Today (March 10th, 2025) 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.This year marks the 76th Anniversary of the Commonwealth.
Continue readingThe Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) was hit hard with snow in mid-February 2025. The area was hit with roughly 20 cm of snow on February 12th, another 5 cm on February 15th, and then another 15-20 cm on February 16th for around 40 cm of snow.
During the afternoon of February 17th – a day which ended up being bright and sunny, I went for a walk around the north end of Colonel Samuel Smith Park in South Etobicoke to check out all the snow. Here are some pictures from the day:
Continue readingFollowing the snowstorm over the weekend of February 15th and 16th, 2025, I managed to get out for a nice walk on the afternoon of February 17th, 2025.
While out for the walk I was able to catch a Downy Woodpecker.
Here is a short video of the woodpecker:
Continue readingToday, February 3rd, 2025 marks the 12th anniversary that my blog has been in existence.
I caught the January 25th, 2025 Live in HD Broadcast of Giuseppe Verdi‘s Aida at my local movie theatre.
The performance, being aired live, was from The Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
The production stars Angel Blue (Aida), Piotr Beczała (Radamès), Judit Kutasi(Amneris), Quinn Kelsey (Amonasro), Harold Wilson (The King of Egypt), Dmitry Belosselskiy (Ramfis, The High Priest), Yongzhao Yu (Messenger), and Amanda Batista (High Priestess.)
This is new production directed by Michael Mayer, with sets by Christine Jones, costumes by Susan Hilferty, lighting by Kevin Adams, choreography by Oleg Glushkov. The Met Opera Orchestra was leg by their Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
Continue reading
Famed Opera Director Otto Schenk has passed away at the age of 94.
Mr. Schenk was born June 12th, 1930 in Vienna, Austria.
Starting out as an actor, he would switch over to directing plays in 1953. He would direct his first opera, The Magic Flute, in 1957. He would go on to direct operas at Royal Opera House, La Scala, Berlin State Opera, etc.
Continue readingIt’s now January 1st, 2025 – Happy New Year, everyone!
2024 flew by. Many things occurred during the year. Let’s take a look at some highlights:
For United States President, Jimmy Carter, has passed away at the age of 100.
Mr. Carter was born to Bessie Lillian Gordy and James Earl Carter Sr. on October 1st, 1924 in Plains, Georgia.
He would serve in the U.S. Navy during the Second World War, raising to the rank of Lieutenant, and earning the American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, China Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
Mr. Carter served as a Georgia Senator from 1963 to 1967, and as Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975 prior to running for President in 1976. He would win 297 Electoral College votes to incumbent U.S. President Gerald Ford‘s 240 votes in the 1976 election. He would serve as President for one term, from 1977 to 1981, losing the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan.
During his time in office, President Carter had to deal with many issues, including the Camp David Accords, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the transfer of the Panama Canal to Panama, the 1979 energy crisis, a $19 billion cut to taxes through the Revenue Act of 1978, the passage of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, the passage of the Department of Education Organization Act, and the Iran hostage crisis to name a few.
Mr. Carter would receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Mr. Carter passed away at the age of 100 on December 29th, 2024. His wife, Rosalynn, predeceased him on November 19, 2023. He leaves behind four children, 12 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
I just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.
May you spend your Christmas with family and friends and have a wonderful and enjoyable Christmas.
The year is coming to a close and I would also like to thank everyone who has read my Blog this year for all the support as it is very appreciated. Thank you.
Continue readingI recently had reason to be in downtown Toronto, which gave me an opportunity to get some videos of passenger trains operating at Toronto’s Union Station.
Here are some videos:
The Maple Leaf, a joint Amtrak-VIA Rail train is departing for Toronto’s Union Station bound for New York City’s Penn Station on December 4th, 2024:
Continue reading
Edward Brain's Blog 