kathyrenwald

Just back from a trip to Sarasota Florida looking at Sarasota style architecture. Working on a travel story for the Hamilton Spectator.

2012-03-07T12:16:00.001-05:00

Needlework just openend on Jame Street North in Hamilton. I'm writing about it for the Hamilton Spectator. Learn to sew, buy cool fabric, it's a fine addition to the street.

2012-02-15T15:26:00.002-05:00

Kaz Novak, Spectator photographer shoots Needlework owners Kate Hunter and Liz Thompson.

iloveneedlework.com

Mansions and mills on Mary Street North in Hamilton. Did you know about the rich history of one of the city's oldest streets. Look for my story in Thursday's Hamilton Spectator Go section.

2012-02-08T15:34:00.001-05:00

The aging gems of Hamilton. I'll be writing about them in this Thursday's Hamilton Spectator.

2012-02-05T12:11:00.001-05:00

Medinilla could be your next favorite plant. I write about it in the Hamilton Spectator Go section today. You can find more info at www.medinilla.ca

2012-02-02T08:17:00.001-05:00

Hyacinths on my desk. Such a sweet thing.

2012-02-01T18:09:00.001-05:00

Loved this table at the Interior Design Show, Toronto. Made by The Recycler of Goderich. He also had a seat make of bike tire tubes.

2012-02-01T17:56:00.000-05:00

Beautiful blankets from Oleana, made in Norway.

2012-02-01T17:49:00.001-05:00

Chair made from the sails of famous boats, by Spinnaker Norway. At the Interior Design Show .

2012-02-01T17:40:00.001-05:00

Watch out for this plant. Medinilla, it's grown in Ontario greenhouses, and can bloom in your home for four months. I'll be writing about it in Thursday's Hamilton Spectator.

2012-01-31T09:35:00.001-05:00

Big and little ideas from the Interior Design Show in Toronto.

2012-01-30T11:44:00.001-05:00

2012-01-30T11:43:00.003-05:00

I saw this in Holland three years ago. Canned goods and preserves as decor elements. IDS 2012.

2012-01-30T11:40:00.000-05:00

Blackboards are never out of style. IDS 2012

2012-01-30T11:36:00.000-05:00

The kitchen in a box.

2012-01-30T11:33:00.004-05:00

Books, stripped of their covers as design details.

Looking at my pictures at the Interior Design Show in Toronto. Orange was everywhere, if it wasn't organge, than black white and sometimes shiny seemed to be the theme. Other catchy things, the $8,000 remote controlled toilet, the shower with settings that can be programmed for each user, the kitchen in a box for the cottage. It's about $13,000 by bulthaup. As a decor item, books are still big, stripped of their covers, they look completely neutral.

2012-01-30T11:28:00.001-05:00

The Bay goes orange at IDS 2012

2012-01-28T12:18:00.001-05:00

Fron the Interior Design Show in Toronto. It really is true, that orange is big.

2012-01-28T12:08:00.000-05:00

I just bought a new printer. My last one was 17 years old, but it was a good one. The new one is ok, but seems rickety and gimmicky in comparison. I am blowing through a lot of ink to try and get good photo prints.

2012-01-24T17:05:00.000-05:00

The stone house on Mary Street is near one of my favorite homes in Hamilton, a rare pre-Confederation wood frame house that is both simple and elegant.

2012-01-19T16:12:00.000-05:00

The house at Cannon and Mary Streets in Hamilton is for sale. It is a gem, built in 1855 with an elegant spiral staircase and curved doors into the dining room, its architectural importance was recognized with a heritage designation. The seller is hoping it remains a single family home, and is loved by its new owners. $349,000.

2012-01-19T16:09:00.000-05:00

At the auto show I tried my new camera bag the Passport Sling by Lowepro and I gave it very high marks. Great for female frame, doesn't kill your shoulders, holds a bunch of useful stuff.

2012-01-11T16:39:00.000-05:00

My take on the auto show: Tone was more confident, show looked great, but still conservative as far as new car introductions with most makers introducing just one new vehicle, and some of them none. Ford brought out the new Fusion a great looking car. Dodge introduced a compact and a throwback to another era….the new take on the Dodge Dart. GM spent a lot of time talking about the Chevy Sonic- a subcompact I love…and importantly..how they are trying to reach the audience-kids-who will buy this car..even though their research says 54 per cent of young adults would rather be online than driving!!! Ford had an entire media section reserved for BLOGGERS NOBODY talked about all electric cars. The consumer is still leering of them. Hybrids were introduced..including a couple of new Benz models…but to lukewarm response because sales of these are minute. CUVs are still hot..even Maserati introduced one-a concept- called if you can believe it the Kubang. I say kapow to the kubang Hyudai has all the fun..They waltzed away with car of the year award for the Elantra..and introduced a new 200 horsepower turbo version of the Veloster. In the fashion department I thought the men in general both car makers and media (especially European) had cooler clothes, haircuts and glasses –than the women.

2012-01-11T16:10:00.000-05:00

The new Porsche introduction at the auto show in Detroit (North American International Auto Show) was a 911 Cabriolet.

I will be posting more pictures from the Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS). If you like design and lighting it is a great place to go to get ideas.

2012-01-11T11:18:00.001-05:00

This is the lighting at the Mercedes-Benz Cafe. It's very effective. This was ONE good place you could get excellent coffee at the Detroit Auto Show. It was open on media preview days not sure about public days.

I am live blogging at the North American International Auto Show for Toronto Star Wheels.

2012-01-09T14:03:00.001-05:00

Apolo Ohno is here. He drives a 6 series BMW.

I will be at the auto show in Detroit live blogging for the Toronto Star. Also writing stories about high performance and luxury cars.

2012-01-08T11:00:00.000-05:00

Scenes from Hamilton Harbour.

2012-01-07T15:43:00.002-05:00

Freighter docked at Hamilton Harbour, near the waterfront trail. So huge and photogenic. One of the many great landscapes in Hamilton.

Today's Brushes painting at DVSA

2012-01-05T15:17:00.004-05:00

I'm in a class with a lot of good painters. But I like sloshing around on my iPad.

Another core value.

2012-01-04T17:00:00.000-05:00

The house on Murray is across the street from this club. Espresso, soccer games, grappa-one stop shopping.

Commmitted to Hamilton's core.

2012-01-04T16:57:00.000-05:00

This house at the corner of Murray and Park in Hamilton's core, used to be covered in stucco and looked unremarkable. Ah ha. Remove stucco and discover elegant stone, remove siding and find wood bargeboard. It's being restored, and a couple from Stoney Creek will be moving in. The house faces the new condos being built on Murray. A good sign for 2012.

Working on next home feature for Hamilton Spectator.

2012-01-04T13:45:00.001-05:00

These beautiful things are in a house in Waterdown that used to be the OPP station in the 1950's. Quite a change.

Peonies, perennials, and trees. My January 6 column in the Hamilton Spectator.

2012-01-03T13:53:00.002-05:00

Some great plants and fine gardeners coming up in my garden column in the Hamilton Spectator this Friday January 6th.

What's on top of my file cabinet

2012-01-03T10:20:00.000-05:00

Current arrangement on top of my file cabinet: 2 collages by me, one by the very talented Karen Thiessen (karenthiessen.com), stub from Yankees game.

I had the Hyundai Veloster for a week test drive. 6-speed manual very satisfying, It feels young, hip, and modern. Writing a review for Grand magazine.

2012-01-02T17:21:00.001-05:00

Hyundai Veloster at Hamilton Harbour.

Still working with the Brushes app for iPad. This is a fine beagle at his cottage.

2012-01-02T17:01:00.000-05:00

This is Charlie of Honey Harbour. He is wintering in Florida right now.

Next house for Hamilton Spectator

2011-10-23T00:46:00.001-04:00

Love the paint

This is a rare glimpse inside the Buffalo State Pschiatric Hospital-built in the 1800's and closed since the 1990's. It was open as part of a Preservation Buffalo conference. It is a fabulous HH Richardson building-now stabilized and awaiting a new use.

2011-10-21T10:59:00.002-04:00

The Buffalo Psychiatric Hospital open for a tour this week. It has been closed for over 20 years, and is being preserved and restored.

One of my favorite houses belongs to Jane and Grant Hill. It is full of love and cherished items collected over many years. My story on their 1856 home was in the October 6th edition of the Hamilton Spectator. The link is below.

2011-10-16T16:27:00.004-04:00

http://www.thespec.com/living/home/article/604410--finding-magic-in-the-everyday

The Hill's living room with tin ware and glass collections.

Cloches, industrial lightbulbs, and wire art in the Hill home.

Future home decor features for the Hamilton Spectator

2011-10-16T16:23:00.000-04:00

A 1950's house in Hamilton with a view of the city and a view into the woods. This story will be in October 20th Hamilton Spectator.

I like painting objects in my basement

2011-10-15T11:45:00.002-04:00

Hamilton Harbour showing the limited palette of autumn.

2011-10-12T10:52:00.001-04:00

Outdoor flowers coming indoors. Hope my brother likes this better than the philodendron.

2011-10-12T10:46:00.001-04:00

I painted this using Brushes on iPad. You have to love anemones.

Tender plants moving indoors

2011-10-05T16:15:00.002-04:00

Brought my philodendron inside today after a summer outside. Sad. It's a wonderful plant though, transforms a boring room.

These are tug boats on Hamilton Harbour. I painted them on the iPad using the Brushes app. If you want to see a master use this app, visit the David Hockney Flowers exhibition opening next week at the ROM in Toronto.

2011-09-30T09:14:00.001-04:00

Tug boats on Hamilton Harbour. Painted with Brushes.

Modern, uncluttered kitchen in the home of the couple who own interLight on Ottawa Street North in Hamilton. My story was in the Hamilton Spectator yesterday, but can be viewed online.

2011-09-23T10:23:00.001-04:00

Sleek, modern kitchen, but sized sensibly for people who like to cook, but don't want to take too many steps.

I was road testing this SLK350 and drove to Turkey Point. The Union Hotel in nearby Normandale looks like an excellent B and B to book. Turkey Point was enchanting.

2011-09-23T10:02:00.003-04:00

Mercedes Benz SLK350 in front of the Union Hotel, Normandale Ontario

Great scenes in Hamilton Ontario. On the beach.

2011-09-05T11:55:00.002-04:00

This dog has no idea it is Labour Day. We should emulate him.

World Tour cycling race coming up in Quebec City September 9th.

2011-08-12T15:11:00.000-04:00

Thomas Voeckler chatting during UCI race in Quebec City last year. He'll be back to race this year on September 9th. It's a great event through the streets of the city. I am writing a piece for the Toronto Star Travel Section.

Hamilton Harbour this morning. One of the best views in the city.

2011-05-10T10:09:00.000-04:00

I will be on AM640 Planes Trains and Automobiles with Arlene Bynon-talking about Wales. We will start with Anglesey-a hot spot after the official visit of William and Kate shortly after their marriage announcement. Here are some useful links. visitwales.com The place for all things Welsh www.seasalt.co.uk www.cleifioguchaf.co.uk A lovely country house to stay in Anglesey-fantastic food cooked by keen chef. www.plasdinas.co.uk/ Another manor house to stay in-was a retreat for Anthony Armstrong-Jones and Princess Margaret. www.rarebits.co.uk Looking for unusual and wonderful places to stay visit Rarebits.co.uk

2011-04-24T11:07:00.000-04:00

I was checking out the plants that will be for sale at the RBG Auxiliary plant sale May 5 and 7. The cold weather is a good thing right now-it slows down growth in the greenhouse. My story will be in next Thursday's Hamilton Spectator. For more on the sale rbg.com

2011-04-21T09:19:00.000-04:00

Sales were hot at the Fur and Feather Fanciers event at Rockton Fairgrounds.

2011-04-21T09:16:00.000-04:00

2011-04-15T18:23:00.002-04:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Is it supposed to be this cold in April? Can't leave the fireplace.

I will be on Planes, Trains and Automobiles on AM640 with Arlene Bynon today. Talking about trips I'd like to take this summer..or sometime in my life. A drive along the New Brunswick Coastal Route along the Bay of Fundy, a trip through Newfoundland including a visit to the Artist studios on Fogo Island, and a driving thrip through the Canadian Badlands. Here are the websites with more information.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/FundyCoastalDrive.aspx.www.newfoundlandlabrador.com./www.fogoisland.net.http://www.artscorpfogoisland.ca/www.canadianbadlands.org

2011-04-10T11:11:00.000-04:00

My article on garden style in Philadelphia is on the Toronto Star website today and will be in the print edition tomorrow. http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/outdoorliving/gardeningandlandscaping/article/...

2011-04-08T10:49:00.000-04:00

Working on my next home story for the Hamilton Spectator Go section. Mid-century modern and loving it.

2011-04-07T13:27:00.000-04:00

I will be profiling more Hamilton homes in future editions of the Hamilton Spectator.

2011-03-29T13:53:00.000-04:00

Coming up in the Hamilton Spectator-cool modern in Hamilton.

Also in a future edition of the Hamilton Spectator-Mid-Century Modern in Dundas.

Bryan Prince retired, bookworms salute him.

2011-03-28T09:08:00.000-04:00

Prince peeking through the bookshelves. Standing room only at the retirement of Bryan Prince-at least from his excellent bookstore. It will carry on in very capable hands. I will miss him darting out of his backroom office.

Photos from Philadelphia, from Longwood Gardens and Terrain at Styers-a lifestyle garden store.

2011-03-27T11:35:00.000-04:00

More on Philadelphia

2011-03-27T11:29:00.000-04:00

Just finished an interview with Arlene Bynon on Planes Train and Automobiles on Philadelphia. I ranked it 8 out of 10 for cities to visit. More information at visitphilly.com
Here's my article from the Hamilton Spectator:

Hot Horticulture

It’s time for hot, horizontal, horticulture. That’s my headline for spring after a trend safari to Philadelphia. Burned in my brain is the sizzling colour of a hibiscus called Erin Rachel. Combine neon orange and lipstick pink in a flower as big as a muskmelon and you have a starburst of excitement. Erin Rachel was at Longwood Gardens, on the outskirts of Philadelphia in Kennett Square.
Their conservatories are breathtaking. Popsicle orange clivia’s popped up throughout the gardens, there to make blue flowers like cineraria look even bluer. Pansies, daffodils, and red-hot pokers added their unabashed vibrancy, and a gorgeous freckled kohleria tumbled out of pots beneath perfect tree ferns.
In contrast to the heavy breathing tropicals, The Silver Garden at Longwood unfolds like a wide-angle painting of the desert. Low growing succulents form a horizontal river of blue, broken by the pencil points of Mexican Fence Post cactus. The room breathes cool, even though it is populated by hot desert plants.
The scale of Longwood, a former Du Pont estate, is monumental, but still a thoughtful resource for gardeners. And now nearby, the recently opened Terrain at Styers makes for a one-two punch for those of us crazy about horticulture and ways to display it. The décor store/nursery/café-11 acres in all- is one stop shopping for gardeners. Pots, paintings, plants, books, lights, hardware-they carry everything to turn your home into a spread from a high-end British gardening magazine. In fact if you’re looking for a gift for Kate and Prince William-look no further. Bell jars were hot there, terrariums, weathered wood shelves, and stylish ways to display anything green. They even carried cool garden themed cots for getting horizontal.
Styers was a family run nursery turned in to a home and garden lifestyle destination by Urban Outfitters-and that kind of blend is a trend-making horticulture hot. In Hamilton you can see the same theory working at Terra, Connon Nursery and Garden Gallery.
The Philadelphia Flower Show attracted flocks of gardeners to the city centre while I was there. Though it is a theatrical extravaganza, it is still very much about plants. Not far from the elaborate Paris themed displays were the orderly and dignified horticultural competitions. A place where Mrs. Dorrance Hamilton, known as Dodo, the heir to the Campbell Soup fortune, often wins the blue ribbons. This year her 18 year-old myrtle topiary won a top prize.
Philadelphia is a gardener’s paradise, and a visit there is a marvelous jump-start to our season. We are on the brink of spring now. Canada Blooms is up and running, the blackbirds are back. And my brain is brimming with ideas for the hot, horizontal, horticulture.

Painting my basement with iPad Brushes app.

2011-03-23T13:44:00.000-04:00

A modern kitchen in a Victorian house in Hamilton. Open shelves, stainless steel counters, a fridge covered in outdoor vinyl with image of the Mona Lisa. Under shelf lighting warms up walls and illuminates cooking tasks. Design by David Johnson, find more in my article in the Hamilton Spectator online, in the Go section.

2011-03-20T08:49:00.000-04:00

Creative living in Hamilton-that's my feature in the Go section of the Hamilton Spectator today. Hamilton has a fantastic stock of Victorian homes. Here's one that is a showcase for art.

2011-03-19T11:18:00.000-04:00

I am writing about Philadelphia and gardens in this Thursday's Go section of the Hamilton Spectator.

2011-03-15T13:37:00.000-04:00

2011-03-09T15:59:00.001-05:00

Via Train at station, tracks in snow, seat inside train.

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Location:Ottawa

2011-03-09T15:56:00.001-05:00

I love trains. My dad worked for Pullman in Chicago. This is my home made train, after I had a drink.

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Location:Ottawa

2011-03-09T15:53:00.001-05:00

My self portrait on Via train.

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Location:Ottawa

2011-03-09T15:52:00.001-05:00

Ever present hydro towers from Via train window..

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Location:Ottawa

2011-03-09T15:51:00.001-05:00

Just painted some quick paintings from window of Via train on way to Ottawa.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Ottawa

I am writing about upcoming garden shows for the Hamilton Spectator, and have an article about this beautiful Hamilton garden in this month's Gardenmaking magazine.

2011-03-01T13:12:00.000-05:00

Public Art in Hamilton needs spring cleaning.

2011-02-22T10:33:00.000-05:00

These doors have to go. They have been on display too long, and from the beginning were never interesting. Note the one on James Street South with a blanket of cigarette butts around it. C'mon Hamilton this is not Public Art. This is embarrassing.

Update

2011-02-21T22:52:00.001-05:00

I read today that the witch hazel is in bloom on The High Line in NYC. So, usually before the end of February the red- wing blackbirds are back here. That's the best sound of impending spring.

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Location:Hamilton ON

Going to Hamilton Farmer's Market today. I keep going back and I don't like it any better.

2011-02-19T10:19:00.000-05:00

The beauty of the things we throw away. Brilliantly depicted in the Diane Landry show at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. It's inventive, magical, thought provoking. It is full of kinetic energy, light and sound. Perfect for our times. It's a must see, and on the way to this recycled world you will be drawn into the Matisse Jazz exhibit, timeless and exploding with colour.

2011-02-17T12:53:00.000-05:00

I am writing about plants that will survive in an office, in today's Go section of the Hamilton Spectator.

2011-02-17T11:12:00.000-05:00

I'm writing about the Pam velodrome in Hamilton on OpenFile Hamilton today.

2011-02-16T08:58:00.000-05:00

Finished a story on plants that will survive in an office for this Thursday's Go section of the Hamilton Spectator.

2011-02-15T12:16:00.000-05:00

Working on following stories:velodrome, plants for the office, and travel article

2011-02-15T09:14:00.000-05:00

Thinking of Hockney

2011-02-14T18:39:00.001-05:00

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Location:My living room

Talking about Houston

2011-02-13T11:43:00.001-05:00

Spoke with Arlene Bynon on AM640 today about my trip to Houston, working on a piece for the Toronto Star Travel section. The rodeo and livestock show is coming up in March there-would love to go back for that.

At the Port of Montreal. It would be great to see something like this in Hamilton.

2011-02-10T17:16:00.000-05:00

Needed: Watchdog for West Harbour

2011-02-10T15:15:00.000-05:00

Boarded up and left behind. Houses in the Barton-Tiffany neighbourhood in Hamilton were bought by the city to make way for the Pan Am stadium in the West Harbour. Now with the stadium located at a rebuilt Ivor Wynne, what's to become of the neighbourhood that was? I'm blogging about in on Open File Hamilton tomorrow.

Working on North End Hamilton stories. Storm clouds ahead?

2011-02-09T09:24:00.001-05:00

What is going to happen in the Barton Tiffany neighborhood where the city expropriated people, boarded up houses and now like a fickle lover is turning attention to new passion-Ivor Wynne. Those left behind in the West Harbour neighborhood now look out to a bitter view. Excellent piece at Open File Hamilton, I will be blogging about it tomorrow.

Hot on Houston

2011-02-08T11:15:00.000-05:00

I am working on a story for the Toronto Star on Houston. I was there for three days and some some splendid art, gardens, some weird food an offbeat museums.

Letter from London: Being Boring

2011-02-08T09:10:00.001-05:00

Letter from London: Being Boring

This is interesting piece about the state of sculpture in England. I take from it:go for it!

On the road

2011-02-07T17:58:00.001-05:00

Trying out brushes on iPad

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Location:Hamilton Ontario

A market in Oaxaca Mexico.

2011-02-04T08:50:00.000-05:00

Fabric, food, books, shoes, hats in a wonderful, colourful jumble. Exploring markets in Mexico snaps the senses alive.

LRT in Houston-taking a chance with design.

2011-02-04T08:41:00.000-05:00

A section of the light rail system in downtown Houston. A reflecting pond, places to sit, flowers. Would we do this in Hamilton?

Sorry folks I think the new Hamilton Farmers Market is underwhelming.

2011-02-02T14:58:00.000-05:00

Hamilton Farmers' Market

Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia

The first two photos are of the new Hamilton Farmers' Market, the third photo is of the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. To me the so called new Hamilton Farmers' Market with brighter (and uninteresting lighting) looks a lot like the OLD market. No colour, no warmth, generic signage, a terrible view from the top floor looking down, and no escalators. Where are all the cool places to eat? Why are all the flower vendors split up so that now they have no impact? It has all the charm of the Customs and Immigration arrival at an airport. Look at the Philly market, note the stalls that have an individual stamp, neon lights, and a variety of lighting rather than just banks of prison issue fluorescent lights as we get in Hamilton. I was really looking forward to the new market, but after all the delays is this as good as it gets? Is this a hint of what we have to look forward to in the rebuilding of Ivor Wynne? Let's hope the Market gets gussied up as the vendors settle in, and dare to individualize their spaces.

Light rail in Houston Texas. It looks good but has not worked miracles.

2011-02-01T11:42:00.001-05:00

I was in Houston on the weekend and took a spin on the light rail system. People on board thought it was good but too limited. There is only one link, running from a museum district to the downtown. There have been plans for years to add more routes, but it has never happened. The train was modern and clean, and the stops designed well, and free of litter and graffiti. This shot was taken on a Saturday and as you can see the downtown was sparsely populated. Monday to Friday the scene would be different. Several people I talked to were riding the light rail for the first time, though they had lived in the city for years. They were only riding it because the Houston Marathon was making it difficult to drive in the downtown core. And driving is where it's at in Houston, which is a sprawling city where the car is king. As glam as LRT might be, the people I talked to thought a comprehensive bus system would serve the city better.

How do you live in a city that drives you nuts?

2011-01-27T09:28:00.000-05:00

Is Hamilton any worse than any other annoying mid-size city? Probably not. I think what grinds away at us is that it has such potential. There is the physical beauty, the proximity to fine places-Toronto-Niagara-Buffalo, the affordability, and the character of the place. It's irritating and frustrating, but Hamilton is not bland. A positive trend is the blossoming of new media coverage. Raise the Hammer, and CATCH have been slogging through the muck in the city, now OpenFile Hamilton adds additional coverage of the good and the bad in the Hammer. Online content will have to fill the gap as the Hamilton Spectator continues to slim down. I went to a buy-out party for the latest group to leave. To say goodbye to Paul Wilson, Barb Brown, Gary McKay and John Kernaghan makes for a very sad Saturday night. But as my late neighbor Gil Simmons would say, press on. Hamilton it's nutty and nice but not to be ignored.

How dare people think they can have a porch at their new house?

2011-01-26T10:58:00.000-05:00

The CATCH newsletter contained a gem recently, reporting on the remarks of certain Hamilton City Councillors and their outrage that some new home construction is including porches and my goodness-bay windows. These renegade houses apparently do not have the sort of palatial front yards suburban councillors favour. They therefore contravene by-law set backs-scribbled into planning guidelines which were written I believe before the printing press was invented. The new houses which I guess are just built in the wrong postal codes, are too close to the sidewalk to allow a porch. The porch might encourage conversation, civility, engagement, and communication, with passersby, and that is clearly against the spirit of isolation and perhaps civic apathy that some councillors seem keen to encourage. All the more reason to locate in the lower city where porches like this one on Bay Street South are not just tolerated but allowed.

West Harbour Hamilton-now as popular as bedbugs.

2011-01-25T11:51:00.000-05:00

This is a photo of Hess North where the City of Hamilton once wanted to build a Pan Am stadium. I have driven by this land thousands of times on my way home. Matt Jelly blew the whistle on the barrels of unidentified liquid abandoned on the site, I have been emailing people who should have been concerned about it for years. Jelly got the job done. After the lid came off the story, there was much furrowing of the brow by the city and the Ministry of the Environment. Now, not so much. The switch hitting city is now fretting about enhancing the Ivor Wynne neighborhood since a rebuilt Ivor Wynne will decrease their parkland. That's fine. But after sitting through the five hour stadium debate at council yesterday (and writing about it for OpenFile Hamilton) I heard two references to selling the West Harbour land the city bought for the stadium to developers in order to recover some costs. Is this a whim, a notion, a trend, a threat? Whatever it is, it should be watched. Developers can do good things, but we can't forget that the early developer ideas for what became Bayfront Park, was for light industrial use. Great things could happen on that West Harbour land, and they should, but they should happen with imput and imagination. Citizens be vigilant.

This is the stadium in Cardiff Wales. It's on the water, in the city and attractive. We just can't do that in Hamilton Ontario.

2011-01-24T22:43:00.000-05:00

Too bad the Pan Am stadium has become a wretched curse in Hamilton. This is the rugby stadium in Cardiff Wales. It's attractive, you can get there by transit, there are markets outside when it's not is use. Other people can do it.

Hamilton Harbour in all its rugged beauty.

2011-01-24T09:30:00.001-05:00

It's painful to see Hamilton Harbour and specifically the West Harbour, dragged through the mud, insulted and ridiculed as a result of the Pan Am stadium circus. In the Globe and Mail, in the Toronto Star it is called the "blighted" area. We know differently, the people who use the trails, sail, have a coffee at water's edge, bird watch and photograph and paint it. Today another council meeting on the stadium-it's one of the most absurd stories in Hamilton's history.

Trying out NoteTaker on iPad

2011-01-22T11:44:00.000-05:00

2011-01-21T17:56:00.001-05:00

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Location:Hamilton Ontario

2011-01-21T16:24:00.001-05:00

Self portrait in studio.

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Location:Hamilton Ontario

Writing for a new web venture called Open File Hamilton. hamilton.openfile.ca. My first topic will be turning a parking lot into a park. It's going to happen in downtown Hamilton. Let's make it a good one.

2011-01-20T11:57:00.000-05:00

Bryant Park in Manhattan. People, places to sit, a public library branch. What more could you hope for.

Just finished a video on Gage Park tropical greenhouse for the Hamilton Spectator website. Even though I worked in TV all my career-shooting and editing my own video is still a work in progress.

2011-01-19T11:54:00.000-05:00