Young people in Ontario will no longer learn about such things as same-sex marriage, cyber bullying and the dangers of sexting — at least not from their teachers, because none of these things existed in Canada 20 years ago.

Ontario's new PC government announced on Wednesday that it would be replacing the province's modern sex-ed curriculum from 2015 with a much older version of the program; one that hasn't been updated since 1998.

Imagine ON's sex ed policy applied to sciences. Circa 1998: Pluto still a planet. Existence of dark matter not yet confirmed. Major advances in stem cell research ignored. In social sciences: no social media, Jean Chretien is still PM, we pretend print journalism still dominates.

— Emmett Macfarlane (@EmmMacfarlane) July 11, 2018

"The sex-ed component is going to be reverted back to the manner in which it was prior to the changes that were introduced by the Liberal government," said Education Minister Lisa Thompson today at Queen's Park.

"We're going to be moving very swiftly with our consultations and I will be sharing with your our process in the weeks to come."

The news, while confusing to many, should come as a surprise to none.

Why is the Ontario government working so hard to deny children and youth access to vital information that can protect them from harm? We knew that this was coming but how disappointing they are pushing us back to 1998 curriculum. #SexEdSavesLiveshttps://t.co/7mM2JljmOY#Onpoli

— Farrah Khan (@farrahsafiakhan) July 11, 2018

The province's newly-minted Premier Doug Ford, who secured a majority win for the Progressive Conservatives in June, had promised voters many times that he'd repeal and replace the Liberal government's controversial sex-ed curriculum during the course of his campaign.

Based on this, nearly 50,000 had already signed an online petition asking the Premier to reconsider his stance before today's announcement.

"The curriculum was designed and written by experts in child development, internet safety, police, and social workers, in consultation with roughly 4,000 parents," reads the petition.

"Youth deserve scientific facts and unbiased information when it comes to their health," it continues. "It's simple: society will suffer if we don't educate children in these topics."

As a Kdg teacher I remember the need for conversations with young children on respect of our bodies. Ford plans to repeal our consent-based Health curriculum. #ETT#ETFO Add your name to demand he doesn't. https://t.co/7kMA8736qQ#onpolihttps://t.co/JIZs9v5b8U via @leadnowca

— Yolanda B'Dacy (@yolanda_bdacy) July 6, 2018

Religious groups like the Campaign Life Coalition were very vocal in their criticism of Ontario's modern sex-ed lesson plan when it was introduced in 2015, calling it "radical" and decrying lessons about the "immoral practice" of masturbation and "the idea that being male or female is merely a 'social construct'."

The group also took up issue with schools teaching anything about the LGBTQ community, writing that such lessons would "normalize homosexual family structures and homosexual 'marriage' in the minds of 8-year-olds, without regard for the religious/moral beliefs of families."

Many, many others in Ontario are speaking out today in defence of the 2015 curriculum, as its 2018 and we live in Canada, where gay marriage is legal and the majority of Grade 8 students have accessed hardcore porn.

Shame on the @OntarioPCParty for pandering to a minority group of religious and misinformed fundamentalists. You should call yourselves the regressive conservatives. This is completely ridiculous. #ontario#onpoli#education#canada#dougfordhttps://t.co/uFJ17Kb7Qo

— | t y | (@ty_the_np) July 11, 2018

If all goes as planned for the PCs, the 1998 sex-ed curriculum will replace the 2015 version in the coming school year.

This will eliminate lessons about the proper names for body parts and genitals in Grade 1, the concept of same-sex relationships in Grade 3, online safety in Grade 4, and sexual consent in Grade 6.

"Going backwards in terms of keeping our kids safe and giving them the information they need to stay safe is not the right direction," said NDP Leader Andrew Horwath at Queen's Park today in response to the move.

Ontario's education minister says sex-ed curriculum taught in coming year will be older version, pre-dating social media and equal marriage. The bigots leading the bigots.

— Michael Coren (@michaelcoren) July 11, 2018

"We worked hard to make sure that everyone in Ontario feels that they are respected, that they are able to be who they are, able to have opportunity, able to be free of violence and hate," she said.

"And anything that starts to erode people’s ability to be themselves and be respected in this province is problematic."

Torontonians of a certain age may remember a time when MuchMusic was more than a looping marathon of South Park and The Simpsons.

Back in the 90s and 2000s, MUCH was the channel you'd run home from school to watch because Our Lady Peace had dropped a new video, or Christina Aguilera was in the studio, or one of your friends' older siblings made it onto Electric Circus and you obviously had to VHS that shick.

Over the Christmas holidays, one program reigned supreme — and likely helped shaped the sharp, biting sense of humour so many of us millennials are known for.

That program was Fromage featuring Ed The Sock; The most beloved Canadian TV personality of all time who also happens to be a surly, foul-mouthed, hilarious cigar-smoking sock puppet.

The man behind (er, inside) Ed is Steve Kerzner and, after taking a years-long hiatus from mocking the mockable,  he's now on a mission to bring back "the free-wheeling spirit of classic Muchmusic" with a network of his own.

Introducing the FU_Network (FUN): A new online channel curated by Ed the Sock (along with Kerzner and wife, writer and producer Liana K.)

"Ed the Sock has always been the one to call bullsh*t, fearlessly speaking truth to power, bringing celebrities down to our level, cutting through the spin and saying what we think, but out loud," reads an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for the network.

We did it! YOU did it! We hit 15K, so I will get to work Fromaging the #Drake/#Degrassi video! Let's keep the pot building at https://t.co/SBJKiAAro3! pic.twitter.com/k7ikPpSanU

— Ed the Sock (@EdtheSock) July 11, 2018

The campaign, which has already raised more than $15,000, promises "honest, unpredictable relevant and irreverent curated online content featuring current affairs/politics/comedy/music/movies — all with the sly, subversive spontaneity of classic Much and Ed the Sock's unique ability to say what we're all thinking."

And yes, that means the revival of Fromage, where Ed skewers cheesy music videos and celebrity culture in a way befitting of Comedy Central roasts. He'd be great for one of those.

Other programs that have already launched or will launch in the future include:

• Speakers Bureau: an updated Speakers Corner
• Shooting the Sh*t: The world's first celebrity talk show from a public bathroom
• Brew Wizards Beer Quest: A mix of craft beer & comedy
• Mensplaining: Men talking to men about being men with a strong dose of humour
• Lady Bits: Video games meets women's issues
• Is This Racist?: A look at modern race issues with a sharp satirical edge
• FU_Politics: a pundit-free zone to talk about issues with humour & common sense
• Hey Ladies: women talking to women the way women really talk, aided by a shared bottle of wine.

Kerzner says the network will also host "a new game show in the vein of the classic Test Pattern series" and feature "returning favourites and faces" like Rick Campanelli (aka Rick the Temp), Rainbow Sun Francks and George Stroumboulopoulos.

The campaign is getting a lot of traction online as fans show love for Ed and the idea of a channel with old-skool MuchMusic vibes.

There are also the Indiegogo donor perks, which are pretty intense. 

For $200:

Have your life made into a 5-minute video bio as written and voiced by Ed the Sock! Consider it having your life given the Fromage treatment! Don't worry, it won't be mean... but will be cranky - and funny!

OFFER LIMITED TO 20 ORDERS
THESE THINGS TAKE A LOT OF WORK! pic.twitter.com/7NJVjO21Hm

— Ed the Sock (@EdtheSock) July 10, 2018

For $50, donors can get access to all of the classic Fromage episodes (which aren't available online), for $100 they get tickets to an exclusive party with Ed and, for $1,000, they can get one of five actual Ed the Sock puppets.

The FU_Network will exist regardless of how much money the "Indiegogo Telethon" raises, according to Kerzner, but more support means more "cameras and livestream equipment that doesn't constantly break down, microphones without duct tape holding them together, locations we can do our shoots from and some cash to keep our staff eating and Ed supplied with cheap cigars."

LOL.

"The FU_Network is more than an online channel, it's an attitude, an energy, a spirit that's been absent in Canadian media since the end of Muchmusic," writes Kerzner.

"We all miss it, we all need it back and we're going to join together to make it so."

TTC officials have approved a motion to improve transit options along Dufferin Street, starting with everybody's favourite thing to love to hate, The Duff Bus.

Starting in September of this year, the TTC will begin introducing high-capacity articulated buses along the 29 Dufferin bus route on Sundays.

It will also carry out a routing change that provides full service from Wilson Station to the Exhibition Dufferin Gate loop, and the elimination of the 29B short-turn branch.

A new express bus route, which would stop less frequently in order to move people faster, is also planned for Dufferin Street beginning this fall.

"This is exciting news for transit users that rely on the 29 Dufferin bus," said TTC Chair Josh Colle in a press release on Wednesday. 

"I'm especially pleased that Deputy Mayor Bailão and I were able to work together to accelerate the start of the new Dufferin express bus to begin this fall, rather than the initial estimated start date of 2021."

The best late night Chinese food in Toronto is the most practical remedy for drunken hunger pangs and unintentional five-hour naps extending past dinner time. Cheap and quick, these nocturnal haunts will serve you chilli chicken, fried rice and even dim sum when you need it most.

Here is where should go for the best late night Chinese food in Toronto. 

The ‘Hell Holes’ might not have the most appealing name but trust me, the Hell Holes Natural Trails in Napanee are anything but hellish.

Located just two hours from Toronto, these unique family-owned natural trails are best known for their epic cave systems that plummet deep into the earth.

A post shared by Jocelyn Sippola (@queenoffawcettville) on May 27, 2018 at 4:17pm PDT

The most popular of these caves is known as the “Devil’s Horse Stable” that descends eight metres into the depths of a hole that widens below into a cavern approximately three by three metres.

A post shared by alexa macpherson (@adventures.with.alexa) on Sep 1, 2016 at 3:25pm PDT

If you dare to venture down the steep ladder to explore (and don’t suffer from claustrophobia) be sure to bring a flashlight, as the darkness will immediately overcome you.

A post shared by ALIJA BOS PHOTOGRAPHY 📷 (@alijabos) on Nov 5, 2016 at 4:19pm PDT

Better yet, get your hands on a headlamp so that you’ll have both your hands free when crawling around the cave. The temperature also drops considerably, so come prepared!

A post shared by Christa Madore (@empressplatypus) on Aug 12, 2017 at 11:00am PDT

Once out of the cave, there are tons of other things around the park to see and do. There are over three kilometres of beautiful hiking trails (bring bug spray!) that cross over several massive rock formations and sinkholes that were created during the glacial period.

A post shared by Andrea Streicher (@andrea.streicher) on Sep 14, 2016 at 5:07am PDT

You can also wander around the valley section of the trail where you’ll find a natural stone bridge over a pretty grotto which has rainforest-like surroundings.

A post shared by Alex Israel (@alexxisrael) on Jan 17, 2016 at 3:38pm PST

Despite being only 20 kilometres from the 401, the noise from the outside world is nonexistent due to the park’s thick, dense surrounding forests. It’s the perfect place to escape for some quiet exploration.

A post shared by @kianahelland on Sep 20, 2017 at 6:55pm PDT

The Hell Holes Nature Trails are cash only ($7.00 for adults) and are open daily until Labour Day. After Labour Day, they're only be open on weekends.

Events in Toronto today shine a light on those that have fuelled their creativity by thinking outside the box as the Brave Festival kicks off with John Waters in the city. The Foo Fighters are here as well and Toronto takes the spotlight in a screening of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

Toronto restaurant openings highlight the latest food news in Toronto and gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

Open now

• Koi Koi Sake Bar, from the team behind Sukoshi Mart, soft opens today at 170 Baldwin Street in Kensington Market.
• Bonafide, a European-style tapas and cocktail bar with buck-a-shuck specials has opened at 209 Augusta Avenue in Kensington Market, below the recently shuttered performance venue Double Double Land.
• Two Peas Variety, a cafe/salad bar/gift shop below Two Peas Podshare with consulting chef Adrian Forte (Dirty Bird, AF1 Caribbean Canteen), is now open at 403 Spadina Avenue (near Cecil Street) in Chinatown.
• Malaysian chain PappaRoti is serving up coffee buns inside its first downtown location at 270 Spadina Avenue in Chinatown.
• Tea Land, a Chinese bubble tea chain, has opened its first Toronto location in the former Condom Shack space at 231 Queen Street West.
• Selam Vegan, an offshoot of Pero, its sibling restaurant upstairs, claims to be Toronto's first vegan Ethiopian restaurant (it also has gluten-free options), and can be found at 812b Bloor Street West in Bloorcourt.
• The Chufa Co., which makes organic vegan soft serve, has a summer pop-up in a shipping container at 1973 Queen Street East (at Waverley Road) in the Beaches.
• A non-vegan ice cream pop-up called Churnt Up is also happening on Fridays and Saturdays this summer at Conspiracy Pizza in Leaside, featuring flavours like Strawberry Pocky and Birthday Cake.
• SK COOKKS, an African-Caribbean restaurant, has opened at 12-24 Ronson Drive in Etobicoke.

Recently reviewed

• Hunter Coffee Shop
• Pong Bar
• Salumi Bar
• The Maker Bean Cafe

Opening soon

• 817 Sports Bar & Grill is set to replace the now-shuttered Dog’s Bollocks Pub at 817 Queen Street West (between Claremont Street and Manning Avenue).
• Something called Sticky Rice Kitchen and Bar, boasting a bamboo-covered storefront, should be opening soon at 1489 Gerrard Street East in Little India.
• Flock will soon be opening another location, this time in North York at the Yonge Sheppard Centre.
• Omni Palace, a hand-pulled noodle chain from China, will be opening at the end of this month at 235 Consumers Road in North York.
• Chpt II, a sequel/sibling spot to Markham’s Inspire Restaurant, is opening soon at 1100 Davis Drive, Unit 1b in Newmarket.
• A ton of vendors, including Amano, Union Chicken, Sweet Jesus and Village Juicery, will be joining Market & Co., a huge 40,000-square-foot space coming to Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket this September.

Closed

• L'Avenue Bistro on Bayview Avenue in Leaside has closed.
• Mazz Bistro is no more in Riverside, but Mazz Sushi in Bloorcourt is still going.
• Sushi on Gerrard has bit the dust.

Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to editors@blogto.com.

This two-bedroom, two-level loft in a former mill factory in Corktown is super high-tech. The home comes fully equipped so you can control the lights, temperature, locks, and media all from your smartphone. The future is now.

The soaring 14-foot ceilings, original cedar beams, and an exposed brick wall give the suite that hard-loft character. This is contrasted with the luxury of the polished hardwood floors, marble, and chandeliers.

The main floor with the kitchen, living room and dining area is open-concept. It’s spacious with lots of natural light.

The lower level is where the bedrooms are and while for some the subterranean sleeping quarters might be a plus, I’m not a huge fan of basement bedrooms.

That being said, the rooms are spacious and the master bedroom comes with a huge walk-in closet.

The master bath has heated marble floors and a luxurious rain shower.

Unfortunately, there is no outdoor space but that’s pretty common with factory conversion buildings.

Specs

• Address: #3 - 21 River Street
• Price: $1,188,888
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 2
• Parking: 1
• Walk Score: 93
• Transit Score: 100
• Maintenance Fees: $1,136.33 monthly
• Listing agent: Brendon Schembri
• Listing ID: C4178999

Good For

A tech-savvy couple who have been dreaming of a connected home that has style. 

Move On If

You’re not a fan of computerized house controls. Gadgets are cool and all until they malfunction, then it’s a giant pain in the butt.

Weekend events in Toronto include a lot of annual favourites including Night It Up!, the Toronto Fringe Festival and The Honda Indy with its noisy cars and road closures. Also, don't miss the new weekly beer garden under the Gardiner Expressway.

It's been a deadly summer in Toronto so far, with police data showing a 53 per cent increase in shooting deaths since 2017.

With 278 people shot this year to date — 26 of them fatally so — the city is well on pace for one of its deadliest years in history, and a recent spate of high-profile killings has intensified public concern to levels not seen since 2005's "summer of the gun."

Toronto sucks this summer, all we’ve had is increased gun violence, homicides, and a Premier who is setting us back 3 decades- I did not sign up for this shit

— c (@itschizanga) July 12, 2018

In an effort to stop the violence (or at least put minds at ease a little bit), Toronto Mayor John Tory and Police Chief Mark Saunders announced in a press conference on Thursday morning that more than 200 police officers would be dispatched to "priority areas" around the city between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. for the next eight weeks.

Mayor @JohnTory hiring 200 more Police Officers in order to schedule them to work btwn 7pm-2am instead of fixing current scheduling problems by using the over billion dollars worth of Police currently employed, is fiscally irresponsible, inefficient & ineffective#TOpoli#TORONTO

— Vote D!ONNE Renée - is here for dafonte (@OnElectionDay) July 12, 2018

Officers on the new late night shift will be focusing specifically on areas in which police say they've seen gun and gang activity.

The move will cost about $3 million in overtime pay, according to Saunders, but it's only one part of a total $15 million plan to tackle gun violence — or "gang violence," as both Tory and Saunders often call it — in Toronto.

#Toronto useless police chief saunders + moronic mayor tory come up with lame plan to curb gun violence, a way for cops to pad their paycheque Try this instead min sentence of 20 yrs for illegal carrying a handgun min sentence of 50 years for using a handgun in a crime no excuses

— Howard (@BizDirector) July 12, 2018

"We need a strategic deployment of resources that focuses on those individuals responsible for gun crime," said Saunders, later noting that there are "over 1,000" players associated with the city's gun problem.

Some critics, including members of the police union and veteran cops, are suggesting that Saunders and Tory are two of said players.

Apparently @JohnTory and @TorontoPolice still don’t seem to understand that more police doesn’t actually mean safer streets, especially when so many of us have zero trust in the police.

— David Simao (@DavidSimao14) July 12, 2018

Toronto Police Association drama aside, the Mayor seems confident in what he calls the "gun violence reduction plan."

In addition to more police officers on the streets, the plan would see up to $12 million in federal and city funds invested into "existing community initiatives that are working to prevent gang violence and to help those individuals who are caught in gang violence."

A press release from the Toronto Police Service says that Tory has had conversations with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canadian Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale to "make sure this funding is available and will flow quickly."

John Tory really tossing a few coins at “programming” instead of giving people decent schools and a place to live in this city (its much cheaper than funding essentials from the ground up). insulting.

— Bedour Alagraa (@bedouralagraa) July 12, 2018

Whether or not this plan works, well, I guess we'll find out — but only if City Council approves all the details at a meeting later this month.

TPS says that full details of the plan, as well as requests made to other levels of government for help, will be revealed in the coming days.

"We will flow money into communities where we know there are young people who need help and support from organizations already working in their neighbourhoods," said Mayor Tory in today's press release.

"We all want to keep our city safe, support our communities and support our police service. The safety of this city is a collective effort and one that I know we are all committed to protecting."

Don't you ever question the "world class" status of Toronto again, haters. 

We just got the ability to eat fried chicken to infinity and beyond, plus all the sides we can fit in our bellies, for less than the cost of most salads in Yorkville so... yeah.   

The popular Toronto-based chicken and waffles chain The Dirty Bird just announced an AYCE "northern fried chicken + fixins" deal for just $19.95 at its location in the Annex.

A post shared by The Dirty Bird Chicken+Waffles (@dirtybirdto) on Jul 11, 2018 at 3:25pm PDT

"Starting next week and every week after that exclusively at our Annex location on Mondays to Wednesdays from 5pm to 9pm we'll be serving ALL YOU CAN EAT #NORTHERNFRIED chicken," reads the caption of an Instagram post from the restaurant on Wednesday.

"That means you can get endless amounts of our lightly-battered bone-in fried chicken with a plethora of sides for just the low low of $19.95!"

A post shared by The Dirty Bird Chicken+Waffles (@dirtybirdto) on Jul 6, 2018 at 8:37am PDT

The deal won't go live until next Monday, but you can start prepping your body now by looking at photos of literally anything on this Instagram page.

Toronto Police say they've received information about a "potential threat to public safety" somewhere in the GTA — but they won't reveal what that threat is, or why they've flooded major Toronto tourist attractions with Emergency Task Force officers.

If you're not going to say what the threat is and release a vague statement as to why task force are out on the streets and to go about our day as normal why mention a threat at all??? It just causes speculation and fear.

— ℛaymo (@Raymondraws) July 12, 2018

News of the situation first broke with a cryptic tweet around 9:30 a.m.

"We are responding to an unconfirmed, uncorroborated piece of information relating to the GTA," reads the message from Toronto Police. "As a result of this information, you will see an increased number of police officers throughout the city and, specifically, in the downtown core."

Toronto police are sending more officers out to patrol the CN Tower and surrounding downtown now after receiving what the force calls an "unconfirmed, uncorroborated piece of information." A large police presence including The Rogers Center. News conference at 1130am. pic.twitter.com/h0EdatVWjp

— Derrick Scott (@derrickscottrad) July 12, 2018

Ontario Premier Doug Ford's office weighed in a short time later to say that Ford had been briefed by the Provincial Security Advisor and "is actively monitoring the situation" in Toronto.

York Regional Police said similarly just before 11:30 a.m. that they were "working closely with emergency service partners across the GTA as we investigate & respond to the information we have received."

Meanwhile, photos started pouring in from reporters and citizens who noted a massive police presence near the CN Tower and Rogers Centre.

At Blue Jays Way and Front St. pic.twitter.com/6nT82LJEHd

— TorontoStar (@TorontoStar) July 12, 2018

Canada's Wonderland is also crawling with police officers, some of whom are reportedly using a drone to get an aerial look at the park.

Members of @YRP Emergency Task Force are among dozens of officers now monitoring situation at Canada’s Wonderland due to “unconfirmed unsubstantiated piece of information” the premier calls a “potential threat”@globalnewstopic.twitter.com/tJU5YJz1zy

— Catherine McDonald (@cmcdonaldglobal) July 12, 2018

Some people were freaked out, but comforted by the news that a police update would be provided late this morning at Bobbie Rosenfeld Park near Bremner Boulevard and Lower Simcoe Street.

That update revealed little more than the fact that Toronto Police are aware of a Foo Fighters concert at the Rogers Centre tonight.

Toronto journalists: Are we in danger? Should we avoid going downtown? How many extra officers are on scene? How did the threat come through?

Toronto Police: hey did you guys know there's a foo fighters concert tonight

— Kelly Samuel (@jellysamuel) July 12, 2018

Acting Superintendent Michael Barsky, who is also the Unit Commander at 52 Division, repeatedly told reporters that he could not comment on anything relating to an active investigation.

Toronto Police appears to be saying there is a threat in Toronto, near the CN Tower and Rogers Centre but won’t say what the threat is and they want everyone to go to those venues, like say for a concert tonight.
Weirdest police news conference that I have seen.

— Brian Lilley (@brianlilley) July 12, 2018

"The police presence in this area is simply to ensure that the public can come down and enjoy the area in peace," he said, prompting someone to ask why, then, the police issued that ominous tweet.

"I’m not going to speculate on how people interpret the message."

I think you either tell people what it’s about or don’t say anything at all. Now you have people in the city, especially the downtown core panicking and that’s not fair not know what is going on!

— Giulia Ruscillo (@jewelzz_14) July 12, 2018

Barksy bounced back and forth during the short press conference from saying things like "we received information that there is a potential risk to public safety" to "we encourage everyone to come down and enjoy the city."

Those listening were confused and, in some cases, upset by the vague information released by police.

the emergency task force is out patrolling areas, which means that this risk is cause for concern and the public has a right to be given more information in regards to OUR SAFETY. @TorontoPolice

— B 🌞 (@biancajada_) July 12, 2018

Barksy did say that he'd provide more specifics if he could — and as some on Twitter note, the cops likely know what they're doing here.

"We are evaluating this as it goes on," said Barsky, "And will continue to do so."

In the meantime, try not to trip over all the cop cars, cop bikes, cop motorcycles, cop dogs and cops in downtown Toronto right now.

K-beauty continues to rock the global cosmetics industry with innovation and inspiration, as it has been doing for years — but at least one Korean brand will soon be stepping it up beyond exporting product to Sephora.

VDL cosmetics, a makeup brand known for its tech-infused, radiant skin illuminators and square lipstick, is about to launch its first ever North American flagship store, right here in Toronto.

Short for "Violet Dream Luminous," the company was founded in Seoul circa 2012 but has since expanded to almost 50 locations throughout South Korea, plus 11 more between Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam and The Philippines.

A post shared by VDL현대 디큐브점 (@vdl_d.cube) on Jul 1, 2018 at 7:58pm PDT

A rep for the company says that VDL will be opening "the first K-beauty flagship store in Toronto" at 829 Queen Street West where Illesteva used to be, near Claremont, in late July or Early August. 

When it does open, the rep says that its first customers can expect free gifts, makeovers, influencer meetups, skin consultations and an "Insta-ready photo booth."

"A brand for the dreamers and the go getters, VDL is the 'solution to beauty' that millennials desire," reads a press kit describing the store.

A post shared by MUA・化妝師平台 (@mua.com.hk) on Jul 17, 2017 at 6:41am PDT

"Since 2012, with such breakthroughs such as the Lumilayer Primer, Expert Lip cube and Expert Metal Cushion, VDL has been developing and revolutionizing the beauty industry," it continues. "We go above and beyond to change the face of beauty."

Bring it on, SK — my face of beauty can't wait to change.

The ominous message from Toronto officials about a "potential risk to public safety" this morning has been decoded, it seems, with a freshly-leaked internal police memo.

Obtained by both The Toronto Sun and NEWSTALK 1010, the memo says that Toronto Police received "credible information regarding a potential vehicle ramming attack in the area of CN Tower on Thursday, July 12th."

"Intelligence Services has not received any information regarding a specific criminal extremist threat to the City of Toronto," the memo continues.

"However, critical infrastructure, transportation hubs, and areas of large public gatherings remain as targets for lone-actors and/or terrorist/extremist groups, and their sympathizers who wish to stage high-profile attacks."

#BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: A police source tells NEWSTALK 1010 a vehicle ramming attack threat was made in the area of the CN Tower. #Torontopic.twitter.com/dGGLzV9E2N

— NEWSTALK1010 (@NEWSTALK1010) July 12, 2018

Alek Minassian, the suspect in a high-profile van attack near Yonge and Finch in Toronto this year, was one of such lone actors.

The threat of another incident involving innocent pedestrians is particularly painful for those in Toronto affected by the tragedy, which lead to 10 first-degree murder charges and 16 counts of attempted murder for Minassian.

Police have yet to address the memo about today's potential threat, but have plenty to say about tonight's Foo Fighters concert, if you're interested.

Say what you will about their stance on education, the environment, ethics in political journalism or anything else — but Premier Doug Ford's new Conservative government has some fine ideas when it comes to alcohol.

Ford and company laid out their legislative agenda on Thursday at Queen's Park in a rollicking and rather optimistic Throne Speech called "A Government for the People."

Ontario has everything it needs to succeed. Abundant natural resources. World class health care and education systems. The good fortune to sit at the cross roads of global and continental trade. And the greatest, hardest working people in the world. #ThroneSpeech

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) July 12, 2018

"We have a clear mandate from the people," said the premier of his government's plan.

"We are ending the deadlocked strike at York University so students can get back to school. We are striking the cap-and-trade carbon tax from the books. And we are cancelling unnecessary renewable energy projects to help lower your electricity bills."

With today's Speech from the Throne, the PCs have opened up Parliament for a summer session.

A press release from the provincial government says that they will use this time to "build on the achievements the Government for the People has already made," among many other stated goals — including what sounds like the creation of Michigan-style party stores.

Well. Beer in grocery, corner, and big box stores according to the #ThroneSpeech. By my calculation that is ... something like 11000 new venues for craft brewers to selectively pick and choose from and 11000 new venues the big guys are forced to play in. #TeeHee

— Jordan St. John (@saints_gambit) July 12, 2018

"Your new government will respect consumers and trust adults to make the responsible choices that work best for them," reads a portion of the Throne Speech. "That's why it will expand the sale of beer and wine to convenience stores, grocery stores and big-box stores. 

We'd be able to buy wine at Costco, just like the Americans! And pick up beer with lottery tickets, just like the Quebecois! We can already get booze at the grocery store, so whatever.

You can read the rest of the Throne Speech right here (spoiler: Most of it is about how Ford will save you money, though the "how" is still a bit blurry.)

France vs Croatia is finally here. If your throat isn't sore from screaming by now, it'll definitely need some rest after this Saturday: the all-European final is the culmination of what's been a very entertaining month-long World Cup. 

From Germany's quick boot out of the tourney and Nacer Chadli's epic goal against Team Japan (who has the best fans ever) to more meme-worthy moments like Neymar's neverending rolls down the pitch and Morocco's brutal own goal, World Cup 2018 has been a good one.

Now Les Bleus and the Vatreni wil face off on Sunday July 15 at 11 a.m. EST for the championship title in a battle of underdog versus the favourite, France.

The bets are on to see whether Croatia's most exceptional team in decades can hold back France's swiftest player Kylian Mbappe and the rest of the Les Bleus' powerful offence.

The last time France won the World Cup in 1998 in the final against Brazil, but it's uncharted territory for the Vatreni, who've never come this far in FIFA before.

Whoever's side you're on, there's plenty of places in the city to cheer on your team and join in the collective fever pitch before the World Cup ends and we do it all over again in four years. 

Here's where you can watch the World Cup final this Sunday. 

Where to cheer on Team France

Ricarda's is still the official headquarters for Les Bleus this year, but it's bound to get completely packed with fans and members of the Federation Tricolore de Toronto, but the Italian mainstay Cafe Diplomatico might actually be the French FIFA fixture for Saturday.

Where to cheer on Team Croatia

The Croatian Parish Park in Mississauga is going to be a giant party. Red and white checkers will be all over this community hub where proud Croats will be screaming at the TV's in the outdoor pavilion and sports bar. 

Where to cheer as a neutral fan

• Cafe Diplomatico is throwing an all-day street party with an extended patio stadium seating, prizes and more.
• The Rec Room will be playing the game on its big screen while hosting some special panel discussions hosted by Footy Talks. 
• Cabana Pool Bar is hosting a ticketed Budweiser FIFA World Cup viewing party on its 40 foot-screen. 
• Real Sports will naturally by one of the best spots to watch with a massive 39-foot HD screen and tons of seating. 
• Remix Lounge will have a projector running and the game on the big screen, with pre-game specials including doubles. 
• 3 Brewers in Liberty Village will be playing the game on both floors.
• The Hideout has $5 tallboys from 11 a.m. onwards when the game starts.
• Scallywags continues to air all games with audio and drink specials with 30 TVs in the whole spot, including its rooftop patio.
• Elephant & Castle will have drinks specials and raffles during the game. 
• Fox and Firkin will be running deals on Canadian pints, tequila shots, and pounds of wings for the game. 
• Assembly Chefs Hall will be airing the game on the two massive projectors in their beer hall. 
• Kelly's Landing has a thirteen-foot TV and other small ones all around its bar area and open patio.  
• The Office Pub has patio TVs, full sound, and cheap Heineken pints during games. 
• Real Sports has you covered with a massive 39-foot HD screen and 199 smaller ones around the bar. 
• The Pilot will be airing the game on all their main floor screens with sound. 
• O’Grady’s airs the World Cup games on a big TV screen on the main floor behind the bar.  
• The Pint Public House offers numerous big screen TVs and spacious seating that's good for big groups. 
• Scotland Yard has screens all around its cozy seating area. 
• Football Factory is the quintessential soccer bar to watch all games with 13 HDTVs and private booths. 
• Hemingway’s will be opening its doors at 9 a.m. and turning on the TVs on all four floors with 20oz pints for $5. 
• Brazen Head has lots of TVs and drink specials for the game.
• The Dizzy has tons of TVs with unobstructed views to watch the game. 

Special Screenings

• Union Summer Market has set up a a massive screen underneath a pavilion complete with benches. Its free to drop by, plus its licensed. 
• Lula Lounge is throwing a free screening on its massive screen with the option to reserve tables to guarantee your seating. 

Watch Online

If you've managed to score a VPN through popular providers like ExpressVPN, you'll get access to a huge selection of free online live streams.

There are also ways you can stream online on your phone or laptop, just download Canada's two biggest World Cup broadcaster apps: CTV GO App and TSN GO App. 

You'll have to connect to your CTV Go App by choosing your provider, and the TSN GO App requires a subscription.

If you've got either, you can play the game on your phone and screen-mirror or cast to any smart TV near you. 

It's a big day in Toronto for events, with the first evening of the annual Night It Up! night market where Asian street food is at its best. There's also a video game flea, comedy and film screenings to check out.

So this place, otherwise known as Glendoveer, has been on and off the market since 2015 when it was first listed for $16 million. Clearly, that was insane so they finally dropped to just the only slightly less ridiculous $12 million price tag.Rumour has it this place was owned by old Hollywood royalty Gina Lollobrigida and it definitely is decorated that way.

The extravagant home sits on 1.24 acres of land overlooking a ravine and boasts nine bedrooms and 13 bathrooms.

The house is all drama with the marble fireplaces, carved mantels, elaborate crown mouldings and stunning original limestone ceiling medallions.

The Great Room boasts 18.5-foot ceilings, original carved limestone fireplace, and bow window with three tiers leaded glass pane casement windows.

Stately ionic columns define the entrance to study.

There are four bedrooms, with four en suites on the second level.

The master ensuite walks-out to a balcony overlooking the grounds.

There’s an elevator to third-storey self-contained guest suite, which has a living room, dining room, three bedrooms, three baths, and a kitchen with laundry.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s a lower level wine cellar to die for, a home theatre with wet bar, a gym, a games room, a craft room and two bedrooms with en suites. No pool though…

The Essentials

• Address: 120 Inglewood Dr.
• Type: House
• Bedrooms: 7+2
• Bathrooms: 13
• Size: 155.29 x 246.67 feet
• Realtor: Harvey Kalles Real Estate
• Hit the market at: $12,980,000
• Sold for: $12,880,000

Why it sold for what it did?

Uh, it’s a mansion, fit for the Queen, on more than an acre of land. But also, as the old saying goes: charge what the market can bear. And it turns out that’s $12.88 million.

Was it worth it?

When you consider the location, the land and the extravagance of the house it seems worth it. That being said, it’s still outrageous.  

Kelso Conservation Area is one of those places that has something for everyone, which makes it one of the best spots to visit in the summer. And best of all, it’s only 40 minutes from Toronto.

A post shared by @c0gnaclilac on Jun 8, 2018 at 7:45am PDT

Located in Milton, this four-square-kilometre conservation area is open year-round with tons of activities available in each season. In the summer what draws most people to this area are the picturesque hiking trails, epic cliff lookouts and clean beaches.

A post shared by Olga (@olgapd_) on Jul 8, 2018 at 2:21pm PDT

The sandy beaches inside the park are open for swimming and boating in the summertime. You can easily rent a canoe, kayak, or even try paddleboard yoga during the many events the park hosts.

A post shared by Laura Barnes (@laurambarnes) on Jun 28, 2018 at 8:25am PDT

There are also tons of trail systems that will take you to various spots in Kelso, like high up on the escarpment and along the peaceful boardwalk, or to the historic lime kilns.

A post shared by Natalie Burek (@natalieburek) on Jul 8, 2018 at 10:01am PDT

For the camping enthusiasts, the park has 19 campsites available where you can sleep under the stars and the shadows of tall rock formations.

A post shared by Wanda Prochazka (@wandapro) on Jun 29, 2018 at 1:11pm PDT

Activities like rock climbing and mountain biking are also extremely popular here, which makes Kelso an adrenaline junkie’s paradise. When the snow melts, Kelso transforms from a ski and snowboarder's haven into a labyrinth of mountain biking trials.

A post shared by Martin Lortz (@lortzphoto) on Jun 12, 2018 at 3:32am PDT

Kelso Conservation Area is also one of the few parks around that has a pretty cool event schedule, like the ‘Outdoor Movie Nights.’ Rent a campsite for the night, bring a blanket and some s’mores, and watch a movie under the stars.

A post shared by Jay Mehdi (@jayatteamhonda) on Jun 26, 2018 at 8:00pm PDT

Although the park is open year-round, the campsites are only available until October.

Food events in Toronto this week feature oysters, beer, pizza and Pinot, to name a few. Night It Up! kicks off a weekend of traditional Asian street food and there's a big summer party going down at St. Lawrence Market.