Bluebeard’s Castle and Erwartung at the COC

Posted on May 10, 2026 by Edward Brain

I attended the May 8th, 2026 performance of the Canadian Opera Company‘s (COC) double bill production of Bluebeard’s Castle and Erwartung at the Four Seasons Centre. Bluebeard’s Castle is a ‘Symbolist opera’ by Béla Bartók while Erwartung is monodrama by Arnold Schönberg.

The production is directed by Robert Lepage, with a set by Michael Levine, and the COC Orchestra conducted by the COC’s Music Director, Johannes Debus.

The set is dark and a long hallway. It works well for both operas (although stage right remains dark during Erwartung.) The set doesn’t distract from either opera which is always a good thing in my books.

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Tulips in the Garden

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Edward Brain

My tulips have come up out in the garden.

Here are some pictures from the garden today on a bright, sunny day:

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New Videos from April 2026

Posted on May 6, 2026 by Edward Brain

It’s now early May, so let’s take a look at some of the videos I have uploaded to my Youtube channels:

Firstly, from my main channel, Edward’s Videos:

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MS Canada 50KM May Challenge

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Edward Brain

It is now May. That means the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Challenge 50 Kilometre Challenge to raise fund for MS Canada.

I am participating in the event this year.

Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world.

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First Round of the 2026 NHL Playoffs

Posted on April 18, 2026 by Edward Brain

The first round of the National Hockey League Playoffs (NHL) are now set, with the first games starting today.

Some highlights of this years playoffs include:

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A Couple of Robins

Posted on April 17, 2026 by Edward Brain

I caught a few pictures of a couple of robins today while out for a walk:

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Transit Toronto

Posted on April 16, 2026 by Edward Brain

As some of you may know, I have supported a local transit-related organization, Transit Toronto, now for several years.

My main contributions up to now have been with local transit related photos, and assisting on a couple of videos for their Youtube Channel.

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Tristan und Isolde at The Met (Live in HD Broadcast)

Posted on March 21, 2026 by Edward Brain

I attended the March 21st, 2026 Live in HD Broadcast of Richard Wagner‘s Tristan und Isolde from The Metropolitan Opera.

The production starts Michael Spyres and Lise Davidsen in the title roles along with Tomasz Konieczny (Kurwenal), Ekaterina Gubanova (Brangäne), Ryan Speedo Green (King Marke), and Thomas Glass (Melot.)

The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra was led by The Met’s Artistic Director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin. This new production is by Yuval Sharon, with sets by Es Devlin, and costumes by Clint Ramos.

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Chuck Norris Passes Away at 86

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Edward Brain
Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General John W. Handy, presents actor Chuck Norris with the “Veteran of the Year” award at the American Veteran awards show Dec. 12 in Beverly Hills, Calif. (USAF Photo by Lou Hernandez)

Famed American Actor Chuck Norris has passed away at 86.

Mr. Norris was born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940 in Ryan, Oklahoma to Ray and Wilma Norris.

In 1958 he joined the United States Air Force as an Air Policeman and was stationed in South Korea. It was then that he was nicknamed ‘Chuck’, a nickname that stuck with him for the rest of his life.

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Happy Commonwealth Day, 2026

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Edward Brain

Today (March 9th, 2025) is Commonwealth Day in the countries that are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

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