Photographer Tom Hicks was discovered by a rock star, a huge talent, of Led Zeppelin fame and later paired with Alison Krauss. What a fabulous combination. Two brilliant artists, collaborating – Plant wrote an introduction to one of Kicks’ book. Wow. You will ask what does Hicks shoot. Certainly not the North Sea waves of... Continue Reading →
NOTE TO VISITORS: Kathie and I will travel to Nelson tomorrow to meet our new grandson (name withheld). So my daily blog flow may be interrupted. To say we are excited is an understatement. Do not expect however images of you-don’t-know-who on this blog. It is too risky to share images of children online in... Continue Reading →
Friends, I’m very sad to report the death of one of the people I’ve idolized since I was old enough to idolize anyone: Dolly Parton. To me, Dolly Parton represented the very best in America. Her kindness, compassion, laughter, love of life, hardscrabble beginnings, humanity, ambition, and extraordinary talent were what this country is —... Continue Reading →
Reposted from Facebook I am getting married in 12 days. There isn’t a single thing anyone could have ever said or done to have prepared me for the future I find myself standing in right now. It is as surreal and as deliciously whimsical as you might imagine. Change is the thing that makes us... Continue Reading →
Once again, I find myself responding to Matthew Larkin, this time not regarding the use of historic church properties; this time nothing to do with the experience of Christ’s Real Presence in the Mass. No, this time his challenge to me is to name my ten favourite Toronto Blue Jays players. I reiterate that I... Continue Reading →
From Victoria Buzz by Mike Kelly It turns out horse manure can be worth $1,800—you just need a canvas, some charcoal and the right subject. A portrait of US President Donald Trump created partly with horse manure was quickly snapped up at the Sooke Fine Arts Show, selling on Saturday, July 25, the exhibition’s first... Continue Reading →
By Ken Gray, with extracts from Max Scherzer makes successful return on 42nd birthday, Blue Jays edge Nationals by Shi Davidi. While the article below is a few days old I thought it showed a different side of baseball than typically reported — stats and other performance indicators. What struck me was a human side... Continue Reading →
From Save the CBC, Monday July 13, 2026 For generations of Canadians, Peter Gzowski's voice was part of the country's daily rhythm. As host of This Country in the Morning and Morningside, he became one of Canada's most respected broadcasters, known for thoughtful conversations, genuine curiosity, and an interviewing style that made people feel heard.... Continue Reading →
A gallery of interpretations of the near-death life of the not-yet late (?) Senator Mitch McConnell If the Trump administration has inspired anything apart from racism, dishonesty, idiocy, cruelty, criminality, and violence, it has certainly pushed AI humorists to great creative heights. Spurred on by the question of the day: Is Mitch alive? Or dead?... Continue Reading →
So here’s the good news. Kathie and I are off to Ontario for some holiday and a Blue Jays game. Go Jays, sigh . . . We are leaving Juno at home with some trusted friends who are also house and dog sitters. And burglars take note, if you decide to break in I guarantee... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 