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Q: Pygame rotation sprite pivot on moving displayed surface so I tried to add the weapon to my game and rotate it on a pivot point looking to the mouse, I achieved to do it but I have an issue I can't resolve, when I walk with my player, after I walk down around the middle of the map the rotate angle looks to become wrong.
I link you a gif for a better understanding.
Here is some part of the working rotation code :
import pygame, os, math
from weapon_constants import *
from level_constants import *
from pygame.math import Vector2

class Weapon(pygame.sprite.Sprite):
    def __init__(self, game, name, label, x, y):
        self._layer = WEAPON_LAYER
        self.groups = game.all_sprites, game.weapons

        pygame.sprite.Sprite.__init__(self, self.groups)
        self.options = WEAPONS[name]
        self.label = label
        self.game = game

        self.file = os.path.join(os.getcwd(), DEFAULT_WEAPON_IMAGE_PATH, self.get_option('image'))
        self.image = pygame.transform.scale(pygame.image.load(self.file).convert_alpha(), DEFAULT_WEAPON_SIZE)
        self.original_image = self.image
        self.rect = self.image.get_rect(center=(x, y))

        self.offset = Vector2(25, 0)
        self.pos = Vector2(self.rect.x, self.rect.y)
        self.angle = 0

    def get_option(self, option):
        if option in self.options:
            return self.options[option]

        return False

    def update(self):
        self.pos = Vector2(self.game.player.rect.center)
        rel_x, rel_y = pygame.mouse.get_pos() - self.pos
        self.angle = (180 / math.pi) * math.atan2(rel_y, rel_x)
        if self.pos.y > pygame.display.get_surface().get_width() // 2:
            print('bad rotation happen \n pos_y : {}, \n angle : {}, \n mouse_pos : {}'.format(self.pos.y, self.angle, pygame.mouse.get_pos()))
            pass
        self.rotate()

    def rotate(self):
        self.image = pygame.transform.rotozoom(self.original_image, -self.angle, 1)
        rotated_offset = self.offset.rotate(self.angle)
        self.rect = self.image.get_rect(center= self.pos + rotated_offset)

Here is the first output (I saw it was around half width of the map) :
bad rotation happen
 pos_y : 452.0,
 angle : 23.962488974578186,
 mouse_pos : (450, 468)


A 31-year-old man presents with a 6 cm right parapharyngeal soft tissue mass. The core biopsy demonstrates a mixed population of round and strap-shaped cells with bright eosinophilic cytoplasm. The nuclei are round to oval and hyperchromatic. Rare mitoses are seen. Cross striations are not appreciated. A collagenous matrix is present in the background. There is no necrosis. The smear preparations show numerous round and oval nuclei; rare strap-like cells are present. Intact cytoplasm is dense and non-vacuolated. Bits of myxoid stroma are present in the background. Immunoperoxidase stains are positive for vimentin, CD10, CD56, and EGFR and focally for SMA and desmin. The patient is diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma.


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George Lucas Wanted Darth Maul To Be the Villain of the 'Star Wars' Sequels
There's a million ways to debate the plot directions of the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Everyone has their own opinions on how each character's story should have played out. Director and Star Wars visionary George Lucas, as it turns out, has his own opinions as well. In the new book The Star Wars Archives: Episodes I-III 1999-2005, Lucas shares his original intentions to make Darth Maul the central villain of the sequel trilogy.
A member of the Reddit community StarWarsLeaks shared an excerpt from the soon to be released book, detailing Lucas' idea for the sequels. Essentially, Darth Maul takes on a young female apprentice named Darth Talon (who appears in the comic books). Darth Maul and Darth Talon become "the two main villains of the trilogy." Over time, Maul's power grows, eventually becoming "the godfather of crime in the universe." Cool.
According to Lucas, Leia was also going to have a much larger role in the sequel trilogy. "The movies are about how Leia — I mean, who else is going to be the leader? —is trying to rebuild the Republic." This is where Darth Maul's crime syndicate comes in. "They still have the apparatus of the Republic but they have to get it under control from the gangsters." Luke would have also played more of an active role in the movies, single-handedly restarting the Jedi from scratch. Because so few Jedi would be left by this point, this process would have taken 20 years.
"By the end of the trilogy Luke would have rebuilt much of the Jedi, and we would have the renewal of the New Republic, with Leia, Senator Organa, becoming the Supreme Chancellor in charge of everything," Lucas explains. "So she ended up being the Chosen One."
Well, that's one way it could have happened. Of course, the addition of Kylo Ren, Rey, Finn and Poe altered these plans significantly. While this new cast definitely played a part in reinvigorating the franchise, it's still fun to wonder what it would have been like for Luke, Leia, and Darth Maul to have been the center of the Star Wars universe.
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Source: George Lucas Wanted Darth Maul To Be the Villain of the 'Star Wars' Sequels
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Category: Toronto Reviews
Astronomy vs Astrology: A Story of Getting Lucky with Mira and Dasha..Two Urban Dictionary Sweethearts
February 19, 2020 February 19, 2020 spennyrdLeave a comment
I like astronomy. In fact, it was my favorite elective and turned out to be my best mark in university. It's a fun combination of three of my favorite things; math, science and trivia. I still remember the order of the stars (OBAFGKM) and my facial haired professor's challenge to deviate from the sexist "Oh be a fine girl, kiss me" and come up with a more politically correct mnemonic. Mine was "Only Bearded Astronomers Feel Good Knowing Mars". Not sure he was impressed.
Astrology, on the other hand, is less about science and more about entertainment. I certainly don't believe in the validity of horoscopes beyond coincidence but it's at times refreshing to attribute your issues and actions to planetary alignment. That said, it's really easy to pin my sometimes ridiculous stubbornness on the fact I'm a Taurus and not just an Irish asshole.
The name Mira has a number of meanings and is common in Latin and Slavic cultures, usually meaning admirable, wondrous or related to peace. Urban dictionary calls Mira a extremely lovable girl. Miras are usually the smartest in their class and will go to extreme lengths to show it. Mira's are loyal people and when given a chance, could grow to be your bff. Mira is also a red giant star in the constellation Cetus and is sometimes visible to the naked eye. In astrology, some cite Cetus as the 14th zodiac sign.
Mira is one of the handful of new Peruvian restaurants which has popped up in the GTA over the last couple of years. Located in an alley between King and Wellington and only identified by a small, worn metal plate, it can be a little tricky to find. Once inside, it opens up into a busy space highlighted by an open kitchen above and a large bar within a narrow space below filled with murals, mirrors and funky flooring.
Drinkwise, I started with the El Manana cocktail, a bourbon based "booze forward" spin on an old fashioned flavored with honey, mint and lime (not pictured). From there it was wine. Truth told it was tough to find a great selection at a price point that less than three digits. First, we decided on a rather disappointing Andover Pinot for $80 followed by a more adventurous and better Portuguese Uivo Vinhas Velhas blend for the same price.
As expected, the menu is a smorgasbord of all sorts of proteins in the form of ceviches, anticuchos and larger mains. From a seafood perspective, the octopus, accompanied with aji and potato, although well prepared, was a bit of a flimsy starter at $22. The tostada morado ($18) was clever collection of classic tuna and central American flavors (corn, avocado and cilantro). The tiradito hiramasa ($21) was the best of the smaller seafood dishes we sampled…fresh kampachi marinated in citrusy tiger's milk and topped with sweet chili jam. The last fish dish was a fantastic whole branzino ($46) topped with a rich sauce which enhanced the subtle of the fish quickly nicely.
Tiradito Hiramasa
Tostada Morado
Whole Branzino
Land anticuchos included costilla (short rib $19) and cordero (lamb $17). The fatty short rib was balanced with sweet, spice and earthy truffle. Admittedly, I'm not a lamb fan so I wasn't surprised to find the cordero rather unremarkable. In my opinion, the pollo inchacapi ($28) was the STAR of the night. The hen was covered in colourful sauces and garnishes with peanut, chili and tamarind notes which added visual appealing in additional to the incredible flavors. The side corn dish mimicked the flavours of the other dishes and was a nice colourful addition to whole spread.
Pollo Inchacapi
Dasha is a girl's Russian name meaning "god's gift". According to urban dictionary, Dasha is the sweetest girl in the universe. If u mess with her friends u will have 2 deal with her. She is caring, funny and very talanted. She will always be there 4 u when ur in trouble. If u meet a Dasha, ur life will change and u will always have a smile on ur face. In astrology, Dasha is a Hindi term used to indicate planetary periods. Vimshottari dasha assumes that the maximum duration of life of an individual human being is 120 years which is the aggregate duration of all nine planetary periods reminding us that Betty White still has a while to go.
Dasha is the newest project of esteemed chef Akira Back and features classic and upscale Chinese food along with traditional karaoke rooms available upstairs. Like Mira, finding it is not intuitive..it a bit off the beaten path tucked down an alley off of King street. It also features a larger bar and an open kitchen. The interior can be described as Chinese market meets the standard Toronto industrial look.
There is a mystic component to the drink menu. I ordered the Iron Fist, Dasha's take on an old fashioned which pours from a kettle amidst a cloud of dry ice. It was slick and smooth and booze forward of course.
Iron Fist Cocktail
Food wise, we started with a couple of small plates including chicken balls ($9) and wasabi prawns ($14), the latter at the recommendation of the waitstaff. The chicken balls were pretty standard and a lot less bulky than the ones which normally headline your local joint's family dinner combo and the dipping sauce lacked the fluorescence of the standard sweet and sour sauce but that was made up with the bright green wasabi shrimp which glowed in the surrounding dim light. The crunchy shrimp was surprisingly balanced with sweet accents and heat typical of horseradish.
Chinese Chicken Balls
Wasabi Shrimp
Next were the dasha fried noodles ($12) and steamed har gow dim sum (which I'm told is a traditional way to celebrate Chinese new year) for $14. Neither dish was overly memorable…the noodles were pretty generic and the dim sum was a bit disappointing. Also, I was with a Chinese colleague who literally cringed at the har gow's price point which she deemed almost insulting given the same offering usually goes for 1/3-1/2 the price at any other dim sum house and one might argue those ones taste even better.
Har Gow
Dasha Fried Noodles
We finished the dinner with the black cod, black truffle duck ($49) and side miso eggplant ($13) both in which I thoroughly enjoyed. The cod and duck was masterfully prepared and presented. The shaved black truffle was delightful. The eggplant was also flavourful and nicely highlighted the proteins with the unami flavour of both the eggplant itself and the miso seasoning.
Black Cod
Black Truffle Duck
Miso Eggplant
I'm also reluctant to go too crazy with dessert at most Chinese restaurants because I honestly can't recall any Asian dessert topping my list of best of all time sweets. Regardless, we tried the banana spring roll with strawberry ice cream as well as the with green tea ice cream. Let's just say neither cracks the list. The ice cream was quite good but the accompanying pastries were average at best.
Banana Spring Roll and Strawberry
Chocolate Mousse with Green Tea Ice Cream
Despite being very nice ladies according to urban dictionary, Mira and Dasha are also two new and highly sought eateries with many similarities. Both are located in hidden spots off of King street west. Both have busy and vibrant interiors with open kitchens and disproportionately large bars. Both offer exciting cocktails and nicely represent their respective culture through traditional yet clever food. You will pay for the ambiance however and may even overpay, especially if you want mediocre wine, dim sum or dessert.
Despite this adventure, I have to admit I'm still a bigger fan of astronomy than astrology. I much prefer red giants and white dwarfs to mercury retrogrades and horoscopes. That said, perhaps my old scientific and stubborn Taurean mind could be changed to better appreciate astrological intervention, especially if my Dasha fortune cookie ever rings true. Where's Mira and Dasha when you need them.
My Dasha Fortune Cookie
Posted in Toronto Reviews, UncategorizedTagged akira back, banana, black cod, black truffle duck, blog, branzino, chicken balls, chocolate mousse, dasha, dasha fried noodles, fareeatales, fortune cookie, green tea, har gow, iron fist, kampachi, king street, maize, mira, miso eggplant, octopus, pollo inchacapi, restaraunt, reviews, spring roll, strawberry, toronto, tostada morado, wasabi shrimp
SOS: Pasta, Palindromes and Growing Up with ABBA
February 5, 2020 spennyrdLeave a comment
A few days ago, number nerds across the earth ignored the annoying celebration of #okboomers worshiping portending rodents and instead praised palindrome day (02022020). This year's focus on palindromes have also brought back childhood memories. Growing up, I'll REFER to the time I spent at my grandparent's house. My grandmother was an avid reader and I dedicated a good amount of time to flipping through the pages of novels and scaring the shit out of myself by reading a few pages of Stephen King or Dean Koontz when nobody was looking. The other thing I loved was their eight track player. Their music collection made me realize a few things; I was never a fan of country music and I loved Roy Orbison and yes…I also loved ABBA.
ABBA was a universal phenomenon in the 70s and were on LEVEL with the disco craze in terms of popularity. To me, ABBA was the transition from kiddie music to the real stuff. The catchy beats and simple lyrics made it easy to follow along at a time when I was still uninhibited by grown-up social standards. I thought Chiquitita was a song about bananas and Waterloo was about the city my uncle lived in.
Getting back to 02/02/2020, I made sure I opened my spotify account so I could pay homage to the ultimate pop culture palindrome…SOS by ABBA. This song is the only hot 100 single to date in which both the title, the credited act and the musical genre are all palindromes. Plus, I have to admit it is still catchy as hell.
In commemoration of palindrome day from a culinary perspective, it made sense to check out SOS (although pronounced sauce), a casual pasta joint on John Street that's been on my RADAR for a while. Their sign encourages you to change your past(a) which isn't hard because my historically my Irish MOM was hardly creative with Italian food…except for the fact she adds carrots to spaghetti sauce. The concept is simple…you can choose a house made short or long pasta with a preferred sauce and optional toppings. Alternatively, you can opt for one of their daily specials. If gnocchi or ravioli is your vice instead, you can go that route as well. They also offer gluten friendly and vegan options as well.
Since I wanted the full experience on visit one, I went with the surf and turf which was a busy mix of crab and lobster ravioli topped with a wine alfredo/ragu sauce accompanied with a couple of shrimp and meatballs. I'll admit, it was a little over the top but gave me a great opportunity to experience the diversity of the menu all in one dish. The pasta was cooked perfectly and the sauces were robust with flavour. The alfredo was drenched in garlic and the ragu was brimming with tender chunks of braised beef. Both the meatballs and the shrimp were nicely seasoned. Since the pasta is made to order, it's not RACECAR fast but is quick enough the visit over the the NOON hour and still get back to work on time.
SOS Surf and Turf Pasta $18
The last time we had a palindrome day, Henry V was the King of Germany and the Holy Roman Emperor of Italy. I hardly think the Italians celebrated by eating surf and turf pasta so times have changed. I celebrated 02/02/2020 by listening to ABBA and eating ravioli. I need to reiterate that although I have an emotional attachment to the Swedish quartet, my regular playlist usually focuses on music influenced by my DAD including Beatles songs and great Gilmour guitar SOLOS. In the end, SOS is a quick and relatively inexpensive choice if you are craving pasta and if your lunch partner is craving charcuterie instead, you can just tell them it's 2020, so GO HANG A SALAMI, I'M A LASAGNA HOG.
Posted in Toronto Reviews, UncategorizedTagged 02022020, abba, chiquitita, crab, gilmour, GO HANG A SALAMI, lobster, palindromes, radar, ravioli, restaurant, reviews, sos, surf and turf, toronto
Skippa's Dippa or No Dippa..My Amazing Race to the Most Exciting Game Since Howie Mandel Called the Bank
December 24, 2019 March 9, 2020 spennyrdLeave a comment
I'm a big game show fan and I've certainly fallen under the spell of many gimmicky ones over the years. In my early years, I learned how to count on the Price is Right and had many arguments with my mom about the reasons why Bob Barker shouldn't be a father figure (and for the record mom…both my dogs are spayed or neutered). I have had dreams about destroying the Clock Game in 14 seconds ($891..892..893…894) or purposely giving up the trip to Aruba to watch the hiker slip off the edge in Cliffhanger.
My obsession didn't stop there. I tolerated Regis Philbin on Who wants to be a Millionaire and actually wore a monochrome dress shirt and tie on at least one occasion. I longed to be a game show masochist at the expense of Anne Robinson on the Weakest Link. I even tolerated Howie Mandel's scrubbed down stand up as he demanded that a bunch of women a third his age "open the case" on Deal or no Deal.
Since Skippa has opened, it's been on my list but I rarely have the fortitude to haul my ass all the way up to Harbord Street. The irony is when I finally did make the trek, I severely underestimated the restaurant's distance from the subway. For some reason I assumed it would be in the cluster of other restaurants between Spadina and Bathurst. In fact, I had no idea that Harbord stretched all the way to Ossington so I felt like I was on the Amazing Race as I darted an extra 2 km with the clock ticking in order to get there within some acceptable proximity of my reserved time.
When I made the online reservation I had the choice of communal seating (nope..I'm antisocial), the bar (would be cool but I was meeting a few others) or a comfortable booth a few steps up and away from the kitchen…bingo! When I finally arrived after my trek we were quickly greeted by a very pleasant member of the waitstaff who politely explained the restaurant's concept. Choice one is the "Trust Skippa" which is a $130 opportunity to sample the entire menu. The option was a la carte but within that list was a $45 today's sushi option which allows one to sample of piece of each of the evening's featured fish. The three of us decided to go for the sushi flight and share most of the remaining dishes on the menu.
After ordering some warm sake ( one of the first examples of attention to detail was having ability to choose your own sake glass from all sorts of shapes and sizes), the meal started with an unorthodox bread service featuring a seaweed sourdough accompanied but house made butter which had been fermented for 6 months. Brilliant.
Seaweed Sourdough Bread
You will rarely near me say that pictures speak louder than words, especially given my notorious reputation as a shitty shutterbug. That said, I think these pics are half decent and that said, they don't have to be great to emit the quality of the offerings.
The opener was a clever amberjack sashimi dish garnished with kumquat and fresh wasabi. Beautifully balanced.
Amberjack and Kumquat
Immediately after finishing, our place settings were cleaned off and reset in anticipation of the next dishes; local shitaake mushroom and daikon in a soy milk bath BC scallops served with in shell and complemented with sunchoke.
Next was a kinoko salad made with maitake mushroom and seasoned with miso and topped with watermelon radish. I found it a little on the salty side but the texture of the mushroom and the contrast of the radish made me a little less salty about it.
Kinoko Salada
The quail dish was accompanied with seasonal persimmons and citrus which put together was a nice contrast to the seafood. It was intense and hearty yet delicate at the same time.
Quail with Persimmon
Once again the dishes were cleared in preparation for the sushi course. Fresh ginger and a beautiful soy sauce were laid on the table but were instructed that the chef would indicate whether it was needed. To dip or not to dip?..that was the question. We waiting in anticipation for direction as each dish was presented:
No Dip
Retrospectively, there was a bit of a code to the dip or no dip question. The tuna sushi tended to be left alone as as the whitefish that were already seasoned with other sauces. The rest were fair game for a soy dunk. Regardless, all were stellar. Nonetheless, it was a fun game with an anticipation reminiscent of finding out if somebody blew it on Deal or no Deal.
Given the quality the meal, there was no way I was declining dessert. I went with the oba, a simple yogurt based dessert flavored with meyer lemon, sorrel and pomegranate seed atop some crumble. The balance of tart, savory and sweet flavours was perfect but the contrasting textures and temperatures of the creamy yogurt, iced sorrel and crunchy base were even better. In fact, after finding some meyer lemons at Costco the next day, I've been searching the city (to no avail) for sorrel in an effort to recreate this dish at home…I may have to use mint or upland cress instead #firstworldproblems.
Oba Dessert
Skippa provided a spectacular dining experience and the "Dip or No Dip" game show was an added bonus. From the salads to the dessert, each dish was meticulously thought out and hinged on brilliant contrast in either temperature, texture or taste. The sushi was fresh and vibrant. The service was impeccable and the attention to detail was immaculate. Personally, I don't think you need the whole $130 "Trust Skippa" menu..I was adequately satiated with the sushi flight and sharing the rest of the dishes with my table mates. Even then, compared to many other sushi joints, Skippa may be big bucks but I promise…no whammies.
Posted in Toronto Reviews, UncategorizedTagged amberjack, clock game, deal or no deal, dip, fareeatales, firstworldproblems, harbord, mushroom, no dip, oba, press your luck, price is right, quail, restaurant, review, sashimi, scallop, seaweed sourbread, shitaake, skippa, sushi
I Just had a Meal that was Pretty Fking Good
September 21, 2019 spennyrdLeave a comment
Once in a while I enjoy going out for dinner. By this I mean dinner versus an new age experience in which food is some part of it. Within an industry dominated by the likes of Charles Khabouth, Oliver and Bonnacini, Jenn Agg or Grant van Gameren, sometimes it's nice to find a stand alone old school eatery with single site ambition. In essence, I was looking for a place off the hipster path which still has appetizers and mains and serves complimentary bread and tap water without much resistance.
I recently brought a customer out and decided to venture to St. Clair West and visit Fk. I would like to believe that this is a response to the need to make everything an acronym (perhaps to make texting easier) or maybe it's simply a sassy play on words but i wasn't sure if I should tell people if I was going to dinner at eff-kay or fuck for dinner. When they called to confirm my reservation which I ensured I booked a few weeks before (because they sure as Fk don't use open table), they identified themselves with the former pronunciation.
In this case, the "F" is Frank Parhizgar who along with Shawn (nice spelling) Cooper, ran Frank's Kitchen for a number of years before shuttering and moving a bit north to the current location.
In addition to a less than pedestrian menu, Fk prides themselves on a robust wine list including a small list of exclusive by the glass choices protected with the help of a coravin (I only mention this because it seems to be a big deal). As a result, I was able to indulge in a 5 ounce glass of a small batch Alsatian Pinot Gris which was fantastic. If you are not a wine person, they also offer a couple of delicious albeit expensive draft beer choices including Krombacher Pilsner and an Italian Menabrea Ambrata.
The amuse bouche really is a dying art so it was nice to see the waiter enthusiastically pour cold avocado soup around a small pile of matchsticked cucumber placed in the middle of a hand crafted bowl (apparently Mr. Parhizgar had a hand in this too). It was pleasant reminder that summer wasn't quite over yet. Afterwards, we were offered Frank's fresh baked trio of bread which included a rustic crusty bread, an Italian pomodoro and a walnut loaf.
Avocado Amuse Bouche
The appetizer menu include a few old school favorites served nouveau. My guest opted for a crafty tuna nicoise which featured sushi grade tuna served linearly across the plate among other classic salad ingredients. I cheated a bit and avoided the appetizer menu all together, instead ordering crab cakes from the side menu. The cakes themselves were crunchy type ( I normally like something a little softer) but the ramp tartar sauce was a phenomenal condiment which I would gladly slather on many foodstuffs, crustacean or otherwise, without much hesitation.
Fk Crab Cakes
For the main I opted for the lobster ravioli which swam in a tarragon bisque. It came with a modest portion of six pieces but was rich enough to satiate especially after I made every effort to scoop the last drops of the broth out of the bowl which my spoon while lamenting in the fact that I should have save a bit of walnut loaf to ease the task.
Lobster Ravioli
I skipped dessert but nonetheless I was treated to a house made chocolate gem to finish the meal. Once again, it was another example of a passionate attention to detail.
Fk Chocolates
In the end, Fk was refreshing…a bit of an oasis in the desert of loud, bustling eateries which cloud food with folly. There is true passion in the dishes coupled with a few cool wines along with the ability to talk about with your party without Richter scale noise. The staff are pleasant and attentive, the wine is unique and the food is pretty fking good.
Posted in Toronto Reviews, UncategorizedTagged amuse bouche, bread, chocolate, coravin, fareeatales, fk, krombacher, lobster, nicoise, Parhizgar, pinot gris, pomodoro, ramps, ravioli, restaurant, review, Shawn cooper, st clair, west
Reflections on the The Piano Man and Talking About Rosalinda's "I"s.
January 10, 2019 spennyrdLeave a comment
I drive quite a bit so I listen to a lot of Sirius radio. I've been enjoying the limited edition Billy Joel channel which has been on the airways for much longer than expected. It's quite interesting to hear him discuss his inspirations as well as his unique perspectives on his 40+ year music career even if somewhat entwined with typical rock n roll pretension. With such an extensive catalog, it goes without saying that I would have a number of favorites tunes as well as a small library of songs I'm not fond of.
My Favorite Billy Joel songs (in no particular order):
This song makes for a great drinking game. We used to try and recite the lyrics and drink when we got to the point where all we could remember was "Brooklyn has a winning team" and "JFK…blown away…what else do I have to say".
The shitty bar I frequent down the road from my house probably has a John, a Davey and a microphone that smells like a beer (especially when Smokin' Dave shows up for a concert). It's easy to follow along… it's like the Cole's notes version of American Pie if you don't have eight and a half minutes to kill.
Scenes from an Italian Restaurant
Inspired by the B side of the Abbey Road album, the mini symphony reminds me of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody and G 'n R's November Rain and is reminiscent of the nights when I had a bottle of red AND a bottle of white and really hoped people like Brenda and Eddie wouldn't work out in the end.
She's Always a Woman
Billy Joel has a number of sultry ballads but this has got to be my favorite. First, it was a late seventies testament to the power of feminism. Second, in my late and very confused teen years I had a girl tell me over my long-corded phone as I laid on my waterbed that this song was her in a nutshell so it certainly has a little sentimental value.
This song is good to help vent after a bad day. In addition, it kicked off the season 2 premier of the quirky show "911" which saw a number of chaotic episodes including a renegade pressure cooking reminding us all that second hand slow cookers aren't the only appliance to be wary of.
Downeaster "Alexa"
Call me a sucker for songs about peril at sea but this haunting ballad fits in the same category as Gordon Lightfoot's the Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald and the Hip's Nautical Disaster.
My Least favorite Billy Joel songs
All for Leyna
Other than a melody I really don't like, Leyna sounds like a real bitch and brings back memories of Winnie Cooper on the Wonder Years.
Any song with the same name as a strip bar on Yonge Street needs a lot of substance to get that vision out of my head and this song just can't do it.
Big Man on Mulberry Street
Despite being inspired by the Bruce Willis/Cybil Shepherd show "Moonlighting", I just can't get into this song. It's a little too broadway or something. I think I'd rather listen to Al Jarreau's theme song instead.
Lullaby (Goodnight, my Angel)
I find this song is far from a lullaby and often thought the hard piano strokes and pensive lyrics would keep me up all night. Then again, it can't worse than listening to any rendition of the rather morbid Rock-a-bye baby.
Rosalinda's Eyes
I find some of his less appealing songs seem to be about women including the aforementioned Leyna as well as Laura, Judy, Josephine and Rosalinda. Rosalinda also has a song about her eyes and could be one of the more loungy songs in his whole repertoire. That said, I'm sure even a $15 hotel cocktail wouldn't make me appreciate it anymore but let's talk about her "I"s anyway.
Rosalinda is a downtown establishment which focuses on Mexican, vegan cuisine. The bright decor is cross between a cantina and a greenhouse complete with Mexican accents throughout. Given its convenient location, it makes for a great lunch venue and at night transforms into a place a little more characteristic of a GVG foodie function.
Mexican cuisine is usually known for simplicity more than innovation but Rosalinda's commitment to veganism other than beans and rice forces thought outside the box. Perhaps the best example was the young coconut ceviche $14 finished with with apple, celery, pickled shallot and herb leche de tigre. The tender coconut could have easily been mistaken for a scallop and the pleasant acidity was a great palate cleanser.
Young Coconut Ceviche $14
Another innovative dish was the jackfruit pibil taco ($12) with crispy taro root and slaw. Jackfruit is a spot-on substitution for this traditional pork dish which was topped with fragrant slaw and a faux crema sauce.
Jackfruit Pibil Tacos $12
Rosalinda digs a little deeper into the tradition of Mexico than nachos with salsa and guacamole. Instead, sikil pak served with totopos is the preferred dip and vessel of choice. Sikil pak is a thick dip made from pumpkin seeds and was offered verde vs rojo in which I preferred the former.
Totopos and Sikil Pak
Another inspired dish was the roasted heirloom carrots sitting atop mole, Mexico's national culinary treasure. Subtle yet complex, it paired nicely with the carrots which provided a vessel with both textural and flavour contrast.
Carrots with Mole $13
Inventive
To be honest, before reading the menu I don't think I could tel you exactly what Tijuana-style broccolini ($14) was. According to Rosalinda it was served with grilled baby gem lettuce, jalapeno caper salsa, Caesar aioli and crispy garlic. It seemed a little like the Godfather meeting Pancho Villa over a salad.
Tijuana-Style Broccolini $14
Rosalinda offers a central lunch spot or what I presume is a more lively night in an authentic environment. Although advertised as a vegan spot, the emphasis is much more on authenticity rather than glorifying the anti-meat movement. Seasonal and local ingredients get transformed into traditional Mexican inventions that are both innovation and inspired. It's fresh and fun. In the end, these Scenes from a Mexican restaurant reminded me that Rosalinda is always a woman despite the fact her "I"s turned out to be better than her eyes…or at least Billy's loungy account of them.
Posted in Toronto Reviews, UncategorizedTagged billy joel, carrots, ceviche, downeater alexa, jackfruit pibil, leche de tigre, mole, piano man, pressure, restaurant, review, rosalinda's eye, she's always a woman, sikil pak, tijuana-style broccolini, toronto, we didn't start the fire, young coconut
Fat Pasha: Making Cauliflower an Even More Costly Culinary Commodity
November 9, 2018 spennyrdLeave a comment
I guess there are so many names to go around. I mean you can't go to any most towns without finding a sports bar named the Locker Room or a strip bar with some precious or semi-precious metal in the name (Brass Rail, Solid Gold etc). Then again, I suppose those would be a little more appealing than having pint at Jock Strap or a rye and coke at the Labia Lounge. That said, there can be mast confusion and controversy when names bare too close to each other. I would certainly hate to get the Verve confused with the Verve pipe if Scott asked me who wrote the song Bittersweet Symphony at question 10 on HQ. The band Bush was forced to release their first album in Canada under the name Bush X because there was a 70's band in Canada with the same name. After lawyers got involved, a donation to the Starlight Foundation and the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund. cleared things up with allowed the band to simply call themselves Bush (which could also be a name of the aforementioned establishments I suppose).
Fat Pasha is one of a number of restaurants under the Rose banner and should not be confused with Pasha in the Thorncliffe area. The former is located a short walk from the Dupont subway station and focuses on middle eastern fare or in their words "Good Jew Food". It's a tight, darkish and dingy space characteristic of many casual eateries around town. I enjoyed being seated at a table facing the small and busy kitchen. What I enjoyed less was the scattered service that followed. Once we were seated, it seemed we were more spectators than patrons. It took a while to order and we had to call them over a couple of times over the course of the night to keep things moving along.
The cocktail list is small and authentic but a bit dainty with accents such as plum wine, hibiscus and apricot brandy. I opted for a bourbon-based "Make a Mint" which the waiter advised was a "sipping" drink. I would have considered a pint but was a little turned off by double digit price tag for a Beau's Lug Tread. It was smooth and nicely balanced but needed to be nursed to make it through the first course which was the salatim; a plate of salads, pickles, falafel and pita for $29. It was an excellent way to indulge in the multiple smoky and spicy flavors the region has to offer. In particular the falafel was fragrant and delicious.
It's no secret that the key to success in the restaurant biz is a signature dish that every blogger, critic or reviewer HAS to have. In this case it's the roasted cauliflower. Even Maclean's magazine shared the secret to the dish on it's youtube page. It also doesn't hurt when that item has some type of controversy attached to it. Heads spun a few years back when cauliflower rocketed to prices similar to natural vanilla or previously mentioned precious metals. This lead to social media outcries suggesting the mainstay might be an endangered species and made me wonder if Dan McTeague might start up "Cauliflower Buddy" to give us current cauliflower prices from various grocery stores across the GTA. Since them, it seems cauliflower prices have stabilized and the halloumi, tahini, pomegranate seeds and pine nuts would continue to have a home. With all the fanfare I expected to taste like manna from heaven itself. It was certainly good but I haven't stayed up at night obsessing about it since. It is beautifully presented, however, and reminded me a bit of an edible arrangement- hipster style.
The last dish was the lamb shawarma ($30). It wouldn't have been my first choice given my general dislike for lamb but I lost the rock, paper, scissors battle and promised myself I wouldn't let it bias my opinion of the dish in general. Here's the thing…it was a $30 shawarma. I live in London, Ontario and frequent Windsor and Detroit often where there is a huge Lebanese influence and some of the best shawarma on the continent at a fraction of the price. I quite enjoyed the apricot amba but not enough to justify three John A. Macdonalds/Viola Desmonds.
Fat Pasha is a fitting name for this Dupont staple. You can stuff your face at will with an array of flavours from the middle east provided you have a rather fat wallet. I don't mind a restaurant's attempt to elevate ethnic food to a new level but I think it needs to involve more than an apricot amba as an accent. In my neck of the woods, I'm used to $7 shawarmas bursting with pickled turnips, hot sauce, tahini and a pile of toum which often come with a side of seasoned rice or fries. Don't get me wrong; I'm not fully equating hipster bar in Toronto with a mom and pop shop in London but i would be remiss if I didn't assess the relative value to some degree. In the end, cramped quarters, sippy cocktails, medicore service and a big price tag trumped pretty cruciferous creations. Perhaps the other Pasha might be a little less pretty but also a little less fat.
Posted in Toronto Reviews, UncategorizedTagged amba, apricot, bush, bush x, cauliflower, cauliflower buddy, cruciferous, dan mcteague, falafel, fat pasha, halloumi, lamb, make a mint, pasha, pita, restaurant, reviews, rose, salatim, shawarma, toronto, verve, verve pipe
My First Date with Sara: Rasa's Sultry and Sophisticated Sister
November 1, 2018 November 3, 2018 spennyrdLeave a comment
The name Sara is fairly prominent in pop culture. On the music side, the name Sara has fronted such singers as McLaughlin and Bareilles although the former is spelled with and H on the end. My sister's name is also Sarah which gave my grandmother years of difficult since she was never quite sure where the H went. Every year my sister would get a card which read "Happy Birthday Sahra!" or "Merry Christmas Sarha!" or "Happy Graduation Shara!". I also used to bug my sister in the 80's by humming the tune "Sara" by Starship which,in addition to "We Built this City", could the two worst songs released in 1985. I still don't think she's forgiven me.
From a food perspective, perhaps the best known Sara is Sara Lee. The company, once called the Kitchens of Sara Lee and opened in 1935, was a small chain of bakeries in Chicago with a man who named his bakeries and a cheesecake within them after his daughter. Both the name and the bakery was purchased and 70 years later was a multinational company with 137 000 employees. Since then, the company has been swallowed up by even bigger fish and is now a subsidiary of Tyson Foods. That said, it still remains a place to pick up a quick cheesecake if you plan to binge watch Animal Kingdom or you forgot it was your turn for dessert once again and a bag of two bite brownies just won't cut it.
I couldn't tell you the origin of Sara, the food dudes new culinary experiment in Toronto's King West area. I can only assume it's an anagram of Rasa, their other brick and mortar restaurant. I see Sara as Rasa's more sophisticated but stuffier sister. Rasa hangs out in a basement on Harbord Street, drinking cocktails named after her friends and eating lamb bacon and sticky buns off of wooden tables. Sara, on the other hand, prefers to sip G&T and eat crab dumplings off of marble tables in the vicinity of Lee and Jacob's steakhouse. I was quite excited for my first date with her.
When I arrived I didn't recognize her. She is in one of the many recently renovated houses along Portland Street just north of King St so it could easily be mistaken for another person (although she didn't look like a Jimmy and certainly wasn't Chubby). After double checking the address, I entered the front door and was immediately impressed with her interior. It was modest but classy with virginal white (damn!) walls and wood accents. Her marble tables were sleek yet practical given the fact they held a chamber for cell phones with the intention of removing texting temptations and force and face to face discussion. She also mentioned they are planning to put chargers in the tables in due time for extra motivation.
It seems Sara likes the hard stuff more than a pint; in particular she's a fan of a good G&T or a vodka/soda as indicated by the fact that these are the only cocktails formally on the menu. There are 4 combinations using different gins or vodkas along seasonings and house made mixes based on taste preference. I opted for a "spice" G&T ($16) accented with fruit and star anise. In line with the anti-straw movement, she provided an artsy vessel which doubles as a device to muddle the contents. That said, she was full of surprises and produced a solid old-fashioned comparable to some of the best I've had in Toronto.
Gin and Tonic $16
Once Sara got me a bit tipsy, she proceeded to show me a little more of her personality. I quickly realized she was a bit of an uptown girl…a quality vs quantity kind of woman. In addition, she was full of surprises by offering her upscale versions of food I may eat in a roadhouse with a girl named Becky. The chopped salad ($16), fries ($14) ,dumplings ($20) and rice pudding ($15), for example, were hardly pedestrian. The salad was garnished with cashew cheese instead of chunks of marble. The fries were shaped shredded potatoes bathed in schmaltz versus shoestrings in shortening. The dumplings were Prada-like purses darkened with squid ink and overstuffed with seafood and Bearnaise as opposed to generic bags full of ground pork and cabbage. The rice pudding was a rich and savory porridge peppered with corn and bacon and certainly not the senior special with sprinkled cinnamon and a dollop of whipped cream.
Crab and Scallop Dumpling $20
Rice Pudding $15
Chopped Salad $14
Fries $14
Her elegance emerged as the meal progressed. I looked into her (rib) eye ($34) and I felt like a king (salmon) ($25). I couldn't help but admire her (pork) belly ($22) in my periphery. All were well prepared but the portion sizes were a bit of a tease. The steak went well with the snap pea slaw to balance things out.
Snap Pea Salad $14
King Salmon $25
Ribeye $34
Pork Belly $22
I thought it was a little risque when she invited me to the washroom but it was really just to show me the toilet. Imported from Japan, they come complete with an wall mounted remote with words like pulsating, pressure, oscillating and position. Needless to say, I was quite excited when she asked me to sit down. Luckily, the heated seat was a wonderful distraction and took my mind off any potential pulsation. I must confess I did play with the controls a little before heading back up hoping I might get the dessert I missed out in the washroom…especially with cherries and a party listed on the menu.
Washroom Remote
There were only three desserts on the menu and I stuck with my washroom thoughts. The cherry crullers ($12) were rich but modest and nicely flavoured with cardamom and cream. The party sandwich ($12) seems the signature dessert and is Sara's version of a regular ice cream sandwich. It wasn't sickly sweet partially due to the sesame and miso flavours.
Cherry Cruller ($12)
Party Sandwich ($12)
I think my date with Sara went well. I mean we got tipsy. ate pub food, locked rib eyes, took a trip to the washroom and had a party after. The date wasn't cheap though. I think there will some complaints about the price points relative to portion size but as mentioned, Sara is an uptown girl and values quantity over quantity. Personally, I'm more of a Rasa guy with a preference for basement apartments and her sticky buns vs lofty abodes and Sara's cherry cruller. That said, I wouldn't turn down a second date as long as it was sometime around a pay day.
Posted in Toronto Reviews, UncategorizedTagged cherry cruller, chopped salad, fareeatales, fries, gin and tonic, japanese toilet, king, old-fashioned, party sandwich, pork belly, portland, rasa, restaurant, reviews, ribeye, rice pudding, salmon, sara, schmaltz, snap pea slaw, spice, toronto
Oretta: The Importance of Auditory Authenticity: Madonnaism vs Real Accents
March 29, 2018 spennyrdLeave a comment
I've only come to realize recently the important role that accents have on pop culture. The attention to detail and need for authenticity has often required actors to hide their native tongues to better represent to the role they assume. Actors like Charlie Hunnan and Hugh Laurie fooled us for years by Americanizing their voices to play the leader of a Charming biker gang and a Jersey cocky doctor respectively. Most recently I've heard interviews from the cast of the Walking Dead only to realize that both Rick and Morgan among others are from across the pond and their American grunts and mumbles amidst the zombies are just part of the act. It's not always English to American either; I recently binged watched season 1 of Fargo and listened to hours of Californian Colin Hanks and Texan Allison Tolman speak in Minnesota and surrounding accents.
On the other hand, bad accents can counter attempts at authenticity. For example, shortly after marrying Guy Ritchie, Michigan native Madonna felt the need to let the world know that she became English overnight driven by a lukewarm British accent. The act was deemed rather inauthentic and lead to a good amount of backlash.
The need for some degree of authenticity seems to exist in the restaurant business. In addition to a decor which reflects a restaurant's overall concept, some insist on ensuring that the staff are equipped with a lexicon synonymous to the overall theme. It makes sense; I love to grab a Guinness from an Irish barkeep or listen to the proper pronunciation of a great Asian dish. Although the logic and emotion behind this is obvious, I think a couple of rules need to be established:
Let's avoid Madonnaisms. If you are not from the country, don't use the accent. A crash course using Rosetta Stone won't fool anybody except the hipsters who did exactly the same thing to create the appearance that they are more intelligent consumer.
If you are fluent in the language, don't be arrogant about it. If I order rigatoni, I don't mind having it repeated back to ensure accuracy but don't need it done to correct my pronunciation. I'm North American; rigatoni is the same as Reeg-a-tow-naaay.
Make the menu authentic but readable. I can figure out that secondi means second but let's draw the line at having the ingredients listed in a different language along with a 4 page glossary in the back.
I suppose at some point I should get back to reviewing a few restaurants so this may be a good segue. I went to Oretta a while back. I was looking for a semi-quiet Italian place downtown that didn't have the name Cibo, Terroni or Mercatto in it. I had strolled by it a couple of times prior and was impressed with the roomy layout and decor of a traditional Italian ristorante mixed with a little King Street cheesiness. Not surprisingly when we were seated we were greeted by a young waiter will a full out Italian accent. I didn't for a second think it was fake or phony but it did make me ponder the impact it might have on my dining experience.
The menu was a shortlist of classic Italian salads, pizzas, pastas and "secondis". In the dead of winter the Cavoletti salad (shaved brussel sprouts, almonds, pickled red onion, pecorino and crispy prosciutto) was a crisp, fresh and balanced reminder that sulfuric and pickled vegetables can nicely bridge our extreme Canadian seasons.
Cavoletti $14
From the pasta menu we opted for gnocchi and risotto (aka. Riso di Ieri). The former was doused with a rich meat sauce which made for a heavier dish, especially with the dense dumplings. The flavours were great but it grew monotonous rather quickly. Regarding the Riso; the normal and often overemphasized creaminess and volume of the risotto itself was de-emphasized. It was hidden in a pan fried crust and served atop a generous portion of mushrooms. As somebody who's not the biggest fan of risotto, I found this version much more balanced and exciting mainly because the rice was de-emphasized. More traditional risotto fans, however, could easily be left disappointed by this interpretation.
Gnocchi $19
Riso di Ieri $23
I failed to capture a picture of the Margherita pizza ($16) but it looked like…well..a pizza. It passed the test; simplicity by means of a thin crust and fresh ingredients and would reasonably match the others along the King or Queen street strips.
Dessert was "cocco bello"; a tart with fresh fruit, cream and coconut housed in a nutty crust. Perhaps it was not a standard winter dessert but a few berries when it's below zero is always a kind reminder that, like the salad and despite a horrendous winter, spring and summer are always on the way.
Cocco Bello $9
Deciding where on the spectrum between nouveau cuisine and authenticity one's restaurant will fall must be a difficult decision. Not only does the food have to fit the bill but the vibe and environment also needs to reflect the theme. This includes the manner in which the staff addresses its patrons. I mean, it goes without saying that Game of Thrones would be ridiculous if the Lannisters sounded like Joe Pesci or Donnie Wahlberg.
Oretta was a happy medium along the spectrum of ignorance and imitation. Everything from the decor to the food to the waiter's accent was authentic and not arrogant. The menu was smallish but highlighted the simplicity of Italian cuisine. The salad and pizza were the highlights although pasta and dessert were more than acceptable. In the end, I found Oretta a welcome change from the hipster-driven Terroni-like chains that have popped up all over the citta.
Posted in Toronto Reviews, UncategorizedTagged accents, cavoletti, cocco bello, fareeatales, gnocchi, italian, joe pesci, king street, madonnaism, oretta, restaurants, review, Riso di Ieri, risotto, toronto
El Rey vs Jimmy Ray: At Least One of Them Isn't a One Hit Wonder.
As I've frequently stated, the restaurant industry parallels the music industry. Both are filled with experiences that will forever be etched in our brains. In other cases, certain foods and/or restaurants can be one-hit wonders in the same fashion as "flash in the pan" singers. By defintion, the saying flash in the pan has nothing to do with food but it sounds pretty good.
1998 was a bad year for music. The Billboard number 1 song for the entire year was was "Too Close" by Next (insert cricket sounds). It was also infamous for having a number of charting songs by one-hit wonders including:
21-Crush- Jennifer Paige
28 Sex and Candy- Marcy Playground
35- Tubthumping- Chumbawumba
76- All for you- Sister Hazel
Perhaps the most recognizable (and certainly most applicable to this blog) is number 65 "Are you Jimmy Ray?" by the appropriately named Jimmy Ray. Despite his brilliant lyrics and video featuring an array of hip-pop and cowgirl cheerleaders flaunting pom-poms and doing double dutch, this Chris Issak crossed with Ricky Martin looking Brit faded from fandom rather quickly. In fact, touring with the Backstreet Boys couldn't keep Jimmy relevant at the time.
Another Rey recently hit the charts in the GTA. This one goes by the name El and is the third single from Grant van Gameren's debut album "Snax in the Six". The debut single, "Bar Isabel" and sophomore follow-up "Bar Raval" modernized the tapas experience along College street by equally and authentically combining decor and food to create a booze soaked snack vibe which as been copied by others ever since. The newer project, El Rey, on the other hand, launched on the border of Kensington and in the midst of a number of sleepy cantinas and tacquerias down the street and vaulted Mexican cuisine with a flare similar to the previous hits Isabel and Raval.
The two page menu consists of a page and a half of booze and a short row of snack foods highlighted by tostadas, snacks and a few other common Mexican specialties. There are almost a dozen mezcals to go along with a few beer choices (local, Mexican and European) and wine selections. Perhaps the paramount drink is the elusive "open windows". This cocktail is a must; an refreshing blend of the aforementioned mezcal plus some tequila, lime, pineapple which is finished with some chili for extra bite. I say elusive because at one point the windows were closed and it disappeared from the menu but has since returned (unless you go for brunch in which it is mysterious absent on the drink menu). In this case you need to beg and plead for one in a fashion similar to asking your dad for the car.
Foodwise, the tostadas are a must. In particular, the coctel camaron ($10.50) is spectacular; a crispy corn totialla topped with shrimp, cucumber, avocado and some campechana sauce. Honorable mention goes to the grilled skirt steak ($10.50) and octopus ($11.50) tostadas as well. Each offered a unique taste driven but the use of different sauces and complementary ingredients to enhance the properly prepared proteins. Authentic, simple and delicious. The bean and cheese quesadilla, on the other hand, didn't get a whole lot of excitement from the table. In addition to looking like a hot mess, it lacked any punch even when you tired to lather it with any of the provided accompaniments.
Coctel Camaron $10.50
Grilled Octopus $10.50
Grilled Steak $11.50
Quesillo and Refried Bean Quesadilla $10
El Rey is another successful hit from the discography of Toronto's Grant van Gameren. The cantina breathes authenticity in its commitment to simple dishes and decor unlike the exaggerated and khabouthic demeanor of other establishments. As a result, it pumps out hit after hit from both a food and drink perspective. Its vibrant and current drink list is refreshing both in choice and the fact it steers clear of bourbon-based cocktails and other overdone potent potables which saturate other snack bars in the area.In the end, the fluidity of the food, drink and vibe allows for seasonal foods and current concepts year round, even when snowbanks and road salt threaten the sunny aura of a full Mexican experience.
As for Jimmy, the other Ray…have no fear…he gets knocked down but he gets up again. Rumour has it that in a month Jimmy will be back after almost 20 years with his comeback album called "Live to Fight Another Day" just in case you are one those who wants to know.
Posted in Toronto Reviews, UncategorizedTagged 1998, bar isabel, bar raval, coctel camaron, el ray, grant van gameren, grilled octopus, grilled steak, jimmy ray, kensington market, octopus, one hit wonders, open windows, restaurants, toronto, tostadas


text:
10 things to expect from the Samsung Galaxy S10
Samsung will launch its new flagship smartphone tomorrow, February 20
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Alistair Charlton
Samsung is holding one of its Unpacked product launches at simultaneous events in San Francisco and London tomorrow, February 20.
We know with certainty that Samsung will reveal its latest flagship Android smartphone, the Galaxy S10. In fact, three versions are expected to grace the stage at each event, and there may even be time to see the company's new folding smartphone, too.
Three versions of Galaxy S10 to launch on February 20
Galaxy S10 to wirelessly charge new AirPods-style Samsung earphones
The event is taking place slightly earlier than normal. Samsung usually reveals its new Galaxy S on the eve of Mobile World Congress, the annual smartphone show which this year starts on February 25. With LG revealing new phones of its own on the 24th, in Samsung's usual slot, it's interesting to see Samsung beat LG to the punch.
As ever, the leaks have been prolific. We first heard about the Galaxy S10 back in July last year, and just days before the big reveal a comprehensive hands-on video surfaced online, before being deleted.
Here are 10 things to expect from the Galaxy S10:
It will be revealed on February 20
This, of course, we know. Previous years have seen Samsung issue a cryptic invitation to the press, but for its first Unpacked event of 2019 we received an invitation with a huge '10' plastered all over it.
Not only that, but Samsung's own website allows fans to pre-order 'the brand new Samsung Galaxy' right now.
The simultaneous events in San Francisco and London kick off at 11am PST, which is 1pm EST and 7pm in the UK. We expect the event to last for around an hour, and there should be time to get hands-on with the new phone right after.
Leaked render is claimed to be of the Galaxy S10+Evan Blass
There will be (at least) three versions
Samsung usually releases two versions of its Galaxy S smartphones, one larger than the other. But for 2019 it is looking increasingly likely that there will be at least three models of S10. This will include the usual S10 and larger S10+, but also a smaller and cheaper model, expected to be called the S10E.
Official Samsung Fast Qi Wireless Stand - Power Bundle -for Galaxy S7/S8/S9/S10 +/Note8/9/iPhone 8/+/X/XR/XS/Max (Retail Packing Kit)
We don't know for sure if the S10E will be sold in all markets, but it's an interesting move from Samsung and likely one designed to counter Apple's iPhone XR, which hits a lower price point than the XS.
There are also claims that Samsung will introduce a 5G version of the Galaxy S10 later in the year, potentially called the Galaxy X. But for now, the S10 is not expected to get 5G - unlike LG's V50, which will be launched on February 24.
The Galaxy S10 has an in-display fingerprint reader
One of the few negatives about the last few Galaxy S phones has been their fingerprint sensor. Located on the rear, it was awkward to reach and easy to confuse with the camera and flash.
To fix this, Samsung will place the S10's fingerprint reader under the glass front, like on the OnePlus 6T. This puts the reader in a far more convenient place, but does so without the need for a button or sensor on the 'chin' on the phone. Samsung is said to be using ultrasound technology to make the reader work, unlike any other manufacturer. This should make for speedy and accurate unlocking.
There are three cameras on the back
Revealed by a Samsung TV advert accidentally broadcast on Norwegian television this week, embedded below, the Galaxy S10 will have three cameras on its back - one more than its predecessor.
The resolutions of the three camera sensors are said to be 12MP, 16MP and 13MP. It isn't yet known exactly what function each lens will perform, but you can be sure to see improvements on the S9, especially when it comes to blurred-background portrait photography - something the Google Pixel 3 excels at, but with software instead of sensors.
It looks like the S10E will only get two cameras on the back, while the S10 and S10+ will have three.
The display has a new 'hole-punch' design
Following a trend set to be popular in 2019, all models of Galaxy S10 will feature a so-called 'hole-punch' display. This means the front-facing camera sits in a file stamped through the display, instead of being fitted above the screen, or in a notch like that used by the iPhone X series.
VOTALA Samsung Galaxy s10 Plus Case, Protective TPU, Galaxy S10 Plus Cover [Ultra Lightweight] Anti-Scratch Reinforced Corner Protection Bumper Case for Galaxy S10 Plus 2019 - Crystal Clear
Only the largest Galaxy S10+ has two cameras on the front
The Galaxy S10 and S10E will each have a single front camera, while the S10+ will get two, sat right next to each other in a slightly wider hole. We suspect this second lens will help the phone take wide-angle selfies - just as the Google Pixel 3 does with its own dual-lens selfie setup.
Truth be told, we're a little disappointed to see some features held back for the biggest, most expensive model. Plenty of consumers want a smartphone with a smaller display, yet also want the best features. Surely the second tiny front camera could fit in the regular S10, leading us to believe Samsung has excluded it as a way to up-sell buyers to the pricier model.
Galaxy Buds and case charge when placed on the back of the S10WinFuture
It can wirelessly charge other devices - like the new Galaxy Buds earphones
A trick borrowed from the Huawei Mate 20 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy S10 can not only be charged wirelessly, but can also charge other devices without cables. All you have to do is hold a phone against its back, and it'll charge.
This will be particularly useful with Samsung's new Galaxy Buds, a pair of wireless earphones which will be announced alongside the Galaxy S10. The TV ad accidentally shown in Norway this week offers a glimpse of how the case of the Buds charges when placed on the back of the phone. It's a pretty smart solution, and something Apple doesn't yet offer with the iPhone and AirPods.
Samsung Gear IconX (2018 Edition) Bluetooth Cord-free Fitness Earbuds, w/ On-board 4Gb MP3 Player (US Version with Warranty) - Black
New From: $130.45 in Stock
Screen sizes will range from 5.8 inches to 6.7 inches
The entry-level Galaxy S10E is expected to have a screen size of 5.8 inches, exactly the same as the Galaxy S9 from last year. The Galaxy S10 will stretch this to 6.2 inches, but with an increased screen-to-body ratio thanks to the lack of a camera above the display, the overall size of the phone should be about the same as the S9.
Finally, the flagship S10+ will have a display measuring 6.44 inches, a little larger than the 6.2-inch Galaxy S9+ from 2018.
The cheaper S10E has just two rear cameras instead of threeWinFuture
There's a premium version with a ceramic back
We're not sure if this model will launch tomorrow or be available in all markets, but the rumor mill claims there will be a premium version of the S10 with a back made from ceramic. This choice of material would make the phone almost completely scratch resistant, as ceramic can only be scratched by diamond and sapphire - the latter used to protect camera lenses and luxury watches.
Samsung Galaxy Watch (46mm) Silver (Bluetooth), SM-R800NZSAXAR – US Version with Warranty
Used From: $214.99 in Stock
Not only will the ceramic S10 be tougher than its stablemates, but it is also expected to be even bigger than the S10+, with a 6.7-inch display. It is also said, by the often well-informed SamMobile, that the ceramic S10 will have four rear cameras, two front cameras, and 5G support.
This final stat makes us believe the phone won't arrive until later in the year, when 5G networks become available to consumers.
It will be expensive
This one almost goes without saying, but the Galaxy S10 will be an expensive smartphone. The prolific and notoriously accurate smartphone leaker Evan Blass posted an image to Twitter on February 17, claiming the flagship S10+, with a huge 1TB of storage and 12GB of RAM (an equally enormous figure), will cost 10,000 Chinese Yen, which is roughly $1,500.
That's about $1,500. pic.twitter.com/5BIDyeegAf
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) February 17, 2019
The image also claimed a lesser version of the S10+ with 512GB of storage and 8G of RAM will cost 9,000 yen, or around $1,300. For context, the 512GB version of the iPhone XS Max costs $1,449.
All will be revealed - along with a range of new Samsung wearables and those Galaxy Buds - at the Unpacked launch tomorrow. GearBrain will be attending the London event, so stay tuned for our first impressions later in the day.
Samsung Gear Sport Smartwatch (Bluetooth), Black, SM-R600NZKAXAR – US Version with Warranty
New From: Too low to display in Stock
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I am really proud of what I've made so far. I hope you enjoy them. Listen here all you want. The album will be available for purchase on CD baby, iTunes, Amazon, and other online sources.
For now, I hope you like the music.


text:
Io is a village in Alver municipality, in Vestland county, Norway.  The village sits on the shore of the Herdlefjorden along the northern coast of the island of Holsnøy, about  southwest of the village of Rossland.

See also
List of short place names

References

Alver (municipality)
Villages in Vestland

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Three French men are being held following a fight in which a 37-year-old British man was killed in the early hours of Monday morning on the French Riviera.
Lee Elton Fisher, a Territorial army soldier who had served in Iraq, had been working as a stand builder at the Tax Free World Exhibition, which is taking place in Cannes this week.
According to local newspaper Nice Matin, trouble started at around 3am when an argument broke out between Fisher and his friends and a group of local men.
PA reported that Fisher had been enraged at the cost of drinks in a lap-dancing club. He then stormed outside to confront a man handing out promotional fliers and a fight broke out.
"People came over to help the man and Mr Fisher found himself facing several individuals," said a police source. "His own friends came over but two of them were also attacked. One was punched in the nose and the other on the mouth. They were chased off."
"After that, the situation appeared to calm down but suddenly Mr Fisher was punched in the face. He fell to the ground, unconscious."
The dead man was married and came from Camberley in Surrey. An autopsy is planned for Thursday to establish the precise cause of death.
Three French men, aged between 25 and 30, are being held by police.


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Home » News » Long Road Distillers Set to Release MICHIGIN® Batch No. 3, a Gin Made from All Michigan Ingredients
Long Road Distillers Set to Release MICHIGIN® Batch No. 3, a Gin Made from All Michigan Ingredients
Grand Rapids-based Long Road Distillers released Batch No. 3 of their award-winning MICHIGIN® on Monday, November 12. The gin was crafted from 100% Michigan ingredients, starting with water fresh from Lake Michigan, red winter wheat from Heffron Farms in Belding, and juniper harvested by hand on Beaver Island.
In 2017, MICHIGIN® was named the "Best Gin in the World" and awarded a Double Gold Medal at the Fifty Best Competition in New York City. Ever since the Michigan-made spirit has been highly sought after and one of the distillery's most popular products. Each batch is eagerly anticipated not only by visitors of the distillery but by retailers and bars throughout Michigan.
"The making of MICHIGIN® has become so much a part of who we are," says Jon O'Connor, co-owner and co-founder of Long Road. "The adventure of crafting this product from scratch is the epitome of what we're all about at Long Road – creating products that are world-class and doing it the right way, all while using locally sourced ingredients."
MICHIGIN's base spirit is distilled from red winter wheat from nearby Heffron Farms in Belding, Michigan that was milled on-site at the distillery on Grand Rapids' West Side. It is then redistilled with a variety of Michigan botanicals, including Beaver Island juniper, lemon verbena, mint and fennel from Visser Farms in Zeeland, and Galena hops from the Michigan Hop Alliance in Northport. Batch No. 3 includes the addition of white pine. The resulting gin is unlike any other and offers a clean, fresh taste of Michigan from start to finish.
Juniper is commonly sourced through spice purveyors and originates from Europe or the Pacific Northwest. It was a family connection in late 2016 that tipped off the Long Road team to the abundance of the berry on Beaver Island, the largest island in Lake Michigan approximately 30 miles northwest of Charlevoix. Despite the extra work that goes into producing MICHIGIN®, the team insists the resulting gin and the connection to Michigan farmers and the Island make it all worthwhile.
"Picking juniper is a hard job – but there's no better place to do it that on the Island," according to Kyle VanStrien, co-owner and co-founder of the distillery. "It's one of the most beautiful places in Michigan and the residents of the Island have offered a warm welcome each time our team visits!"
MICHIGIN®, initially, has the familiar aroma of fresh pine and juniper berries, but quickly transitions into scents of cucumber, cedar, and tropical fruits. The rich juniper flavors lead the way at first taste and gradually shift to notes of melon, vanilla, and hints of bright citrus and mint. It's sure to please in a gin cocktail, on the rocks, or all by itself.
Long Road MICHIGIN® is also available in statewide distribution for licensed retailers, bars and restaurants through Imperial Beverage Company, who distributes Long Road's portfolio of spirits.
For more information about Long Road Distillers or to find out how you can get your hands on MICHIGIN®, please visit: www.longroaddistillers.com.
Posted in West Michigan News, Beer/Dine/Wine


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Radar and Laser Jammers
Police Scanners
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If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. Read more here.
If you're after the most advanced radar detector in the market, you're in the right place. Uniden R3 is currently among the greatest, if not the model of today–our list reflects that too. It was chosen as the ideal radar detector for 2020.
The Uniden R3 reviewed here is among the most recent releases of the brand alongside Uniden R1. Both have amazing detection range capabilities, which easily set them up high on the rankings right away. But Uniden strategically launched these two different models with almost the same capabilities, except the GPS feature, which gives the R3 an edge over R1. This the reason why you'll often see this detector mounted on windshields of even expert radar detector users because it offers the best performance among many options nowadays. Let's delve into why this model is hailed the best.
Note: Uniden released the R7 recently, check out what's new with the R7 vs the R3 and read the full review of the R7 here:
https://www.ratedradardetector.org/uniden/r7-review/
Click Here For Best Price
In just a glance, one can easily identify this model is indeed a radar detector meant for professional use. Its sleek black casing doesn't add many frills to the design, yet that sure doesn't take away from the performance of this device.
The Uniden R3 comes with its sturdy carrying case, which opens to the radar detector and its accessories. There are two mounts added into the package: one sticky-cup mount that allows multiple angles and position options; and the other is a traditional dual suction-cup that easily mounts the device without a problem. Added into the pack is a power adapter to the cigarette lighter.
The size of the detector is just enough to have a "compact" device with a huge enough display that would be comfortable for the user. It also weighs perfectly, not heavy enough to mess up the mounting.
Uniden R3 Features Reviewed
Range and Sensitivity
We'll get straight to the point: this model offers the longest range of detection among all radar detectors at any price point. It simply blows the competition away with its amazing range. Some come close, but still cannot be on par with the R3 in terms of detection range. If you're not sure whether you should purchase the R1 or the R3, check out our R1 VS R3 Comparison.
Another mind-blowing feature of this radar detector is its impressive sensitivity, which also sets it apart from many other models. Whether it's mounted on the windshield, on the sun visor, or even on the dash, this device can't seem to miss a signal even the instant-on ones. It also has a certain level of consistency in detecting signals, which gives assurance to the driver that in any band, the device can easily detect and alert the driver.
Full-color Bright OLED Display
We've lauded Uniden for their great brightness features in their devices. When they released the Uniden R3, they took it to the next level and added multiple brightness settings that can cater to almost every brightness needs of its user. It has OFF, DARK, DIMMER, DIM, and DARK BRIGHT.
If you want stealth driving, you'll enjoy the DARK mode of the display, wherein the screen stays off. The only indicator is a little flashing dot below the screen, and the screen only lights up when the device detects a signal.
BSM Filtering
Almost all average to professional radar detectors offers BSM filtering nowadays because no driver can stand the huge bulk of false alerts that one can experience without this feature. But all of these radar detectors cannot fully filter Blind Spot Monitoring Systems (BSMs) and other Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS). However, there are very few that come close to that–and Uniden R3 is one of them. With the latest firmware updates, the R3 is pretty great in filtering a lot of false alerts, even when it's in full sensitivity mode.
GPS Lockouts
The edge of R3 over R1 that we talked about in the beginning is its GPS chip, which provides better filtering of falses, especially in urban areas where they are rampant. The GPS chip allows the radar detector to remember where false alerts are located so it can automatically ignore them or mute the falses in the future. This helps a lot, especially for people who pass by false signal-packed roads repeatedly.
Low-speed Muting
Another benefit of having the GPS chip is the ability for low-speed muting. This comes in handy when you're in low-speed areas or traffic-prone zones. This ensures that your device isn't going crazy on the alerts, without you manually hitting mute each time it goes off.
Sensitivity Settings
We've seen a lot of sensitivity settings on different brands and models, yet we single out the Uniden R3 as one of those with smart settings that do their purpose. The three sensitivity settings on these models are CITY, CITY2, and HIGHWAY. Maximum sensitivity is turned on when on the HIGHWAY mode, which means all radar bands (K, Ka, and X) are easily detected by the device. However, this model also reduces the range of K-band collision avoidance systems alerts. This doesn't mean that the sensitivity lessens too much–it also offers quite a lot of sensitivity.
For CITY2, the device disables the X-band and reduces K-band sensitivity. While on this setting, you can still manage its other sensitivity by pressing the MENU and holding it.
For more info about setting up the Uniden R3:
https://www.ratedradardetector.org/uniden/how-to-set-up-r3/
The Uniden R3 has a great performance-to-price ratio, which means you'll get your money's worth by purchasing it
The OLED display offers a lot of brightness settings that are highly beneficial in any lighting condition
The Automute feature makes driving quiet and hassle-free
The reliable GPS chip performs well in filtering false alerts
It features 360-degree DSP that makes signal detection accurate and more reliable
Fully invisible to Spectre Elite detectors
Because not all BSMs can be filtered by R3 (and all radar detectors too), some falses can still make its way through
Q: Is Uniden R3 easy to use?
A: While it is a professional radar detector, the R3 isn't complicated to use at all. It has a main MENU button which allows the user to enter the configuration menu. Left and right buttons can be used to choose from the options, which is applicable in changing the brightness of the display, changing sensitivity settings, or other settings for that matter.
Q: Can this be plugged into the cigarette lighter?
A: Yes, this device comes with a power cord that can be connected to the cigarette lighter for power.
Q: Can a mount block the GPS signal of this device?
A: There wouldn't be any problems with GPS detection and function wherever and however this device is mounted.
Uniden R3 Review Conclusion
The Uniden R3 is one of the most impressive devices ever introduced to the market in the whole history of radar detectors. It is simply beyond comparison to a lot of models today, especially when it comes to range, sensitivity, and false filtering. With its price point, it gives users a bang for their buck, with the detector's features, performance, and even its appearance. Overall, this device is on top of our most recommended list of best performing radar detectors.
This article is written by William Johnson, the founder of RRD. William is passionate about radar detectors. His interest in reviewing and testing radar detectors from different brands started nearly 10 years ago, when his own radar detector then (a cheap and brand-less detector he bought online) failed to detect and radar gun nearby.
Latest posts by William (see all)
User Rating: 3.62 (16 votes)
Uniden DFR9 Review
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IDPS HomeInfectious Diseases A-C
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Meadow Vista Veterinary Clinic is proud to serve the Meadow Vista CA area for everything pet related. Our veterinary clinic and animal hospital is run by Dr. Pamela Pussich, who is a licensed, experienced Meadow Vista veterinarian.
Our team is committed to educating our clients in how to keep your pets healthy year round, with good nutrition and exercise. Meadow Vista Veterinary Clinic stays on top of the latest advances in veterinarian technology and above all, remembers that all animals and pets need to be treated with loving care in every check-up, procedure, or surgery.
Take a look at our very own Dr. Pam in the Auburn Journal here!


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Exploring New York beyond the Five Boroughs
Written by Mark Thompson|	November 5, 2019| Travel
We seek out spectacular architecture, fab food and wine, splendid scenery and unforgettable art in New York — and we're not talking about the city.
Throughout my childhood, New York City beckoned like a Siren. I felt far away upstate in Ithaca where university students wore punny t-shirts that proclaimed "Ithaca is Gorges." And it really is gorgeous — particularly in summer and autumn, when Cayuga Lake (the longest of the Finger Lakes at 40 miles) shimmers with sailboats amid a multi-colored quilt of fall foliage. But in 1977, when the "I Love NY" advertising campaign debuted with Broadway stars singing its catchy jingle, I was a tap-dance loving gay boy for whom the song was all about the city. However now, as the campaign marks its 40th anniversary, I have grown to appreciate it as a celebration of all ten of the state's other vacation destinations — which include Greater Niagara, the Adirondacks, Hudson Valley, the Catskills, Thousand Islands Seaway and Finger Lakes.
The Finger Lakes — Photo courtesy New York State Tourism
Escape from the Big Apple
Given the blinding brightness of the city's appeal for tourists (with nearly 62 million visitors in 2016), the state of New York sometimes seems to linger in the city's shadow. But not so long ago, many urban New Yorkers were anxious to flee in the opposite direction — with people of means and social standing desperate to escape the ills of the city and head to their "Great Camps" in the Adirondacks.
Financier J.P. Morgan used to escape in a private Pullman railcar furnished with four bedrooms, a full kitchen, private baths and crew quarters — bound for his estate Camp Uncas in the Adirondacks. Today, the Adirondack Park's six million acres includes approximately 35 former Great Camps of wealthy industrialists such as those of the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers, whose way of life required extensive domestic staffs of chambermaids, valets, chefs, butlers and laundresses to maintain estates nearly on the order of Downton Abbey. Tours of these phenomenal spots are offered by Adirondack Architectural Heritage, the non-profit historic preservation organization for Adirondack Park.
During the Gilded Age (toward the end of the 1800s), Lake George was lined with the mansions of millionaires, four of whom purchased Green Island to build The Sagamore, which opened in 1883. Now a member of Opal Collection, the Sagamore Resort offers visitors a luxury retreat on a private 70-acre island. Guests can sail along the shores of Millionaires Row aboard the Morgan, a 72-foot replica of a 19th-century touring vessel. A year-round resort with hiking trails, an 18-hole golf course, and a full-service marina, the Sagamore also makes a secluded island setting for weddings and honeymoons.
Glenmere Mansion — Photo courtesy the Glenmere Mansion
Similarly, in the lower Hudson Valley, New York magnate Robert Goelet built a replica of an Italian villa and christened it Glenmere for the lake nearby. Throughout the Roaring Twenties, Goelet entertained there not unlike the Great Gatsby — hosting royals and heads of state alike on his 3,000-acre estate. Glenmere's renaissance commenced in 2010 when the 35-room Tuscan villa reopened as a member of Relais & Châteaux. Designed by Carrère and Hastings — the architects renowned for Manhattan's Beaux-Arts New York Public Library — Glenmere offers 18 rooms and suites named for various luminaries such as Vanderbilt and Ogden.
Guests at Glenmere in search of cultural pursuits head to Dia:Beacon. The former Nabisco box printing factory situated on the banks of the Hudson River houses the Dia Art Foundation's collection of art from the 1960s to the present. Also nearby is one of the world's leading sculpture parks: Storm King Art Center, an open-air museum encompassing nearly 500 acres. More than 100 sculptures can be found among the fields, hills and woodlands. The surrounding area also includes the Harness Racing Museum, the 11-mile Heritage Trail, and U.S. Military Academy at West Point — in addition to Woodbury Commons for those in search of retail therapy.
The Pavilion — Photo courtesy of the restaurant
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Days of Wine and Glass
Upstate New York has hosted its share of historic music events, including Woodstock in 1969 and the 1973 Summer Jam at Watkins Glen, which set a world record for the largest music festival with 600,000 attendees (nearly twice as many as Woodstock). What was also happening during those years was the establishment of a burgeoning viticulture industry in the Finger Lakes that has subsequently become the nation's largest wine-growing region east of California.
More than 100 wineries are located within the Finger Lakes' micro-climate. Notable for its signature Riesling, the region is celebrated for its aromatic whites, which can be savored by following any of the four wine trails that meander along Seneca, Cayuga, Keuka and Canandaigua lakes. The region also produces ciders, meads, and spirits, all of which are showcased at events such as the annual Finger Lakes Wine Festival.
The fine art of wine-making also flourishes on Long Island, where 50 such operations produce a half million cases of wine annually. Long Island also offers a wealth of beaches — including those of Fire Island, which remain as enticing as Oz to the gay community.
Corning Museum — Photo courtesy of the museum
Close by, Gold Coast mansions line the North Shore where Gatsby once pined for Daisy in F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece. Visitors in search of Jazz Age opulence might opt for an overnight stay at Oheka Castle, which was the erstwhile residence of financier Otto Kahn and served as inspiration for Gatsby's palatial digs. Once America's second largest private home, it's now a 32-room luxury hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jazz Age tycoons furnished their mansions with treasures created by artists such as Louis Comfort Tiffany, whose glass mosaics can be viewed throughout New York State. A Tiffany Driving Tour leads from New York City to western New York and showcases more than 50 pieces dating from the 1890s through the 1920s. An exhibition of Tiffany's Glass Mosaics can be viewed at the Corning Museum of Glass through the end of 2017. Founded in 1951 in honor of the centennial of Corning Glass Works, the museum presents more than 45,000 objects chronicling 3,500 years of glass-making history in a building designed by the same architect behind the U.N., Lincoln Center and the original home of the MoMA.
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For Every Taste
In Ithaca, the Johnson Museum of Art on the campus of Cornell University was built in 1968 by the great I.M. Pei. Famed for its concrete façade, the museum houses more than 35,000 works in its permanent collection, including two stained glass windows by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Nestled among gorges and waterfalls, Cornell's 745-acre campus offers spectacular vistas of the lake and surrounding landscape. Graduates of the university's hotel school have opened bars and restaurants in the Ithaca area, which makes the town of 30,000 a foodie paradise — with more restaurants per capita than even New York City. Restaurateurs turn to Ithica's famed farmers' markets to help source the farm-to-table comestibles at restaurants such as Moosewood, which has spearheaded the evolution of sustainable vegetarian cuisine here and in the process has become one of the "most influential restaurants of the 20th century," according to Bon Appétit.
New York State Viticulture — Photo courtesy of the New York Board of Toursim
Photography and film aficionados might consider a visit to Rochester's Eastman Museum, the world's oldest museum dedicated to photography. Located in a historic Colonial Revival mansion (once home to the founder of the Eastman Kodak Company), its formal gardens and conservatory underwent a restoration in 1990. It's as imposing as the Hollywood stand-in where Montgomery Clift (playing George Eastman) crossed its threshold in hot pursuit of Liz Taylor in the 1951 Academy Award-winning classic, A Place in the Sun.
For more art, consider Saratoga Springs, home to the fabled artists' community Yaddo. The 400-acre estate once belonged to financier Spencer Trask and writer Katrina Trask. For more than 90 years, the mansion and its surrounding studios have housed artists who have collectively amassed 66 Pulitzer Prizes (and numerous other awards). The Yaddo Gardens are free and open to the public year-round.
Another draw for visitors is the famous mineral springs that gave the town its name. Thanks to the development of European-style spas in the 19th century, Saratoga Springs became home to numerous grand hotels, including the Pavilion Grand Hotel, originally built in 1819, and The Adelphi, which reopens this summer following a meticulous restoration.
Other local institutions include the Saratoga Race Course — which has been hosting thoroughbred races for more than 150 years — and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. For many, summers in Saratoga Springs have become synonymous with the New York City Ballet, which has held residencies there since 1966, often showcasing choreography by such great gay choreographers as Jerome Robbins.
Looking for more great reasons LGBTQ travelers can say "I Love New York"? Visit iloveny.com/lgbt.
Read Next | Our List of the Top Gay Bars in New York City
national travel
Last modified: November 6, 2019
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In my ISE project, no cores are available when I select Project -> New Source -> IP (Cores & Architecture Wizard). Only Architecture Wizard components (e.g., Clocking, RocketIO) appear.
If no cores appear, but Architecture Wizard components (like DCM) are visible, this indicates that a WebPACK installation is being used. CORE Generator is not shipped with WebPACK version 7.1i and earlier.
Beginning with the 8.1i release, CORE Generator is included in the WebPACK software installation.