Toronto

The mood of a conference where oil and gas executives who've had their market capitalizations crushed are presenting to portfolio managers who've had their funds crushed is decidedly different than the theme I was experiencing in Costa Rica.

Our evening was more upbeat... After dinner at Vertical Restaurant we went over to The Reservoir, a Jazz dive a few blocks from the hotel. We listened from only a few feet away to Juno winning Tyler Yarema and the Rhythm. It's amazing to see musicians up close, especially ones of pure talent a few levels above just bar crooners.

I also had the opportunity to catch up with Matthew Allas (ex co worker) and Mike Mckee (ex TransRockies parter), great to touch base with both of them. Wasn't able to meet up with a university buddy, otherwise it would have been a 100% batting average. Got the download on the local private equity mood and the derivative/strucutred products mood, but missed the research coverage on financials view.