Political discussion is so common (and of such low-quality) nowadays, as to seem almost without value. Arguments where both sides already know what the other has to say, and have only their same-answers too. It’s especially crazy-making this century, because most of
Cheers, Folks! We’ve still got a whole lot of work to do, assembling brand new books, from the mountain of manuscripts around here – but in the meantime, we’re also working to advance on the online-store side of the project. Just today,
Also science (top photo) I’ve mentioned a few key concepts before – how we all perceive things a little bit differently (because none of us have a universal perspective, and we must simplify what we witness, into a coherent finite narrative for
Here’s one of my more popular songs, which I shared on FB awhile ago, only to see it get rather badly mangled by their brutal compression algorithms. Once again, with HD settings, it should now go full-screen quite prettily. (Apologies for visual
Seriously – what could go better with a kitsch table like that, than a nice old comfy sofa? Curious view you don’t easily (and won’t again) see, here. The big blue box at left is part of Frank Gehry’s AGO redesign –
This may come as a surprise to those who haven’t yet read my book, only the more personal and incidental poetry I’ve shared here so far – but the majority of my serious poems are very specifically purposeful. Weirdly-so, for modern poetry,
Downtown’s best (top photo) I’ve always had a great fondness for urban subjects – from Edward Hopper and the earlier (under-appreciated) George Bellows, to photographers like Feninger and Nan Goldin, all exploring the built environment and it’s inhabited feel, from a huge
Toronto has grand and historical hotels (the Royal York and The King Edward are particular stand out beauties). We also have many funky art-centred spots – ranging from the sublime gallery filled Gladstone (still feels weird to say that about a place
Across the bay (top photo) Some of the most interesting unexpected treats I’ve found, while getting back into photography, are the insights I keeps stumbling into about art in general. When we’re studying painters we like, we can easily get hung up
And while I’m over at the far East end of town, I should probably mention that I reposted another music video (this one with my brilliant friend Joe Varga) to my new Youtube channel (which can be found here) Facebook’s compression algorythms
I am forever fascinated by the number of human engineering achievements suggested to us by nature, both animate, and in this case, erosive and geological, as resisted by animate trees and root-systems above. The Scarborough bluffs are a lovely (and slightly dangerous)
It’s a strange thing for a writer to be irritated by the use of the word “narrative” considering it’s centrality, but I have been bothered about it’s weird new deployments for quite awhile now, and for several different reasons. I first noticed
What a long heavy winter this has been. I know so many people who are feeling depleted and badly beaten-down. Made me think this poem might be just the thing with which to begin my read-aloud series. I do take great enjoyment
I am a big believer in the value of a good walk – lucky happenstance has a much easier time finding us when we’re out and about – but moving slowly enough to pay attention. Sights and sounds come at us –
Here we see a tiny unmarked and unremarkable door on the exterior of Hart house – I’ve walked by it many times without ever suspecting what lay behind it. But the general design philosophy (and dynamic contrast) behind the deceptively humble portal,
Streetcar platform (top photo) Aside from a brief stint above highway 401 in most-curious Lastman-land (North York, pre-amalgamation – growing hyper fast), I have always lived in downtown Toronto. I’m a walking guy – no use for a private vehicle – hands-off,
Proscenium and soloist (top photo) I have to admit right up-front, that despite my profound adoration of fine-art and it’s many techniques and curiosities, I will probably be forever corrupted by my youthful (and enduring) bias toward comic-art. Just as I often
I am of a naturally skeptical bent – but I’m insatiably curious too – so I was intrigued by the idea of the Frank Gehry redesign of our lovely Art Gallery of Ontario, without, at first, being entirely convinced. I was lucky
Lavish and Squalor, Queen St (top photo) Popular-taste isn’t what it used to be – and in a great many ways this is a good thing. More and more diversity of flavours and aesthetics, even in something like street-level retail, can often
Benchmark Gelato (top photo) Had another really lovely little excursion the other day with Catherine and her brilliant jazz-guitarist father, Neville. He’s just as fond of old Toronto as I am, and of course, knows far more about it’s history, and it’s
Art deco is lovely, gargoyles are wonderful, in combination we are always visually delighted to a high degree. The finish and proportions of this building, completed in 1933, just a few steps away from Yonge on the N side of Carlton are
Stormclaws (top photo) My wife Catherine posted a little video the other day, questioning the concept of self-esteem. Her comment on it was “I don’t think I’m better than anyone else.” Which is a crucial philosophical humility recognizable to every person of
Some keen observers may already have noticed our long-arc deliberate step-by-step building-out process. Here’s another big (fun) new area which we’ve been intending to add for some time – video! This (filterable category) will contain poetry readings – and also original music
Had a lot of fun investigating the motorcycle show this weekend, and in the process turned up still more (entirely superfluous) evidence that I’m a little bit on the odd side. I went because I always have a great time exploring things
Hello friends, artists, fellow-travellers and various and sundry curious investigators – we are delighted today, to announce the inaugural book-release from Large Ess Small Press. – Yes, the mission-clock is at last, running! The official release-copy follows. Thanks sincerely for contributions, inspirations,
There is a big (and stupid) tempest in a teapot going on right now in our downtown, as a very small group of owners of an extremely charming cluster of restaurants along one particular block in the very heart of the city