Static’s second issue, First Times in Toronto, is out October 20th. So to celebrate, over the month, you’ll get to know the contributors of the issue through some of their first times in Toronto.

Aldrin Taroy grew up in Toronto and now lives in a cozy cocoon of an apartment somewhere in the city with his partner and two cats. When he’s away from his work life, he writes for BlogTO, The Rumpus, The Varsity and also collects artists’ inspirations for his own website, The-Iceberg.com. He loves breakfast and futbol, and he always tries to live life with a “cool runnings” vibe.

First favourite neighbourhood was Palmerston Ave. or maybe Markham St. Definitely Markham St. – they gave more candy on Halloween!

First concert was Suicide Machines at Opera House. I had never heard of the band, but went with some friends and it was really fun! It was also the first time I crowd-surfed!

First record store I loved was CD Replay at the Annex. I spent a lot of my allowance and birthday money there.

First favorite book was The Outsiders.

First library was Palmerston Library. I loved their summer reading program and collecting stickers after every book I read!

First celebrity sighting was Ron Harper of the Chicago Bulls when I went to basketball camp. He told me he liked my game!

First kiss was at my first dance. All I remember is her gum.

First heartbreak was in 8th grade. It was right before summer vacation, which made getting over someone at that age a lot easier.

First time I stayed up all night was to watch a Canada VS USA hockey game. I’m not a fan of this sport, so I can’t remember when this was, but I was young. I do remember the game going to two, maybe three overtime periods, and it was the only time I was excited enough to stay up to watch a hockey game. I think Canada lost because of Brett Hull? I don’t know!

First time I got lost in Toronto was when my sister’s friend left me in the middle of Yonge St. when I was in search of a new hat. I had to find my way home alone. I think I was thirteen. Obviously, I made it ok.

If I had a last day in Toronto, I would want to etch my name on all the places in Toronto that mean a lot to me.