.

Few things are sweeter than a long heart to heart and hearty laughs with a good friend that you haven't spoken to in too long a while.

^^^ Read about that earlier today, Strider. Amazing how his remains were found, and at a time when science could definitively verify that it's him. Although this is not quite that delayed in paying respects, I somehow missed the passing of Steve Sanfield on January 28, 2015 and only just found out today when looking for one of his books. RIP to a great storyteller. http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/02/prweb12523453.htm

PP this is terrific! Thank you again, I really appreciate it! p.s. I suppose if it had to come down, it's one thing, but it still bothers me to read something like this or similar for so many great venues and beautiful old buildings that give character to a place and provide a space for people to come together and shape that character, too. Now the spirit's gone and all that's left are photos, memories, and... (^ from the first link you provided) ... a marker. Great. At least it's not a parking lot...

Thanks very much, PP. I'm also looking for larger sharper images of the ground floor/cross sections, if you happen to have any more pics... If not, it's ok, I'll do some digging. Cheers

Hey, PP, you're welcome Here's the photo I meant: Any additional info you could provide would be great, thanks. Oh and that letter from Peter Grant - you just know that what he really meant was your ass better be at that recording studio or there'll be a horse's head in your bed. Kind of a scary guy...

Fed vs. Joker Indian Wells Finals! Pat Mack is commentating. Love it! Edit: could have sworn I heard Johhny Mack but I guess not - shitty stream... Anyway, I was rooting for Fed as he's in the twilight of his career. It looked great up until he got a double fault to give the break again to Joker. Looked like he had Novak figured out, then gave it away! Tennis is such a game of little swings and managing them; they pay big dividends. Novak is a far more complete player than I thought he'd ever be, largely because of the mental side of his game. But he's far improved it, and it makes him the most dangerous player now, especially with more experience to draw from. Congrats to him for the win.

Yeah I saw this last night and thought this is some detective spelunking at work! PP on your Photobucket there's a pic of a theatre with a rendering of the seating and side view of the theatre itself, but the writing's too small to make out what it is... thanks.

^ That's great news, Strider! Happy to hear you're on the mend Congrats to Milos for his first ever win against Rafa!

^ Beautiful! A couple of them look spooky. To welcome the Spring equinox, there will not only be Vernal equinox, but a supermoon and a total solar eclipse as well. What a week of celestial phenomena reminding us to look up in awe. Spring kicks off with a super total eclipse of the sun on Friday By Andrew Fazekas | Geekquinox – 5 hours ago Space buffs are getting ready for a cosmic triple play this Friday as a rare total solar eclipse takes place during a ‘supermoon’ on the Spring equinox. Starting at 4:30 am EDT on the morning of Mar. 20 the moon will go between the Earth and the sun, creating a total solar eclipse. A lucky few people on remote islands in the northern Atlantic and Arctic Oceans will get a chance to witness the eerie black hole effect in the sky as the moon completely blocks out the sun for a fleeting few minutes. Optimum visibility will be from Norway’s Faroe Islands, however most of Europe, north-east Asia and north-west Africa will be able to see at least a partial eclipse where the Sun will appear to have a bite taken out of it to varying degrees, depending on one’s location. Here in Canada unfortunately the show will be over by our sunrise, expect perhaps for those in Newfoundland, southeastern Baffin Island or northeastern Ellesmere Island where keen onlookers may be able to (theoretically at least) catch the very every end of the partial eclipse just as the sun peeks over the local horizon. Adding to the cool factor for this celestial event will be that a perigee or ‘supermoon’ will be moving in front of the sun during the eclipse, meaning that the moon’s dark outline or silhouette will be the largest possible in the sky. That’s because when the moon is at perigee, it is the closest it can get to the Earth in its egg-shaped orbit. This happens a few times a year, however usually when we talk about supermoons, it is when the moon is in its full phase at night and we can see it. This time, it is a dark super moon since solar eclipses only occur during the new moon phase. And if that is not cosmically special enough, the Vernal equinox—when day and night lengths are equal—falls on the same day as well, occurring at 6:45 pm EDT on Mar. 20th. A total solar eclipse on the first day of Spring won’t happen again until the year 2034. To really get a good view of this eclipse, a sky-watcher would have to be located somewhere along a 100 km wide strip of the Earth that represents where the moon’s shadow will run for 5,800 km from north-eastern North America to the Atlantic between Iceland and United Kingdom and up through the Arctic ocean. Lucky ellipse watchers in most of Scotland, England, Norway and Finland will see as much as 90 percent of the Sun covered by the moon, whereas locations more south, like in Rome, Italy will see a more modest 50 percent of the sun disappear in the early morning hours of Friday. But if you can’t be in the North Atlantic or Arctic for this solar disappearing act then no need to fret, because you can still take in the sky show thanks to a live web broadcast of the entire eclipse. TheVirtual Telescope Project will have cameras set up in northern Europe along the eclipse pathway beaming images through the internet for all to enjoy. Follow Andrew on Twitter: @thenightskyguy There are a couple of videos as well if you follow the link: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/geekquinox/spring-kicks-of-with-a-super-total-eclipse-of-the-201645068.html

Northern Lights news! Prepare for another dazzling Northern Lights show in Canada Wednesday night https://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/geekquinox/more-northern-lights-possible-tonight-183901570.html And there are some spectacular photos of the Northern Lights in the UK yesterday: The Lake District *sigh* great memories. I miss it. Owen Humphreys / PA WIRE Northern Scotland Maciej Winiarczyk / Ross Parry / SWNS Brecon Beacons in Wales See more photos here! http://www.buzzfeed.com/matthewtucker/the-northern-lights-over-the-uk-last-night-were-pretty-amazi

The Guardian has a track from LC's upcoming album you can listen to: Leonard Cohen: hear an exclusive track from his new album The Canadian legend releases Can’t Forget: A Souvenir of the Grand Tour on 11 May, and we’ve got the premiere of a new track – Never Gave Nobody Trouble Leonard Cohen … Still prolific, after all these years Photograph: Gary Wolstenholme/Redferns via Getty Images Leonard Cohen has announced a new album, and we’re delighted to be premiering one the its 10 tracks, Never Gave Nobody Trouble. The album, Can’t Forget: A Souvenir of the Grand Tour, will be released on 11 May, and consists of Cohen rarities recorded on his recent Old Ideas tour. The songs were recorded both at soundchecks and in concert. Cohen’s soundchecks are, apparently, “concerts before the concerts” and the album is intended to offer fans “an extremely special glimpse into Cohen’s rehearsal process”. http://vevo.ly/kimEc0 The album has two new Cohen originals, Never Gave Nobody Trouble and Got a Little Secret, plus two covers never recorded by Cohen – George Jones’s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltHSay00gAcand the Quebecois love song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2RzMhqbrkY, originally by Georges Dor. The other tracks on the album are: Field Commander Cohen, I Can’t Forget, Light as a Breeze, Night Comes On, Joan of Arc and Stages. On Sunday, Cohen won the album of the year prize at the Juno awards, the annual ceremony for the Canadian music industry, for his 2014 collection Popular Problems. You can preorder Can’t Forget: A Souvenir of the Grand Tour from iTunes hereand from Amazon here. http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/mar/17/leonard-cohen-hear-an-exclusive-track-from-his-new-album

Leonard Cohen, the real deal, is releasing a new album on May 12, 2015: Leonard Cohen Releases 'Can't Forget: A Souvenir of the Grand Tour' On May 12, 2015 WINS 'ALBUM OF THE YEAR' AT THE 2015 JUNO AWARDS Pre-Order Now Available TORONTO, March 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Leonard Cohen releases Can't Forget: A Souvenir of the Grand Tour on May 12, 2015. The ten songs of this hypnotic album are Cohen rarities recorded on his recent, celebrated "Old Ideas World Tour." Remarkably, this is Cohen's third album release since last September's Platinum selling Popular Problems which garnered four 2015 JUNO AWARD nominations and won for the coveted 'Album of the Year'. The songs on Can't Forget have the immediacy, spontaneity, and thrilling intimacy of the best studio recordings made in the white heat of live performance and Cohen's legendary soundchecks, in which he brings the colors of his virtuoso band to full bloom in harmony with his voice, never more seductive. Here is a full range of Leonard Cohen's work: new songs including, from the realm of blues, the wickedly funny "Got a Little Secret" and "Never Gave Nobody Trouble"; luxurious performances of such Cohen masterpieces as "I Can't Forget," "Light As the Breeze," "Night Comes On," and a sublime "Joan of Arc". Cohen also treats us to a gripping version of the Quebecois love song "La Manic," performed before a captivated audience in Quebec City, and a moving tribute cover of the late country master George Jones's "Choices." These are songs and performances of the first order that you can't forget. Can't Forget is available for pre-order at all digital service providers, where fans will receive "Never Gave Nobody Trouble" instantly with purchase. Cohen's live concert tours were met with extraordinary and unanimous accolades as he performed around the world from 2008 through 2013. His mesmerizing performances totaled 470 shows in 31 countries, attended by four million fans. Can't Forget gives listeners an extremely special glimpse into Cohen's intimate rehearsal process, widely known to be in-depth 'concerts before the concert!,' heard by fans for the first time with this new record. Cohen continues to work with vocalists, musicians, producers and engineers who are the best in the business. Can't Forget: A Souvenir of the Grand Tour Tracklisting: Field Commander Cohen I Can't Forget Light as the Breeze La Manic ++ (originally by Georges Dor) Night Comes On Never Gave Nobody Trouble *** Joan of Arc Got a Little Secret *** Choices ++ (originally by George Jones) Stages *** New original Leonard Cohen songs ++ Covers never previously recorded by Cohen ABOUT LEONARD COHEN: Leonard Cohen is a master songwriter, musician, poet, novelist and visual artist whose stunning body of original work has touched the lives of millions with a career spanning six decades. With over 23 million albums worldwide and 12 published books, Cohen's influence on musical and theatrical artists the world over is inestimable. With a career spanning five decades, Leonard Cohen has been honored as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient (2010), inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame (2008), the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame (2006), the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame (2006) and the Songwriters Hall Of Fame (2010). He has received the prestigious Principe de Asturias Prize – the highest literary award in Spain(Spain, 2011) as well as the Glenn Gould Prize, awarded to an individual for a unique lifetime contribution that has enriched the human condition through the arts (Canada, 2011). The Canadian native has earned his country's highest civilian honors - Officer of the Order of Canada (1991), Companion to the Order of Canada (2003), Grand Officer of the National Order of Quebec (2008). Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150316/182122 SOURCE Legacy Recordings http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leonard-cohen-releases-cant-forget-a-souvenir-of-the-grand-tour-on-may-12-2015-300051408.html

Not music related, but important. Last year, the good people at Covenant House Toronto helped two young women through the process that lead to a human trafficking conviction. Now Covenant House Toronto has broadened its reach and is opening a new housing program for sex-trafficked victims: More info here: http://www.covenanthousetoronto.ca/homeless-youth/New-Housing-Program-for-Sex-Trafficked-Victims

Congratulations to the great Leonard Cohen for winning the album of the year Juno ("Popular Problems" - get it!) and to Alanis Morrissette for being named to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. https://ca.music.yahoo.com/leonard-cohen-wins-album-junos-kick-off-hamilton-235354306.html

So many amazing photographs, and in black and white wraaaaa!!! (One gets the impression, though, that Jonesy and Bonzo were part-time members of the band ). The ones of Page with broken bow strings in motion are beautiful, as are just about all the ones of Robert, especially those showing him the fervour of belting out a song. A bit bittersweet to see some new pics of Bonzo.... Still, such great spirit and cohesion and enthusiasm captured in many of the photos. Thanks for sharing!

"All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know." Hemingway Not so much an inspiration as a reference point.

Tori Amos - In the Studio by Jake Brown. It's about how TA paved her own path as well as her intuitive and resourceful methods of composing and recording. I love her music and quirky creative way because she's stayed true to herself. That and because she's a brilliant musician.

So after an extensive search, CBC has found a replacement host for "Q": Shad Named By CBC As New Host Of 'Q' The Huffington Post Canada | By Zi-Ann Lum Posted: 03/11/2015 1:25 am EDT Updated: 03/11/2015 1:59 pm EDT Shad, a Juno-nominated rapper, has been picked to take the reins of CBC’s “Q." “We were looking for someone who is an original thinker, curious and emotionally intelligent,” CBC Radio Talk executive director Cindy Witten told CBC News late Tuesday. “Also, a good conversationalist who is witty and fast on their feet. We wanted someone steeped in arts and culture in this country.” In January, Shad hosted the banner CBC Radio cultural affairs show. For a week, he interviewed guests including actress Evangeline Lilly, “Maus” cartoonist Art Spiegelman, and author/director Miranda July. According to the public broadcaster, Shad was selected after an “exhaustive search” that included more than 200 candidates. Born Shadrach Kabango, the rapper broke into Canada’s music scene in 2005 with his first full-length album “When This Is Over.” In 2007, he released his follow-up record “The Old Price,” which won him critical acclaim. Raised in London, Ont. by way of Kenya, Shad holds a business degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and a liberal studies master’s degree from Simon Fraser University. Shad currently lives in East Vancouver, calling it a “beautiful place to be in when I’m off tour.” News of the 32-year-old rapper’s appointment ends months of speculation as to who would replace former host Jian Ghomeshi. Ghomeshi was fired from the CBC in October after a series of sexual assault and workplace harassment allegations were levied against him. He is currently awaiting trial for sexual assault charges. Ghomeshi’s case has been put over until March 27. Shad will officially assume his host duties when "Q" relaunches in April. Witten said “Q” listeners should expect a new structure to the show — one that that will lean more on musical performances and set to a new casual structure and conversational tone. With files from The Canadian Press http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/03/11/shad-q-host-cbc_n_6844632.html

No love for classical guitar? Augustine Black for my one-and-only.

Strider. This was a howler! That first quote - tears. The second - necessary and true. Finally somebody is honest about evil Spanx (agree with Virginia, sometimes a begrudgingly necessary one). Small slits and bathroom trips make for awkward experiences. It's either risk peeing on yourself or unharness yourself from the onesy (which takes forever) and go (then it's even longer to put back on). It's just undignified. Nobody really talks about it lol so kudos to Judy Greer. What a good sport. Great story.

The play Red by John Logan. It's about Mark Rothko's challenge of creating the definitive work of art. Alfred Molina - great actor - originally starred in the role in London and New York (Eddie Redmayne played his assistant in both productions). I'm more curious about Logan's play than Rothko's paintings, frankly. Maybe it's a provincial attitude, but his art doesn't resonate with me. Take a look at his work.

Finally got a copy of "Violin Masters: Two Gentlemen of Cremona"

I'm sad to hear of Leonard Nimoy's passing, but somehow at peace with it as well. I very much admire how he handled his relationship with the iconic role of Spock and the trajectory of his career over the years. Whereas earlier he wanted to distance himself from Spock, neither did he go the way of sticking to just that role and milking it. Later, he grew to have a more balanced approach to having played Spock, one in which he embraced the stoic Vulcan and his legions of fans, yet still continued to pursue his many interests. From acting in film, TV and theatre, to directing, narrating, doing voice overs, writing biographies, screenplays, and poetry, taking photographs, and probably some other artistic ventures I don't know of, he did what he loved, and we've benefited from all of the creative facets of his character. All that, and from many accounts, just a decent all around guy, too. What an interesting man. What a full life. Is the history behind his famous LLAP hand gesture well known? Do people know it has roots in the Kohanim blessing? I'm familiar with the priestly tribe, but the first time I ever saw the hand gesture was in a video of a Leonard Cohen concert in Israel (2009, I think) in which he blessed the crowd. I thought hey that looks a lot like... and sure enough, it is: "So I peaked" hahaha I love it! It's a great story, one of those wonderment of childhood moments that stays with you long after the magic has been understood, yet it somehow still retains its mystery and sparkle; he passed that on to millions of people and so the story lives on. Rest in peace, Leonard Nimoy.

Use it, J, USE IT. I went back to work the day after I injured my back, made it worse, then ended up missing a month of work. It doesn't sound like we have the same thing, but look after yourself first. And try to move/very lightly stretch as soon as you can.Hope you heal quickly! Sending good vibes xo