Ring Around The City

The Funk Hunters, Skank Honto and Splattermonkey At Insomnia

2012-02-17T07:47:00.003-05:00

You know, I must say, that's probably going to be the most interesting headline ever on my Blog: "The Funk Hunters, Skank Honto and Splattermonkey At Insomnia."

Here's the scoop, quoted from BlogTO.

"Funkin' Fresh Fridays is your ticket to finding the best djs in the Annex, and the best part is that the ticket is free since there is no cover! Friday February 17th marks a big night as we've been blessed with the opportunity for one of Canada's hottest acts to come and supply some musical awesomeness."

Cheers,
Vanessa
PS Skank Honto, Skank Honto, Skank Honto. Going to be stuck in my mind now!

Bloor Cinema Reopening and Hosting Banff Mountain Film Festival

2012-02-16T08:00:00.004-05:00

I have missed trundling down to the Bloor once or twice during the past year to catch a flick and enjoy popcorn without emptying my bank account.
I've been watching the ongoing construction at the site with interest. Now, after what seems like a long time, the Bloor will reopen March 14th as the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema.

Cause for celebration!
In addition, as it has for many years, it will be the site for the Toronto stop of the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. I Blog about the BMFF every year, so here is your official reminder.
This year it runs from March 23 to 25th with a different lineup each night.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Thieves At Work...

2012-02-15T08:27:00.006-05:00

So, last night, I was comfy on my couch, in front of a fire and finishing up a novel, when the phone rang. It was my tenant and friend on his mobile, right out front the house, as it turns out. He had arrived home to discover a stranger in our alleyway about to make off with our large aluminum ladder and some scrap downspout.

Good timing. He and DH chased the intruder away; the thief dropped everything and hopped over our back fence.

No big deal, in terms of thievery. Big deal in terms of peace of mind.
I realize that thieves always are at work in our fair area. But we do seem to have rashes of thefts, as well, so I'm telling you so that you can keep your eyes peeled and be alert and aware.
I also found this handy online police reporting site for smaller thefts and incidents.

Yours in vigilance,
Vanessa

Say Cheese

2012-02-14T08:30:00.001-05:00

I didn't know that we had a grilled cheese restaurant on our doorstep until I stumbled across a review of it on Yelp.

This definitely is the time of year for the ooey, gooey, cheesy comfort food offered by Say Cheese.

The trend of glamourizing lowly diner food continues at this spot on Bloor, east of Huron, which offers up Buffalo mozzarella and Beemster, among other curdy concoctions.

Cheers,

Vanessa

Rooftop Everything Garden at CSI Annex

2012-02-13T08:02:00.000-05:00

The Centre for Social Innovation Annex is, well, innovating again.

Here's the scoop:

"The About Face Collective is working to create a community rooftop garden and learning space with a twist: the creative structural elements of the garden will be designed and built by local artists and youth using recycled and reclaimed materials. Together with Skate4Cancer's "You Are What You Eat" program, Sketch Working Arts for Street Involved and Homeless Youth, and the Centre for Social Innovation, The About Face Collective will create a unique, inspiring, visually exciting space to promote urban farming, green lifestyles and integrated community engagement.

We are seeking to create a 2200 square foot deck on the roof of the Centre for Social Innovation, Annex location at 720 Bathurst St, Toronto. The deck will hold raised beds, vertical gardening structures, community lounge and education area, all surrounded by green roof space. Our layout considers plotting for food production while also providing adequate amount of space for community use, events and educational programming."
They need help and contributions to create what is sure to be a lovely feature in our area.
Cheers,
Vanessa

TED: Jill Bolte Taylor's stroke of insight

2012-02-12T07:47:00.008-05:00

I know that I beat a few drums more than others. For instance, I've mentioned TED.com quite a few times on this Blog. It may seem that I'm on the site all the time; I wish! But I do surf over there when time allows.
My niece posted a Facebook link to a TED talk by Jill Bolte Taylor, so I had a gander yesterday. As usual, an incredible talk. And one of the few that I've seen on the site that ends with the speaker crying.
Who is she? Here's a succinct summary from her website: "Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained and published neuroanatomist who experienced a severe hemorrhage in the left hemisphere of her brain in 1996... She is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey."
When you have 20 minutes, you should watch Bolte Taylor's TED talk. And if you don't have 20 minutes, you should find them somehow. The laundry can wait.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Vermont Square Park Renewal Meeting Feb 16th

2012-02-10T08:26:00.000-05:00

A lot of love and labour has gone into redesigning Vermont Square park in Seaton Village.
After many years, shovels are due to hit the ground.
Want to know what's being built? Or when construction's due to happen in spring and fall? Then attend the Feb. 16th meeting at 6:30 pm in the Palmerston P.S. library.

Cheers,
Vanessa

Pvt. WARS

2012-02-10T07:49:00.002-05:00

"Pvt.WARS is a tale of three men who ran away from their lives to go to war and came home feeling more lost than ever. Left to their own devices, physical wounds, emotional turmoil, hilarity and dramatic turns ensue."

You can catch the play in our area at Studio 561, 561 Bloor St. West, second floor, until Feb. 19th. Tickets are $20.

Cheers,

Vanessa

Toronto Life Home of the Week: Parisian Inspired Townhouse

2012-02-09T07:48:00.000-05:00

Toronto Life features a Bedford Road reno this week that is listed for a cool $4.5 mil.

Property taxes? $17,918.05 annually.

Sometimes it rattles me to know that if I was buying a home today, this area would be way beyond my budget.

Cheers,

Vanessa

Whole Lotta Kissing Going On...

2012-02-08T07:44:00.003-05:00

It seems our area is popular with lip lockers.

TorontoKissMap.com lets people map the site of their smooches and our area tops the list.
I suspect it has to do with the people most likely to map their kisses, i.e. the university crowd, but it still casts a small pall of romance over our neighbourhood. So I'll take it. After all, Valentine's Day is just around the corner.

Cheers,
Vanessa

Famoso Opening on Bloor

2012-02-07T08:27:00.003-05:00

Answer: Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria. Question: what's opening where the James Joyce once lived?

BlogTO writes that a family friendly, small-chain pizza joint that was born out west is due to open a branch at Bloor and Dalton.

Judging by the constant legal notices posted on its door -- and enforced shutdowns -- I would surmise that the pizza place will be a better neighbour than the pub.

Wonder how Hey Lucy is feeling right now?

Cheers,

Vanessa

Reading Series at Harbord House

2012-02-06T07:26:00.006-05:00

Harbord House on Harbord St. is a nice addition to the strip. It's not as chi chi as some of its neighbours, but every area needs a good pub that offers good food, doesn't it?

The first Monday of every month from October to June, Harbord House is the site for the Rowers Pub reading series. (Confused? Well, 150 Harbord once was home to Rowers Pub.)

Tonight, poet Carleton Wilson will read, along with Rebecca Rosenblum and Russell Smith.

Things get underway at 7:30 pm.
Cheers,

Vanessa

St. Lawrence Market Lauded by National Geographic

2012-02-05T08:24:00.001-05:00

It's not in our area, and Kensington is closer, but I'll always have a gooey spot in my heart for St. Lawrence Market.

I have fond childhood memories of slipping out of bed early on a Saturday and going there with my father to soak up the sounds, sights and smells.

The market struggled to survive a few decades ago and I will be forever grateful that it didn't become one of Toronto's many sad stories of razing and rebuilding.

When I go to St. Lawrence Market these days, it invariably is packed, packed, packed. No doubt the many new condo dwellers in the area have bumped up its pool of customers.

And there are exciting new plans for the north market; promises to be stunning.

So, I'm a big fan, but even I was taken aback to discover that National Geographic's Food Journeys of a Lifetime lists it as Number One in street markets internationally, ranking it higher than Santiago, Chile's Mercado Central and New York's Union Square Greenmarket.

Wow-ah.
Cheers,

Vanessa

Black History Month: Local Connection

2012-02-04T09:15:00.001-05:00

I knew that February is Black History Month, and that Toronto was a safe harbour for fugitive slaves from the U.S.

One of those former slaves lived in Seaton Village, on Markham Street. A tenuous tie, I know, but a great excuse to read a good article about the Underground Railroad.
Cheers,

Vanessa

B Streets Confessional

2012-02-03T07:10:00.000-05:00

I've mentioned the condos being built at Bloor and Bathurst. Have you noticed the huge murals being used to advertise the development?
I stumbled across an interesting article written by a person who is featured on one of the murals.

A little light reading....

Cheers,

Vanessa

Vermont Square Park Revitalization Open House Feb. 16th

2012-02-01T08:10:00.000-05:00

This in from our councillor, Adam Vaughan:
"Vermont Square Park Revitalization Open House
The Seaton Village Residents' Association and the Vermont Square Park Renewal Committee are hosting an Open House to share the Phase One plan for the park:

Date: Thursday, February 16th, 2012
Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: Palmerston Public School, Library, 7[34] Palmerston Ave
Many hours of hard work and dedication from the Vermont Square Park Renewal Committee and park neighbours have brought us here. Please join your neighbours to review the Phase One plan and ask any questions you may have.
Construction will begin in April, 2012."

Cheers,

Vanessa

Toronto Office Markets: Buy Local Food Where You Work

2012-01-31T08:25:00.004-05:00

What are you doing for lunch today? If you're in the area, why not pop into the CSI Annex on Bathurst and pick up some local, great food?
Every Tuesday lunch hour, in fact, you can shop at the CSI Annex Toronto Office Market and more markets are launching in other locations.
Brought to you, once again, by our intrepid neighbour, Aruna, here's the scoop about what's available today:

ROSTER AT CSI - ANNEX

Augie's Soups: soups for lunch and soups to take home. Janet is also working on some stews to add to the jars of nearly ready to eat foods for busy working professionals.

Earth and Ciy: vegan wraps, burgers, savouries and sweets. Raw and vegan, delightful and nourishing.

Monforte Dairy: Constance is back!!! Monforte is so much more than just cheese. Try their butter, their summer sausage, their yoghurt!

Nice Buns: Have you tried her buns? At $1 a pop, they make an affordable and delicious accompaniment to a piece of Monforte's cheddar or one Jesse's dips.

Luscious Dips: Root vegetables, hummus genius, attention to a satisfying mouthfeel and an educated palate make Jesse the best dip-maker around.

Fresh City Farms: mostly local, all organic, always delicious. Supplement your weekly box delivery with the items you've already enjoyed.

Tiffinday Indian Tea Snacks. When I visited family in Calcutta, Bombay and Delhi, samosas and the like were served at tea time with a beautifully fragrant cup of tea.

Seema of Tiffinday will bring us the familiar samosa as well as the less well-known tea savouries: this week the chickpea-based dhokla. Eat them for lunch, or save them for tea time (if you can...)

Toronto Office Markets are branching out into new locations in the city. We'll keep you posted on the new markets as they launch. We'll be in the ING Direct Yonge Street location on March 1 with our official launch on March 8th.

This week at the Annex, we are introducing another new vendor: Tiffinday. You may have read in the papers about their lunch delivery service. ... they will be serving samosas and dhoklas for your gustatory pleasure. Indian tea savouries with Tiffinday's signature chutney.

TORONTO OFFICE MARKETS AT CSI - ANNEX

EVERY TUESDAY LUNCHTIME 11:30 TO 1:30

Buy a little something for lunch; buy a little something for dinner.

CASH ONLY

If you'd like to be added to the Food List for notification of the markets (and/or our other food events and news you select), please click here.

TORONTO OFFICE MARKETS is an Alimentary Initiative."

Cheers,

Vanessa

Family-Day Skating Party at Christie Pits

2012-01-30T08:12:00.005-05:00

Suddenly, it's almost February! Maybe January was particularly busy, or the fact that the kids went back to school later than normal has thrown me off, but that seemed to go by quickly.

Next month holds many treats, of course, one of them being Family Day, which falls on Mon. Feb. 20th this year.
Who couldn't use a little extra holiday time? Especially since we North Americans really suffer in that regard compared to other countries.

Anyway, if you're in town for Family Day, you might want to join our MP Olivia Chow and the Friends of Christie Pits for a 1 to 3 pm Skating Party at Christie Pits rink.

Cheers,
Vanessa

Overview of Tin Pan Alley Musicians at MNJcc

2012-01-28T07:56:00.000-05:00

The MNJcc at Spadina and Bloor hosts a dizzying array of activities for seniors, including neighbour and musician Jordan Klapman offering an overview of Tin Pan Alley musicians Feb. 9th.
Enjoy!

Vanessa

Strap on Your Bibs: Winterlicious Begins Today

2012-01-27T08:15:00.000-05:00

Winterlicious hardly needs any publicity from me. It's so well-established now that I'm sure all of you know that it begins today.

I can tell you, though, that I had dinner at 93 Harbord last week and it was magnificent! It also made the "Winterlicious picks" for NOW magazine and Toronto Life.
I guess, given its name, I don't have to tell you where it's located.

Cheers,

Vanessa

LEAF Garden on Walmer

2012-01-26T08:27:00.000-05:00

When I grocery shop, I usually lock up my bike by the Walmer entrance to the Spadina subway station. Recently I noticed that the concrete area had a new addition: a long and narrow swath of garden.

It's called an Urban Forest Demonstration Garden and it highlights native plants.

Yeah! The more gardens the better, after all.

The garden is the work of LEAF and there are more of them in the city, all on TTC property. Fabulous!
Cheers,

Vanessa

Philosophy of Food Lab Lunchtime Talks

2012-01-25T08:41:00.002-05:00

Neighbour and food guru Aruna Handa is offering five lunchtime labs about food beginning this Friday at nearby Centre for Social Innovation.
Here's the scoop:
"Philosophy of Food Lab

five lunchtime labs investigating ingredients

At each lab, we will discuss five ingredients, & sample dishes featuring them. You will leave knowing where to find them, how to prepare them and with a recipe or two drawing from both old and new world cuisines. The samples would satisfy a modest appetite as lunch; many of us would likely want to bring along a little something extra.

Lab 01 Exploring the Sour: new ways to pucker up
Friday January 27, 2012: 1:00-1:45pm
Sorrel
Tamarind
Sumac
Kaffir Lime Leaves
Key Lime

Lab 02 Taking Your Pulse: beans & peas
Friday February 3, 2012: 1:00-1:45pm
Toor dal
Puy lentils
Fava beans
Chickpeas
Romano bean

Lab 03 Black is the colour: food by colour
Friday February 10, 2012: 1:00-1:45pm
Black sesame
Black chickpeas
Black onion seed
Black noodles
Black rice

Lab 04 Apiaceae or Umbelliferae Family
Friday February 17, 2012: 1:00-1:45pm
Fennel
Cumin & Carraway & Anise seed
Asafoetida
Carrot
Celery

Lab 05 Cracking the egg
Friday February 24, 2012: 1:00-1:45pm
Carp roe
Sustainable caviar?
Quail egg
Chicken egg
Duck egg

Price: entire series (five Friday lunchtime sessions) $75;
single session $17
Pay Aruna in person by cash or cheque made out to Aruna Handa or by email transfer to aruna.handa@sympatico.ca
Centre for Social Innovation-Annex Room 4 (except Feb 17, Room 1)
720 Bathurst St. Toronto, ON Bathurst Subway: BIXI Bathurst & Lennox
Visit the Philospher of Food's blogswww.philosopherofffood.com andwww.cookingfornoah.com for recipes and more."

Robbie Burns Day at The Pour House

2012-01-24T10:36:00.000-05:00

Haggis is not my cup of tea, but celebrating Robbie Burns Day could only be fun! The Pour House on Dupont is having a celebration, albeit one day after the usual January 25th date.

As the illustration above points out, haggis will be on the menu, in keeping with tradition. (Kind of nice that an Irish establishment is celebrating a Scot.)

Cheers,
Vanessa

Eye Candy: Snow-dusted Trees

2012-01-23T08:25:00.003-05:00

I need a little perking up on this rainy, dark, January day. Many months of winter stretch in front of us, so I want to remind myself -- and everyone -- of a pretty winter scene.

Bring on the blue skies and snow-dusted branches, please!
Cheers,
Vanessa

Hamlet Live at the Annex Theatre

2012-01-22T08:32:00.008-05:00

And now for something a little different: Hamlet Live.
Shakespeare's classic gets several twists during performances taking place at the Bathurst Street Theatre from January 26th to February 11th.

For instance, the play is set in 2080.

But probably the most interesting thing about it is that the creators "want this to be the most widely viewed performance of Hamlet... in history."

Aiming high is always good! They hope to achieve their goal by offering live streaming of the performances, as well a version of the last performance that people can watch at their leisure.
If you want to catch it live, tickets are a reasonable price.
Cheers,

Vanessa

Fresh City Farms Offering 50% Off and Home Delivery

2012-01-21T08:13:00.006-05:00

This rolled into my inbox from our neighbour, Aruna, and I'm happy to share it with you.
I have signed up for something like this in the past and grew weary of its limitations. Sounds like those limitations are addressed with this service, which is great.
"I'd like to tell you about a very exciting service that is now available in the Annex and it relates to my favourite topic FOOD. My friend Ran Goel is running this service and it really is super.
The service is delivery of fresh, mostly locally grown all organic vegetables and fruits delivered to the door once weekly.
The innovative thing about this company, Fresh City Farms is that they are seriously flexible. As someone who has joined box schemes and CSAs in the past, I am familiar with three problems related to them: (1) is that sometimes I'd get veggies I really didn't want; (2) is that occasionally I'd simply forget to go to the pick-up point or I'd have something else to do and that was always a drag having to get someone else to pick up my box for me or losing out on the box I'd already paid for and (3) sometimes I'd be out of town and yet had to pay for the box anyway (I often got someone else to pick them up and use them).
With Fresh City Farms, all three of these typical issues with veggie box schemes and CSAs are addressed, delivering not only amazing organic produce but also incredible convenience.
To order a box, visit the website. A box of fresh, all organic and mostly local produce (all local in the growing season) costs $30.99 delivered to your door. And in addition to the organic produce, there's a host of locally produced organic products that you add to your box to customize it week to week.
And right now for this week only, there's a 50% off your first box special. That's $15.00 and change for a box of beautiful organic produce. That's amazing! The code for the discount is "spinach".
(and check out the amazing onion Fougasse (a scrumptious bread) from Nice Buns--available through Fresh City.)"
Cheers,
Vanessa

Gardiner ID Clinic Tomorrow

2012-01-20T08:50:00.001-05:00

All Antiques Roadshow junkies, put up your hands!
Okay, okay -- I'm not exactly a "junkie," but I do watch the show once in awhile. I must admit I love learning about the history of objects and it's a bit of a thrill when someone's garage sale find turns out to be worth gajillions of dollars. It's even more thrilling, somehow, when the item has been sitting in a dusty basement.

If you've ever wondered about the origins of something that you own, you might want to head to the Gardiner Museum tomorrow.

There will be an ID Clinic from 10 am to 2 pm. There is a cost and the appraisers will not estimate an object's value, but the information might sate some of your curiosity and perhaps you'll discover it's not worth getting the object appraised, which is helpful in itself.

Cheers,

Vanessa

Infill Housing That Gets It Right

2012-01-19T08:17:00.000-05:00

Another area Blogger posts pics of local homes occasionally, like this one. I, too, have always admired how this multi-unit, residential building blends in with the streetscape.

I also have fond memories of it being built because my son was a toddler at the time and he was fascinated with big machines and building sites. This infill housing is one street away from us and while it was being built, we would sit and watch the construction crew to my son's endless delight.

But back to the building... I sincerely hope that no one opposed the creation of this place because it is exactly the type of infill housing needed in Toronto. It's scale is proper for the street, it increases density in an area that can handle it and it adds to the beauty of the streetscape.

Cheers,
Vanessa

An "Occupy" Talk Tonight In Our Area

2012-01-18T08:23:00.006-05:00

The Occupy movement continues, but in different forms and tonight there is a free talk in our area called What Gravy Train?
It starts at 7 pm at Canadian Friends Service Committe (which I've always known as the Quaker House) at 60 Lowther Avenue.

They will have something to celebrate because $20 million in proposed city budget cuts was just reversed by city council.

But I digress. About tonight, and I quote: "Over the last several decades, inequality has been steadily increasing, with the 1% enjoying ever higher concentrations of wealth, while members of the 99% experience greater poverty. What are the underlying factors that lead to this polarization of wealth? How do our economic and financial policies favour capital over ordinary people? How has the situation worsened since the financial meltdown? Who is paying the price and why? These are the questions our speakers will address in this critical panel discussion."

Cheers,

Vanessa

Illusions Exhibit at The Gardiner

2012-01-17T09:01:00.003-05:00

Every time that I go to the Gardiner Museum -- the lovely, modern building across from the ROM -- there is a work that catches my eye. It is two ceramic pieces, side by side, unremarkable and simple, really. But when you look at them closely, you see that the negative space between them forms the profile of a human body.

Very clever.

The artist is Greg Payce and from February 2nd to May 6th, the show Illusions at the Gardiner will feature his work.

Cheers,
Vanessa

Hume Writes About Gooderham House In Our Area

2012-01-16T07:59:00.001-05:00

If you've ever noticed the stately, red beauty behind walls at St. George and Bloor, Christopher Hume's recent write up about it might interest you.

Now home to the The York Club, it once was home to Toronto's Gooderham family, of Gooderham and Worts fame.
A tidbit: "Interesting, too, that in the 19th century, the rich chose to live in the city, not hidden away on some cul-de-sac at the edge of town. That would come later. The fortress-like wall that extends along Bloor was an addition; originally, the house sat a lawn’s width from the street, easily visible."

Enjoy,

Vanessa

Annex Cat Rescue Article

2012-01-15T08:06:00.000-05:00

I like to mention Annex Cat Rescue regularly to remind people that it exists and to introduce it to new readers.
The Annex, by far, has the most feral cats of the places that I have lived in Toronto. Being a cat lover, I feel for the furry homeless critters, especially when a cold snap like this one hits.
Now Magazine ran an interesting column about Toronto's feral cats that I thought I'd share with you. It mentions Annex Cat Rescue and other organizations that do so much to help cats in our city.

Cheers,
Vanessa

Coldest Day of the Year Bike Ride Jan. 30th

2012-01-13T07:22:00.000-05:00

Although I love snow for Christmas, one of the advantages of it staying green this winter is being able to bike around town.
This morning, our green winter seems to be taking a frosty, white detour, which makes it a good day to mention that January 30th is the date for the Coldest Day of the Year (Bike) Ride.

Things will kick off from the Grenadier Cafe in High Park at noon.

Cheers,

Vanessa

For The Teens In Your Life: Experiential Learning

2012-01-12T08:35:00.000-05:00

I was an abysmal high school student. Bored, restless and impatient. Sitting in a classroom being talked at is not my cup of tea. I would so much rather be out in the world, learning lessons from real life experiences, or at least having a conversation as I learn.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, my children have inherited that trait. So when EduTravel For Credit came into being last year, I jumped on it as a way for my son to earn his Grade 10 Civics and Careers credit (mostly) by travelling.

He went to Ottawa, New York and Montreal for a week and did classroom work for a week (and on the long bus trips). He loved it, got a good mark and had a spare this year. As a bonus, he heard from other students taking Civics and Careers that it's a particularly stultifying course at his school.
This summer, both my kids will be going on EduTravel trips, filling a gap created by having outgrown sleepaway camps. (In an ideal world, they'd be able to work, but 16 seems to be the minimum age for that these days.)
EduTravel For Credit also offers March Break options.

Cheers,

Vanessa

Chess Players: Ready To Take The Next Step?

2012-01-11T08:49:00.003-05:00

Our very own Annex Chess Club, which meets at 918 Bathurst, is offering advanced chess training for tournament players this winter.
It begins January 25th.

Cheers,

Vanessa

Eye Candy: Snowy Branches

2012-01-10T08:20:00.005-05:00

I can endure winter. I really can. But it is an endurance test for me, not an enjoyment. One of the things that makes it special for me is pristine, sparkling snow.

We really needed some at Christmas, didn't we? Well, I had some, it's pictured above and I'm really grateful!
I spent the holidays at my sister's farm near Westport, itself an impossibly twee town. There was just the perfect amount of snow, followed by a sunny day to set it sparkling.

I hope this pic of it will brighten theday, which is dull and grey here in TO.

Cheers,

Vanessa

Guess We're All Wondering The Same Thing...

2012-01-09T08:11:00.004-05:00

Why are there so many sushi places clustered along Bloor Street West in The Annex?
It's not an eternal question along the lines of "why are we here?" but I'm sure that it's a question that's popped into most of our heads as we stroll the sushi-and-sashimi-laden strip.

Corey Mintz answered the question, it was posted on OpenfileToronto and it was one of the most-read of its stories last year.
His article talks about the phenomenon in general, as it applies throughout the city and concludes that "it's about real estate."
Happy reading,
Vanessa

Toronto Life Lists 'Christie Pits' Area Good Place To Buy A Home

2012-01-08T09:48:00.001-05:00

Good news for our neighbours to the west: Toronto Life's list of Where To Buy Now lists the Christie Pits neighbourhood as #3.

It's usually artists or community-minded people's interest in an area that elevate it to a more desirable place to live and, in turn, draw in interesting businesses and fresh influxes of homeowners.
Good stuff, that. Wonder if Mayor Ford gets that concept?
Vanessa

Seaton Village Neighbourhood Walk

2012-01-07T08:57:00.000-05:00

I was dismayed to read in the latest Seaton Village Residents' Association online update that a few "smash and grabs" occurred in the area last month.
In response, Councillor Adam Vaughan's office is organizing a January 12th walk through the neighbourhood.
Here are some details:
"The walk is being held during evening hours, to allow for participation after work and to better identify potential problem areas within the neighbourhood. Of particular interest will be the laneway behind Yarmouth Rd near Christie and Clinton Streets. Constable Gord Reid will lead the walk along with Supervisor Joe Magalhaes of Municipal Licensing and Standards. It has been advised that the walk will be open to the first 15 people (with some flexibility) in order to ensure the endeavour is focused and productive.

Please RSVP Rebecca Hewitt at Councillor Vaughan’s office: rhewitt@toronto.ca."
Vanessa

Ryeberg, Curated Video Site

2012-01-06T08:13:00.000-05:00

I am an Internet dabbler, no doubt about it. So it's news to me that there are curated video sites on the web, such as Ryeberg. (Russell Smith explains it nicely.)

Makes sense, of course, to have help navigating through the wide open frontier that is the worldwide web, videos included.

Turns out that someone I know is a curator at Ryeberg and I thought that you might find her post about TB sanitoriums and their links to "artistic fertility" interesting. I certainly did!
And I intend to carve out some time to surf through the entire site.

Enjoy!
Vanessa

Toronto Life House of the Week

2012-01-05T09:00:00.006-05:00

Toronto Life's House of the Week is on our doorstep. on Brunswick, south of Bloor.
For fellow real estate junkies, it's a beaut!
I bought my house many moons ago and I still can't believe some of the sale prices for homes in the area.
If I was buying these days, there is no way I could afford to live in this area. I'm not the only one in that boat, either. Which, when you think of it, opens a whole new can of worms...
Happy viewing!
Vanessa

Rowe Farms Write Up

2012-01-04T08:13:00.001-05:00

There is a Rowe Farms store quite near to me, and I walk past it several times a week. I usually glance inside and see... no customers. Occasionally, I see one or two people in it. But most often it is empty except for the staff.

Why? For me, the prices are too high. I don't have a food budget that could accommodate double to quadruple what I pay now for meat.
The West Annex News has a write up about the store titled "Meat for the Elite." Guess that about sums it up!
Cheers,

Vanessa

Occupy Gardens Meeting January 5th

2012-01-02T08:23:00.006-05:00

The "Occupy" movement spawned some interesting ideas. One of the offshoots is the Occupy Gardens movement. Here's a message from them:

"Hello Fellow Food Eaters & Growers!

Mark this on your calendar and invite friends - our next big assembly will be held on Thursday January 5th from 6-9pm in the East Common Room in Hart House at the University of Toronto. All are welcome to attend, bring people and good ideas.

We hope to inspire and empower as many people to plant food everywhere, to grow as a community, and share the produce with all who are hungry. All we are saying is give peas a chance!

Rough Agenda

- Introductions
- Community announcements – ongoing tasks/projects, upcoming events, opportunities to grow
- Open discussion/Break our groups – the 5 w’s & 1 h of Occupy Gardens
- Share insights
- Next steps

Things we wish to accomplish

- Bring people together to share experiences, ideas, resources,
inspirations and energy
- Begin plotting for World Peas expo for early Feb
- Generate interest and direction for the “What You Need to Know to Grow” FreeSkool series
- Empower individuals to initiate & lead new projects and events
- Build momentum for our Mass Action & city-wide work bee for the Spring
- Grow really good food together, share it with those who are hungry
- Our hopes and dreams

Its thyme,
Lettuce Occupy Gardens for World Peas!

----------
To get more info or to receive future email updates email - occupygardenstoronto@gmail.com

Like and share on Facebook - www.facebook.com/occupygardenstoronto

Follow on Twitter! - http://twitter.com/occupygardensto

Join our global Occupy Gardens solidarity campaign @ Occupy Gardens for World Peaswww.facebook.com/occupygardensforworldpeas,"
Happy digging,
Vanessa

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T08:28:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a perfectly lovely 2012.

Cheers,

Vanessa

New Year, New Laneway Names

2011-12-31T08:00:00.002-05:00

The Globe recently ran an article about naming laneways, including some in nearby Harbord Village.

It's an interesting read and mentions Seaton Village's laneway naming project.

Cheers,
Vanessa

Annex Tree Tour Write Up

2011-12-30T09:02:00.000-05:00

Hard to think of now, when our world is blanketed with crisp snow, but our area is home to a Tree Tour.
I found an interesting write up about it.
Perhaps next spring?
Cheers,

Vanessa

Eye Candy: White Snow, Blue Sky

2011-12-27T08:34:00.002-05:00

Still not a lot of news out there -- as it should be! -- so I'm sharing a bit of Christmas joy with you.

This greeted me at the farm where I spent Christmas. Bright sun, blue skies and a small coating of sticky snow piled high on every branch, stalk and still-standing flower head.

Lovely Christmas gift!

It's always great to come home, but, in truth, it was a bit dismal to return to this lingering, November-like weather.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T08:18:00.007-05:00

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.

Hamilton Wright Mabie

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T08:35:00.001-05:00

I am out of town for the Holidays at an unwired location. Unplugging, unwinding, dining, laughing and making merry.
So I will not be updating the Blog for a few days after tomorrow's (pre-scheduled) post.
I thought a nice way to cheer your holidays would be to offer up some stunning photos, via the National Geographic photo contest winners.
Enjoy!
Vanessa

Busy at Lunch Tomorrow?

2011-12-22T07:50:00.001-05:00

Need a little cheer to boost your Christmas spirit? How about listening to Christmas carols?
"The City of Toronto invites the public to celebrate the season on Friday, December 23 with the annual Christmas Choral Celebration. Residents can join in the singing or simply enjoy the vocal stylings of All the King's Voices, Toronto Beaches Children's Chorus and the Nathaniel Dett Chorale. Musical accompaniment is provided by the Tower Brass.
The concert lasts approximately one hour and will conclude with a visit from Santa. Sign language interpretation will be provided.
Date: Friday, December 23
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Rotunda, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. West."
Enjoy!
Vanessa

Lee's Palace Highlighted in Blog Post

2011-12-21T08:08:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe that such a busy music venue as Lee's Palace resides quite nicely in our residential neighbourhood.
TorontoSavvy features a Blog post about the site and mentions that it started life as a cinema, which I didn't know.
http://torontosavvy.me/2011/12/13/lees-palace-once-a-cinema-then-a-restaurant-now-an-annex-hotspot/
Happy reading!
Vanessa

No Snow? Google Shall Provide

2011-12-20T06:39:00.001-05:00

Caroling through the neighbourhood helped to instill a wee bit of Christmas spirit in me the other night.
But I find it very hard to feel Christmas-y without snow. Sure sign that I'm a Canuck?
If you're the same, here's an early Christmas present: go to www.google.com, type let it snow in the search bar and hit enter.
Then type The Christmas Song and Nat King Cole (no substitutes) into the search bar and listen to the dulcet tones of the master as you watch the results.
You're welcome!
Vanessa

Winter Solstice Parade

2011-12-19T07:45:00.000-05:00

For more than 20 years, the Winter Solstice Parade in Kensington Market has reminded us of the true origins of Christmas.
It's a free, celebratory, neighbourhood event and, as such, also reminds us of the true origins of Christmas.
So if you've had enough of crowded malls, last-minute baking and hanging out with annoying relatives, head down to Kensington Market Wednesday at 6:30 pm. Bring a noisemaker, grab a lantern and join the Kensington Market Winter Solstice Parade.
http://www.blogto.com/events/49952.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Globe and Mail Celebrates Trees, Including Ours

2011-12-18T08:54:00.000-05:00

The Globe and Mail article O Christmas Tree: Ten trees to celebrate mentions the "giant old silver maples that grace Albany, Howland and Brunswick Avenues."
(Blogger is buggy lately, so here's the link: (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/holiday/o-christmas-tree-ten-trees-to-celebrate/article2274933/?utm_medium=Feeds%3A%20RSS%2FAtom&utm_source=Life&utm_content=2274933)
Here, here. Definitely cause for joy during a joyous season.
Cheers,
Vanessa
PS don't forget that tonight is the night for neighbourhood caroling.
http://ringaroundthecity.blogspot.com/2011/11/neighbourhood-caroling-december-18th.html

Free Christopher Hitchens Munk Debate

2011-12-17T08:37:00.005-05:00

I'm sure you've heard by now that Christopher Hitchens died, leaving the world a little less interesting.
A neighbour passed along an opportunity:
"Dear Munk Debate Member:
With the passing of writer Christopher Hitchens the Munk Debates wishes to pay tribute to his lifetime of contribution to the world of public debate.
For the next 72 hours we are making available free, unlimited online streaming of Hitchens' debate on religion against Tony Blair.
To access the debate simply click on the link below:
http://munkdebates.com/Hitch."
I'm not sure when the 72 hours started, so better watch it while you can.
Sad day.
Vanessa

Classic Holiday Movies Screening at TIFF Bell LIghtbox

2011-12-16T07:12:00.007-05:00

I was excited to learn that the Bloor Cinema was transforming into a venue that will feature documentaries; I'm partial to them.
But, I must say, the reno is taking a long time and I miss strolling down the street to catch classic movies.
In the meantime, TIFF Bell Lightbox has come into its own and while it's a little further flung, it's certainly a spiffier venue!
I mentioned the SingAlong Sound of Music, but I've just realized that quite a few classic family movies are screening there during the school break, including ET, The Land Before Time and Babe.
Cheers,
Vanessa
PS I would link to the site, but Blogger is being buggy this a.m.

Spacing Toronto Sale at CSI Annex

2011-12-14T08:47:00.000-05:00

There is a whole buncha interesting Spacing stuff for sale at the CSI Annex on Bathurst, south of Bloor.
Head down there this week to score the instantly iconic neighbourhood Ts (pictured) that debuted this year, issues of Spacing mag, Montreal Metro buttons, Rob F#*king Ford buttons and more.
Perfect hipster gifts, anyone?
Cheers,
Vanessa

I Can Think of More Romantic Places...

2011-12-13T09:27:00.002-05:00

Well, this is interesting! There's not a lot of news to share with you this a.m., but there was an "incident" that happened at our very own Spadina subway on Sunday.
Well, on the station platform.
In front of everyone.
It involved an inebriated couple.

I'll let you figure the rest out yourself, or you can read this story.
Hm.

Vanessa

Joshua Knelman at the Gardiner Jan. 11th

2011-12-12T08:04:00.000-05:00

Joshua Knelman will be at the Gardiner Museum January 11th talking about his new book, Hot Art: Chasing Thieves and Detectives through the Secret World of Stolen Art.

Tickets are $25 for the lunchtime lecture, which includes a bag lunch made by Jamie Kennedy Kitchens.
Perfect Christmas gift? For some people on your list.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Occupy Toronto: Homes for the Holidays

2011-12-11T08:32:00.003-05:00

The occupiers may be out of St. James park, but the Occupy movement lives on. As it should.
On Thursday, Occupy Toronto is helping to brighten the Holidays for the homeless.
"Occupy Toronto: Homes for the Holidays

On Thursdsay, December 15th at noon Occupy Toronto will serve food for the community at the Christmas tree outside of city hall.

POTLUCK - food will be potluck style - please bring a dish to share with people!

TOY DRIVE - please bring a gift to share with little ones :)

Occupy Toronto intends to highlight issues of poverty during the holidays. Homelessness is a serious issue in our city. During the eviction of St. James, many in our community were promised housing, which to date has not materialized. Please join us and help ensure everyone has homes for the holidays."
Vanessa

Eye Candy: Christmas Crystals

2011-12-10T07:54:00.002-05:00

DD took this very close up picture of some Christmas ornaments hanging in our steamy window.

Thought I'd share and attempt to share some Christmas spirit.

Enjoy!
Vanessa

Future Food Talk Monday at CSI

2011-12-09T08:22:00.007-05:00

There is always something interesting going on at the Centre for Social Innovation Annex on Bathurst, just south of Bloor.
This Monday is no exception. So, if you're tired of eating latkes and shortbread this month, why not learn about eating bugs?
Here's the scoop:

"ALIMENTARY INITIATIVES PRESENTS ITS INAUGURAL FUTURE FOOD TALK

Tenebrio Molitor: eat bugs

ABIGALE MILLER TALKS BEETLES: rear harvest cook eat
monday dec. 12th 6:30 pm

centre for social innovation-annex 720 bathurst TTC Bathurst BIXI Lennox & Bathurst
email aruna@philosopheroffood.com to join guest list
http://alimentaryinitiatives.com/future-food-series/

Cava Talk Tastings Opera
This reception is by advance tickets only. Please book here: http://tenebriomolitor.eventbrite.com/Nobody will be admitted at the door unless their name appears on this list (Province of Ontario liquor control rules)."

Happy dining!
Vanessa

Al Green Theatre

2011-12-08T08:19:00.003-05:00

The Al Green Theatre at the Miles NadalJCC is home to a wide variety of events. I've been there for everything from a dance recital to casting my vote.
Upcoming events include a comedy show, a concert and Twisted Fairy Tales.

Cheers,

Vanessa

Dress Your Best at Walmer Centre

2011-12-07T08:26:00.000-05:00

I believe that I've mentioned this organization in the past, but since it is the season of charity and goodwill and since a lot of people clean and cull this time of year, I think it bears repeating.
Dress Your Best accepts donations of clothing and helps people "by outfitting men and youth with clothing for employment. DYB gives each client an average of 5 outfits - 20 to 30 articles of clothing - including shoes and various accessories. The clothes and accessories are meant to provide the client with a complete quality wardrobe for interviews and ongoing employment."
Its youth program "provides children with clothing for school as well as clothing and accessories for infants to impoverished families throughout the GTA."
Donations can be dropped off at the Walmer Centre in our area. Bonus!
Cheers,
Vanessa

East Annex: Toronto's Trendiest 'Hood?

2011-12-06T09:02:00.004-05:00

Toronto Life has declared the East Annex our city's trendiest neighbourhood. Apparently, well-heeled residents have migrated from more moneyed areas to the north that might be, in my opinion, well, let's call them a bit sleepy and leave it at that.

Toronto Life surmises the emigres are "looking for cool downtown bustle without having to give up the acreage."
Cheers,

Vanessa

Sing-Along Sound of Music

2011-12-05T07:26:00.000-05:00

Few things are more joyous than singing. Our family is going to attend three carolling parties this Christmas season. I've been wondering if it's a lovely trend harkening back to what's great about Christmas? And leaving behind the commercial, tinsely bits?
Hope.

Anyway, if you feel the need to sing this Christmas and you don't have tickets to the Sing-Along Messiah at Massey Hall, you might want to check out two Sound of Music Sing-Along Specials at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Merry, merry (despite the relentless rain.)
Vanessa

Raw/Vegan Food Festival TODAY at 918 Bathurst

2011-12-04T08:58:00.000-05:00

Apparently, there is a Raw/Vegan Food Festival at 918 Bathurst today.
Enjoy!
Vanessa

Harbord Craft Fair TODAY!

2011-12-03T11:35:00.001-05:00

This just in:
"Harbord Holiday Craft Fair is today... til 4 pm.
Crafters have bought tables and are selling their wares, lots of baked goods too.
If you get a chance to spread the word and/or go down to support the students efforts, it would be much appreciated!"
Cheers,
Vanessa

Bead For Burkina December 7th and 11th

2011-12-03T07:14:00.004-05:00

Our neighbour and a former Palmerston P.S. teacher are behind a magnificent initiative to help children and their families in Burkina Faso, Africa.

Here are the details:
"HOLIDAY BEAD FEST

Wednesday December 7

5pm – 11 pm

[contact Susan Stewart, below, for address details]
OR

Sunday December 11
Drop in anytime after 12:00 noon until evening

26 Palmerston Gardens
416-537-7076
Susan Stewart’s house

Support Education in West Africa

The U N Millennium Goals of Education For All by 2015 are a long way from being met. Help support the 34 children and their families we sponsor in Hounde, and Gaoua Burkina Faso. With your help these children are in school and are getting the support they need to succeed in school.

Come. Take some time to explore your creative side. Make a gift for someone special. Bring a friend. If you don’t want to do any beading, come anyway, enjoy the food and company and

take home an exotic necklace made for you. [Beading will be done with] a fantastic variety of beautiful handmade recycled glass beads from Ghana.

We’ll be serving seasonal treats to keep you energized for your creative efforts.

Please bring a $75.00 donation. Tax Receipts will be issued for $50.00

RSVP tgtown@sympatico.ca

Hope to see you at one of the parties,

Allyson Tache

Executive Director

Refuge Enfants Pour Tous

Canada Revenue Agency Charitable # 831380423"
Cheers,

Vanessa

What Makes The Biggest Difference To Your Health?

2011-12-02T07:59:00.002-05:00

In the interest of sharing with you what our neighbours are up to -- and also a fabulous health resource -- I want to draw your attention to this short (less than 10 minutes) movie.
It was created by two of our neighbours and answers the question, "What Makes The Biggest Difference To Your Health?"
The answer might surprise you.
There are additional resources on that page that might interest you, as well -- check out the links on righthand side.
Happy viewing!
Vanessa

Waldorf Fair Dec. 3rd

2011-12-01T07:07:00.000-05:00

Well, it's the first day of December, so there's no denying it anymore: the Christmas season is upon us.
I like Christmas shopping. I have most of it done prior to December and avoid malls during this month, which may be why I like it.
In December, I like to limit my shopping to charming, smaller fairs and markets that are busy, but not annoyingly so.
Which brings me to my point: this Saturday you can enjoy a Winter Fair at the Waldorf Academy in our area on Madison Avenue.

There will be plenty of Christmas diversions for any kids in your crowd and a craft market for everyone to peruse.
For full details, click on the picture to the right to enlarge it.
Happy shopping,
Vanessa

TED X Toronto

2011-11-30T08:30:00.000-05:00

Regular readers of my Blog will know that I'm a TED.com fan. Time constraints usually prevent me from attending TEDxToronto, so bless My City Lives, which has posted videos of the talks.

As usual, don't start watching unless you have some time... I guarantee you'll get pulled in.

Cheers,

Vanessa

Another Interesting, Local Holiday Shopping Opportunity

2011-11-29T07:58:00.007-05:00

Neighbour Milisa passed along information about this lovely, local shopping opportunity:
"Make your Holiday Shopping Dollars really count!"

Purchase fair trade goods made by artisans in developing countries and support children and grandmothers affected by HIV/AIDs in sub-Sahara Africa.

A local Granny Group - TOGOGO GRANNIES - of Bloor Street United Church is hosting two shopping evenings at Ten Thousand Villages located at 474 Bloor Street West, between Albany & Howland.

Tuesday, December 6 and Wednesday, December 7 from 7 pm. to 9:30 pm.

...

Bring your friends and neighbours to shop, and enjoy tea, coffee and cookies.

Get Chocolate, Coffee, Stocking Stuffers, Gift Cards, Ornaments and more.

Ten Thousand Villages is graciously donating 15% of all sales those evenings to the Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation to support African grandmothers and the millions of AIDS orphans in their care."
What a fabulous idea and endeavour! Hope you make it out.

Vanessa

Neighbour's Annual Ceramics Exhibition and Sale This Weekend

2011-11-28T07:23:00.000-05:00

Talk about shopping local! Neighbour Nancy Solway is holding her Annual Ceramics Exhibition and Sale this weekend.
It takes place at 133 Albany Avenue and there's a promise of "lots of beautiful new work, good conversation and some ridiculously good prices!"
Details about days, hours and more are on her website.

Enjoy!
Vanessa

Blog TO Poll re: Most-loved Intersections In Toronto

2011-11-27T08:43:00.000-05:00

We have an icon in our midst! Bloor and Bathurst is in the running in a BlogTO poll re: "most-loved intersections in Toronto."
I've never really thought about it being iconic, but I guess Honest Ed's puts it right up there on the list. Very distinctive.

Perhaps, also, because it's the starting point for a subway ride down to The Ex? Hm.

Cheers,
Vanessa

TSO featured at The City of Toronto Archives

2011-11-26T09:15:00.001-05:00

We are fortunate to have the city's Archives on our doorstep. If you're a Toronto Symphony Orchestra fan, you may want to mosey over and catch this display because we're also fortunate to have our own symphony that's celebrating its 90th season.
Here are the details:
"A World of Music: Celebrating 90 Seasons with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra highlights a rich collection of photographs, documents and audio recordings.
The exhibit features an array of images drawn from the 90 year history of the orchestra, including such highlights as the TSO's debut concert at Carnegie Hall in 1963 under conductor Walter Susskind; its first overseas tour under conductor Seiji Ozawa in 1965; and the tour to China in 1978 under conductor Sir Andrew Davis with guest soloists Louis Lortie and Maureen Forrester.
Other photographs capture the performances of special guests such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Glenn Gould and images of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, which was established in 1974.
...
The free exhibit will be on display at the Toronto Archives at 255 Spadina Rd. through May 2012. It can be viewed Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays - October to April - from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."
Cheers,
Vanessa

Neighbourhood Caroling December 18th

2011-11-25T07:31:00.000-05:00

Every year, the Sunday prior to Christmas, our neighbourhood gets warmer and brighter when we troop through the night singing songs of joy and peace to our neighbours.
I'm telling you now so that you can keep your calendar clear for the festivities.
Here's the scoop:

"OH HOLY NIGHT!!!!!!!
It is that carolling time once again....come one come all and join the Seaton Village Carollers as they go wassailing through Seaton Village and the Annex.........

Date - Sunday Dec 18 2011

Time - Meet outside of 74 Vermont Ave at 6:15 pm

- Receive a carolling book and start singing

- 6:30 pm follow the preplanned carolling route

- End carolling at 428 Brunswick Ave. and begin singing around the piano

Be sure to wear warm clothes, may want to bring a flashlight, lantern whatever to see music with.
Please pass this message to all interested souls......all are invited.....singing voice unnecessary.....joyful, festive spirit necessary."
Cheers,
Vanessa

Eye Candy: Misty Dissipation

2011-11-24T07:56:00.005-05:00

Time to bring the mist Eye Candy pics to an end, so I thought I'd finish the series with one that includes the sun rising high enough the burn it off.
On to winter pics, I suppose, judging by the dusting of snow on the ground this a.m.
Cheers,

Vanessa

Book City Turns 35

2011-11-23T08:01:00.000-05:00

I know that eReaders are the future, that the publishing industry is in the midst of a revolution and that local bookstores are in peril.

But I refuse to believe that they'll disappear completely. Remember everyone ringing the death knell for movie theatres when videos appeared? But it turned out that watching a movie in a crowded theatre while clutching a $10-popcorn is sometimes a more alluring prospect than taking it in while plopped on a couch. It's really the experience of going out on the town to catch a flick that we don't want to give up.
And who wants to give up the experience of hitting a local favourite book store and walking the aisles, pausing to fondle books with attractive covers and to read tantalizing info blurbs? Not me!
So it's in that vein that we should all celebrate Book City's 35th anniversary. It's certainly a local favourite and we should appreciate it.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Have Your Say About T.O.'s Parks

2011-11-22T12:36:00.000-05:00

I have never seen more anger and passion at public meetings than at public meetings that discuss city parks and their uses.

Seriously.
So I know that Torontonians are passionate about their parks. The city is developing a Parks Plan and wants your input. There's even an online option to provide feedback, so it's really easy to have your say.

Cheers,

Vanessa

Turducken at Southern Accent

2011-11-20T07:45:00.001-05:00

American Thanksgiving is this Thursday and you can mark the occasion by having turducken at Southern Accent on Markham St.
Tur... what?
Here's the wikipedia definition: "A turducken is a dish consisting of a de-boned chicken stuffed into a de-boned duck, which itself is stuffed into a de-boned turkey."
The turducken craze has been around for awhile now, but I'd wager that most of us still haven't tried one.
Here's your chance! Reservations are recommended.

Bon appetit,

Vanessa

Macbeth at Hart House Theatre

2011-11-19T07:57:00.000-05:00

Live theatre can cost a bundle. The current production of Macbeth at Hart House Theatre offers an opportunity to catch the classic for $15/$25.

Cheers,
Vanessa

Opportunity To Help Local Communications Program For Children

2011-11-18T07:28:00.006-05:00

Well, our intrepid friends and neighbours are at it again! Here's your chance to help with Story Planet, a project that "inspires kids to develop their unique voice and to make it powerful using the written word, visual arts and digital media.

We offer great free workshops led by writers, artists and fantastic volunteers who help kids develop the skills and confidence to become fearless creative communicators. Our workshops take place in schools, community centres and, in the near future, our own space!"

Here's how you can help:
"STORY PLANET NEEDS YOU...
We need volunteers to help us deliver workshops NEXT WEEK at some nearby elementary schools (Hawthorne, Essex, Pauline). Workshops last about 2 hrs and run either in the morning or afternoon.

WHAT DOES A WORKSHOP VOLUNTEER DO?
As a workshop volunteer you arrive about 15 minutes before the workshop, meet the group (other volunteers, facilitator, writer and or artist), and then get to work with the class. The facilitator leads the group and when the kids break into groups to work on their writing, the volunteers help them out – encouraging them to express their ideas and words. We try to reach as close a one-one ratio as we can but with bigger workshops it’s closer to 1-8. The artist illustrates the story as the kids narrate it and then each kid writes their own ending. The story and illustrations are bound into a book and each child gets their own copy.

It would be great to have you come out and get involved in what we do. I will be at the workshop on Thursday.

THE LIST GOES ON...
As we grow at a crazy pace, we need more and more volunteers.

Volunteer opportunities include (but are not limited to):

Workshop design and delivery (Essay boot camp for high school/college students? Alien inspired tabloid journalism?)
After-school writing support for kids coming to the drop-in (opening in January 2012)
Help running the storefront/café social enterprise that will fund our free programs (opening December 2011)
Developing product ideas for our alien travel terminal store
Fundraising and event planning
Marketing/promotions

WHAT DO I GET OUT OF IT?

You get to be part of a very cool literacy program – the only one of its kind in Toronto
You get to help kids become more confident writers and communicators
You get to have fun
You might get an awesome reference letter
You might learn something about social enterprises, kids and words
You might get community service hours or an internship, if you want one

We will be hosting a volunteer orientation on Tuesday, November 29 from 6:30-8:30pm - if you would like to register for that, email me at kate@storyplanet.ca."

Well, this is one that I can't resist! Hope to bump into you out volunteering.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Seaton Village News

2011-11-17T07:16:00.004-05:00

There is a lengthy and interesting update on the Seaton Village Residents' Association website.
I didn't realize that a lot of neighbours knew the young mom, Jenna Morrison, who recently died while riding her bike. The SVRA post mentions a Facebook memorial page in her honour, as well an upcoming fundraising event to benefit her family.

Additional updates include planning issues news, a Vermont Square park renewal update and upcoming local events.

Cheers,
Vanessa

DT Bistro Review

2011-11-16T07:46:00.000-05:00

I've been charmed by DT Bistro myself, so I enjoyed this National Post review of the eatery on Harbord.
It's a lovely spot for lunch and very sunny and bright. Even if you don't indulge in its luxe desserts, just perusing them is a good eye candy hit.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Eye Candy: Study in Brown and Mist

2011-11-15T07:45:00.004-05:00

Well, I certainly can feel autumn's demise in the air. But I'm hanging on, stubbornly, and ignoring all the Christmas cards, carols and glitter in the stores already.

One of the reasons that I like fall so much is that it provides beauty no matter what the weather. Rain is lovely falling through amber and scarlet leaves -- and also makes them positively sparkle afterword. Sun makes everything light up in jewel tones. And scudding clouds, like those we've had lately, create a mood of... well, I don't have a word for it. But it's as though something dramatic is going to happen. Portentous?

Anyway, enjoy, enjoy while it's here and stave off Kris Kringle for now. There's plenty of December for that.

Cheers,

Vanessa
PS this picture is one of a series taken at my sister's farm during Thanksgiving weekend.

Play Matt and Ben On Stage Tuesday

2011-11-14T07:53:00.000-05:00

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck [and their bromance] intrigue me. I guess I'm not the only one because someone has written a one-hour play about them called, appropriately enough, Matt and Ben.
You can catch it in our area at the The Bathurst Street Theatre (Annex Theatre) Wednesday.
Tickets are $20/$18 for students.

Cheers,
Vanessa

Local Newspaper Wants Your Artwork and Wishes

2011-11-13T09:25:00.003-05:00

The local newspaper wants input from our community and I thought it might interest the artists and dreamers out there!
"Hi everyone,
We were hoping you could help us spread the word on a couple of things we do every December here at the Gleaner: holiday-themed covers and an Annex-centric wishlist.
Every holiday edition, the Gleaner features community and holiday-themed artwork on our December covers. We are currently looking for submissions reflecting this theme. In the past, the covers have generally been traditional interpretations of this theme—snowy Annex streetscapes, snowmen and Santa Claus–but we are open to any and all images reflecting the theme of holiday and community. Photos, painting, collage, mixed-media, comics, drawings etc. are all welcome. We need one for our Annex edition and one for our Liberty edition. Bonus points for local artists or the art is neighbourhood-centric.
And wishes:
-We are seeking an infinite number of wishes. They can be whimsical or practical. They can be personal, political, or community related. Past wishes have included everything from “I wish there was a hot dog stand in the Annex,” to resurrecting a beloved tree that was cut down, to Rob Ford looking his best in a Speedo, to a park revitalization.
-While we want world peace just as much as everyone else, please try and keep your wishes local.
-Wishes must be between one and 250 words. Visual interpretations of wishes are also welcome.
Please submit your wishlist by November 18 at the stroke of midnight. Please include your name, and either your professional title or the street that you live on . We reserve the right to edit wishes for space, spelling and grammar. Artwork must be received no later than November 21.
We really hope you all can take part! Please share with your friends, neighbours, and members of your organization!
Thanks a bunch,
Emina

Emina Gamulin
Editor-in-chief,
Gleaner Community Press
gleanernews.ca"

Cheers,
Vanessa

Library Meeting Nov. 15th

2011-11-12T07:57:00.000-05:00

This is from our area councillor, Adam Vaughan, who supports keeping our library system intact:
"Dear residents,
Thank you for your continued messages of support for our public libraries.
I strongly value our libraries, in our ward and across the city. The Toronto Public Library system is the largest in Canada and the busiest in the world. Our library collections include publications in more than 100 languages, we are able to borrow books from other library systems across Canada, and our libraries offer employment and educational resources, public computers, and other important services that help meet the needs of our diverse communities.
Reductions to library service are currently being proposed. These cuts would include reduced open hours in branches across the city, and fewer new titles and copies of books, audio books, DVDs and magazines.
The Library Board needs to hear from you on how these cuts would impact you, your family, and your community. Please join me and Library staff at a public meeting to find out more about the potential reductions and to provide your comments.

Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Time: 6:30pm

Location: Lillian H. Smith Branch, 239 College St (at Huron)

If you would like more information, or to fill out a survey on these changes, please click here:http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/about-the-library/budget-2012-survey.jsp

Best regards,
Adam Vaughan"

Derailed: A Dance Party

2011-11-11T13:44:00.000-05:00

No plans for the evening? Why not bike down to the CSI Annex on Bathurst and join Derailed: A Dance Party?
Put on by the Toronto Cyclists Union, here's the scoop:
"Doors at 9:00. Presentations until 10:00. Silent Auction, raffles and dancing all night long.
Members get in free
Non-members $5
Join or renew get in free & get a free beer."
Cheers,

Vanessa

The Sparrow Songs: A Country Song String

2011-11-10T07:36:00.004-05:00

If you didn't get a chance to catch The Sparrow Songs: A Country Song String as part of Summerworks, here's your chance to see it again!
Neighbour Tom Bellman co-created the musical and many of you might be familiar with the music he created for Palmerston P.S. Shakespeare plays.
Here's one of the songs in the show, which takes place at Hugh's Room Friday night at 8:30 pm.
Tickets are $22.50 at the door and $20 in advance, available by phoning Hugh's Room, 416-531-6604.
Cheers,
Vanessa

NOW's Take On The Best of the Annex

2011-11-10T07:29:00.000-05:00

NOW Magazine does a "best of" issue every year. I agree with most of the restaurants, stores and services listed as "best of" in The Annex, such as Midoco as the best art supply store and Harbord Bakery as the best bakery.
The latter winner, BTW, illustrates that they played fast and loose with the boundaries of The Annex, which I also think is proper. After all, most of us make the trek to Harbord without thinking, "I'm leaving the area."
I don't know enough about some of the categories to make a comment about the winners, but it's interesting that there are 62 categories and 37 of them involve food and drink.
Cheers,
Vanessa

BStreets Condo Information

2011-11-09T07:14:00.004-05:00

I'm excited about the condos going up at Bathurst and Bloor. I'm a bit of a real estate junkie, a holdover of my days as a real estate reporter, and the more that I read about the development, the more I like it.

(Although information is hard to find: the official website is "old school" and doesn't list too many details, including firm prices. Just doesn't wash in the days of instant information. However, this Kijiji ad offers more details.)
But back to more positive things... BStreets is designed with regard for the streetscape and offers units as small as 383-square-feet and as big as a 3-bedroom plus loft. Just that is rare: embracing singles and families in one development. But our area is a great area for a wide variety of people, from students, to working singletons, to families, to retirees and our housing should reflect and encourage that mix.

Cheers,

Vanessa

Who ART Thou? Community Art Show and Sale

2011-11-08T08:22:00.003-05:00

I've always known that we have some mighty talented neighbours. Here's your chance to see what some of them create, including my former Blog partner, Ginny.
Who ART Thou runs November 17th to 20th and November 24th to 27th from noon to 6 pm at Ideas Incorporated Gallery, 1081 Bathurst.

Cheers,
Vanessa

The Jack Project Information Evening November 8th

2011-11-07T07:32:00.000-05:00

Mental health issues are everywhere, so while this meeting is taking place out of our area, I thought that I would share the details with you, anyway.
On Tuesday at 7 pm at Northern S.S. there will be an information evening about The Jack Project. Have you read about Jack Windeler? He was a university student who, sadly, committed suicide.
"The Jack Project Information Evening – Tuesday, November 8 at 7:00 pm
An

interactive

discussion

about

the

implications

mental

health

youth

and

ways

can

make

real

difference, with Jack's father, Eric Windeler, and the team from the Jack Project at Kids Help

Phone."
Vanessa

Salon-Style Speaker Series at Spadina Museum

2011-11-06T07:29:00.000-05:00

This looks interesting! And the first one is today:
"Spadina Museum presenting salon-style speaker series this month
Spadina Museum explores the controversies of the 1920s and '30s - and how those issues still resonate today - with a four-event series entitled "Uncertain Futures, Imperfect Pasts." Inspired by the salon style of idea exchange and debate, each two-hour interactive talk will be led by subject experts who, with audience participation, will analyze the past, critique the present and challenge the future.
To register, the public can email spadina@toronto.ca or call 416-392-6910 and speak to the receptionist or leave a message.

Sunday, November 6 - Hell Witches and Pansy Boys
The rise of mass media in the 1920s and 30s shifted public awareness and understanding of sexuality. In a talk called "Hell Witches and Pansy Boys: Media, Modernity and Queer Identity in Interwar Toronto and Today," Steve Naynard of Queen's University and Robert Teixeira of York University will discuss the image of gays and lesbians in 1920s media and how their image has changed. Start time is 2 p.m.

Tuesday, November 8 - Persona: Politics and Private Lives in 20th-Century Canada
William Lyon Mackenzie King biographer Allan Levine and Toronto City Councillor Josh Matlow (Ward 22 St. Paul's), columnist and radio show host, will lead a discussion on the public versus private lives of politicians - and how the situation has changed over the years with increased media scrutiny. Start time is 7 p.m.

Sunday, November 13 - Body Image and Diet in the 1920s and Today
In 1918, the concept of calorie restriction was introduced to the general public. Jill Andrew, journalist and founder/director of "BITE ME! - the Toronto International Body Image Film & Arts Festival," and Ann McDougall, writer and Spadina Museum educator, will talk about the emergence of the diet industry and its influence on body image. Start time is 2 p.m.

Tuesday, November 15 - Prohibition Then and Liquor Control in Ontario Today
How did Ontario develop a liquor sales system unique in the world? How has it affected Torontonians since starting in 1927? This talk will be led by author Dr. Mariana Valverde and Kathy Klas of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Start time is 7 p.m.

The fee is $12 a session or $40 (plus HST) for admission to all four."
Cheers,

Vanessa

Wine and Food at Wine Rack on Bloor

2011-11-05T15:11:00.002-04:00

I just was in the local Wine Rack on the south side of Bloor in the Honest Ed's building and they're having a food and wine event right now until 7 pm.

They've teamed up with nearby Axis Gastropub for the food part.

Enjoy!
Vanessa

Improv Comedy Tonight at CSI

2011-11-05T08:50:00.001-04:00

Need a laugh? You might want to check out Second City alumni in Studio 720 at the Centre for Social Innovation Annex tonight as they "act out the tribulations of running a socially progressive business co-op.”
The improv show is called Live From the CenTre and tickets are $10.
Cheers,
Vanessa
PS remember to turn your clocks back tonight and get a glorious extra hour of weekend!

Glee Club at St. Alban's

2011-11-04T07:31:00.001-04:00

I can only imagine that the hit TV show Glee is inspiring a rebirth of Glee Clubs. Count our area in!
Here are the details:
"Just a quick note to spread the word about Glee Club at St. Alban's Boys & Girls Club.
I'll be leading sessions on Mondays at 7pm - 8pm for youth aged 9 and up starting Monday, Nov 7.
It is very affordable. Participants just have to pay a fee of $25 registration to The Boys and Girls Club and that's it. They would also have access to all the other programming at The Boys and Girls Club. Formidable!
The sessions will involve the youth learning 2 songs (one of their collective choice) and choreography (which they will help create.) It will culminate in a final presentation in December.
To sign up and for more info, email natasha@stalbansclub.ca and you can go http://www.vibrantvoices.ca
Please spread the word to your networks as we need sign ups! Especially to youth who love the arts and parents.
Love and light to you all!
Sedina"
Cheers,
Vanessa

Fire on Bedford Saturday Night

2011-11-03T07:50:00.001-04:00

I just heard about a fire on Beford St. near Dupont Saturday night.
Details are sketchy. I hope no one was hurt!
Vanessa