Author Archives: James

The EX is over for 2011 and I’m more than a little sad. The EX marks the end of summer and the end of the EX is the real New Year’s Eve. It’s time to leave the bright colours, the … Continue reading →

Little Charlie, in coveralls and battered cap, sporting a bushy mustache, sweeps up the stage to prepare it for his master, Mat Velvet, the “Wheel God” who will amaze us with his skill on German Wheel. Mat is also a … Continue reading →

Yesterday, I attended the Aerial Acrobatics & Ice Skating Show with the intention of taking a few photographs and writing a good-humoured, but objectively critical review of the offering.  I can’t do it. The lights – the sounds – the … Continue reading →

With my companion, the Dedicated Knitter, I visited the Farm Pavilion, intending to meet some livestock and soak up the agricultural ambience. DK didn’t get beyond the AFCO display where she developed an instant rapport with the Alpaca yarn. While … Continue reading →

By chance, I heard loud, familiar music coming from the Air Transat Stage on the other side of the Direct Energy Centre. It was K’naan’s Wavin’ Flag. I just caught the end of the Mzansi Youth Choir’s show. Now, I’m … Continue reading →

Becky Hoops shimmies and whirls doing magical tricks with her silver hoops. With her saucy smile she talks men volunteers out of their shirts, into funny hats and then does the double hula – grinding against them until they gyrate … Continue reading →

After enjoying the noise and clamour of the Midway, I spent a quiet hour in the Direct Energy Building, watching the CNE’s quietest Rockstar, Daryl Maddeaux. We chatted about what he calls “Visual Awareness Art.” Daryl does the seemingly impossible … Continue reading →