Edward Brain's Blog

Doors Open Toronto

Posted on May 29, 2022 by Edward Brain

Today I dropped by a couple of locations as part of Doors Open Toronto 2022.

My first stop was at the Toronto Railway Historical Association (TRHA) at the John St. Roundhouse, which is located near the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre (SkyDome.)

The John St. Roundhouse used to service locomotives owned and operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and was part of their passenger yard that was located south of Union Station in the heart of Toronto. Eventually the property south of Union Station, which also saw the Canadian National Railways (CNR) yard was converted to other uses, including the Rogers Centre (SkyDome), the CN Tower, and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Here are some pictures from there:

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Posted in General | Tagged #6213, CNR 4-8-4 Northern, Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Doors Open, Doors Open Toronto, GO coach #104, Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital, Power Plant, Toronto, Toronto Ontario, Toronto Railway Historical Association | 1 Comment

Some Spring Related Pictures

Posted on May 27, 2022 by Edward Brain

Spring is in full bloom.

Following are some pictures I have taken this spring. I hope you enjoy!

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Posted in General | Tagged 2022, Spring | Leave a comment

VIA Rail’s The Canadian Departure – May 4th 2022

Posted on May 4, 2022 by Edward Brain

For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, VIA Rail’s flagship train, The Canadian, is now back to two days per week.

The first first day of the resumption of the second departure of the westbound version of the train, #1, was today, May 4th, 2022.

I was able to get most of the consist of the train, which is as follows:

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Posted in General | Tagged #6445, #6451, Annapolis, F40PH-2, Imperial, Laurentide Park, The Canadian, Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Ontario, Union Station, VIA Rail, VIA Rail Canada | 1 Comment

A Walk Through Humber Bay Promenade Park

Posted on April 30, 2022 by Edward Brain

I recently went for a walk through Humber Bay Promenade Park, which hugs the shores of Mimico Harbour in southeast Etobicoke.

Here are some pictures of my walk:

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Posted in General | Tagged 2022, Blooms, Etobicoke Ontario, Humber Bay Promenade Park, Mimico Harbour, Spring, Toronto, walk | Leave a comment

Don Carlos Live in HD

Posted on March 26, 2022 by Edward Brain

On March 26th, 2022 the Metropolitan Opera (The Met) presented Guiseppe Verdi’s Don Carlos as part of its’ Live in HD series.

This was the last performance this season of the opera at The Met, and is the first time it has been presented by The Met in its original French version.

The performance starred Matthew Polenzani (Don Carlos), Sonya Yoncheva (Elisabeth), Eric Owens (King Philippe II), Etienne Dupuis (Rodrigue), Jamie Barton (Princess Eboli) and John Relyea (The Grand Inquisitor.)

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Posted in Reviews | Tagged 2022, Charles Edwards, Don Carlos, Eric Owens, Giuseppe Verdi, Jamie Barton, John Relyea, Live in HD, Matthew Polenzani, Matthew Rose, Meigui Zhang, Metropolitan Opera, Patrick Furrer, Sir David McVicar, Sonya Yoncheva, The Met | 1 Comment

Happy Commonwealth Day, 2022

Posted on March 14, 2022 by Edward Brain

Today (March 8th, 2022) is Commonwealth Day in the countries that are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Commonwealth Day, celebrated on the second Monday of March throughout the Commonwealth, as its name suggests celebrates the Commonwealth.

Traditionally, in London, Queen Elizabeth II leads a celebration at Westminster Abbey on Commonwealth Day along with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, and the Commonwealth High Commissioners. Her Majesty is the Head of the Commonwealth, and normally reads a speech in honour of the occasion.

Commonwealth Day allows member nations to remember the importance of the bind that we all have in being members of the Commonwealth. This bind has, and can continue to be, an important source of trade, security, and friendship.

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Canada at the Beijing Winter Olympics

Posted on February 20, 2022 by Edward Brain

The 24th Winter Olympics have now concluded. Congratulations to all the athletes who competed.

Let’s look at how Team Canada performed at the Olympics:

In total, Canada won 4 Gold, 8 Silver, and 14 Bronze medals, for a total of 26 medals, good for 11th place overall.

Team Canada won the following medals:

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Posted in Sports | Tagged Abigail Strate, Alexandria Loutitt, Isabelle Weidemann, Kim Boutin, Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes, Mark McMorris, Matthew Soukup, Max Parrot, Men's moguls, Mikaël Kingsbury | 1 Comment

Queen Elizabeth II Celebrates Her Platinum Jubilee

Posted on February 6, 2022 by Edward Brain

Today, February 6th, 2022, marks the 70 Anniversary of Her Majesty’s ascension.

On February 6th, 1952, Her Majesty ascended the throne of seven independent countries – the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon. She would also become the Head of the Commonwealth, an association that now comprises of over 50 independent countries.

Over the years, some realms become republics, while others become independent countries with Her Majesty as their Head of State. As such, she is now Queen of 15 countries – Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and The United Kingdom.