gin for the win

Master distiller Desmond Payne understands that gin isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. After all, he’s been making gin longer than anyone on the planet. But his latest creation, Beefeater 24, takes James Burrough’s jaunty juniper recipe from the mid 1800s and beefs it up with Chinese green and Japanese Sencha teas.

Over 400 guests packed Brassaii for Beefeater 24’s twisted tea party.

From left to right:  Jentzen Brown, Beefeater’s Desmond Payne, and Fashion Designer Brandon R. Dwyer.

From left to right: fashion photographer Arline Malakian, fashion designer Lucian MatisAnita Clarke, and Neil Schmidt. Other notables in attendance included: Richard Crouse, Ainsley Kerr, and recording artist Blake McGrath.

(photo credits: JC Pimentel Photography)

Posted on July 19, 2010   Read full article

G20: Secret Laws and Police Brutality

The black-clad criminals that terrorized Toronto on Sunday, June 26, were not a group of ‘radical anarchists.’ Instead, they were the power-mad police force – keen on using their new toys in an act of tactical revenge for the previous day’s embarrassment.

Let’s not kid ourselves – these kinds of violations are commonplace in certain parts of the world.  As Canadians, we like to believe we are above this.  As we should now be aware, that is not the case.  At any point, any ‘right’ or ‘freedom’ we believe to have can be stripped without provocation or explanation. Secret laws are passed. Secret agreements are made between police and officials.  PR strategists help sell reasonable doubt and propaganda. And, as we’ve seen, public officials and law enforcement will blatantly lie with the same conviction used when taking their oaths.

That being said, over the G20 weekend, most police behaved in accordance with the law and their duties (as did most protesters), but there were some who absolutely crossed the line. And above all else, the decision making by top-ranking officials was reprehensible.

This is exactly why people protest in the first place.

The rioters broke windows and smashed cars (that were curiously left unguarded).  The police violated human beings.  The strip-searching of unlawfully detained peaceful protestors should be prosecuted as sexual assaults.

The media cannot be snuffed.  That is illegal. Invoking George Bush’s mysterious ‘hidden-weapons strategy’ seems to work quite well for public officials hoping to create reasonable explanations for unreasonable behavior.  Though, as we know, it is less about preventing mass destruction and more about propagating mass distraction.

On Sunday’s criminal policing, a Toronto Sun reporter says he heard the following, “’I just wish I could have pummeled the little bastards the day before,’ said one copper of the Black Bloc, adding it ‘would have been great to ring their skinny little necks.’”

It’s possible some of these ‘law enforcement’ cowards enjoy their jobs a little too much.

Posted on June 30, 2010   Read full article

G20 Day 2: Fake Democracy

If you were naive enough to believe in modern democracy – please take a second look.  I will expand later – I am absolutely enraged.

Posted on June 27, 2010   Read full article

G20 Toronto – Day 1

A collection of photos from Day 1 of Toronto’s G20 protests.

Things started getting nasty and the police officers equipped their riot gear – including gas masks.

The crowd waiting for something to happen…

Barrie police officers holding the line on Spadina

Pretty crazy – seeing all the riot gear – felt like a scene out of Star Wars. What came next, though, felt more like something out of a zombie movie.

The unfortunate victim of some mob justice.  “What do you we want? half price non fat lattes! When do we want them? As soon as possible, please.”

Pro graffiti, against prisons and police. Clear enough.

A security guard can only look on as the store he’s guarding is smashed.

##

That’s just a few from day 1 – I’ll have more from day 2 tomorrow night. And a little recap when it’s all over with.  Goodnight everyone – stay safe!

Posted on June 26, 2010   Read full article

G20 security heats up

When you’ve got a billion dollars to spend – go big or go home!

Posted on June 24, 2010   Read full article

G20 graffiti hits Toronto

This shot is from Spadina ave., Toronto.

Posted on June 9, 2010   Read full article

There’s a kremlin on the wing

Flowing hootch, a master-crafted ice bar and a Russian billionaire to boot – yup, just another swinging evening in the city of a thousand parties, Toronto.  The Hazelton played host to an ultra-swag Russian Standard cocktail carousal that featured some of the city’s usual social suspects, with one exception –  Russian Standard’s billionaire bossman Roustam Tariko.

Partygoers enjoyed the spirit, and spirits, of the evening compliments of LexPR and Russian Standard.

Canada’s Thirsty Traveller Kevin Brauch (also of Iron Chef fame) meets Russia’s thirsty billionaire Roustam Tariko (also of Lego hair fame).

Brett Wilson from CBC’s Dragons’ Den was also in attendance.

Posted on May 29, 2010   Read full article
Page 2 of 8