Another Book Review For A Book In Development.

Focal Press publishes some of the best Photography and Digital Imaging books written by creative experts for creative people. Last month they approached us again to do a book review for them on a book in development that focuses on Travel Photography. Unfortunately, I'm unable to disclose specific details. :(

Taylor Swift - Back To September In Vancouver.

Since "The Monkees" unceremoniously bailed on performing in Vancouver, Kathryn and I decided to attend one of Taylor Swift's upcoming shows. And we're thrilled to do so as Taylor is without doubt one of the most talented singer/songwriters to grace a stage. Famed Celebrity Juice commentator, Perez Hilton, said last week on his website, "The "Speak Now Tour" is truly one of the best concerts we've ever been to - and we go see A LOT of shows!"

Here's a video of Taylor Swift's plaintive love song, "Back To December." A shame that you must experience the break up of a relationship to come to this realization, but hey, she's smart enough to figure it out and turn her life experiences into art!

If Our Marriage Was A Hollywood Movie.

 

If our marriage was a Hollywood movie, it would most definitely be categorized as being a chick flick! Cept, the movie would feature the occasional shark dive, a moose and squirrel, some zany mad cap adventures with a happy, fuzzy, ridiculously unrealistic ending. What can I say, I simply luv my wife!

Thought For The Day.

The Doug Mowat Memorial Golf Tournament

On July 11th, 2011, I participated in the 21st Annual Doug Mowat Memorial Golf Tournament for the fifth year in row.

Douglas L. Mowat, C.M. (1929–1992) was a visionary pioneer and leader in opening doors to opportunity for British Columbians living with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities. His decades of work with the BC Paraplegic Foundation and BC Paraplegic Association resulted in a tremendous legacy of service and achievement.

Doug was also a former Chairperson of the Vancouver Parks Board and later became the first MLA in British Columbia who used a wheelchair for mobility. Elected to the Legislature in 1983 and then again in 1986, he was responsible for many initiatives that improved the quality of life for British Columbians with disabilities. Doug’s impact was immeasurable, as was his energy and passion. An outstanding spokesperson and advocate for people with disabilities, he blazed a trail that will benefit generations to come.

In British Columbia there are over 12,000 people living with a spinal cord injury (SCI), and each year about 500 hundred more are injured. These injuries affect every aspect of people’s lives and are permanent. Established in 1975, The BC Paraplegic Foundation (BCPF) has supported thousands of people with spinal cord injuries by supporting and working collaboratively with BCPA on many important initiatives.

For more information about the golf tournament, go to www.mowatmemorial.com

"I Think, I'll Call It A Vesper." - James Bond.

Tonight, I mastered the famed James Bond Vesper Martini after finding one of its prime ingredients, Lillet Blanc.

In Ian Fleming's 1953 novel, Casino Royale, James Bond invents and orders a Kina Lillet martini, which he named the "Vesper" after his love interest in the story. The now infamous drink appeared in both “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace" films.

At the Lillet Distillery you will see a quote prominently placed on the wall that says, “Casino Royale, Ian Fleming, 1953: "Dry martini in large champagne glass, three measures of Booths, one of vodka, one measure of Kina Lillet... shake ... then add zest of lemon.” Lillet Blanc (formerly Kina Lillet) is one of the prime ingredients in the Vesper Martini, an aperitif wine that was created in 1887 as a tonic for whatever ailed you. Lillet is still made at, La Maison Lillet, in the town of Podensac, South of Bordeaux, France, where the original distillery and cellars have been located since 1872.

The exact recipe for Lillet Blanc remains a secret. In all, the drink is 85% wine, and around 15% fruit liqueurs which include a base of sweet oranges from Valencia in Spain, green oranges from Morocco and Tunisia, bitter oranges from Haiti and cinchona bark (or quinine) from rainforests in the Peruvian The recipe is relatively straight forward.

"James Bond Vesper Martini for Two."

6 parts gin
2 parts vodka
1 part Lillet Blanc
Lemon Twist

And, of course, shaken, not stirred.

Damn fine!

Dialogue from movie, "Casino Royale"

James Bond: "I think, I'll call it a Vesper."
Vesper Lynd: "Because of the bitter aftertaste?"
James Bond: "No, because once you've tasted it, that's all you want to drink." 

WTF? The Monkees 45th Anniversary Tour Cancelled!? Business reasons!??? Really!???

The official statements from Dolenz and Tork both say, "Remainder of tour cancelled due to business reasons."  Business reasons!??? Really!??? Man, I was looking forward to this trip down Nostalgia Lane. Ahhh well, one of Taylor Swift's upcoming shows at Roger's Arena may just have the Britnell's in the audience afterall.

Shaken, Not Stirred: I Have Perfected The French Martini!

Nailed it!  Kathryn first tried a French Martini during our wedding anniversary dinner at Vancouver's luxurious French restaurant, Le Crocodile, last April. I decided I would try to master blending this fine martini. Well, tonight, after a few marvelous attempts during the past month, Kathryn stated, "Wow, that's it!"

Watch as we now set our sights upon the famed James Bond martini, "The Vesper".  I just need to source the French ingredient, Lillet, an aperitif wine that is a blend of Bordeaux wines and citrus liqueur.

Life is sooooo good!

Two Tickets To Rusty Rockets: Russell Brand Is A Stand-up Guy!

(Russell with his incomparably beautiful, young wife, Katy Perry)

From the moment that outrageous British comedian, Russell Brand, strutted on stage at the Boulevard Casino on Friday night he owned the room.  From our 4th row, centre stage, seats (one of several birthday baubles I recently bestowed upon my own deliriously attractive young wife.) we could plainly see Brand’s swagger, mischievous smile and the glint in his eyes.

Brand openly admits “My life is essentially a string of embarrassing and shameful incidents punctuated only by telling people about the embarrassing and shameful incidents." His discourse on his sexual prowess and escapades are clearly the cornerstone of his hilarious shtick.

Having seen Don Rickles, Conan O’Brian, Jerry Seinfeld, Martin Short, Lewis Black, Dennis Miller, Dame Edna, Cheech & Chong, Joan Rivers and Jon Lovitz to name a few, it is abundantly clear there’s no one quite like Russell Brand in stand-up comedy. Tonight, we were thoroughly entertained and laughed the night away with the "Jack Sparrow of Comedy!"

Tomorrow Night At The Red Robinson Theatre In Coquitlam!