Sorry for the lack of posts over the past couple of weeks. I was traveling in Canada, doing an early-Christmas with the family. Good fun, but not exactly blog-rich material. But a very good trip:

  • I checked out the distillery district in downtown Toronto for the first time. Very pretty location, with all the old buildings. It’s a part of town that used to be all run-down when I was growing up (I remember using it for free parking, along with the Esplanade), but has gentrified nicely. Good food, and since it is pretty tourist-free this time of year, it was quite quiet.
  • Went to a Raptors game. Raptors lost badly, but this crazy season, losing is actually a positive. And during bad seasons, tickets are much more affordable. At least Rudy Gay is no longer with the team.
  • Met the amazing science-fiction author Peter Watts. His novel Blindsight is one of my favorite “hard sci-fi” books ever (you can download it for free at his website).  Fascinating and fun guy.
  • Met with several conservative politicians, including one who said that Rob Ford “is the best Toronto mayor in my lifetime.” Seriously. I thought his wife was going to slap him for that remark — but after a couple weeks or seeing Toronto politics first-hand, I kind of get where he was coming from (I’m not saying I agree … just that I understand).

The last day before we leave Canada, we suddenly get hit by a big cold snap — but upon arriving in Korea, it is also in the middle of an early freeze, so no one comes out ahead on that one.

It’s the end of year, which in Korea means plenty of concerts.  I should have a few chances to talk more about music in the coming weeks. I also have my first “speaking tour” (well, kind of), coming this spring, to announce. And hopefully some other fun stuff.