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Contest: Win passes to see We are Legion

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we are legion torontoHacktivism is many things: controversial to some, inspirational to others, but certainly an indicator of how technology has changed the rules of activism. We are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists goes inside the world of Anonymous, through interviews with both members of the group itself (including those awaiting trial) as well as online and academic figures, and traces the growth of Anonymous from forums to the massive, diffuse, and sometimes frightening group it is today.

We're offering up 10 pairs of tickets to a special advance screening of the film on Guy Fawkes Day.

THE PRIZE

10 lucky readers will receive a pair of tickets each to see a screening of We Are Legion on November 5 at 9:15 pm at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema (506 Bloor St. W.).

HOW TO WIN

To win, just answer the following question: Which hacker collective first came up with the word "hacktivism"?

The first 10 correct commenters win the tickets. Please make sure to include a valid email address in the comment form "Email Address" field so that we can contact you if you're a winner.

FINE PRINT

You must be a Toronto-area resident to win. Only one comment and answer per person. If you include multiple answers or post multiple comments you will be disqualified, and the winner must pick up their own tickets.

UPDATE

This contest is now closed. Winners will be contacted shortly.


Toronto Concerts, November 2012

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Toronto Concerts November 2012Toronto concerts worth knowing about in November, 2012.

November in Toronto is a bit of a trip back to the late 60s / early 70s with The Who, Bob Dylan and Neil Young all passing through our suddenly cold city. Of course there's the usual barrage of up and comers as well — DIANA, Mac DeMarco and Paper Diamond are acts garnering significant attention right now, despite their relative youth. Halloween might be over but that just means you have to look out for the November Witch. You're weird if you know what that means. I'm not going to talk about moustaches, and I already touched on the weather so there isn't much else to say. Concert listings, here we come!

HOT TICKETS

SHEEZER / NOVEMBER 2 / 9PM / LEE'S PALACE / $10
Join the world's first all-girl Weezer cover band (don't worry — The Blue Album and Pinkerton only) for their 3rd annual Halloween party. The 31st might've passed, but this is another opportunity to stress over what to wear (hint: fisherman apparently doesn't translate well even when you carry around a paper cut-out fish) and let inhibitions fly! Pins and Needles, a band spawned from this year's Girls Rock! Camp will open along with Planet Creature.

CRYSTAL CASTLES WITH HEALTH AND CONTRAVOID / NOVEMBER 3 / 8PM / KOOL HAUS / $41
Ethan Kath and Alice Glass have a new album out November 12th (previously slated for the 5th) and you can stream the entire thing on their Soundcloud. Recorded in Warsaw and produced entirely by Kath, the album explores various themes of oppression and hopelessness. FUN.

AIMEE MAN / NOVEMBER 6 / 7PM / THE DANFORTH MUSIC HALL / $27.50-32.50
Obviously peaking with "Time Stands Still" backing vocals in 1987, Mann also appeared as a German nihilist in The Big Lebowski. Going on that information alone, it's fair to say she's the coolest person in the entire world — but if you must know: she's also released eight solo albums including Charmer, released just a couple months ago.

DAN DEACON / NOVEMBER 9 / 9PM / LEE'S PALACE / $13.50
The American Rich Aucoin, Deacon's performances involve a ton of audience participation and interactivity. He released America back in August, featuring the single "True Thrush" which spawned one of the most fun videos EVER — it also gives you an idea of what kind of vibe to expect at his show.

AMANDA PALMER / NOVEMBER 9 / 8PM / THE PHOENIX / $20
Half of The Dresden Dolls, former eight foot bride and all-round theatrical wizard, Palmer brings her Grand Theft Orchestra to the Phoenix on the eighth. Expect not quite a concert and not quite a theatrical performance but something in between.

NOT DEAD YET: FUCKED UP WITH DIANA / NOVEMBER 9 / 8PM / THE GREAT HALL / PWYC
The first installment of Fucked Up's Long Winter Series, this night features one of the first Toronto performances by DIANA. In addition to the music there will also be dance, visual art, food, readings and maybe an army of Damien's. If that weren't enticing enough, it's pay what you can and all ages.

THE HELIO SEQUENCE / NOVEMBER 12 / 8:30PM / THE HORSESHOE / $12
Made up of Brandon Summers and Benjamin Weikel from Portland, Oregon, they are in the running for "Nerdiest Band Name Ever." They've just released their fifth full-length Negotiations but I can't stop listening to "Hallelujah" from 2008's Keep Your Eyes Ahead.

ARMY GIRLS WITH ELK / NOVEMBER 14 / 7:30PM / THE GARRISON / $8
As if we haven't talked about DIANA enough today, singer Carmen Elle's band Army Girls plays with ELK on the 14th. I can't help but think of Land of Talk when I hear them but Land of Talk is dead so thanks Army Girls for being there. I heard "My Kin" on The L.A. Complex once and lost my shit. I mean, a friend told me they were watching the show and heard it. Not me.

MAC DEMARCO WITH COUSINS / NOVEMBER 14 / 8PM / THE DRAKE / $10
Montreal-based DeMarco joins Halifax-based Cousins. DeMarco creates a woozy blend of soft-rock, 70s glam and a certain jangly guitar sound that reminds me of Real Estate but which I refuse to call "yacht rock." And Cousins, well, they're just kind of the the fucking best.

NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE / NOVEMBER 19 / AIR CANADA CENTRE / 7PM / $TBA
Neil Young is 66 years old and this year he's released his 34th and 35th albums — what have you done today? The most recent, Psychedelic Pill, could've just as easily been released in the late 60s/early 70s, in fact, the title track is reminescent of "Cinnamon Girl" herself.

...AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD / NOVEMBER 20 / LEE'S PALACE / 9PM / $18.50
Their name has been scaring (my) mom(s) since the late 90s and their fist-pumping brand of rock has been making people move for just as long. Touring in support of their 8th studio album, Lost Songs, they've dedicated the track "Up to Infinity" to Pussy Riot and the first single "Catatonic" doesn't stray far from their roots even after all these years.

OTHER NOTEWORTHY CONCERTS

Photo by Frank Hamilton on Flickr

Movember events in Toronto, 2012

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Movember TorontoMovember has arrived in Toronto, and with it a ton of events designed to offer support and entertainment for the thousands of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas who are raising funds for prostate cancer research and men's mental health issues. Over the years, the month-long ritual has gained in popularity around the globe, with Toronto one of the most active cities since local participation formally took hold in 2007. Here's a quick primer on what you need to know about Movember in Toronto.

What is Movember?

First started in Melbourne back in 2004, Movember is now a global fundraising effort that is pushing towards a million participants and over $125 million (CAD) in donations annually. In Canada, funds are directed toward the following groups: Prostate Cancer Canada, Awareness & Education, Global Action Plan, Canadian Male Health Network.

Movember Rules?

Here are the official rules for participation in Movember:

  • Once registered, each mo bro must begin the 1st of Movember with a clean shaven face.
  • For the entire month of November each mo bro must grow and groom a moustache.
  • There is to be no joining of the mo to [one's] sideburns (that's considered a beard).
  • There is to be no joining of the handlebars to [one's] chin (that's considered a goatee).
  • Each mo bro must conduct himself like a true country gentleman.

Movember Events in Toronto

Movember Launch Party at Sazerac Lounge
Saturday November 3rd 2012 For those looking to kick Movember off with a boozy bang, the Sazerac Lounge is a good place start. I never like shaving when I'm hungover anyway, so it should be a perfect transition. DJ Adam Nics and DJ Snax will blast a variety of house, hip-hop and reggae. Tickets $10.

November Project X: 2nd Annual Movember Edition
It's a sausage fest, but in the best possible way! Make sure you swing by the WVRST on November 8th as they will be celebrating wacky mustachios with an evening filled with pork-filled goodness and 12 craft beers. Tickets are $15 at the door.

MoJam2012 at People's Chicken
MoJam2012 wants you to channel your inner rock star. Head over to People's Chicken on November 15th for the opportunity to play a song of your choice with the stage band. It's $20 per rock star moment, or $10 if you are just there to take in all the musical and mustache glory.

Movember Very Hairy Dance Party at 751 Lounge
Looking to rub whiskers with other upper lip aficiandos? 751 Lounge will be home to plenty of facial hair on November 23rd — and if you're missing Halloween by then, never fear: there's even a costume party. The $5 you pay at the door is donated to Prostate Cancer Research.

Million Mo March
Join other Mo' Bros and Mo' Sistas as they take to the streets November 25th to show off the facial hair they managed to sprout over the previous weeks. Organizers predict at least 1000 participants strutting their stuff in the downtown core. Check out the link above for more details.

Rockin'Stache at The Great Hall
If you're looking for an excuse to show off your sweet mo', Rockin'Stache is your answer. Thursday November 29th at the Great Hall a number of solid Toronto bands will play a benefit concert with proceeds going toward prostate cancer research. Acts such as Cai.ro, Grayden James and the Young Novelists, and Papermaps will take stage. Tickets are $13 in advance and $20 at the door.

Mo Parté - Mo Stache Bash at Stones Place
T.O.YOURMO has teamed up with Movember and Stones Place to put together one awesome night of mo' inspired fundraising. Dress up as your favourite furry-lipped celebrity and take part in the night's festivities. It's almost over at this point, so you need to show it off. Tickets are $20 at the door.

Movember Canada Official Gala at the Kool Haus
If you can only go to one Movember event this month, make sure it's the Official Gala. All over Canada (and the world) end-of-month galas will be in full swing on November 30th as people celebrate a hard month of growing and maintaining moustaches. As always, they'll be a costume contest for Best Mo in Character, Team Mo, Miss Movember, and Man of Movember 2012. $20 in advance.

Other events (use the find an event feature on the Movember website for more information).

  • Stache 4 Cancer at Adrenaline Toronto - November 3rd
  • Rockin' Mo at Andrew Richards Design - November 9th
  • Big Things Give Back at The Central - November 16th
  • Young Scotch Club's Movember Party at Hotel Ocho - November 21st
  • Mustache Red Carpet at 5th Social Club - November 24th
  • Movemberfest Dance Party at The Office Pub - November 24th
  • Bottles and Mo at Local Company - November 29th
  • Movember Mashup at Curzon - November 30th
  • Mustache Fun at Richmond Rogue - November 30th
  • Mustache-e-oke at Global Backpackers Village - November 30th

Movember groups and links worth checking out

Movember Contest

To help keep all the Mo' Bros motivated, we have a photo contest courtesy of PKG. Follow blogTO on Instagram. Upload your best moustache pics over the course of the month and tag them with #blogTOmovember.

We have two prizes packs to give away, which each include a PKG iPad Sleeve and a pair of Men's Movember TOMS Botas. The two photos with the most likes at the end of the month will receive the prizes. In the event of a tie, the winner(s) will be decided by a blogTO editor. Contest open to GTA residents only.

Writing by Brett Taggert and Derek Flack

Photo by ronnie.yip in the blogTO Flickr pool

Reluctant dog

Morning Brew: Council signs off on LRTs, Ford bails on meeting, mayor's list led to appointments, Mr Christie to stop baking, shady sidewalk signs, and riding to Pearson

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toronto ocad uCity council officially approved a light rail transit scheme for Toronto, which includes lines on Eglinton, Sheppard, and Finch, and a revamped Scarborough RT. Though the plan was essentially already in place, it still needed the final, formal approval from the city. A signed master agreement means (though don't put money on it) an end to subway vs. LRT debates.

Rob Ford left yesterday's council meeting to coach his high school football team, the Don Bosco Eagles. The match ended in a fight between the coach of the opposing team and the referees, prompting someone to call the TTC for a private bus ride home for the Eagles. TTC spokesman Brad Ross told The Star that the Commission provides shelter busses in the event of an emergency. Is this an acceptable use of that service?

Almost all of the 26 preferred candidates on Rob Ford's list of candidates for civic board duty were interviewed or given a position, according to The Star. Councillor Mike Layton said a check of the names revealed the candidates contributed more than $11,000 to Rob Ford's 2010 election campaign.

Mr Christie won't be baking up anything sweet in Toronto's west end as of fall next year. The company announced yesterday it's planning to close its Lake Shore Boulevard and Park Lawn Road factory, citing aging infrastructure and changes to the neighbourhood. The factory has been on the site since 1948 and employs 550 people.

Just 41 of the countless a-frame sandwich boards outside Toronto's businesses are actually legal, according to the city's licensing and standards department. Weird, right? The signs are sometimes an obstacle for people with visual impairments and there's likely thousands of them on sidewalks across Toronto.

Think your boss is overbearing? A Bay Street law firm has introduced fingerprint scanning technology to track its employees during the course of a normal work day. Apparently too many three-hour lunch breaks prompted management to set up the system.

Finally, anyone that's stood in a freezing bus shelter waiting for a jerky, uncomfortable ride on the airport bus will have have considered taking just about any other kind of transport. One thing you may not have considered: riding a bike.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Photo: "Autumn Construction around OCAD pt.2" by GregoryIV in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The photos of the week: October 27 - November 2

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Fall TorontoThe photos of the week collect each of the editor-selected photos of the day into one post for a contest to be decided by our readers. Sponsored by Posterjack, the photographer whose image receives the most votes will be awarded with a voucher code for a 24"x36" poster print of their work.

All the rules and fine-print can be found in the original announcement post on the blogTO Flickr page. One thing to add, however, is that the voting period ends at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, after which the winner will be contacted with the good news (We're still in the process of contacting past winners).

For those photographers whose images are featured below, please feel free to give us a little information about your shot — i.e. where and when it was taken — in the comments section. Who knows? Maybe your description will sway voters in your favour!

Lead photo by magda_lenna.

2.
Dog TorontoPhoto by asianz

3.
Toronto black and whitePhoto by Photolifer

4.
King Street CabPhoto by kilowa

5.
Sandy Storm TorontoPhoto by Jeremy Gilbert

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Rooftopping torontoPhoto by ronnie.yip

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Toronto SkylinePhoto by ronnie.yip


Should these Toronto buildings be heritage properties?

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toronto heritage propertiesHeritage designation can sometimes be a contentious issue — say, when a man wants to amend a structure to accommodate his disabled wife, or when a suspicious fire brings down a building poised for costly renovations. But before the arson and neighbourhood outrage, structures have to be brought before council to assess the appropriateness of heritage designation. New (old) buildings are constantly put forth for review, including these three latest Toronto properties.

toronto heritage structuresADRESS: 20 Maitland Street
ORIGINALLY CONSTRUCTED:1889
ORIGINAL OWNER: William/Mary Ann Sharpe
HISTORY: Records show the site was owned by William Sharpe; a man who was described as a "gentleman" in documents, in case you were wondering. 20 Maitland was constructed as the west half of a pair of semi-detached homes, the east of which was demolished back in the 1960s. The Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto took over 20 Maitland in 1960 and operated a home for released female prisoners. The building was sold seven years later.
WORTHY OF HERITAGE DESIGNATION? It's certainly better than another antiseptic-looking glass condo tower. That said, it does seem a fairly unremarkable building in terms of Victorian aesthetic and style. It's old, yes, but is that enough?

toronto heritage structuresADRESS: 296 Broadview Avenue
ORIGINALLY CONSTRUCTED: 1894
ORIGINAL OWNER: Broadview Avenue Congressional Church
HISTORY: Designed by celebrated Toronto architect E. J. Lennox (the man behind Casa Loma and Old City Hall), 296 Broadview was valued at $6,000 back in 1896. Yeah, I'd take on that mortgage. The structure has housed a series of congregations including the Broadview Avenue Free Methodist Church and the Broadview Faith Temple. The interior was renovated in 1932 after a fire.
WORTHY OF HERITAGE DESIGNATION? The structure is representative of neo-gothic style with a pitched gable roof, pointed arched windows, and mock timbering. In other words, perfect for another money-making condo development.

toronto heritage structuresADRESS: 19 St. Leonard's Avenue
ORIGINALLY CONSTRUCTED: 1921
ORIGINAL OWNER: Sydney Hessin
HISTORY: This property was owned and occupied by Sydney Hessin until 1928, when Alfred P. Brown took over as occupant. The plans for the property were originally prepared by Scottish-trained architect James Mitchell, and plans for a south extension was filed in 1982.
WORTHY OF HERITAGE DESIGNATION? Lawrence Park residents concerned about redevelopment have brought this property forward for evaluation. While that chimney looks mighty fine, the rest seems just...a house. What am I missing?

What do you think? Should these structures be heritage properties? Add your comments to the thread below.

This Week in Food: New locations for Five Guys Burgers, Banh Mi Boys and Hot Oven Bakery, What's on the Table, Childhood Favourites Supper Club, Oxala celebrates 1 year

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Banh Mi Boys TorontoThis Week in Food rounds up the week's food news, restaurants openings and closings, chef movements and upcoming food events in Toronto. Find us here every Friday morning.

OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS

  • Popular American burger chain, Five Guys Burgers and Fries (329 Yonge Street) has opened its first downtown eatery (locations can already be found in Mississauga and Vaughan) at Yonge and Dundas.
  • After months of speculation, Banh Mi Boys has confirmed plans to open a second location at 399 Yonge this January.
  • Pho Huong will replace Adam's Sushi at 598 College Street, a first for Little Italy; Vietnamese food.
  • Hot Oven Bakery has announced they are opening another West-end location soon at 177 Roncesvalles.
  • Le Panier Rouge was short-lived, The Yonge and St Clair grab-and-go only opened earlier this year at 1425 Yonge Street but is already gone.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • There is plenty to eat at The Royal Winter Fair opening this weekend, running from November 2nd to 11th at Exhibition Place (100 Princes' Boulevard). Edible attractions include a harvest market, cheese seminars, chef challenges and more.
  • The Stop hosts the eighth annual What's on the Table on Wednesday, November 7th. This benefit for The Stop's anti-poverty and anti-hunger programs brings together Toronto's most innovative chefs and Niagara' best wines all under one roof.
  • Foodies on Foot tours memory lane with the Childhood Favourites Supper Club on Thursday, November 8th. Taking place at the newly designed Foodies on Foot Studio (75 Portland Street), tickets are $75 and include reinvented childhood faves (think: PB&J&Foie Gras) prepared by Chef Robyn Goorevitch of Dining In Chez Vous and complimentary beverages.
  • Oxala celebrates its first birthday with "Art y Tacos" on Friday, November 16th from 7pm at La Revolución (2848 Dundas Street West) in the Junction. The celebration includes dinner service in the front room featuring Oxala's signature menu of tacos, vegetarian tamales, ceviche shooters, and cocktails plus live music and street art in the back room.
  • The Rusholme Park Supper Club and Cookie Martinez presents Classic Colombian Comfort Food on Sunday, November 11th at 7:30pm taking place at The Depanneur (1033 College Street).
  • OTHER NEWS

  • Liberty Village Brewing Company has announced its first tasting sessions to be held at the Liberty Market Building (171 East Liberty Street). Registration is open now for the two tasting events on Tuesday, November 13th and Wednesday, November 14th.


Toronto gets a new high-end steakhouse

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Toronto steakhouseIt's a bit pricey and oh-so slick, but this modern Italian steakhouse, discreetly tucked below-ground in the space formerly occupied by Monsoon, is sure to be a draw for Shangri-La and Soho House folks. So how does the other half eat? Rather well, it would appear.

Read my profile of Michael's on Simcoe in the restaurants section.

Gravy Train restaurant coming to Toronto

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Gravy Train Restaurant TorontoI suppose it was bound to happen given the degree to which the expression "gravy train" has been implanted in our minds. If all goes according to plan, Toronto will get a Gravy Train restaurant sometime next year. Described by prospective owners James Applegath and Craig Brissenden as a "gourmet dippery," the idea behind the restaurant actually extends beyond its Rob Ford-inspired name.

"We're adopting a satirical approach to restaurant marketing, yet we're very serious regarding our mission to serve food with wholesome, high-quality ingredients prepared using healthier methods," the two explain on their Indiegogo campaign page. That's probably a good thing because there's a good chance that Rob Ford won't be around for a second term.

While not a reality yet, the founders have considerable experience in the restaurant business, so as far as restaurant concepts go, this one seems to have a pretty good chance of actually happening. So if you're one of those people who still thinks Toronto lags behind Kingston (let's not even talk about Montreal) in terms of its gravy quality, a restaurant that specializes in gravy might be something to get excited about.

For more info, check out the Gravy Train's Indiegogo campaign.

Photo of random poutine by Backpack Foodie on Flickr

Is this the best sushi at the best price?

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oshio japanese restaurant torontoThis sushi restaurant's motto is "best sushi, best price," and while they don't offer an AYCE option, the prices are definitely reasonable. They have all the sushi stand-bys--from sushi pizza, to combos, to spicy salmon rolls-- and with a steady influx of customers ensuring the fish stays fresh, this place is worth checking out, even if it's just for takeout.

Read my review of Oshio Japanese Restaurant in the restaurants section.

The pumpkin death parade carries on at Sorauren Park

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Sorauren Park Pumpkin ParadeThis year's edition of the Sorauren Park Pumpkin Parade came in defiance of the rain and mud, as the community once again gathered to give their jack-o-lanterns another chance to glow and delight passers-by. A few less in number than other years, but with the weather, and with competing parades popping up around the city, it was to be expected. Still, at least 500-700 pumpkins were on display by 8pm, impressive by any account.

Back in late September, it almost seemed as though the Parade would be cancelled due to some red tape being thrown up by municipal employees trying to economize resources — but this was quickly resolved by cooler heads on Council and the Parade was allowed to continue.

PHOTOS

Sorauren Park Pumpkin ParadeSorauren Park Pumpkin ParadeSorauren Park Pumpkin ParadeSorauren Park Pumpkin ParadeSorauren Park Pumpkin ParadeSorauren Park Pumpkin ParadeSorauren Park Pumpkin ParadeSorauren Park Pumpkin ParadeSorauren Park Pumpkin ParadeSorauren Park Pumpkin ParadeWriting and photos by Hamish Grant

Caesars releases Convention Centre casino renderings

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toronto Caesars casinoFirst Oxford Properities showed its hand with a series of images depicting a revamped Metro Toronto Convention Centre at the heart of a $3-billion casino proposal, now American gambling giant Caesars has followed suit with its own ideas for what a gaming facility on the site could look like.

Decidedly understated compared to the giant residential towers and sprawling park proposed by Oxford Properties, the renderings show a relatively low-key entrance to the facility on Front Street near the Rogers Centre and a concept for an urban park and performance space in the surrounding area. That said, several towers loom semi-transparently in the background without a mention in the accompanying press release.

toronto Caesars casinoAccording to information released with the images, the three-storey glass building that includes the main entrance to the complex is "sophisticated and modern" and designed to integrate into the city's "urban fabric." It's also supposed to compliment our "pedestrian-friendly" streets and Toronto's "robust" transit system (gosh, such compliments.)

The company also hints at its agreements with musical acts such as Celine Dion, Elton John, Shania Twain, and Rod Stewart, possible visitors to the "year-round" outdoor venue perhaps. Dion's name is shown in bright lights on stage at the "Colosseum" while a modest crowd looks on from the lawn. I'm not sure it would be the same story in the dead of winter mind you.

Caesars hasn't officially locked onto the convention centre as its preferred location but these images give some idea as to what the company is thinking. Perhaps the small-scale complex is designed to work in contrast to other grander proposals. Retail and dining outlets on the site are also included in the drawings on the edge of the performance space.

Recently, Rob Ford said he would prefer a downtown casino to be on city land (which the Convention Centre isn't) and hinted he'd like to see $100-million in revenue for Toronto and between 10 and 20 thousand new jobs.

What do you think of these latest images? Do you think this proposal is better than the one detailed by Oxford Properties? Is an outdoor performance venue what downtown needs?

Images: Caesars Entertainment Corporation

The Best Tea in Toronto

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best tea torontoThe best tea in Toronto often comes from purveyors who offer more than just loose leaves. The men and women behind some of these shops can tell you the optimal temperature for a jasmine green and the merits of a gojiberry herbal blend, all while brewing the perfect tea for a morning pick-me-up or afternoon unwind. The best tea in Toronto is usually offered alongside a good assortment of teaware and accessories, and a select few shops go above and beyond by serving their particular takes on afternoon high tea.

Though David's Tea is one of the more recognizable chains brands throughout Toronto and beyond, we've stuck to independent shops for this list of the best tea in the city.

See also:

The best afternoon tea in Toronto
The best brunch in Toronto
The best new cafes in Toronto 2011

Weekend events in Toronto: November 2-4, 2012

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Toronto EventsWeekend events in Toronto is our guide to events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here's what's happening in Toronto this November 2-4, 2012.

PARTY

Toronto Design Offsite Festival Warm Up Party
Toronto Design Offsite is back with the 2nd annual TO DO Warm Up Party, a free event gearing up to Toronto Design Week. Edition Richmond will transform into an event venue on Friday night, complete with cocktails and dancing, with DJ's Joe Blow and Randall will provide the beats for the evening. Naturally, design elements will be incorporated into the environment so show up to enjoy the atmosphere and warm up with a drink.
Edition Richmond (850 Richmond Street West), November 2, 2012, 8PM Free

FOOD

Foodies on Foot Favourites Food Tour
Foodies on Foot are notorious for having the most discerning palates and this Sunday, they invite those interested in joining their secret supper club to take a tour of food journalists favourite spots in Toronto. Hidden gems and neighbourhood staples will be explored on the tour with a knowledgeable foodie guide. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and the ticket price includes a TTC pass so the foodies can criss cross the city to sample the best foods.
Foodies on Foot Studio (75 Portland Street), November 4, 2012, 11AM $75

For more food listings, check out our This Week in Food post.

CARNIVAL

Winterlude Carnival Fundraiser
The Ontario Track 3 Ski Association encourages special needs and disabled individuals to learn to ski and snowboard and on Friday, November 2nd, the organization hosts its Winterlude Carnival Fundraiser at Steam Whistle Brewery. Running for over 40 years now, Track 3 relies on the support of individuals who attend their fundraisers like Friday's Winterlude Carnival. Stop by the brewery to participate in the silent auction, brewery tours and other activities, including the Ride the Snowboard machine. There will be music, food and, of course, Steam Whistle to drink. Tickets are available through track3.org. All proceeds go toward Track 3 programs.
Steam Whistle Brewery (255 Bremner Boulevard), November 2, 2012, 6:30PM $35

FAIR

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
As the relationship between our food and its origins continues to erode, the Royal is as educational an experience as it is entertaining. Kids love the animals and foodie types love the produce, so unless you hate food and children, you might consider checking it out.
Exhibition Place, November 2-11. General Admission $20.

TECH

Gamercamp
Toronto's anual celebration of video games and gaming culture gears up this weekend in and around U of T. Expanding every year, you can expect to talks from some of the biggest names in the community, hands-on workshops, social events, and even a pop-up cafe from Snakes & Lattes.
Various locations. November 3-4.

THEATRE

Byologyc: Retreat
It's like Choose Your Own Adventure gone apocalyptic at the Brick Works this Friday and Saturday evenings with the opening of Byologyc: Retreat. Debuting at this year's Nuit Blanche, ByoLogyc, a fictional company in biotech lifestyle enhancement solutions, has created a product that releases a deadly outbreak in Toronto. Audience members will purchase tickets based on how involved they will be with the resolution--from a leader in creating propaganda to someone on the front lines fighting the company to a board member who sits back and enjoys the show. Join the interactive adventure that puts you in a sci-fi story with 300 other members of the "audience" during the end of the world.
Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Avenue), November 2-3, 2012, 6:30PM, 9:30PM $49.99-$99.99

For more theatre listings, check out our This Week in Theatre post.

FASHION

Community Series
Community 54 is hosting a series of pop-ups, which get underway tonight with Brian Vu's brand of military-style wear LATrE. Perhaps even more exiting than the clothes, though is that DJ Lissa Monet will be doing her thing at the shop. That's worth paying a visit for right there. There's a guest-list in effect tonight, but the pop-up is open tomorrow as well.
Community 54, 1275 Queen Street West

Accessory Swap Party
Accessories were made for swapping and the ladies of Bobette and Belle are acknowledging that by hosting a swap party inside their pastry shop this Saturday. Guests are asked to bring scarves, belts and jewelry that they wish to swap, and wear white shirts to maximize the effects of the complimentary colour analysis and style tips they'll receive from experts. Make-up artists, prizes, goody baskets and finger foods will all be available at the event. Tickets can be purchased at yourshopgirl.eventbrite.ca.
Bobette and Belle (1121 Queen Street East), November 3, 2012, 6PM $49

For more fashion listings, check out our This Week in Fashion post.

SheezerMUSIC

Sheezer
There's always that one party that happens after Halloween but not to worry, the girls of Sheezer are throwing this one so it has to be good. The all-girl Weezer cover band that everyone, including Weezer, loves performs at the 3rd annual Halloween party at Lee's Palace this Friday night. Joined by special guests Planet Creature and Pins and Needles, the doors open at 9PM and the band will hit the stage around 10PM with new B-sides from the Blue Album. Remember, it's a Halloween party, costumes are cool here!
Lee's Palace (529 Bloor Street West), November 2, 2012, 9PM $10 advance, $12 door

Crystal Castles
Crystal Castles, the Toronto experimental electronic band comprised of Alice Glass and Ethan Kath, plays Kool Haus this Saturday night with alt rock bands Kontravoid and HEALTH. Castles, who released their sophomore album in the spring of 2010, play their home city this weekend before embarking on a five-month international tour. Crystal Castles performances are rare in Toronto so scoop up tickets while they're still available through Ticketmaster, Soundscapes and Rotate This.
Kool Haus (132 Queen Street East), November 3, 2012, 7PM $41

For more music listings, check out our Hot Ticket post and our November concerts roundup.

ART & DESIGN

Textile Museum of Canada's reDesign Preview
As a precursor to Wednesday's fundraiser, the Textile Museum of Canada offers a free public preview of reDesign, a collaborative effort between artists, designers and architects who take on Eames-style furniture. Taking place at Bonham's Auction House, this is a wonderful opportunity to skip out on the $100 entry ticket to the event and observe how these artists have reimagined 40 of the iconic Eames chairs in their own vision. The previews are open to the public from 1-5PM from November 2nd to the 6th. For tickets to Wednesday's event, check out redesign2012.eventbrite.com.
Bonham's Auction House (20 Hazelton Avenue), November 2-6, 2012, 1PM Free

Painting Canada: Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven
Private lenders and public institutions around the world have generously loaned pieces by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection for Painting Canada, a new exhibit that opens this Saturday. A rare array of works depicting precious land that Canadians love will be on display as organized by the National Gallery of Canada and Dulwich Picture Gallery. The exhibit closes January 6th.
McMichael Canadian Art Collection (10365 Islington Avenue), November 3, 2012-January 6, 2013 10AM $15

FESTIVAL

Day of the Dead
With Halloween over, so is the fear of the dead where Harbourfront Centre is concerned. During the Mexican festival, Day of the Dead, Harbourfront will celebrate those who have passed by joining in on the Latin American traditions of the holiday over the course of this weekend. Mexican folkloric dancers and musicians will perform while the marketplace will be full of Mexican food and craft vendors. Altars will be placed throughout the centre for the public to pay homage to their loved ones who have gone.
Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West), November 3-4, 2012, 12PM Free

Dia de los Muertos
The Brick Works celebrates Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos as it is known in Mexico, in their own way this Saturday. Contributing the Brick Works prime resource--clay--guests are invited to make traditional festival skulls and coffins while enjoying the weekly farmer's market, which will feature Latin American vendors. The Woodshed Orchestra will supply music while Maizal Quesadilla Café owner Gabriela Ituarte shares the tradition of the Altar, where photos are laid of lost loved ones. The events take place in the Pavilions for one day only.
Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Avenue), November 3, 2012, 8AM

BOOKS & LIT

The Human Canvas Project Exhibition and Book Launch
Author and artist Matti McLean uses the human body as his canvas and this Saturday, he reveals his works with the launch of his book, "The Human Canvas Project." A corresponding exhibit of the 100 collaborative portraits that involve paint and photography will also be on display with models from the shoots in attendance. This body-painting project opens at Glad Day Bookshop to explore the human relationship with the body for one day only.
Glad Day Bookshop (598a Yonge Street), November 3, 2012, 8PM Free

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

For Toronto movie showtimes, view our Movie Listings section.

Lead photo of Gamercamp 2010 by Gavin Hay / Sheezer photo from The Drake Hotel's Flickr stream


Royal Alex Theatre

This Week In Comedy: Dark Comedy Festival, Just For Laughs, Joe Avati, Comedy Uncovered, and Superstars of Comedy

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toronto comedy showsOver the next seven days, our fair city will play host to everyone from Goat Boy to the Italian Jerry Seinfeld. Ever heard of a GPS featuring the voice of Joe Pesci? No? Follow me as I walk you through This Week In Comedy.

WED OCT 31 - SAT NOV 10 / DARK COMEDY FESTIVAL / VARIOUS LOCATIONS / FESTIVAL PASS $69.99

Fresh on the heels of Just For Laughs, we now have the Dark Comedy Festival, headlined with Maria Bamford, Jim Norton, and Eddie Pepitone. A festival pass ensures that you get premium seating for Bamford and Pepitone, as well as access to every other show on the schedule. When I first started out as a comic, I didn't like the idea of dark comedy, which I thought was just a bunch of comedians going through the rape, abortion, suicide, and paedophilia obstacle course, yelling and swearing all the while. I've learned that the best dark comics let you see the world through the lens of their microscope, and often have the audience laughing at them and their take on the subject, rather than the subject/victim.

FRI NOV 9 / JUST FOR LAUGHS TOUR / MASSEY HALL / 178 VICTORIA / 730PM / $36-56

The Just For Laughs tour makes a stop at Massey Hall this week. Your acts include Debra DiGiovanni, John Heffron, Godfrey, Jim Breuer, and The Improvisers...now that's what I call a line-up. As an SNL fanatic (1987-2002ish, anyways), Jim Breuer's my personal favourite on the bill. Whether he's telling a story about Norm Macdonald, bleating like a goat, or simply giggling, I can't help but get swept up in his childlike enthusiasm.

FRI NOV 9 & SAT NOV 10 / JOE AVATI / TORONTO CENTRE FOR THE ARTS / 5040 YONGE / VARIOUS TIMES / $72

He's been called the Italian Seinfeld, but what you may not know is that Joe's Live and Unpluggato was the number one selling comedy album in Canada for a year and a half back in 2000. What's remarkable about all of the great stand-ups is true for Joe: though I've never lived where he's lived, met who he's met, or experienced what he's experienced, he compels me to understand the world from his point of view, and see exactly why he finds it funny.

FRI NOV 9 / COMEDY UNCOVERED LIVE / The LOT / 100 OSSINGTON / 930PM / $10 ADV $12 DOOR

Taylor Erwin, who runs the Toronto Comedy hub, Comedy Uncovered, has put together an awesome line-up headlined by one of my favourites, Monty Scott. I've seen comedians raise audiences into a fervour based on an assault of jokes, crowd work, and acting--that's rare, but I've seen it. What sets Monty apart is that he'll have the audience roaring...but then stop, take a sip of his beer, let the audience settle down, and then dive into another joke that kicks off another applause break. In a world full of copycats, Monty Scott's a truly unique comedian. Heck, the guy won the award for 'Best Joke' at an awards show run by comics.

SAT NOV 10 / SUPERSTARS OF COMEDY / COMEDY BAR / 945 BLOOR W / 10PM & MIDNIGHT / $10 ADV $12 DOOR

Ben (your headliner) takes the stage and improvises a few jokes based on the act before him--a classic move used by most professionals. Then, he starts working the crowd. After settling into his material, he notices an awkward pairing of running shoes and dress socks in the front row and says, "man, if I didn't know what day it was, but saw your socks, I would know it was a Saturday night." Crowd is dying. He goes back into his material, and casually refers back to the dress socks joke, and there you have it: an improvised callback to a joke that originated from crowd work. Ben Miner, ladies and gentlemen, is a stud.

About the Author: This is Michael Jagdeo, and I refuse to write about myself in the third-person. My blog, Diary of a Stand-up Comedian, teaches you how to be - and how not to be - a comedian in Toronto. 

Spoken word events in Toronto, November 2012

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toronto spoken word novemberWith the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word behind us (and a nod to the Up From The Roots Slam Team, which won the national slam title in Saskatoon last month representing our fair city), the community begins to think about 2013, and looks to end 2012 with a bang. A number of spoken word showcase events highlight a busy month for performance poetry in the GTA.

HOT TICKETS

WORDSPELL SPOKEN WORD / NOVEMBER 7 / 7:30pm / FREE TIMES CAFE / $6-$10 SLIDING SCALE
The second instalment of Toronto's spoken word showcase of female voices features performances by the hilarious and talented Amanda Hiebert, and the up-and-coming Mo Ali, known as Child of Life. The show is hosted by 2012 national slam champion Lishai and will also have an open mic for female-identifying wordsmiths wishing to share their words.

SUFI POETS' SERIES: A NIGHT OF WOMEN'S POETRY / NOVEMBER 9 / 7PM / BEIT ZATOUN / $5
Ignite Poets brings together an all-star line-up of poets sharing their words as part of a celebration of Rabi'a of Basra. Poets on the bill include Mahlikah Awe:ri, Ayesha Chatterjee, Doyali Islam, Andrea Thompson, Jacqueline Valencia, Banoo Zan and host Sheniz Janmohamed.

WHEN BROTHERS SPEAK / NOVEMBER 10 / 8PM / ST. LAWRENCE CENTRE FOR THE ARTS / $38-$48
When Brothers Speak is North America's premiere showcase of Black male spoken word artists. This year, host and organizer Dwayne Morgan brings together JustJamaal from Ottawa and Marc Marcel from Baltimore, with past national champions PrufRock (Ottawa), Knowmadic (Edmonton) and Ritallin (Toronto).

2ND ANNUAL TORONTO HEAD-TO-HEAD HAIKU SHOWDOWN / NOVEMBER 13 / 8PM / SUPERMARKET / $5

Hosted by Cynthia Gould, the Toronto Poetry Project presents a showdown of epic 5-7-5 proportions. Haiku writers will share their work in a series of head-to-head showdowns. If you've never been to a haiku match before, it is a hilarious, rollicking affair with some of the funniest, dirtiest, profound, and enlightening messages in a mere 17 syllables! If you're interested in participating, send an email to info@torontopoetryslam.com to get more information.

BAM! THE YOUTH SLAM - FINALS / NOVEMBER 14 / 6PM SHARP / THE CENTRAL / $5

Toronto's newest slam team will be determined at this two-round event for youth aged 12-19. The team selected will represent the city at upcoming slam tournaments in Toronto and further afield. The show will also feature performances by two US-based poets--Princess Chan and Deonte Osayande.

ONTARIO SPOKEN WORD CIRCUIT PRESENTS MISSIE PETERS / NOVEMBER 15, 21, 26 & 28

The OSWC is a consortium of five spoken word groups that stage monthly spoken word events in London, Guelph, Hamilton, Burlington, Mississauga, Toronto and York Region. Thanks to the Canada Council for the Arts they will bring a high-profile artist each month to perform at the venues on the circuit. This month it's Victoria BC poet/improv superstar Missie Peters at Burlington Slam Project (November 15), Bill Brown's 1-2-3 Slam (November 21), Mississauga Poetry Slam's 1st Anniversary Show (November 26) and YorkSlam (November 28).

MEHDI CAYENNE CLUB & EMOTICON DAWN / NOVEMBER 20 / 9PM / CAMERON HOUSE / $8

According to the event write-up: "Emoticon Dawn is a Alberta raised, Toronto based duo comprised of pianist Arlen Yanch and [Canadian and world champion] poet Ian Keteku. The sound is an alchemy of genres and emotions; from neck breaking hip-hop to heart-thumping orchestral movements." Keteku's previous musical projects have been experiences, and I expect this will be no different. Opening act is a bilingual music/poetry ensemble led by Ottawa spoken word wizard Mehdi Hamdad.

Other Shows & Events

Livewords / November 1 / 7:30pm / Black Swan Tavern / PWYC

Britta B. & Majalyn Present: The Girls Next Door Show / November 3 / 8pm / The Magic Oven / free

Sunday Poetry / November 4, 11, 18 and 25 / 11:30am / Ellington's Music & Café / free

Love Jones Sundays hosted by Tomy Bewick / November 4 / 6pm / No One Writes to the Colonel / $10

R.I.S.E. Poetry Movement / November 5, 12, 19 and 26 / 6pm / Scarborough Youth Resource Centre / $2

The Art Bar Poetry Series / November 6, 13, 20 and 27 / 8pm / Pauper's Pub / PWYC

The Beautiful & The Damned hosted by David Bateman / November 8 / 7pm / Glad Day Bookshop / PWYC

Toronto Poetry Slam / November 11 (ft. Chris August) and November 24 (7th Anniversary ft. Missie Peters) / 8pm / The Drake Hotel / $5

Toronto WordStage / November 14 / 7:30pm / Q-Space / free

Hot-Sauced Words: Man-O Rhyme-O Show / November 15 / 8pm / Black Swan Tavern / PWYC

Roots Lounge Open Mic & Poetry Slam / November 18 / 8pm / Harlem Restaurant / $5

Plasticine Poetry hosted by Cathy Petch / November 18 / 6pm / Pauper's Pub / free

Spoke N' Heard: Evolution of Consciousness / November 18 / 6:30pm / House of Moments / $15adv-$20door

The Gong Show hosted by Dwayne Morgan / November 28 / 8pm / Harlem Restaurant / $10

For more listings, head on over to the events calendar or check out the Cytopoetics Events spoken word blog for local info updated weekly during the month.

Have a spoken word event coming up that you'd like us to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO events calendar.

Greg "Ritallin" Frankson is the creative director of Cytopoetics, as well as an arts educator and a spoken word artist himself. Photo of Ian Keteku by Visual Poetics in the blogTO Flickr pool

New menswear boutique mixes high and low fashion

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toronto mens clothing storeThis new menswear shop has taken over a former pharmacy in Yorkville, and transformed it into a whitewashed, spacious boutique featuring brands as diverse as Nike, A.P.C. and Filipa K. Best of all: they have a TV, XBox, and comfortable couch to keep the ladies happy.

Read my profile of Contraband in the fashion stores section.

A brief history of destructive weather in Toronto

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toronto yacht clubWhen the wet and windy edges of Hurricane Sandy brought heavy rain and high winds to Toronto this week it was by no means from the first major storm to bring disruption to the city. Spectacular storms have pounded the north shore of Lake Ontario numerous times since in recorded history, often leaving death, destruction, and disruption in their wake.

Here are a few doozies from the archives that played an important role in shaping our city's psyche.

April 14, 1858toronto islands mapThough it didn't devastate the town of York, the big wind storm of the spring of 1858 certainly left its mark on the landscape. Had it not been for this patch of particularly inclement weather, the Toronto Islands would still be part of a wispy sandbar attached to the shore at the foot of Woodbine Avenue.

Before 1858, the Islands weren't islands. The popular tourist spot was, according to Elizabeth Simcoe, the wife of John Graves Simcoe, "united to the mainland by a very narrow neck of ground." Had it remained, that physical connection could have radically altered the fate of the population shy, off-shore neighbourhood.

December 11, 1944toronto snowClose to two feet of snow would prove problematic even for cities with modern clearing equipment. In 1944, a particularly imprecise weather forecast for the Toronto area left the city's inhabitants woefully underprepared for the monster blizzard rolling approaching.

The great storm of 1944, as it came to be known, killed 21 people - 13 of them through exhaustion from shoveling (that's how you know there was a lot of snow.) According to Agatha Barc, high winds on Queen Street knocked over a streetcar, trapping several passengers inside and reducing visibility to zero.

When it all shook out, massive snow drifts were left lining city streets for days after the initial deluge and made many roads were completely impassable. Door-to-door milk and coal deliveries practically fell apart, forcing companies to ask customers to collect their fuel from a central depot. Those that couldn't make it simply had to shiver it out until the weather improved.

October 15, 1954 (Hurricane Hazel)toronto hurricane hazelThe storm that needs no introduction, Hurricane Hazel was undoubtedly the worst natural disaster to strike Toronto in its history. Roaring its way up from the caribbean, Hazel struck the city just before midnight, delivering lashing rain and strong winds.

The Humber River burst its banks in the ensuing melee, sweeping away entire streets in its path. Homes built on the river's floodplain didn't stand a chance in the face of the rapidly rising water. Weston, Swansea, Mimico, New Toronto, and Long Branch were the hardest hit.

Five firefighters died while on a call to a group of people stranded on top of a car near Dundas and Bloor. 81 others were lost in the flood, mostly in the west end. In total, 11 inches of rain fell over a period of just a few hours. The damage was estimated to be $25 million.

January 2, 1999toronto storm 1999Toronto's most recent pummeling at the hands of winter turned out to be one of its more embarrassing episodes. Back in 1999, a severe snow storm that affected much of southern Ontario, Quebec, and northern parts of the United States dropped between 14 and 18 inches of snow on the city, paralyzing the transit system and practically all roads.

Where as most other communities were able to simply dig their way out, mayor Mel Lastman called in the army to help clear the drifts in Toronto, much to our collective chagrin (and, frankly, relief). Businesses closed, the airport shut down, and the open cut portions of the subway were blocked by windblown snowdrifts. Ambulances struggled to find a way through treacherous streets to rescue the sick and injured.

A total of 400 troops were posted here to help clear roads and rescue people trapped in their homes. The third in a series of winter storms, the 1999 blizzard earned the nickname the "Blizzard of the Century." Fingers crossed this year we don't have anything eligible for the same title.

Photos: Joseph Bouchette's plan of York Harbour 1793, Flickr, and the City of Toronto Archives.

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