mall after 5 p.m.  To put things in perspective, it would be as if anyone younger than 18 not being allowed to shop at the Eaton Center—I know.

The ban, which has been in effect for a year now permits minors to shop after the curfew time only while accompanied with someone 21 or older.  Steep rules indeed, but this isn’t because we live in the Bible Belt, child, but due to the “number of unsupervised teens congregating in the evenings.”  Isn’t this in violation of the First Amendment “Freedom of religion, speech, the press, ASSEMBLY, and petition”?  I guess it doesn’t apply to those who can’t vote.

MacArthur Center, Downtown Norfolk

An overall consensus reports that there has been a decline in shoplifting but it’s a mixed bag when it comes to sales—the GM is saying sales are up while some retailers are saying nay.  Sorry Forever 21, Aéropostale, Abercrombie and Fitch, Charlotte Russe and American Eagle, looks like the majority of your clientele will be MILFs and cougars for the most part now, or those who are desperately trying to hold onto their youth.  I really shouldn’t say that because as a 24-year-old, I love Forever 21.

I can see both sides of the coin, especially with my past retail experience—teens were a pain in the ass to deal with at times.  But let’s be honest, in a down economy where people are worried about their 401 K (RRSP in Canadian lingo), the dipping value of their homes, job security and lack of bonuses, the people who have the money to blow on a $150 “Hailey” cardigan from Abercrombie & Fitch are the same people who are stocking up on beauty products containing salicylic acid.

If these retailers who serve the teens to tweens oh so fashionable customers continue to report declines this mall, called MacArthur Mall will turn into another country bumpkin shopping center.  Then you’ll see the Mall Walkers Association develop with grandma leading the way and Tai Chi demos at noon.  There’s already such little incentive for anyone youthful to hang around downtown why take this away too?  If anything good is coming out of this, it is the persistent teen-picketing outside the mall that is truly bring all types of youth together for a common goal—praise to the First Amendment.

Tales of a Canadian living in Southern Virginia…

By Kimberley Cuachon-Haugh

Excessive wait times in ERs made front page news last weekend in The Virginian-Pilot outlining a new SOP Medicare is rolling out.  Living in the US now for a year, I am still baffled as to how healthcare works in this country—insurance (or lack thereof), co-pays, claims, reimbursements etc.  In fact, after my first physical that I had here I walked right out the door and the receptionist came running after me for my credit card.

With every American that I have dove into a conversation with thus far, the two topics of discussion that go hand-in-hand are: high taxes and “free” healthcare in Canada.  Whenever my husband jumps into the conversation, after I brag about how nice it is to not have to worry about whether or not your personal budget permits you to go to the walk-in, he emphasizes that healthcare, without question, is something that Canadians truly do pay for.  The average American is deducted 26–30% on their taxes, whereas Torontonians max out at 29% Federal tax and 11.6% on Provincial Tax, not to mention the 13% HST that everyone has to deal with.  When I use these stats I always get the “oh my God, how do people live?” question.  And to mess with whomever I’m speaking with even more, I throw in that we have a one-year maternity and paternity leave.

But getting back to the topic, when Obama passed the new healthcare policy a man-on-the-street type interview was done gathering comments from anyone who heard about the new bill.   A gentleman was inflamed and said that if he doesn’t care about taking care of himself, why should other people be forced to take care of him?  Laughingly I realized that he had a point.  I remember when the no-smoking ban was being passed Torontonians were cursing smokers who were voluntarily putting their lives at risk and were selfishly not only clogging their lungs, but hospitals, and in turn healthcare funds.  Americans want choice—they always do—and Canadians have it all but are growing more and more frustrated about the blanket mentality where everyone is being kept warm by the government, even though there are those who shouldn’t be.

Sad to say, health is just another business here in the United States, and because of that clinics are doing everything they can to keep you as their customer.  Flipping through local and regional newspapers and magazines here, I am astounded at the number of health related advertisements: OB/GYNs, general practices, and so on.  I do very much enjoy the over-the-top customer service that I receive each time: on-time appointments (that has never happened to me in Toronto), friendly-reminder calls to confirm appointments, after-hours answering services, heck, I even got invited to my gynecologist’s family gathering.

Looking at it now the philosophy is still the same whether or not you live in the US or Canada that in the long run, we’ll fuck you.  America: “We have great service, we’ll make your appointments as convenient as possible, we’ll even call you to see how it’s going, but if you don’t have the cash here’s all the paperwork to fill out, good luck to ya and move the hell on, brother.”  Canada: “Everything is free, however, if you want anything more than the basic you will have to pay out of your own pocket, we’re sorry about the 9-hour wait times in the ER, and are totally unbiased opinion on who should or shouldn’t get healthcare, so in the end if you don’t end up getting all that we have taxed you for social healthcare, you’re at a loss.”  And that’s how it rolls.  If I may leave you with something, there is a hospital here that allows you to look up wait times on the internet and pay $24.99 to hold a place in line at the ER.  Talk about the American dream.