Musical Interlude No.13: Medeski Scofield Martin Wood

Medeski Martin Wood are one of my favourite bands ever. Each player is capable of jaw dropping solos and their interplay shows an intuitive connectedness. When you add a guitarist with the talent John Scofield has, you get a wonderfully eclectic funky jazz groove. I had a grin from ear to ear most of the night and from my 2nd row seat it looked like the band was having just as much fun. PIX

Photo Adventure No.42: Gun Range Fun

As someone that isn't particularly fond of guns or non movie violence, it is thrilling and exciting to fire off some live rounds! My first shots were with the 12 gauge shotgun. Anticipating the kick back from the stock alone is an adrenaline rush. I also got to try handguns in .45, .40 and 9mm calibres. The short pull on the 9mm's trigger made for my most precise shooting but my aim was decent with all the guns considering it was my first time with a real weapon in my hands. If there ever is a zombie apocalypse... I got your back. PIX

Photo Adventure No.41: Funky Scenes In Dundas West

Slowly blossoming from Little Portugal into a newer multicultural neighborhood with interesting shops, restaurants & bars. For me, Lula Lounge has always been a Dundas West culture venue showcasing some of Toronto's finest Latin sounds as well as other diverse musical styles. As it turns out the alley beside it is showcasing some fine T.dot street art too. PIX

Travelogue No.31: Chicago Transit Authority

In the taxi from the airport I saw two Chargers, a Challenger, a Corvette, a Camaro and a Hummer. I guess gas is still reasonably priced in the Chicago area. PIX 

Travelogue No.30: Chicago Street Art

Toronto is known to be a clean city but Chicago is nearly pristine. No plastic bag trees or newspaper tumbleweeds. There is only a scant glimpse of street art in the downtown core. I guess that's comforting to some but sterile for others. I did find a few things. PIX

Travelogue No.29: Chicago Food

Deciding where to eat is one of the hardest things you can do when in Chicago. It seems like everything goes through this city so if you want it, you can get it. My mission was to go to one or all of Rick Bayless' restaurants. I only had time for Fontera Grill which only left me wanting more. The Tropical Tuna Cocktail is one of the tastiest ceviches I have ever had. Deep dish pizza is a big thing too. We chose Giordano's mostly out of convenience. Convenience in proximity only as it takes 45 minutes to cook a deep dish pie! Certainly unique and worth waiting for. PIX

Travelogue No.28: Chicago Navy Pier

Certainly a touristy area but a historic part of the city none the less. Ride the ferris wheel. Eat some roasted nuts. Buy a "Chicago, My Kind of Town".  All really fun things to do in the '30's. There is a cool (and free) stained glass museum between Häagen Dazs and the Funhouse that is worth checking out. PIX

Travelogue No.27: Chicago Blues

Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Otis Rush and Bo Diddley are only a few of the names that are synonymous with Chicago blues. I went to Buddy' Guy's Legends and caught a set by Linsey Alexander for a funky good time. I even got a chance to perform on stage with him. Well, more like I was the punchline to his joke! PIX

Travelogue No.26: Chicago By Night

Chicago has plenty to do in the day and just as much going on at night. There is no shortage of places to grab a bite and some beverages. Pops For Champagne was a great suggestion for an anniversary drink with dessert. It's not uncommon to find back rooms and alleyways with blues clubs hidden within. PIX

Travelogue No.25: Chicago Sports

There's no shortage of sports teams in Chicago and where there is sports, there are fans! It's football season so Bears merchandise was everywhere from store windows to motorized vehicles and citizens a plenty...especially on Sunday near Soldier's Field. White Sox, Cubs, Blackhawks, Bulls and Fire are also visible year round. PIX

Travelogue No.24: Chicago's Millennium & Grant Park

If you happen to be gazing at yourself in a large, chrome, oblong structure you're most likely in Millennium Park looking at Cloud Gate (A.K.A. "The Bean:) or else you could be hallucinating. Both are surreal experiences. Chicago's arty side spills out into both Millenium & Grant Park which are in close proximity to The Art Institute of Chicago. It's great to see a city so determined to maintain it's green spaces and public areas while also exuding a sense of culture. PIX

Travelogue No.23: The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago  has a fantastic and diverse collection of art. Pieces by Jackson Pollock, Georgia O'Keeffe, Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh to name a few. One of the most iconic American paintings has a home here. Grant Wood's American Gothic. It was out on loan. Drat! On the other hand I was lucky enough to see the René Magrite exhibit currently on display. PIX

Travelogue No.22: Chicago Architecture

It's not often I find myself checking out building design. Toronto is not known for it's architecture like Chicago is but that is starting to change with some of the new condos going up here. I was really impressed with what I saw in the Windy City and with all that steel and concrete, it is built to last. Everywhere you look in the downtown core there is a spectacular structure gleaming in the sunlight or casting it's long shadow. PIX

Cappuccino Caper No.08: The Black Canary

Deep inside the The Silver Snail lurks a dark, "brew-ding" creature...The Black Canary. Watch out! It's Batman protecting what I can only assume is a reserved table for Doctor Who. This is my 11 year old nephew's favourite place in Toronto, possibly the entire world. I only found out about it when I was 15. That was probably a good thing for my parent's wallets. Now parents and customers alike can caffinate before or after their retail experience. PIX

Photo Adventure No.40: My 1st Toronto Argonauts Game

After living in the city as long as I have, it's surprising I hadn't done this sooner. I had a great time cheering for the home team Toronto Argonauts. A group of 6 from work took in the action. Lead by an avid CFL and Argo's fan ironically named Jason!? We were in good hands. Touchdown. Argos win! PIX

Photo Adventure No.00: Dan The Man

Today I celebrate my good friend Dan Mines. He was the inspiration, catalyst and co-creator of my photo adventures. I met Dan in high school. At the time we were into skateboarding and spending time "loitering" in the town plaza. Years later after high school I ran into Dan in downtown Toronto. I made a silly joke about the cane he was using at which time he explained that he had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Our shared love of art, music and good old fun had us roaming the city's forgotten places with my camera in hand to capture our mischief. I miss my muse. PIX

Photo Adventure No.39: Francis Bacon & Henry Moore

The AGO is in the final days of exhibiting works by Francis Bacon and Henry Moore. As part of art class in high school I did a project on form using examples of Moore's sculptures and have been a fan ever since. His simple yet descriptive forms allow his pieces to reveal themselves to the viewer. In contrast Bacon uses form to hide or layer. Almost disguising his subject. mmmmm....Bacon PIX

Foodie Favourites No.20: Caribbean Bistro

When I go out for Caribbean food I find it hard to decide between Jerk chicken or a roti. Well at Caribbean Bistro I can get Jerk chicken in a roti! Tasty stuff. Even more so when accompanied with coleslaw and a Ting. Check this place out in the Yonge & Eglinton area. PIX

Foodie Favourites No.19: Me.n.u

Asian Fusion Street Food hits the streets of Toronto. Me.n.u is new on my radar for food trucks in the city. Specializing in crazy delicious rice balls. I love that these guys have a variety of $5 and $6 dollars items and better yet the #BallSoHard combo. Two rice balls and a taco. I got an Angry Bird - Singaporean Hainanese Chicken, Artichoke & Shitake Mushroom. A Gangnam Style - Bulgogi Beef, Kimchi, Roasted, Corn & Mozzerella Cheese and a Chicken Satay Taco. Sooooo much flavour. Can't wait to visit again. PIX

Musical Interlude No.12:Beck

Sorry up front for the mostly crappy camera phone pix of the performance but security took my camera and then charged me $3 for taking care of it! This was my sixth time seeing Beck going back to 1996. So far it was my favorite show. The guy next to me was a "long time fan, first time show goer" and got the kind of set that would made both of us high five on numerous occasions (especially during High 5). PIX

Musical Interlude No.11: Lettuce w/Dirty Dozen Brass Band

Brooklyn funk allstars Lettuce had the crowd bouncing around the tent at the 2014 Toronto Jazz Fest. Heavy bass lines and solid jams laid down for a soulful evening. Legendary New Orleans groove meisters the Dirty Dozen Brass Band had already primed the audience earlier. These guys are absolutely awesome and when they come to town you don't want to miss them. PIX

Musical Interlude No.10: Galactic w/Big Sam's Funky Nation

It's going to be an extra funky week when Galactic is playing on a Monday in Toronto. One of my five favorite bands and bona fide representatives of New Orleans funk. I fell in love with the Crescent City in 2004 at the Heritage Jazz & Blues Festival and pay my respects whenever I can. It was great to have Big Sam's Funky Nation light the fire on the bayou and set the night for party. PIX

Musical Interlude No.09: Robert Randolph & The Family Band

Pedal Steel magician Robert Randolph & The Family Band gave fans at the 2014 Toronto Jazz Fest an amazing show. So undeniably funky that it's impossible to sit still. Kenny Wayne Sheppard also played. His drummer is Chris Layton who was part of the formidable duo Double Trouble that used to back the late Stevie Ray Vaughan. PIX

Photo Adventure No.38: World Cup Fever

The 2014 Fifa World Cup is on right now in case you didn't notice all the car flags flying around the streets recently. Since Canada has only made it once in 1986 I choose to cheer for the Canada of Europe...The Netherlands. Hup Holland Hup. Wij Houden Van Oranje! (I will update this gallery throughout the tournament) PIX

Photo Adventure No.37: Takin' Care of Business

As a treat for Canadian Tire employees with 5 years service or more, the company throws a bash every 2 years. This years special entertainment was Guess Who and B.T.O. legend Randy Bachman. He played a great selection of tunes from his catalogue and even a couple classic rock covers. Great food, great music, great people, great time! PIX

Happy Birthday BMC!

In honour of my brother from another mother's birthday I'm drinking It's Tom Green Beer by Beau's . It's not Green Tom beer. A smooth, dark and creamy milk stout with coffee and chocolate flavours. It's cake and refreshment in a glass. Cheers to 39 years! PIX

Musical Interlude No.08: Country Traditions with Davis & Grant

Country Traditions with Davis & Grant put on a great show of country and bluegrass music this afternoon at the Royal Canadian Legion in Ajax in support of cancer research. More than $2000 was raised! The event is put on annually by a wonderful group of women known as "Doris". Check out Doris' next fundraiser, a cruise from Toronto's Harbourfront. PIX

Foodie Favourites No.18: Valdez - Latino Street Food

Strolling west on King street Saturday I came upon Valdez, purveyors of Latino Street Food as proclaimed by the sign outside. There aren't too many places in the city that you can find ceviche this good and they have a great selection. I had the scallops tossed with citrus juice, tomato, cilantro and Andean corn nuts. AMAZING! You just can't say "Latin street food" and not have chicharons, so I got some served with guacamole. My wife said she still thinks my guac is better. Awwwww, how sweet. PIX

Foodie Favourites No.17: Rock Lobster Queen st.

There's Maritime blood in my veins so sometimes I get deep cravings for lobster. Rock Lobster has come into my life and I think we are going to be shipmates. The main ingredient here is lobster and it is done in many ways. Boiled dinners, lobster rolls, lobster tacos, lobster smoothies....okay not the last one but you get it. PIX

Musical Interlude No.07: Kraftwerk In 3D

Kraftwerk, the Godfathers of electronic music synchronized their techno savvy beats to the  aural pleasures of the hypnotized Sony Centre audience. This was my first 3D concert experience. It is similar to the movie format you are familiar with and a cool distraction to the wizardry of  knob twisting happening on the stage. The equipment used for the sound and the room itself were combined to perfection. Not to mention, a great setlist. PIX 

Musical Interlude No.06: North Mississippi Allstars

You wish you were at Lee's Palace on a snowy Tuesday in March but you weren't. You were snug as a bug at home all toasty warm. Friends, it was hotter than the shady side of a toothpick in a July heatwave once the North Mississippi Allstars took to the stage. World Boogie conjured its hypnotic voodoo for two and a half hours on a Mardi Gras day. Yeah you right! PIX         OLD PIX

Cappuccino Capers No.07: de Mello Palheta Coffee Roasters

It's possible de Mello Palheta Coffee Roasters is the hippest joint in the Yonge & Eglinton neighbourhood. They also happen to make some great cappuccinos and sweet treats. My cappo was made with the Ethiopian Single Origin bean. It has a mild, sweet and fruity flavour. A nice warm drink on a cold day. PIX

Photo Adventure No.36: Tale of The Green Dragon Lady and Other Delicious Cocktails

It's great to get together and have a few drinks. When you have an abundance of choice with a plethora of possible mix combinations it's an excuse to have a lot of drinks. There were some interesting beverages being poured. Rigor Mortis-Irish cream whiskey, bourbon, Kahlua. Dark and Stormy-dark rum, ginger beer, lime juice. How about the daring yet not so gross Green Dragon Lady-Chartreuse and Tequila. Well at least that's what I think it was called. Thanks for hosting Green Tea!
PIX Caveat: Please drink responsibly.

Cappuccino Capers No.06:Fahrenheit

If you think you know coffee, you should go have a chat with the folks at Fahrenheit. Like mad scientists they are always tweaking the formula. Region, roast and brew time are all variables in the makings of a perfect cup of Joe. PIX

Photo Adventure No.35: January Is Cold

...and bleak yet beautiful in it's dull and boring way. Today it was only -2C so I thought I'd go  capture the light of some subject matter frozen in time and gripped in the icy clutches of winter. PIX