A Glass of Scotch at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh

Before we even arrived in Scotland I had made it clear that I wanted to get a glass of scotch at the whisky bar in the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. It just seemed like an iconic thing to do. If you're unfamiliar, the Balmoral has been a fixture along Princes Street in Scotland's capital since opening in 1902, and to this day is one of Edinburgh's most recognizable landmarks.

What I hadn't anticipated over our stay in Scotland, however, was just how much whisky / scotch I would end up sampling. By our final night, not only had I had my fair share of variety already, but I had collected a mini-bars worth of small bottles to bring back home. The reason this is noteworthy is because looking back at this now, I can't remember exactly what kind of scotch I ended up having on that final night when I finally sat down in the Balmoral bar. 

I know I wrote it down, but have yet to find where I hid the note.

Memory loss seems a fitting end when making a point of sampling a lot of scotch in Scotland, I suppose. What I do remember is that the whisky I chose was aged 18 years, the Balmoral itself was incredibly beautiful, and the drink I had was by far the most expensive pour of all the variations I tried that trip. I may not remember the brand, but there's no denying I felt like a king in the castle that night in Edinburgh, Scotland.  

Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, California

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is one of Los Angeles’ most fascinating cultural landmarks - a place where history, memory, and creativity blend into a uniquely Southern California experience. Founded in 1899, it sits in the heart of Hollywood and has become the final resting place for countless iconic figures from the entertainment industry. Walking its grounds, you’ll find memorials to legends like Judy Garland, Rudolph Valentino, Cecil B. DeMille, and Johnny Ramone, each reflecting a piece of Hollywood’s evolving story.

What makes Hollywood Forever especially compelling is how it remains an active, vibrant part of the community. The cemetery regularly hosts outdoor film screenings on its expansive lawn, where locals and visitors gather to watch classic movies under the stars. Seasonal events, like Día de los Muertos celebrations, turn the grounds into a beautifully decorated tribute to culture, remembrance, and artistry. These gatherings help transform the cemetery into something more than a place of mourning: it becomes a living space for connection and reflection.

The landscape itself is peaceful and meticulously maintained, with palm trees, ponds, sculptures, and historic mausoleums creating an atmosphere that’s serene yet cinematic. Many visitors come simply to walk, explore the architecture, or enjoy a quiet moment amid the bustle of central Los Angeles.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery stands as a distinctive blend of legacy and life, honoring the past while embracing the present. It’s a destination where stories endure, creativity is celebrated, and the spirit of Hollywood feels very much alive.

The 17th Screening at the Monarch Theatre

Following the end of the 16 show premiere run at the Monarch Theatre last year - today, international students from the public school system were looking for something to do amid the ongoing provincial strike and came to the Monarch for a special screening of Your Cinema Needs You. For those unfamiliar, this was the documentary I directed about Canada's oldest, surviving, purpose-built movie theatre - the one and only, Monarch Theatre in Medicine Hat, Alberta. 

I have to confess I had nothing to do with arranging this. I got the heads up when my documentary was requested, so came down to grab a few pictures this afternoon. Talk about an unexpected throwback Thursday. With extensive renovation efforts still in full swing, I somehow feel this won't be the last time Your Cinema Needs You is screened here.

Omega Mart in Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is full of surprises, but nothing prepares you for walking into a grocery store and finding yourself in another dimension. That’s exactly what happens at Omega Mart, the surreal, immersive art experience created by Meow Wolf inside the AREA15 complex. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary supermarket - bright aisles, colorful displays, and neatly stocked shelves. But step inside, and you’ll quickly realize something is very, very off.

Every product on the shelves tells a joke, a story, or a secret. You’ll find items like “Nut-Free Salted Peanuts,” “Plausible Deniability Laundry Detergent,” and “Organic Moth Milk.” At first it feels like parody, but soon you notice doors that shouldn’t be there, coolers that open into glowing tunnels, and employees who seem to know more than they’re letting on. That’s the magic of Omega Mart. It’s part art exhibition, part puzzle, and part alternate reality.

The attraction spans about 52,000 square feet and was built by over 300 artists, designers, and storytellers from around the world. Meow Wolf, the Santa Fe–based collective behind it, is known for turning abandoned spaces into mind-bending worlds of color and imagination. Omega Mart is their second permanent installation (after the House of Eternal Return), and it takes their signature style to new heights. You can wander freely, climb through portals, and explore glowing caverns, corporate offices, or alien landscapes, all connected by the bizarre story of a fictional company called Dramcorp.

If you’re the kind of visitor who loves mysteries, Omega Mart rewards curiosity. Hidden clues, computer terminals, and even interactive RFID cards let you dig deeper into the narrative. But even if you ignore the plot, it’s endlessly fun to get lost in the details - the pulsing light installations, the strange sounds, and the dreamlike transitions between spaces. It’s as much a playground as it is an art gallery.

Visiting Omega Mart takes time. Plan for at least two hours, and wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be climbing, crouching, and exploring like a kid in an alien museum. Tickets are sold in timed slots and can sell out, especially on weekends. AREA15, the larger entertainment complex that houses Omega Mart, also offers bars, restaurants, and other attractions for when you finally need to catch your breath.

In a city known for excess, Omega Mart stands out not for how big it is, but for how imaginative. It’s a strange, funny, and thought-provoking reminder that art doesn’t just hang on walls, it can swallow you whole. If Las Vegas is a playground for adults, Omega Mart might just be its most brilliantly weird ride.