#Banksy still remains in Toronto

The art endures even when the spirit fades and fresh paint covers over the canvas of a graffiti artist. Banksy has long kept the world fascinated by the application of paint over the shabby walls of the decay found in large and small cities. His work is sometimes cut from the buildings it was applied to, many times it is covered over by those whose destructive talents overshadow their contribution to life in a modern society. Sometimes it is protected and kept for the public to enjoy, to wonder about the belief that always said that art is in the eye of the beholder. The message is for you to figure out.

Banksy, the secretive graffiti artist, apparently came to Toronto a few years ago, did some of his magic and as quick as he arrived, he departed. Leaving several pieces behind, spread throughout our city, waiting to be discovered by those with eyes open to the wonder of creation in the midst of small alleys and out of the way places. Before you could say "what do they mean?" small minded people painted over most of the works and one was saved when it was boxed up and removed from a building being demolished. This one, the one that sits at a driveway entrance near Church St and The Esplanade, was protected by a sheet of Plexiglas and since then people have been attacking the plastic.

The three characters still wait, two men and a boy, staring at what? Something that isn't there, something that has to be provided by the viewer. That has to be seen by you.

Indy 500: James Hinchcliffe takes the pole position

Canadian IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe brought his Arrow Electronics car into the best location for the 100th running of the Indy 500. Last year's season ended early for James when he had a massive crash during a 2015 Indy 500 practice session. He survived the near fatal crash and fought his way back into the cockpit of the open wheel race cars. James Hinchcliffe holding up #1. -- Photo at top by: Chris Jones

“I came into this month hoping we would have a new story to talk about after what happened last year, and I think we did it,” he said, moments after doing just that, his Mom and Dad hanging on every word. He edged out Josef Newgarden with his four Q lap average of 230.760 mph. bringing a loud roar from the stands at The Brickyard at the checkered flag. Newgarden was next at 230.648, and veteran Townsend Bell was third at 230.481." His parents have once again made the trip down to keep an eye on their son, in much happier circumstances this year.

The Mayor of Hinchtown credits Allen McDonald and the rest of his engineering team with getting him into the spot. James was the top driver in the previous night's qualifier which allowed him to have the final shot at qualifying on Sunday. He says of the 200 lap race, “It’s crazy. Obviously, this race always has more pressure than anywhere else and, it being the 100th, there’s a little more attention as well. Obviously, we’ve done something right as a team. It’s a long race. Ten miles is one thing. You’ve got to hold your breath for that whole thing. But 500 is a very different deal. You’ve got to be patient. You’ve got to breathe. You’ve got to know when to push and when to relax. At least we’ve got a good starting spot, the best starting spot and we can kind of go from there.”

The Indy 500, the fifth event in the current Verizon IndyCar Series, starts at 12:19 pm on Sunday, May 29. Honda Indy Toronto will come to Exhibition Place and the streets of Toronto July 15-17, 2016.

Fun things to do: Harbourfront

Toronto's waterfront comes alive in spring with so much activity along the shores of Lake Ontario. The May long weekend brings out Buskers and the start of the festival season with the free HarbourKIDS Circus (May 21-23). The tour boats have been running for awhile now and it's also a great time to catch a ferry ride (or water taxi) over to the Toronto Islands. I found some interesting custom chopper-type bicycles besides Music Garden, photo at top.

Boating in the Natrel Pond which becomes a rink in the winter

Here are my top ten reasons for going down to Harbourfront and the Central Waterfront.

1. Biking paths that allow you to explore the area.
2. Cool urban beaches - HTO Park and Sugar Beach.
3. Majestic Tall Ships and all the other manners of flotation.
4. Concerts and Festivals.
5. Harbourfront Centre, the West Jet Stage Ampitheatre and the art galleries.
6. One of the best areas in the city to see buskers or street performers.
7. Access to the Toronto Islands from the ferry docks.
8. Relaxing on one of the red Muskoka chairs and pretending that Toronto is your cottage.
9. Small parks - Harbour Square Park, Toronto Music Garden (with concerts in the summer), the Natrel Pond, Ontario Square and Sherbourne Commons Park.
10. Everything you need to enjoy the day is down in the area including grocery stores, Restaurants, LCBOs and the Beer Store.

See more after the jump.

Bex in Motion

She brings the flaming hula hoops to Harbourfront and as the crowd gathers around her, they fear for her life as she is so close to the burning black marshmallow type things. Her warm up act features a gradual buildup of spinning hoops, from one to four, before she brings two helpers in from the audience and has them throw ten hoops at her. I counted and there were indeed ten hula hoops that were flung and quickly incorporated into her spinning act.

Bex in Motion was inspired by her birthday, which apparently was today, and her finale featured two flaming hula hoops.

The talented street performer also has a great sense of humour and she started in the big leagues last year when she joined the artists at the Toronto Buskerfest.

Rib Fest & BBQ Bash Toronto

There wasn't enough smoke in the Big Smoke, so Yonge-Dundas Square hosted a barbecue party during the Victoria Day weekend. The best rib teams in Canada bring big signs and a lot of trophies and I am pretty sure some of them were bowling trophies and road signs.

They say that May is BBQ month, but here in Canada we never stop barbecuing, get the q-juice out in winter and cook that meat product year round, summer, winter and the in-between times as well. The briquettes are putting out the heat until 10pm on Saturday, May 21.

Slabs of meat and bone will be cooked by Kentucky Smokehouse, Fire Island, Louisiana BBQ and New York BBQ while bands play and the beer flows in the non-tent beer area.

People seemed to love it because the lineups were gigantic in the square.

BVLGARI and the Brain

#NoBlankBrains continues with the unveiling of second Brain Project sculpture created by artist Pascale Girardin. The Montreal based artist's creation was inspired by Bulgari's Divas' Dream collection and presented in the Bulgari Toronto boutique in Yorkdale Mall. Pascale's brainy art installation featured mosaic tiles based on the ancient Roman baths of Caracalla and was titled Illumination. The ceremaics used in the piece were handcrafted in Rome, glazed in emerald and white tones and also had jeweled accents. Photo at top: Sarah Rafferty and Pascale Girardin at the Bulgari Toronto boutique in Yorkdale Mall celebrating The Brain Project on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. Photo Credit: George Pimentel.

The Brain Project, presented by TELUS, is in support of brain health research at Baycrest Health Sciences and the latest sculpture unveiling brought together notable guests like Sarah Rafferty, Pascale Girardin, Jessica and Ben Mulroney, Erica and Noah Godfrey, Vanessa Mulroney, Joanne and Garry Foster, Amoryn Engel, Jay Strut, Sandra Ainsley, Gina and Paul Godfrey, Donna Kuczynski and Brittney Kuczynski during a fancy cocktail soiree.

The project consists of brain sculptures "designed by world-renowned and emerging members of the arts community - spanning fashion, culture, music and visual arts - and sponsored by philanthropists and corporations will be on display in Toronto in June 2016."

Noah Godfrey (The Brain Project Co-Chair), Erica Godfrey (The Brain Project Co-Chair), Aarrynne Dokken-Isgar (Bulgari Store Manager), Pascale Girardin (Artist), Sarah Rafferty (The Brain Project Global Ambassador), Jessica Mulroney (The Brain Project Co-Chair) and Ben Mulroney (The BrainProject Co-Chair) at the Bulgari Toronto boutique in Yorkdale Mall celebrating The Brain Project on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. Photo Credit: George Pimentel.

Victoria Day activities by the City of Toronto

The 2016 fun includes the May 23rd Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park beginning at 10pm. They will be shooting off approximately 2,000 fireworks with a grand finale. Other stuff to do include Riverdale Farm, High Park Zoo, the Toronto Islands and throw in some historic sites for something a little different.

Here is the City's news release:

The City of Toronto will offer a wide variety of activities for residents on Monday, May 23, including the annual Victoria Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay. Many family attractions, including two farms, two historic sites and other facilities will be open, however City-operated recreation centres will be closed and recreation programs will not operate that day.

See more after the jump.

Nathan Phillips Square Peace Garden

Toronto Mayor John Tory rededicated the Peace Garden at its new location close to Osgoode Hall during a ceremony on May 18, 2016. The Mayor was joined by Peace Garden founder Father Massey Lombardi, the Consul-General of Japan, Yasunori Nakayama; Hiroshima Peace Ambassador Setsuko Thurlow; Chair of the Toronto Interfaith Council, Zul Kassamali; and Toronto Poet Laureate Anne Michaels; Parliamentary Poet Laureate George Elliott Clarke. A smudging ceremony was carried out by tribal elder Cat Crieger and the Jarvis Collegiate Institute Choir performed during the event.

Originally located near the middle of Nathan Phillips Square in a small urban forest, the garden was created as a memorial to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Toronto's commitment to World Peace. The late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, father to our current PM Justin Trudeau, turned the first sod for the original garden. The stone-clad gazebo, fountain and eternal flame were moved to the new site as part of the major revitalization project which also saw the statue of the late Prime Minister of Great Britain Winston Churchill moved as well. And they didn't break the roof, it was left unfinished to signify how fragile society is.

The history of the garden is quite astounding. Pope John Paul II lit the flame from an ember that originated from the Peace Flame in Hiroshima and poured water into the fountain that came from a river in Nagasaki. Finally, the monument was dedicated by Queen Elizabeth in 1984.

Pinty's NASCAR Series runs this weekend

Warm weather is returning in time for the Castrol Presents the Victoria Day Speedfest Weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) from May 20-22, 2016. Fireworks are scheduled for Saturday evening and the crews can finally take the snow tires of the race cars.

The track, formerly known as Mosport, launches the NASCAR Pinty's Season stock car season with the Clarington 200 and also features the Pirelli World Challenge (all classes), the Canadian Touring Car Championship presented by Continental Tire and the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Yokohama. This is a weekend of racing that you don't want to miss, the track has so many great vantage points and the site also has camping facilities.

Photos by Joe Hamilton

Pinty's Grand Prix of Toronto

NASCAR in Canada returns to the Honda Indy Toronto with Pinty's Delicious Foods Inc taking on the major sponsorship of the upcoming Saturday July 16, 2016 feature race. Pinty's recently became the title sponsor for the NASCAR stock car series north of the border and this year's participation in the Motorsports Festival adds to the high powered excitement on the street course that runs in and around the historic grounds of Exhibition Place. Jeff Atkinson, President of the Honda Indy Toronto and Tony Spiteri, Senior VP of Marketing, Research and Development for Pinty's in the photo at top.

Honda Indy Toronto takes place over the July 15 - 17 weekend and includes the Mazda Road to Indy, Robby Gordon’s Stadium Super Trucks and Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada taking to the 11 turn, 1.75 mile street circuit.

"We’re delighted to welcome Pinty’s as an official sponsor of our event," said Jeff Atkinson, President for Honda Indy Toronto. “Pinty’s is a treasured sponsor of auto racing in Canada and they understand both our fans and our sport. Their presence is sure to be felt and appreciated by fans of all ages.” Pinty's will bring a trackside food and beer garden in Turn 1, near Princes' Gates, as well as concession stands throughout the festival site.

NASCAR Pinty's Series starts the 2016 season this weekend, the famous May two-four long weekend, with the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park Victoria Day Speedfest known as the unofficial start of summer.

"Pinty's is thrilled to have the unique naming rights to this historic race," said Tony Spiteri, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Research and Development for Pinty's. "Bringing the NASCAR Pinty's Series back to the downtown core is exciting for the NASCAR fans, drivers, and sponsors. Racing on the streets of Toronto is a high-profile addition to other iconic series events like the CTMP Camping World Truck Series weekend, GP3R, and all our incredible short tracks across Canada. We are truly excited about this new partnership with Honda Indy Toronto." Hard charging Quebec driver Andrew Ranger won the two previous NASCAR races at Honda Indy Toronto in 2010 and 2011.

Pinty's is a leader in the food industry supplying restaurants and the grocery industry with premium quality chicken products and has become a major force in sponsorship in Canada. I watched some of the Pinty's Grand Slam of Curling and have seen their banners in the Canadian Football League.

Honda Indy Toronto celebrates thirty years of racing on the streets of Toronto and has seen driving superstars like Marco Andretti, Juan Pablo Montoya and Canadians Paul Tracy, Greg Moore and James Hinchcliffe.

Speaking of James, he just took third-place in last weekend's Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis. This is his first time back on the podium after a terrible crash during a practice at last year's Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The near fatal accident kept him off the track for half a year but has not diminished his need for speed and he always remains a favourite of Toronto fans:

"Hinch’s native country will be the beneficiary of his best result of the current Verizon IndyCar season as he has announced that he is donating part of his winnings from Saturday’s race to the Canadian Red Cross to support the more than 14,000 families and dozen communities caught in the Alberta wildfires earlier this month. “Canadians from coast to coast have opened their hearts and wallets to help our fellow citizens. I feel it is important to help.” Team boss Sam Schmidt and Mike Long of Arrow are joining the Mayor in this endeavour and will match his donation."

J. Steadman photos supplied.

Peak blossoms at Osgoode Hall 2016

High Park might have been pooched for blossoms this year, fickle weather and all, but the beautiful grounds of the legal landmark are bright with trees in bloom. They won't last long so check them out soon.

Anime North 2016 coming

Bringing the best anime, magna and Japanese culture to the Toronto area with the May 27-29 show at the Toronto Congress Centre and the nearby International Plaza Hotel. Anime North fans always put on the best cosplay displays and it is an amazing sight to see so many people in costumes.

Andrew Quesada Spring House

LA photographer launched his Scotiabank Contact Photography exhibition March 12, 2016 at the contemporary art gallery STRUCT. Andrew's work, curated by Anna Di Carlo and Andrew Bockner, will be displayed until June 5th and marks his first solo exhibition in Canada. The gallery is located at 571B Adelaide Street East. Photos provided, Andrew Quesada at top.

"Influenced by the early 90's and inspired by the 70's, Andrew Quesada’s photography celebrates the grit and beauty of LA, its surrounding landscapes and its inhabitance. With a family and childhood filled with photography, Quesada shoots images with a very cinematic sense - ranging from fashion, models, and musicians, to everyday portraits."

The annual Scotiabank Contact Festival showcases works from acclaimed photographers from Canada and around the world.

Friday the 13th at Port Dover 2016

Friday in the lakeside town is never the same under the famous motorcycle rally days, especially in the warmer Canadian months. May can be considered a touch early for summer loving bikers, but in the true spirit of the North, we will take what we can get -  and get a patch to commemorate the occasion.

I came early to the small town that swells with tens of thousands of people attending the two wheeled party.  Parking at the remote cornfield for ten bucks and catching a continuous shuttle of buses, thank goodness for the school buses, that bring in the non-motorcyclists among the event's fans.  Remember where they drop you off because every cornfield looks the same. The overnight rain, fueled by more rain during the day, soaked the fields and made me wonder if we would be trying to get out of a mud pit when we had to head home, but it all worked out.

Entertainment and beer tents beckon the faithful in away from main street while a continuous roll of Thunder signify that choppers continue to flow into town like an unstoppable river of chrome and exhaust.

The band in the beet tent pours out a steady stream of old school rock as the attendants change dollars for shiny drink tokens and serve you a cold brew. Music on the Molson Main Stage on Harbour Street started at 11am and continued late into the night, admission was free and beer was only $6. The big tent also gives you a break from the bright sun or the pouring rain. Rocking the stage in the first slot is the Mushy Peez, finishing off their set with 'It's time to get out of this place'  and fitting for southwestern Ontario 'tobacco road.'

It's nice being early, you see things fill up while avoiding the heavy traffic that chokes highway #6. During the early morning you see the bikes backing into spots along both sides of the road, and in some spots in the middle of the road as well. Riding motorcycles along the road gradually becomes almost impossible as the crowd swells and takes over the entire road allowance. The best view of the sea of humanity is from Harbor Street or Walker Street looking northwest up Main Street. Peak pedestrian traffic is into late afternoon, then gradually people hit the entertainment spots or begin the long ride home.

Just after the day passes noon, the sun is replaced by a burst of heavy showers and leather clad throngs hide underneath any available cover, except for the Hells Angels, they don't care about rain. Speaking of the hardcore bikers, they were often seen up and down the strip and even had several vendor areas selling merchandise. Other clubs were also in attendance at the rally.

The sun bursts through for awhile and the cloudy skies return to mute the exhilaration of bikers.  But it is only temporary because it is wet t-shirt time and the second rainfall soon ends.

Rockstar Energy Drink were very supportive of this event and I enjoyed a thirst quenching sample of their beverage

If you suffer from Triskaidekaphobia, or the fear of Friday the 13th, it is probably a bad time to be in the tourist and fishing town on today of all days.

The silver lady from Nomadpreacher

See a massive photo album of the day after the jump.