Edward Brain's Blog

2018 World Cup: Round of 16

Posted on June 29, 2018 by Edward Brain

The Group Stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup has concluded and we are ready to start the knockout phase with the Group of 16.

A couple shocks did take place with the Group Stage. Firstly, two top teams: The Netherlands (17th) and Italy (19th) did not qualify for the World Cup. Secondly, Germany – the defending Champions and the top seeded team in FIFA – failed to make it out of the Group Stage.

The Round of 16 breaks down as follows (numbers indicate FIFA ranking as of May 17th 2018): Continue reading →

Streetcar Service Returns west of Humber Loop

Posted on June 24, 2018 by Edward Brain

On June 24th, 2018 the communities along Lake Ontario is southern Etobicoke finally got their streetcar service back after waiting almost a year and a half.

Starting January 7th, 2017 the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) shutdown streetcar service west of Roncesvalles Ave. in order to perform work on the tracks and wires along the Queensway Right-of-Way (ROW), at Humber and Long Branch Loops, and along Lake Shore Blvd. W.

After a long wait, service finally resumed, and I took a return trip between Long Branch and Humber Loops. For most of the day, the 501 Queen line is split at Humber Loop with streetcars either operating between Humber Loop and Neville Park, or between Humber Loop and Long Branch. The latter is effectively a reinstatement of the 507 Long Branch car that operated from 1935 to 1995 in all but name. Some trips overnight will operate over the entire 501 line, while some streetcars during the rush hour will operate between Long Branch Loop and downtown to provide a one seat ride. Continue reading →

Posted in General | Tagged 501 Queen, 507 Long Branch, ALRV, Articulated Light Rail Vehicle, Canadian Light Rail Vehicle, CLRV, Etobicoke Ontario, Humber Loop, Long Branch Loop, Toronto Ontario, Toronto Transit Commission, TTC | 1 Comment

Red Winged Blackbirds

Posted on June 19, 2018 by Edward Brain

Red winged blackbirds have taken over the Toronto area this year.

Here are some pictures of the birds:

Continue reading →

Posted in General | Tagged bird, Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga Ontario, Natural Setting, nature, Red Winged Blackbird, Toronto Ontario | Leave a comment

Only ‘Routine Issues’ may be discussed at Annual General Meetings

Posted on June 17, 2018 by Edward Brain

Gerry Hyman has another article for the Toronto Star. I want to discuss three of the questions that were raised:

First, this question: Continue reading →

Posted in Condominiums | Tagged CAO, Condominium, Condominium Act, Condominium Authority of Ontario, Condominium Community, Gerry Hyman, Ontario Condominium Act | Leave a comment

Sondra Radvanovsky owns Anna Bolena at the COC

Posted on May 27, 2018 by Edward Brain

Gaetano Donizetti, composer – (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I attended the last performance of Donizetti’s Anna Bolena at the Canadian Opera Company on May 26th, 2018. The opera stars Sondra Radvanovsky, who owns the title role of Anna Bolena.

The performance stars Ms. Radvanovsky, and also features Christian Van Horn as Enrico (King Henry VIII), Allyson McHardy as Smeton, Keri Alkema as Giovanna Seymour (Jane Seymour), and Bruce Sledge as Richard Percy. The performance was directed by Stephen Lawless, and was conducted by Corrado Rovaris. Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews | Tagged Allyson McHardy, Anna Bolena, Canadian Opera Company, Christian Van Horn, COC, Corrado Rovaris, Donizetti, Four Seasons Centre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Gaetano Donizetti, Keri Alkema, Review, Sondra Radvanovsky, Stephen Lawless | 3 Comments

Happy Victoria Day

Posted on May 21, 2018 by Edward Brain

Queen Victoria (State portrait) by Sir George Hayter (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today, May 21st 2018, is Victoria Day in Canada. I want to wish every Canadian a very happy and safe Victoria Day.

Today marks the celebration of the birthday of Canada’s first monarch, Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901 and was Monarch when four British colonies – Canada West (Ontario), Canada East (Quebec), New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia – were combined together to create the Dominion of Canada.

Today, May 21st 2018, is Victoria Day in Canada. I want to wish every Canadian a very happy and safe Victoria Day. Continue reading →