The McCord Museum of Canadian History

Montreal like most major cities has museums. And, not only does Montreal have museums it also has a day dedicated to museums. 34 Museums take part in the annual event and another 8 are joining in this year to bring the total to 42. One of the museums that participates in the event is the McCord Museum of Canadian History. The museum is located in the downtown core and is very easy to get to by bus and metro. The admission fees are quite reasonable.

• Adults: $13
• Seniors (65 and over): $10*
• Students (full-time): $7*
• Children 6 to 12 years: $5
• Children 5 and under: free
• Families**: $26
• Friends of the Museum: free

What grabbed my attention was the exhibition Being Irish O'Quebec. The exhibit features story stations, biography booths and illustrates how the Irish have impacted Quebec on many levels from the very beginning to today.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article the city of Montreal has a Museums Day every year, the 24th annual is scheduled for Sunday May 30th. Dream Weavers - Costumes by Cirque du Soleil will be open to the public during Museums day at the McCord. A definite must see if you are a fan of the circus.

C. T.

2nd Ave Sagas A First Rate Transit Blog

There are lots of people who are into trains. In fact the world of transit in general brings together many people who are fascinated with the inner workings of various systems around the world. Although I am not as deeply involved in the hobby I have had and still do have an interest in trains in particular subways. I am more or less fascinated by the daily workings of systems as opposed to the technical side of things. If I ever win the million I would love to tour some of the more famous systems of the world. However for now I just read about them on the net. One system of note is New York's. It's vast and running it is a challenge at the best of times. There is always something happening in and around the system that gets people talking and bloggers blogging.

One blog on the net is 2nd Ave Sagas, written by Benjamin Kabak. The blog is a mix of technical, historical and operational details on the New York system. Some of the recent articles include transit plans for 15 Penn Plaza, new G Train service and an article on a tunnel boring machine. Fear not bus riders, surface transit is covered on this blog so in effect this is more than just a subway blog, it's really a full bodied transit blog. Oh yes the politics of transit is also covered on this blog. This is a well established blog it goes back to Nov 06 and it is updated quite frequently from what I can see. It is very obvious that Mr. Kabak takes great care in developing his blog.

I liked this blog and I think you will as well. I may even become a follower of it that is how good it really is. Got a blog or are you in Montreal and want to promote your blog fave restaurant or other Montreal item or do you know of a blog that just plain rocks. Let me know, you can send your submissions to cjames5a@gmail.com and I will gladly read through them and post those gems you send.

C. T.

Tune Up Your Bass And Release Your Music

Ever dream of being a rock star? Of course you have, I know I did, heck still do at 47. But, alas I am not going to be a rock star but, maybe a blog star. Anyway for those pressing on with the dream of being a rock star there are lots of things to do and lots of ways to do them. Many artists want to retain control of the content, rights and profits that come with the successful launch of their music. Getting there is the challenge. One company is striving to help musicians create music their way while still providing the traditional services of a record label. One such tool they are using is blogging.

Release Your Music is a blog that gives it's readers insights into the creative processes related to music production and distribution. The company to which this blog is attached to is located in Fullerton CA near Anaheim. Besides the blog there are connections to Facebook and Twitter as well as Myspace. The company, Artisans Label also has a web presence. Very well done sites but, the blog does need new content. The last known entry is in August of 09. All the other links mentioned can be found on the blog.

This is a good resource for those interested in music production and distribution. The blog has a gritty get down and dirty feel to it, the colors of Grey and Red and the edgy graphic give the impression of rough and tumble get down to it attitude. Yet looking at the company's sites you can and will see not only this edge but, a professional style as well. In short a no nonsense we mean business type of company, with the attitude that they want to help clients succeed through knowledge and hard work are the messages conveyed on the blog and websites.

Speaking of conveying a message if you are a blogger and want to have your work mentioned here on Mixed Nuts drop an email to me at cjames5a@gmail.com. All I need, obviously, is the link and what your blog is about and from there I will take it. And, come back often the blog is only going to grow bigger and better as we feature blogs and links to places events and people in Montreal.

C. T.

The Montreal File-Churches

Montreal is renowned for it's architecture and there is no better place to examine the city's style than via it's churches. Montreal has about 300 churches the most notable ones are listed on Montreal.com. These buildings are incredible in size and and beautiful inside. It can be said that they are more than just places of worship, they are indeed works of art. If you think the pictures of them are amazing you will be, I believe, totally left speechless and awe struck and I mean this in the sincerest sense. These buildings are beautiful inside and outside and the best way to enjoy them is to visit them.

The ones mentioned on Montreal.com are in the downtown core easy to get to on the Metro. Montreal.com also has posted on the page links to the official websites of the churches they wrote about. Of interesting note is the fact that while Quebec boasts that it is a secular society most of it's citizens will tell you that they subscribe to a faith of some sort. Generally in Quebec the main religion is Roman Catholic.

If you have a blog or are in Montreal and want to have something posted to this site please send your request to cjames5a@gmail.com and I will be happy to visit the site or blog and post information here on Mixed Nuts.

C.. T.