Waving Flags Photo Exhibit

K'naan, step aside - you're not alone in capturing the spirit of a flag-waving world.

During the June 2006 Cup, my high-school friend and now-photographer Joe Howarth traversed the GTA with his camera, much like I did with my pen. Unlike me, Joe did not stop until he got footage of fans from all 32 nations, snapping them as they celebrated their teams and countries. Four years later he is displaying his photos in an art exhibit titled Waving Flags, on at the Rivoli, with opening reception this Thursday, June 10.

Excellent work, Joe - you've set the bar high for this blog. Can't wait to visit; best wishes in 2010.

Caveat Spectator

Take my advice, and think twice about the advice of http://www.wheretowatchtheworldcup.com/ - which for every single match in Toronto (click top right to toggle city) seems to list a bunch of British/North American sports pubs, not national hotspots. The site claims that French fans like to hang out at the Duke of Gloucester? C'mon.

This could be an excellent resource, but certainly needs more submissions. Perhaps their 'intel' will improve as the matches begin, but so far WTWTWC seems more like a transparent advertising ploy for selected venues.