Photo Adventure No.34: The Ice Storm Cometh!

For 24 hours rain, sleet and snow has covered Toronto in an icy embrace. Trees are down. Power is out in a lot of areas. Stay indoors and wrap yourself in a blanket. Just looking at these PIX will give you chills. Brrrrrr....

Foodie Favourites No.16: Seven Lives

Seven Lives tacos y mariscos is my new favourite snack in Kensington market. If you don't hablas español, mariscos is seafood. The pulpo (octopus) en mole verde taco was fresh, tender and tasty. You can add your choice of salsa mild, medium and hot. This cat will be back! PIX

Photo Adventure No.33: Let's Bake Cookies!

Today I finally came to grips with the fact that a chair from my Grandparents basement was too expensive to repair and needed to be sent to it's final resting place. It served the family well for nearly 50 years. They don't make 'em like they used to. Since my Grandfather was a baker I decided to bake some lemon sugar cookies as a peace offering to the spirit of my Grandparents. PIX

Musical Interlude No.05: Dark Star Orchestra

Since the death of Jerry Garcia in 1995 I have regretted not getting to Hamilton in `94 to see The Grateful Dead. A hard lesson was learned and I have not missed the opportunity to see my favourite artists again. I passed on seeing Dark Star Orchestra the first time they came to Toronto, blowing it off as just another cover band. Heck, I`ve seen The Dead, Phil Lesh & Friends and Ratdog which have former Grateful Dead members and nothing has ever compared to the real deal. My friends convinced me to take a chance on the recent DSO show and I was amazingly surprised to my delight. Consider me on the bus. PIX

Photo Adventure No.32: Toronto Zombie Walk

!!!WARNING*GRAPHIC CONTENT*ZOMBIES!!!
The undead were lurching their way around the downtown core Saturday for the annual Toronto Zombie Walk. A grey, rainy day provided the perfect backdrop for the event. However, it is strange to see zombies using umbrellas. I shot a quick video as well but there were too many happy, laughing and courteous zombies so it wasn't very terrifying.  PIX
PIX OF ZOMBIE'S PAST

Photo Adventure No.31: Seriously...More Street Art?

You're probably getting bored of these. Maybe I'll start a separate blog.
Moses Kofi has been busy recycling Vespas with other bits of metal and chain into mechanical, quasi reptilian creatures.Gotta love Kensington for fun and creativity. PIX

Travelogue No.21: Amsterdam By Night

Whoa...it's not what your thinking. Pervert! As always I like to try to capture the iconic sites both day and night. PIX

Travelogue No.20: Amsterdam Street Art

There certainly isn't as much street art in Amsterdam as there is in Paris but the talent is just as good. The Dutch are more laid back than the fiery French. Every country has an excitable youth that need to express themselves. My impression of the Dutch street art is that it is art for arts sake and not as politcally charged as their French or Italian counterparts. PIX

Travelogue No.19: Amsterdam Street Scenes

You can see the bicycle culture everywhere in Amsterdam. It's hard to imagine how people find their bikes in the tangled knots of metal and rubber sculptures found on the streets. Especially at the train station. Canal boats with tourists and house boats cruise through the water. Groups socialising on patios drinking Heinekens while puffs of smoke roll out of the coffee shops. No photos allowed in the Red Light District. You'll have to experience that on your own. PIX

Travelogue No.18: Amsterdam House of Bols

Everybody likes a properly mixed cocktail. Bols has been perfecting their genever since 1575. They also have around 50 flavours of liquers. My family has a special place in our hearts for this brand. Not just because we like to drink but because my grandparents had a set of cocktail glasses that have recipes measured on the sides and the Ballerina Bottle. PIX

Travelogue No.17: Amsterdam Architecture

While I didn't see the classic windmills and I wasn't at the right time for tulips, I did see lots of Baroque style architecture. PIX

Travelogue No.16: Amsterdam Museums & Art

Museumplein is an area where you can find the I Amsterdam sign, The Concertgebouw and three other spectacular museums. The Van Gogh Museum houses the artists tools and works. The recently renovated Rijksmuseum contains a virtual time capsule of history of the Netherlands. Modern artists Warhol, Picasso, Pollock, Kooning, and Kadinsky hang in the Stedelijk Museum. PIX

Travelogue No.15: Euro Transportaion

European cars are traditionally small and lack certain options we find common in North America. There are also some unique brands we don't see here at home. Bikes, scooters and other two wheeled dare devils are every where in Paris and even more so in Amsterdam. Look both ways. Twice. PIX

Travelogue No.14: Paris By Night

The Eiffel Tower is more stunning from dusk until dawn than it is throughout the day. I have a short video of the light show given at dusk. Crowds gather and socialize over bottles of wine and wait for the lights to twinkle. The Arc de Triomphe also has a charismatic charm at night too. I had trouble deciding between colour or black & white for some images so I have done both. PIX VID

Travelogue No.13: Paris Street Art

Some people call it graffitti, tagging or even garbage. I call it art. I get mixed reviews on this topic so please enjoy this temporary Parisian art I have frozen in time or don't. PIX

Travelogue No.12: Père Lachaise Cemetery

I love life yet I find myself fascinated with cemeteries. Père Lachaise cemetery is definitely the oldest one I have ever been to. Some of the graves are so old a decrepit that they have fallen apart or are no longer legible. There are quite a few famous individuals interred there. Oscar Wilde, Sarah Bernhardt, Frédéric Chopin and Édith Piaf. PIX

There's one that brings them from a far
The legacy of a shooting star
For this American time would not wait
In Paris he was dealt his fate
"Alive she cried" he used to sing
There is no rest for the Lizard King

Travelogue No.11: Paris Street Scenes

Cozy cafés and billions of boulangeries line the streets of Paris. They pretty much sum up the laissez faire lifestyle. Taking time to smell the bread and coffee while socialising with your peers is as essential to the French as oxygen is to life. Frankly, it's hard to believe there is any oxygen in Paris with all the cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes. PIX

Travelogue No.10: The Palace of Versailles

Of all the sites I visited none were more spectacular than the Pallace of Versaille. You may be familiar with this pallace as it has been the home to many famous French nobles. It is also the place where the Treaty of Versaille was signed which helped put an end to World War I. If you've ever seen this place you know how opulent it is. Well, for some of its past owners the pallace was too big and stuffy so there is two smaller mansions in the back acres as well as a small hamlet that Marie Antoinette was fond of. I can only assume she wanted to see how the other half lived and when she got bored or dirty she could just go back to the pallace. PIX

Travelogue No.09: Paris Monuments and Architecture

How can you go to France and not go to the Eiffel Tower? Coming from another tower city I can understand that it can become just another structure. I expected to see it rising above the horizon everywhere I looked but surprisingly you need get pretty close to see it in all its glory. There is an endless amount of stunning architecture around the city. Beautiful churches with enormous stained glass windows and ornate ceiling fixtures. You will have no trouble at all finding a plethora of monuments, sculptures and buildings honouring France's rich history. PIX

Travelogue No.08: Paris Museums

There is plenty of art to behold in Paris. Ever heard of Mona Lisa or Venus de Milo? You can find both of them in the Louvre. Maybe Impressionism is your thing. Wander over to Musée de l'Orangerie and see Monet, Cézanne, Gauguin and Matisse. Another beautiful spot is Musée d'Orsay where mainly French art is on display. Musée de l'Armée houses Napoleon's tomb as well as a comprehensive collection of military armour and weaponry throughout French history. That's just the four museums I was able to visit while I was there. PIX

Collecting New Specimens

I am currently in Paris, France snapping away. Next stop Amsterdam. Plenty of pix coming later this month. Stay tuned.

Photo Adventure No.30: Ai Wei Wei: According To What?

The AGO's new exhibit is definitely worth checking out. Ai Wei Wei: According To What? opened last week to the public. It's a great retrospective of Ai's life and works. An imaginitive artist and activist whose dedication to human rights in China has kept him as busy as his art. PIX

Photo Adventures No.29: Root, Root, Root For The Home Team

Well that's how the song goes but if you live in Toronto you'll find here is still a lot of rooting for the home team but there is rarely winning. That's why I don't let a song tell me what to do. This years Blue Jays were poised to win the World Series before the season started. They're dead last in their division. A perfect time for my Oakland A's to get out of a slump. Final score Oakland 14, Toronto 6. PIX

Foodie Favourites No.14: Lobster Box

Have you ever seen lobster down by the waters of Lake Ontario? You won't find any traps but you will come across the Lobster Box if you're east of the Harbourfront Centre near the newly opened Ontario Square. Lots of fresh tasting meat in this lobster roll. A pretty good value to be had. PIX

Foodie Favourites No.13: Eat A Pita

If it's fine dining you're looking for you may as well continue west on Cumberland and take a look in Yorkville. If you just wanted the best chicken shawarma in Toronto, well Eat A Pita is your joint. The chicken's seasoning is so delicious but its the combination of flavours that puts it over the limit on your tastinator. I skip the lettuce and onions but get all the other toppings. How do you beat $5 for a pita & a pop? PIX

Happy Birthday Jerry!

“We're like licorice. Not everybody likes licorice, but the people who like licorice really like licorice.” Jerry Garcia about his band The Grateful Dead. I don't like licorice but I love a good jam! VID

Photo Adventure No.28: Toronto Beer Festival

Beer Festival was on this weekend down at Bandshell Park on the C.N.E. grounds. The suds were flowing, the weather was perfect and the music was a little bit of all right. Big Sugar and The Easy Star Allstars set the vibe with a great blend of rock'n'reggae. As for the brews...I found some refreshing summer ones including Fruit Stand Watermelon White from Kensington Brewing Company, Great Lakes Brewery's Sweet Pete's Peach Wheat, Rock Cut by Lake Of Bays and the super tasty but light on alcohol Stiegl Radler. PIX VID

Photo Adventure No.27: Beaches Jazz Street Fest

Got to see God Made Me Funky and The Soul Motivators Friday night at the Beaches Street Fest. Obviously it was a rump shakin' good time! Not only great music but also some tasty Morsels. Apple fritters, fried brownies and smoked sea salt buffalo chips from the Stuft food truck. So it was a rump plumpin' good time too. PIX

Foodie Favourites No.12: Taste Of Jazz

It's time for the Beaches Jazz Fest. Two weeks overflowing with musical opportunity. Taste Of Jazz has been on the last two nights. Ten food trucks were on hand at Woodbine Park while music filled the air. I had to grab tacos from Gourmet Gringos. I love these guys as I have mentioned before. Great battered  mahi mahi tacos as well as chicken tinga, mole braised short rib, carnitas and cochinitas. A plethora as El Guapo might say. PIX

Photo Adventure No.26: It's Free On Your Birthday

It's not just the birth of the Royal Baby, it's my birthday too! Kate & William just need to name the baby John William and the prophecy will be complete. Since I don't have a royal bloodline, free is my favourite price. When it's your birthday there are freebies to be had. I spent my morning riding around the city collecting my free dozen bagels from What A Bagel. My free beverage from Starbucks. A delicious Salted Caramel & Pistachio gelato at Hotel Gelato. I may be too full for the BOGO from Baskin Robbins. PIX

Foodie Favourites No.11: The Lansdowne Cone

Cooling down with ice cream is one the best ways to enjoy summer. Espresso Robusto with Peanut Butter & Chocolate from The Lansdowne Cone made a wonderful cone combination. PIX

Photo Adventure No.25: BIG On Bloor

BIG On Bloor was the street fest du weekend. It's summer in the city and every weekend there is another traffic free street party with music, food and other interesting entertainment. PIX

Photo Adventure No.24: Salsa On St.Clair

Hot Music. Hot Food. Hot Dancing. Hot Temperature. I'm feelling hot! hot! hot! Sweating it out at Salsa On St. Clair. PIX

Musical Interlude No.04: Slide Brothers

Billed as Robert Randolph Presents the Slide Brothers, Calvin Cooke, Chuck Campbell and Aubrey Ghent made a Thursday night in Toronto feel a little more uplifting. The Spirit was moving the crowd at The Horseshoe Tavern and the old place was-a-rockin'. Sunday may be days away but I feel I've already been to church this week. PIX VID

Foodie Favourites No.10: Hogtown Smoke

My wheels took me to Corso Italia for the annual street fest. Finally I got my chance to eat at Hogtown Smoke food truck. They've been on my radar for a while but our paths never crossed. I got the Carolina Pulled Pork and dressed it with the spicy BBQ sauce. The meat is well seasoned and the slaw on top adds a nice contrast in flavour. PIX

Happy Canada Day!

What better way to celebrate Canada than with some tasty bacon treats. Barque smokehouse was serving up samples of pemeal bacon tacos with maple slaw. Wash that down with a root beer float accompanied by a chocolate covered bacon stir stick.Mmmmmm...bacony! PIX

Musical Interlude No.03: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Where y'@ Toronto? When New Orleans comes to town you must second line down to the show. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue brought the funk to a city that can always use a dose of the Crescent City sound. I got to see Shorty at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival when I visited in 2004. Thanks for coming to visit me Troy & Co.! PIX VID

Musical Interlude No.02: John McLaughlin & The 4th Dimension

My favourite time of year is here. When I ride my bike down to Nathan Philips Square to catch the 2013 Toronto TD Jazz Festival. Last night I saw Mavis Staples and Dr. John but I didn't have my camera. Tonight John McLaughlin & The 4th Dimension had the crowd enjoying the summer music of a jazz fusion hippie. Love & Music! PIX VID

Photo Adventure No.23: Auto DIY

For the last few years Canadian Tire's Auto division holds a DIY day at one of its facilities. Employees are taught how to repair, detail and "pimp" their rides. PIX

Photo Adventure No.22: Buckwallow

Every year my friends and I take a trip north of Gravenhurst to visit Mike and mountain bike at Buckwallow. You could say it's our annual pilgrimage to Mi-cca. This place is Disney Land for mountain bikers. There's a KOA right beside the trails so we camp for the weekend. Bikes + beers = Good Times! PIX

Photo Adventure No.21: Down On Dundas

Only recently did I realize that I can take photos at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Knowing this now I thought I would snap some of my favourite pieces. Ironically, 4 of my 5 favourites have been put in storage! Oh well, the rotation of art at the gallery keeps me coming back. And since I was in the neighbourhood, I stopped by Kim's a la Cart for some awesome kimchee dumplings. PIX

Aurora Street Festival 2013

It was cloudy and threatening but the rain never came. On Sunday morning I pitched a tent with theboogalugroove at the Aurora Street Festival in an effort to get our creations out to the masses. I grew up in Aurora so this was a fun event to be part of. The whole town comes out. Vendors line Yonge st. for about 1.5Km selling food, clothes, knick knacks and other odds and ends. Lookey here folks...PIX

Photo Adventure No.20: Reggae On The Roof

They close the streets off to traffic in Kennsington during the warm months. Add a  sunny Sunday with a splash of rooftop reggae and evree-ting Irie! PIX

Photo Adventure No.19: Doors Open

Doors Open Toronto is an intersting event that happens yearly in May. The city opens the doors to hundreds of buildings that have historical or cultural signifigance. My walking route started at the Corus Quay building which is home to Corus Entertainment, broadcasters of CFNY and the Mighty Q107. After taking the tour we passed on taking the slide down from the 3rd floor to the ground. Apparently Dave Grohl rode the tube three times during his visit. Down the road from the modern Corus building is a part of Toronto's history, Redpath Sugar. When the St. Lawrence Seaway opened in 1959, so did Redpath. Ever seen a few tonnes of Raw Sugar? Next stop...TOOT TOOT...The Roundhouse and Steam Whistle Brewery for model trains, real trains and most importantly...FREEEEE BEER!!!! PIX

Foodie Favourites No.09: Against The Grain

Before embarking on my Doors Open adventure it seemed like a good idea to fuel up. Against The Grain was a perfect choice. Not only do they have a great patio, tasty menu and plenty of beer and wine choices. They also were located conveniently in the Corus Quay building. My Pork Carnita Flatbread had plenty of flavours. A unique mix of Mexican, Italian and Southern BBQ. Look at the size of the Raisin Bread French Toast. A great place to spend a summer afternoon with a sweet view of the harbour. PIX

Photo Adventure No.18: Jumpstart Olympic Spirit

Everbody could use a few hours of energetic playtime. Especially when it's part of your job AND helping kids get involved in sports through the Jumpstart program. Check out the great soccer acrobatics! PIX

Foodie Favourites No.08: Leslieville Pumps

If you travel east along Queen street, past Moss Park, past the Don River and DVP, past Jilly's, Dangerous Dan's and The Opera House, just on the other side of Jimmie Simpson Park, there you will find Leslieville's Holy Trinity of guilty pleasures. I have already mentioned the greasy, tasty goodies at Rasher's and Paulette's but today we discuss the veritable gold mine establishment...Leslieville Pumps. This place is like a unicorn prancing through Shangri-La. Where else can you load up on BBQ, fuel up your ride, get smokes and some sugary snacks & drinks for wherever the road takes you? This is some damn good BBQ. The pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw is my favourite. If you like fritters, check out the NEW Smoked Bacon corn fritters. It would be easy for me to make a meal out of the "sides" menu alone. Cornbread, slaw, smokey baked beans, poutine and fried pickles (if that's your thing). On the weekends they serve something special. Chicken & Waffles! How could I resist? PIX

Lace Up For Jumpstart Hockey Tournament

If you needed a good reason to play or watch hockey, you didn't need to look any further than the Lace Up For Jumpstart Hockey Tournament. This is an annual event put together by Canadian Tire and sponsored by some of their wonderful vendors. Plenty of hockey, raffles and silent auctions to enjoy. Former NHLer Brad May was even playing for one team. There was a great Pub Night Friday with the Leaf's game on the  big screen. A puck toss and family skate on Saturday. I'm not sure what the total amount was raised but thanks to Premier Tech for donating $30,000! After being champions two years running, they were unable to make it a three-peat. They are still champions in the eyes of all those kids they will inevitably help get involved in sports. PIX

Photo Adventure No.17: Under The Bridge

While out for a stroll through the Moore Park Ravine I stumbled upon a graffiti gallery under the St. Clair bridge just east of Yonge st. heading towards Mt. Pleasant. There is a beautiful contrast of urban encroachment upon the tree shaded organic ravine. The balance any city needs. PIX

Photo Adventure No.16: Flying Monkey Brewery

Formerly the Robert Simpson Brewery, brewers of Confedrate Ale is now more widely know as Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery. You may know some of their suds such as Antigravity, Hoptical Illusion, Netherworld or Smashbomb. They are located in downtown Barrie by Kempenfelt Bay. Take the brewery tour. It's not that big of a brewery and if your thirsty, you won't be for long. Enjoy a couple of pours on the house as you learn how a brewery creates the hoppy goodness we all love! PIX

Photo Adventure No.15:Canadian Tire Home & Auto Show

This weekend will be the first ever Canadian Tire Home & Auto Show. Today I got a sneak preview. It was a very interesting experience. Imagine it being like a Canadian Tire store with a product expert on every shelf offering information about the item you are purchasing. Not only experts but celebrities. Buddy Valastro from The Cake Boss was on hand to sign spatulas and give a cake decorating demo. Canada's favourite Cups. Lord Stanley's and Albert the Earl Grey's. If you're not busy Saturday you should check it out. Bubby, the Cups as well as some NHL alumni and the Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan will be there. PIX

Photo Adventure No.14: Classic Rivalry

No one likes to lose... but to lose to your arch rival is a very bitter pill to swallow. So when you lose by a large margin, say 5-1? There's not much you can say except "we'll get'em next time". PIX

Happy Easter!

From a galaxy far away...

Foodie Favourites No.07: Smoke's Poutinerie

Originating in Quebec and now a world famous culinary experience, poutine is a Canadian legend. Smoke's Poutinerie has kicked it up a notch with some crazy toppings. I'm partial to the classic poutine with the addition of smoked bacon. Maybe you would prefer pulled pork, Bolagnese sauce, steak & peppercorn sauce or maybe chicken fajita style with all the typical nacho toppings. With 7 locations in Toronto and many more in Ontario and the rest of Canada...get it in ya! PIX

Photo Adventure No.13: Street Art In Queen West

A lot of people show interest in the Street Art gallery on this blog. I like the idea of capturing a moment in time. Someone will inevitably paint over the existing murals one day so I bring them to the masses and archive them for future generations. PIX

Cappuccino Capers No.05: Balzac's

Balzac's in Liberty Village makes the kind of cappuccinos I like. The delicious kind. This is possibly the best cappo I've had in Toronto. A bold, slightly sweet taste with a creamy crema. The cafe is as picture perfect as a Paris postcard. I'll confirm if it is similar to the real thing when I visit the City of Lights later this year. PIX

Foodie Favourites No.06: Origin

During my journey to Liberty Village I fueled up at Origin. It was my reason for heading west. My wife wanted to try the Bangcakes. Pancakes, bruleed banana, pineapple, peanut brittle crumble doused with maple syrup and a dollop of coconut cream. Drool. My meal was the Tostada with black beans, salsa, guacamole and sour cream topped with two fried eggs and strips of smoky bacon. Both dishes were sprinkled with fresh Thai basil. Put your tongue back in your mouth and go treat your tastebuds. PIX

***Technical Difficulties***

Most of the time I love technology. Computers can do some awesome things. Other times they beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep and then some! 

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Let the good times roll leprechauns. Enjoy a pint.

Photo Adventure No.12: Snowboarding For Beginners

It's hard to beleive 20 years have passed since I learned to ski. Well today I crossed snowboarding off my "Bucket List". Both skills conquered on the same Ontario slopes. Mount St. Louis Moonstone A funky, faux Suisse chalet located just north of Barrie. My friend and I both had sausage on a bun for lunch. I passed on the sauerkraut. As for the the snowboarding...I took some of my ski knowledge, a dash of skateboarding and sprinkles of ice skating. Whipped them together and was shreddin' the gnar, heel toein' by the fifth run. The last few runs of the day were blue squares. Not bad for the first time out. When I go back I'll take a trip down memory lane on Big Lonely. PIX

Photo Adventure No.11: Patti Smith @AGO

I went down to see the Patti Smith photography exhibit on at the AGO. There is a wonderful selection of photos Smith had taken with her Polaroid Land 250. It's a very personal set of photos and subject matter. A mosaic or patchwork quilt of images reflecting the artist's life and character. Simple black and white 4x5 uniform prints. Beautiful. Solo Camera Pix

Photo Adventure No.10: Cocktail Party!

Who doesn't like a good drink? ...or more?? Cocktails have their roots in the Prohibition days.Some of the liquor may have been poorly made or blended with other agents to stretch supply and grow sales margins. Sodas and fruit juices helped make it all go down smooth. Mixology is an old science that has been nearly forgotten in the bottled beer & booze cooler world we now live in. It's a labour of love to mix a beverage that can get your taste buds alive with spirits. The bar was well stock Saturday night. It was like an episode of Boardwalk Empire without the violence. Liquor, liqueurs, bitters, syrups, lemons, limes, rinds, mint, berries, sodas, juices and all the accompanying tools to muddle your mind. I brought the umbrellas. Cocktail Party Pix

Foodie Favorites No.05: Rashers & Paulette's

I took a trip to Leslieville today with my sights set on greasy goodness. A few weekends ago I helped a friend move near the area. We were eating at Leslieville Pumps (I'll blog about that another time). After lunch we hit up Paulette's for some amazing donuts. Warm sugar donuts with garam masala spices. A real twist on a classic. They do fried chicken as well but I will need to return with a bigger appetite next visit. For lunch today I went to Rashers. It's a tiny take-out place with 6 stools if you want to eat in. The place was steadily busy while I was there. What a truly special place it is indeed. A showcase for our beloved salted piggy bits. All sandwiches have some form of bacon except for the veggie ooption. I had one of the specials. Applewood smoked bacon strips with pickled beets, spinach and goat cheese served on a baguette. Boom! So good!!!  Rashers & Paulette's PIX

Photo Adventure No.09: 2013 Canadian International Auto Show

My day job is in the automotive world so it's a yearly tradition to take a field trip to the Auto Show in Toronto to check out the new models... and the cars they are showcasing ;) Ba doom tssh! I always enjoy seeing the concepts and new technologies being introduced. Chevy and Nissan seem to be investing in their Volt & Leaf electric cars. In fact almost all the big companies had an electric or hybrid on display. As much as I like cars, I am also an environmentalist. On the surface, the idea of electric cars will lessen emmissions from tailpipes but it will increase the need for better power grids and generation. There was a dimly lit area in one of the hallways, behind an escalator that literally had a corral of electric and hybrid vehicles. It gave me a sad feeling that these  "Green" ideas have been put out to pasture. In contrast, it's always great to see the gas guzzling Hot Rods in all their metallic paint and chrome beauty! Auto Show Pix

Photo Adventure No.08: Winter in a Day

It snowed for close to 12 hours and has turned Toronto into a winter wipeoutland. This all brings back memories of 1999. Our powerful military can focus on more important things this time. I actually enjoy this snowfall since we hardly have a winter in Toronto any more. Here are some PIX of the whole mess.

Musical Interlude No.01: Nelly Furtado

My employer held a special event for our entire organization. The guest entertainment was a surprise. It turned out to be Nelly Furtado. We were 5000 lucky people that got to enjoy a great show! PIX
Change Youtube video setting to 1080HD
Spirit Indestructible(vid)
Maneater(vid)
All Good Things(vid)
Big Hoops(vid)

Photo Adventure No.07: Not Quite Winter in Kensington Market

It was crowded like a midsummers day in Kensington Market this afternoon. The 12C temperatures had everyone kicking their winter blahs and hitting the streets for some sunshine. The weather was so nice that I decided to ride my bike. I don't think I have ever ridden a bike in January before. My list was short and specific. Get tomatillos, serrano chiles and cilantro at one of the Mexican shops. I usually get my ancho chile powder there too but I am already stocked up. Since I'm in the area I'll go to Miss Cora's Kitchen and get a bacon butterscotch cookie...and some coconut cake from Patty King. I recently upgraded to a smartphone so I stopped by Chinatown for some accessories too. A nice leisurely cruise on a balmy winters day. Here are some pix around the Market.

Photo Adventure No.06: Frida & Diego @ AGO

The AGO has been displaying a collection by artists Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera. As a member of the museum I was invited to a "last chance" viewing before the final week of the exhibit. I guess I had a little more knowledge of Frida than Diego but was impressed by the variety of styles displayed by both. Their influences of Picasso and Dali are visible in some of the works. It's great there are places in Toronto to enjoy art. Having access to a wonderful array of paintings and sculptures is an inspiring thing. Go see art!