How would you describe your comedy style?

A blend of silliness, sarcasm, and passionate storytelling.

Who are some of your influences?

Mr. Bean, Daniel Tosh, Dave Chappelle, the genie from Aladdin, and Terry Crews in the Old Spice commercials.

Who was your favourite comedian growing up?

Robin Williams.

Who is your favourite comedian now?

It varies day to day, but as I’m writing this, I’m watching a YouTube video of Larry David getting mad at a parking lot gate because it won’t accept his credit card, causing him to hold up traffic. So Larry.

What is your pre-show ritual? Anonymously walking through the audience, covertly spraying a homemade aerosol potion to brainwash them into becoming an angry mob so they heckle the entire show and provide me with juicy crowd work clips. I also always drink a club soda with lime.

What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?

Toronto, because the late-night food in this city is incredible. It’s a deflating experience to finish a show only to find out the only food option is the Kit-Kat inside the Star Wars: The Phantom Menace-themed vending machine in the lobby of your motel.

What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?

When I was in grade 3, my teacher, Ms. Strilchuk, was trying to teach us the word “synonym,” and to make her and the class laugh, I kept pronouncing it “cinnamon” with slight variations. Not the most creative joke, but I committed 100%. After a couple of minutes, I had her in tears, which I was very proud of because I had a massive crush on her. She was hesitant to consider a relationship because of the age gap (she was in her late 20s and I was 8), but I knew the way to her heart was making her laugh. Sadly, we never dated.

What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?

Live shows, by far. The live experience is so different from what you see on social media, and you get a much better sense of who a comedian really is by watching them in person.

Tell us a joke about your city.

Toronto is known for its state-of-the-art public transportation, and there are NEVER issues.

Do you have anything to promote right now?

I’m touring across Canada, and you can find a full list of dates on my website

Where can we follow you?

Instagram

PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?

Jordan Policicchio

The post Tragedy Plus Time: Comedian Dustin Searcy appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

This silly and funny lady marches to the beat of her own drum, especially when it comes to outdoor time. Zola prefers a leisurely stroll, making her the perfect companion for anyone who enjoys a relaxed, low-pressure routine. She is incredibly food-motivated and will proudly show off her excellent sitting skills in exchange for a tasty treat. While she appreciates having her own space initially, she has a wonderfully sweet side and warms up beautifully on her own terms. Once she feels comfortable, she loves to express her affection by leaning gently against your leg or even curling up right in a friendly lap for some gentle companionship.

Zola is ready to bring an abundance of personality, laughter, and quiet affection to a loving home. If you are looking for a special companion to share peaceful moments and plenty of treats, please reach out to meet this wonderful available pet today.

Zola

Breed: Mixed Breed, Medium (up to 44 lbs fully grown), Mix

Age: 7 years

Sex: Female

Size: M

Colour: Tan

Spayed/Neutered: Yes

For Toronto Humane Society’s complete adoption process, please click here to learn more about how you can make this companion, a forever friend!

About this column:

Each week we feature animals available for adoption from local shelters in the Toronto area with the hopes that our readers will assist in finding good homes for them. If you, or someone you know, has the resources to take care of one of these animals, please do get in touch with the appropriate shelter via the links provided.

The post Zola the dog is looking for a new home in the Toronto area appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Polo is a cat who truly knows his own mind and values clear communication. He is a sensitive soul who loves connecting with people on his own terms and thrives in a calm, predictable environment where his subtle cues are respected. While traditional toys and treats take a backseat to simple human companionship, Polo expresses his unique personality by finding cozy perches high up in his cat tree to observe the world around him. He prefers a serene atmosphere where he can bond deeply with his people at a relaxed, comfortable pace.

If you are looking for an independent yet affectionate companion who appreciates a peaceful home, Polo is ready to meet his perfect match. We invite you to reach out and learn more about how to welcome this wonderful available pet into your life.

Polo

Breed: Domestic Short Hair, Mix

Age: 1 year

Sex: Male

Size: M

Colour: Black / White

For Toronto Humane Society’s complete adoption process, please click here to learn more about how you can make this companion, a forever friend!

About this column:

Each week we feature animals available for adoption from local shelters in the Toronto area with the hopes that our readers will assist in finding good homes for them. If you, or someone you know, has the resources to take care of one of these animals, please do get in touch with the appropriate shelter via the links provided.

The post Polo the cat is looking for a new home in the Toronto area appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

How would you describe your comedy style?

My comedy style works best when I use particular words in a preplanned order. Fun fact: I usually personally have constructed the words into what is called a sentence or rhetorical question. Some of the words I use are longer words as well. Some words consisting of like 5 or 6 characters, but then I’ve been known to throw in an Onomatopoeia like “BLAM!” or “KA-CHUNK!” or my favourite “GLOOSH!” We certainly have fun on stage. The words are used in order to magically manipulate a group of people to elicit laughter. It’s pretty cool.

Who are some of your influences?

My influences are the interesting people that often surround me, so anyone (Even you: the one reading this could be an influence). I’m also influenced by people who like to laugh and volley a riff. People who can create comedy jazz and who are able to play or paint the hypothetical banter of the absurd. I hope that answered this question.

Who was your favourite comedian growing up?

Growing up, I would gravitate to people who could tell a story or a street joke. People who were genuinely funny. My favourite comics would be anyone in the public eye being genuinely funny, but if you truly need an answer, I would say my uncles and aunts. Anyone whose goal it is to get a laugh.

Who is your favourite comedian now?

My favourite comedians now are many of the newer comics that I am fortunate to work with. Comics who have a drive and excitement for the art of stand-up comedy. I like watching comics that still have excitement in their eyes.

What is your pre-show ritual?

Other than the Tibetan Sky Burial Ritual?! I usually settle for a coffee and a walk. However, if I can’t get the coffee or walk, I’ll settle for a Wiccan seance ritual.

What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?

My favourite place was the Underground Clandestiny. It was a true 420-friendly speak-easy run by Puff Mama in the east end of Toronto. I recorded my album “Born Crying Die Laughing” there.

What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?

It’s a meta bit about how I once got heckled for “making people think.” The bit speaks volumes about the way people don’t like to think anymore and would rather only feel. The bit then bleeds into a skit about how the average audience aren’t true fans of comedy but more fans of laughing. It then concludes with a hilarious act out of me unaliving myself because I chose to pander to the feeler fans of comedy rather than making people think. It’s not a crowd favourite, but it is my favourite.

What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?

Sirius XM Comedy Club channel is a great way to discover some of the greatest comedians you will hear. They run through many of Canada’s finest!

Tell us a joke about your city.

Toronto has the CN Tower: a very tall structure, if you didn’t know. Can you tell me why it’s called the CN Tower? It’s called that because everyone is CN it! I’m CN it. You’re CN it. The joke works best if you understand that “CN” sounds or reads like “seein.” Jokes are pretty cool and funny when you explain them.

Do you have anything to promote right now?

Check out my latest Album “Dark & Silly”; it was recorded on December 21, the Darkest Day of The Year.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram is the platform I’m mostly on.

PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?

I would have to pay it forward to all the comedians affiliated with Comedy Records; that is a solid, funny crew, and you’d have many hours of listening if you check them out.

The post Tragedy Plus Time: Comedian Garrett Jamieson appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

The organization says several blood types are now at limited inventory levels, creating concerns about maintaining a stable supply for hospitals if donation rates do not improve.

Every week, Canadian Blood Services requires approximately 18,000 booked blood donation appointments to meet the ongoing needs of patients across the country. Over the past six weeks, however, weekly appointments have fallen short by between 1,500 and 2,500 donations, forcing the organization to rely on existing inventory to keep up with hospital demand.

Although blood donations typically decline during the summer months, Canadian Blood Services says this year’s decrease has been significantly greater than expected.

“We’ve seen the blood supply decline by about 20 per cent in just a matter of weeks and we need more donors to come forward now to reverse this decline,” said Ron Vezina, Vice President of Donor Engagement and Corporate Reputation at Canadian Blood Services.

Because donated blood has a shelf life of just 42 days, maintaining a consistent supply depends on people donating regularly throughout the year rather than only during emergencies.

The organization also notes that demand remains constant regardless of the season, with blood needed daily for surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care, chronic illnesses and emergency situations. With the August long weekend approaching, officials say trauma cases often increase, making it especially important for hospitals to have adequate supplies on hand.

To help meet demand, Canadian Blood Services has added additional weekend appointments at many donor centres and is also offering whole blood donation appointments at several plasma donor centres.

Officials are encouraging both first-time and returning donors to book an appointment as soon as possible. Those who already have an appointment are also being asked to keep it, or cancel in advance if they can no longer attend so another donor can take their place.

Eligible donors can book an appointment through the Canadian Blood Services website, the GiveBlood app or by calling 1-888-2-DONATE.

For many patients, a single donation can make a lifesaving difference, and with inventories currently under pressure, Canadian Blood Services says now is one of the most important times of the year to roll up a sleeve and donate.

The post Blood Supply Drops Nearly 20% as Canadian Blood Services Urges More Donors to Book Appointments appeared first on Toronto Guardian.