Following 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.
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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:
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Team Canada has announced its’ team for the 2025 World Junior Hockey Tournament set to run from Boxing Day (December 26th, 2024) to January 5th, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario.
Team Canada is looking to rebound after finishing in 5th Place at last year’s tournament held in Gothenburg, Sweden. Prior to that, Team Canada had created yet another dynasty when it won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023 and four titles in the previous six years.
The team has won 35 total titles in the history of the tournament: 20 Gold, 10 Silver, and 5 Bronze.
This year’s team consists of:
Continue readingThe 2024 edition of the Etobicoke-Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade was held December 7th, 2024.
The parade ran along Lake Shore Blvd. W. between Dwight Ave. and Long Branch Ave. in the New Toronto and Long Branch neighbourhoods of south Etobicoke and featured floats, bands, community groups, Mrs. Claus, and Santa Claus. Santa even had a new float for this year’s parade.
Here are some pictures of the parade:
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