Category: Review

  • Painting with John: Preparation

    In a normal year, baseball players would be reporting to spring training right about now. It’s a magical time of year, and I’ve always dreamed about heading down to Lakeland, Florida to see Detroit Tigers legends such as Mort Crim, Bill Bonds, and “the MFIC“1 up close and in-person. Just typing these words has the…

  • RE: Writer Perry King sees Toronto through community sports

    The following is a kneejerk response to an article I recently read. The article’s purpose was to promote a book written by a local author, which is great. It also triggered me in a good way, which is also great. I’ve checked the ebook out of Toronto Public Library and maybe I will post again…

  • Do you believe in Painting with John? YES!

    In 1980, the US hockey team’s victory symbolized hope amid turmoil. Fast forward to 2022, similar challenges exist, but John Lurie’s return in “Painting with John” Season 2 offers a glimmer of hope. Drawing parallels to the significance of the number 42, his return might uplift us from a bleak situation.View post to subscribe to…

  • Street Art’s Journey: From Alley to Audience (“My Brain Hurts a Lot”*)

    The author reflects on a meaningful memory shared by Facebook, showcasing a Basquiat-style art piece on weathered plywood from a construction site. This transient art gains broader visibility than traditional street art, prompting thoughts on the fleeting nature of creativity and the vibrant atmosphere of Toronto’s Unit 102 Theatre, reminiscent of NYC’s artistic peak.View post…

  • Did You Pick up Your Dry Cleaning?

    The post discusses the band Dry Cleaning and their music. It highlights the band’s similarity to The Fall and Sleaford Mods, as well as the thoughtful and refreshing presence of the band members. The singer’s lyrics and stage presence are compared to those of Mark E. Smith, emphasizing the band’s unique and impactful style.View post…

  • Emergency! the first First Responders

    My thank you note to the TV show Emergency! and the song Route 66.

  • Thanks for everything, Lower Ossington Theatre. RIP

    The Lower Ossington Theatre has closed permanently, leaving behind memories of great shows and cherished local establishments. The closure brings to mind past visits to the theatre and nearby spots like Sweaty Betty’s and the Communist’s Daughter. The loss is felt deeply by those who have enjoyed productions such as Legally Blonde: The Musical and…

  • Exploring NYC’s Smalls Jazz Club: A Lifeline for Artists

    Smalls Jazz Club in NYC has provided essential livestreams for jazz enthusiasts during the pandemic. The author’s journey from misunderstanding jazz to passionately embracing it reflects the club’s significant impact on music lovers. By discovering new artists like Nicole Glover and Omer Avital, the club fosters community and artistic expression, even across borders.

  • Painting with John: Review One

    Before I begin my review of HBO’s Painting with John, let me set the table, as it were. In the weird world of entertainment, a triple threat is someone who can act, sing, and dance. Judy Garland is said to be the ultimate example of the rare and precious talent. On the other hand, some…

  • Uptown, John Lennon Imagined. Midtown, Fran Lebowitz Pretends.

    Fran Lebowitz is a polarizing figure in the documentary “Pretend It’s a City.” Her self-centered storytelling and interactions with Spike Lee reveal a sense of entitlement and appropriation. The film evokes discomfort, akin to hearing stolen jokes. Lebowitz’s self-absorption parallels a comedian’s narcissism. The documentary portrays her as a self-indulgent, larger-than-life character, prompting mixed reactions.View…