Rob Ford has promised to kick off his re-election campaign in the new year but already a video has surfaced to get Ford Nation energized for a second term. If only it were real. The mock campaign spot is a clever parody of Kathleen Wynne's Never Stop spot. Take a look and compare the Rob Ford mock to the original that follows.
Rob Ford: Can't Stop
Kathleen Wynne: Never Stop
Now who wants to create an Olivia Chow one?
Rob Ford was back in the US spotlight today as Jesse Watters and Bill O'Reilly dissected the mayor's antics on the O'Reilly Factor. The interview views like comedy gold - spliced together in a way that it actually looks fake. But it's not. Among the highlights:
Take a look at the 6 minute segment below.
More info on the Fox News Insider.
Toronto events on November 26th, 2013
FUNDRAISER | Returning Sun: A Relief Benefit for the Philippines
A special fundraiser goes down tonight at Revival, to help Plan Canada's efforts to aid the victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan, which struck the Philippines on November 8, killing over five thousand people and destroying the property and homes of over 11 million others. Doing their part to throw an awesome party for an awesome cause are Skratch Bastid, MC Flipside, Adam K, DJ Shine, Fritz Helder, and many others. Sportsnet's Hazel Mae and CP24's Melissa Grelo will host the event, and there will be some awesome comestibles available, courtesy of Caplansky's, Lamesa, and Sukho Thai. Revival (783 College Street) 7PM $10 (minimum donation).
ART | Todd James
American visual artist Todd James' exhibition carries on at the Cooper Cole Gallery today. This is the first solo exhibition in Canada for this New York city based artist, who has had his work displayed in various locales around the world, including the Tate Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia, and others. Following in the tradition of Warhol and others, who combined a "serious" fine art practice, with commercial work in the entertainment industry, James' work has been used as album covers and otherwise by The Beastie Boys, Iggy Pop, and others. The exhibition runs until December 7th. Cooper Cole Gallery (161 Dundas Street West) 1pm-6pm.
BOOKS & LIT | In Person: Les Stroud
Canadian wilderness maven and Discovery Channel celeb Les Stroud will be talking about his new book, Beyond Survivorman at Chapters on The Queensway. Stroud is known as the creator of the Survivorman television series, which finds him roughing it out in various hostile climates and environments. This book features photographs by Laura Bombier, and finds Stroud in different areas of the globe, connecting with different regions and people, from the the San Bushmen in Africa to Malasian Sea Gypsies. Chapters (1950 The Queensway) 7PM.
CULTURE | Mapping Harbord Village: Stories of a Neighbourhood
A bit of TO history gets shared tonight at the Miles Nadal JCC, with the launch and reception for the exhibition Mapping Harbord Village: Stories of a Neighbourhood. Both photography and "oral histories" make up the work put together by the Harbord Village Residents' Association and a group of students from the University of Toronto's Master of Museum Studies (MMSt) program. Interviews were conducted, and photos gathered, and the result is an interesting portrait of this area prior to 1975, that will be something for any maven of TO history to check out. The Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre, Jacobs Lounge (750 Spadina Avenue) 6PM.
Continuing
FILM | European Union Film Festival
For two more nights Torontonians can catch features at the European Union Film Festival from Euro destinations from Bulgaria to the UK and from Croatia to Finland, France, Greece, Romania, and well, you get it. Ongoing until November 27 the ninth annual fest will screen 34 films from 28 countries for free (yes, for free!) at The Royal Cinema. Read our preview here. Until Wednesday, November 27, The Royal Cinema (608 College St), various showtimes, all screenings free (reserved seats $10).
Also Of Note
Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.
Photo of Skratch Bastid by Dylan Leeder
Liberal candidate Chrystia Freeland has won the Toronto Centre byelection, defeating the NDP's Linda McQuaig by almost 5,000 votes. The result means the federal Liberals retain the riding they have held for 20 years. Freeland, an author and journalist, says the result marks "the first act of the 2015 election."
Rob Ford came out swinging at yesterday's budget meeting, railing against a planned 2.5 per cent property tax rise recommended by city staff. The increase, part of which will cover the cost of the Ford-backed Scarborough subway, would amount to about $64 per household. In vintage form, Ford railed against the "gravy train" and demanded the increase be limited to 1.75 per cent.
The draft budget does not contain a 10 per cent cut to the land transfer tax also desired by Ford. City manager Joe Pennachetti said cutting the tax would have disastrous consequences for the city. "We could not have balanced our budgets over the last number of years without the land transfer tax," he said.
Some details are emerging about how Toronto plans to rescue the struggling Bixi program. Under a new deal agreed in part last week, the bike-share business would be handed to the Toronto Parking Authority and management duties given to a Portland-based company. The city plans to use money from Astral Media to pay off some of the company's debts but would still be forced to absorb the $3.9 million loan guarantee the city gave Bixi.
Cheer up, Rob Ford - Donald Trump still likes you. The U.S. billionaire tweeted he would rather see Toronto's mayor handle the current negotiations with Iran over President Barack Obama.
Toronto's fledgling food truck scene has many champions. From the chefs on the street to the councillors and organizers pushing for changes to the current rules governing mobile kitchens in Toronto, there are many people fighting for the right to chow down outside. Cindy McGlynn breaks down the stars of the Toronto scene.
There's a winter storm coming. Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement warning of between 2 and 10 cms of snow for the GTA starting this evening and continuing into Wednesday. Batten down the hatches.
Finally, just when you thought the Rob Ford scandal couldn't get any stranger, a parody porno surfaces and followers of Satan announce they are running a bus tour of Etobicoke. The 30-minute film, titled "The Rob Ford Sex Tape -- A Parody!," was released Monday and features actor Peter O'Tool as Ford. The tour, which the organizers insist is serious, will "honour" the mayor, Pastor Morgan Wilkes, an "evangelical prophet of Satan," says.
IN BRIEF:
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
Image: AshtonPal/blogTO Flickr pool.
This Week in Home Video previews all the latest Blu-ray, DVD and on-demand titles hitting the street this week, plus lost gems, crazed Cancon, outrageous cult titles and the best places to rent, buy, talk or see movies in Toronto.
NEW RELEASES
Breaking Bad: The Complete Series (Sony)
After being diagnosed with cancer, lowly High school teacher Walter White begins a rapid descent into the New Mexico crime scene as a reborn Meth dealer and empire builder.
Still basking in the glow of an incredible conclusion to 5 solid seasons, BREAKING BAD now joins the rarified ranks of THE WIRE and THE SOPRANOS as complete series which held it together for their duration and managed a soft landing, creating a televisual journey worth revisiting and therefore owning and cherishing (anyone still revisiting their LOST DVDs, we wonder?).
This mammoth set - shaped like the barrels which appeared so frequently in the series - would make one excellent Christmas present to give or receive, as it includes a collectible replica money barrel, over 55 hours of special features from all seasons, an all new two-hour documentary, a 16 page booklet with letter from Vince Gilligan, a commemorative challenge coin designed by Vince Gilligan, a Los Pollos Hermanos apron, and more. No half measures here.
Getaway (Warner Bros.)
Former race car driver must drive around and obey the voice of an anonymous caller else his wife will die. High octane nonsense that plays like a vine remix of better action movies from the last 5 years. Fans of Selena Gomez would be better served seeking out her fine (seriously!) work in SPRING BREAKERS, while motor heads just have one more week until they can own FAST & FURIOUS 6.
Jobs (Universal)
Like a Wikipedia entry turned into a movie of the week, this plodding bio of Apple innovator Steve Jobs is perhaps the ultimate episode of PUNK'D.
TV
Murdoch Mysteries - Season 6 (Acorn)
All 13 episodes of MURDOCH MYSTERIES 6th series of steampunk adventure influenced by CSI meets Sherlock Holmes in turn of the century Toronto. Featuring stand out episodes like "The Ghosts of Queen's Park", shot on location and featuring a cameo from Lt. Governor David Onley, and "The Murdoch Trap" which sees the return of Murdoch's Moriarty, the evil mastermind James Gillies.
This was first season of MURDOCH produced for the CBC, and saw the series change quite dramatically for the better, with more historical hooks (Winston Churchill, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle), a defter tone (which has carried over into the current 7th series) and more humour, while giving fans more of the playful Murdoch/Ogden romance and maximizing the effortlessly charming performance from Yannick Bisson.
CULT CLASSICS
Knightriders (Shout Factory)
Mad as a box of frogs tale of modern day Knights who travel the land holding jousting tournaments on motorcycles. Written and directed by Zombie godfather and transplanted Toronto hero George Romero while he waiting on money for DAY OF THE DEAD, and starring shouty Ed Harris and gore hound FX master Tom Savini, this has CULT MOVIE written in flashing neon lights all over it. Strangely absent in any form for the last decade, Shout Factory's restored Bluray should hopefully help this bizarre gem get a new look-in.
The Horror Show(Scream Factory)
Creepy Brion James (BLADE RUNNER and TANGO & CASH fame) plays goofy maniacal Max Jenke, a mass murderer who comes back from death after being electrocuted for his crimes to torture the cop who caught him, played with suitably seriousness from Lance Henriksen. The producers obviously hoped Jenke would catch on and become a Jason Voorhees or Freddy Krueger type franchise; alas this straight-to-video wonder has languished in obscurity for too long.
STILL FRESH
THE BREAKING BAD RV COMES TO TORONTO
A pretty amazingly accurate replica of Walt and Jessie's mobile Meth lab/RV is buzzing around Toronto for fans to visit over the next 2 weeks to help celebrate the release of the final season and the Complete series on Bluray and DVD.
Visitors to the RV can try on BREAKING BAD style Hazmat suits, gas masks and take funny pictures to help reinforce Toronto's hilarious new image as a city of drug dependency.
To follow the RV's T dot trip on Twitter check out @BreakingBadRV and on Facebook Facebook.com/BreakingBadRV.
Toronto and Oakville now have one more thing in common today as a popular eyewear store has opened its first Hogtown location near Yonge and Eglinton. Inside are all sorts of artisanal frames and fixtures geared to make the store feel sort of like someone's home.
Read my profile of Squint Eyewear in the fashion section.
It's inevitable that our city's much-celebrated reputation as Hollywood North would inspire clever business ideas to cater to the thriving local film industry. Set Scouter is just such an idea.
Launched in July 2013, Set Scouter is a Toronto-based marketplace connecting filmmakers looking to book the perfect set with location owners looking to rent out their spaces. The website has over 100 locations currently listed and a constantly expanding catalogue of spaces. Since launch the site has received consistent requests from producers looking for new and different locations around our city, surely a sign that this startup is on to something.
Founder Alex Kolodkin explains how Set Scouter is planning to make the tedious, old-school location scouting process faster, easier and more affordable.
What motivated you to start Set Scouter?
The idea for Set Scouter came to me after facing my own challenges finding locations while working in the production industry and in my related undergraduate degree. By the time I was finding locations for projects in grad school, I realized that nothing had changed. Location scouting was still difficult, frustrating and time consuming. Not only do locations take a significant chunk out of the total production budget, finding the perfect set eats up a lot of time and energy. Dealing with an expensive location scout or hours cold calling was still the norm. I knew there had to be a better way. Eventually I asked myself, am I going to be the one to change things? And so Set Scouter was born.
How does your startup generate revenue?
Set Scouter only makes money once a location is booked. On listings under $350 a 5% service fee is added to the filmmaker's checkout. The service charge drops to 3.5% on listings over $351. We also take a flat fee of 15% from location owners when the booking process is completed.
Are there any other startups competing in this space?
Our major competitor is really just the outdated, manual process of securing a location for a production. Filmmakers do not have access to a variety of locations for productions and that is a constant pain-point for the industry, especially for new filmmakers on lower-to-mid budget productions. Our goal is to create a more organized approach to browsing private listings and booking locations, saving time, energy and money.
Can you share any examples of how Set Scouter has helped out a production team in a pinch?
We celebrated our launch by securing a key location for Canadian pop-rock group Hedley's newest music video Anything. The production company, The Field Inc., spent more than a week looking for a distinct swimming pool to use as a backdrop for the video before discovering Set Scouter. It took only 48 hours for us to help the company secure their ideal location. It was a really great feeling to help our first client, not to mention that it was pretty awesome being on set for a music video with such a fun band.
So, what's next?
While we continue to make improvements to the web app, including adding reviews, we also want to create a mobile app which would make it more convenient for producers to browse when they're not at a desk. We're also looking for strategic partnerships to help facilitate more location matches and to continue growing our impact in Toronto's production industry, which would allow us to expand to other cities in Canada.
The Brazil Film Fest's timing during the last dregs of autumn might seem like a tease, but the heart of the matter is nothing's better in nippy weather than hiding out in a theatre for a couple of hours to take in a film made somewhere much, much warmer. The magic of film might actually be the next best thing to actually flying to a sun kissed destination. The 2013 fest will take over the TIFF Bell Lightbox this weekend with 11 films from passionate love stories to understated dramas.
Read on for 5 stand out films from the fest and a ticket giveaway.
Reaching for the Moon / dir. Bruno Barreto / Friday, November 29 / 7:00 PM
Part love story, part biography, Reaching for the Moon presents the a tragic love affair sparked when American poet Elizabeth Bishop journeys south to stay with an old friend, and instantly falls for Brazilian architect Lota de Macedo Soares. Gorgeous and tender, this doomed / very real romance is co-presented with the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives, Proud FM 103.9, and World Pride Toronto 2014. If you're not as into subtitles, most of this film is in English (the fest promises subtitles for all films).
Neighbouring Sounds / dir. Kleber Mendonça Filho / Saturday, November 30th / 6:30pm
Named one of the best films of the year by the New York Times, Neighbouring Sounds will be Brazil's official selection at the 2014 Oscars for Best Foreign Film. A study on anxiety and fear in modern middle class society, a barking dog poses a noise pollution problem for a mother in a in Recife, Brazil while strange characters mingle at a independent private security firm.
Along the Way / dir. Breno Silveira / Saturday, November 30 / 9:30pm
In road movie / coming of age story Along the Way João, a Dundas West looking bearded man with a troubled past, meets a young boy searching for his father. The two form a unique bond born both of circumstance and necessity. This is one for fans of tender modern fables - and beards. Again, while the trailer lacks subtitles, the screening will have English translations.
Tiana - An Amazon Legend / dir Rosane Svartman / Sunday, December 1st / 12:00pm
Tiana combines stunning visuals and wild jungle animals with cute, adventurous kids and a humourous, epic style story - plus a little magic. The adorable Tainá is a 5 year old orphan Indian girl who "dreams of becoming a warrior and discovering her true origin." She has to fight evil and save the forest. If I had a child (who could read subtitles) I'd make sure to take them to this matinee screening, but adults will enjoy the heartwarmer too.
Rio 2096 - A Story of Love and Fury / dir. Luiz Bolognesi / Sunday, December 1st / 7:30pm
This animated feature follows Brazil's history via a 600 year long love story for the ages. The story's protagonist follows his beloved from pre-colonial tribal wars in Brazil to an apocalyptic future water crisis in Rio de Janeiro. The film was awarded the Crystal for Best Feature Film - one of animations highest's honors (eat your heart out, Disney). Rio 2096 will close out the fest.
CONTEST
You can win tickets to Neighbouring Sounds in our contests section.
The 7th annual Brazil Film Fest runs from November 28 - December 1 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King Street West). The full schedule is here.
Still from Tiana
This week on DineSafe two restaurant chains got red cards: Pizza Pizza on Don Mills was closed down for one very crucial infraction... failing to provide a main water supply. That one speaks for itself. Second Cup on the Danforth also got busted, but for not maintaining their food at the required temperatures. The other closure this week was Saigon Gourmet, which seemed to have a bit of an insect problem, as well as some issues with maintaining foods at the proper temperatures. Oh, and the iconic Vesta Lunch got dinged too, but with a yellow card. More details on this week's biggest DineSafe offenders below.
Cathay Wok (4841 Yonge St)
Inspected on: November 19
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 8 (Minor: 1, Significant: 4, Crucial: 3)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to wash hands when required, operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated, operator fail to maintain hazardous foods at 60C (140F) or hotter.
New Ho King (410 Spadina Ave)
Inspected on: November 21
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3, Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Employee fail to wash hands when required, operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.
Pho Rex (6581/2 Bloor St W)
Inspected on: November 21
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 10 (Minor: 4, Significant: 5, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder.
Pizza Pizza (3040 Don Mills Rd)
Inspected on: November 18
Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
Number of infractions: 1 (Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to provide main water supply.
Riverside Public House (725 Queen St E)
Inspected on: November 19
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 9 (Minor: 2, Significant: 6, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.
Saigon Gourmet (641 Dupont St)
Inspected on: November 18
Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
Number of infractions: 9 (Minor: 4, Significant: 3, Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to prevent an insect infestation, operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder.
Second Cup (355 Danforth Ave)
Inspected on: November 19
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder.
Vesta Lunch (474 Dupont St)
Inspected on: November 18
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 3, Significant: 2, Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to wash hands when required, store hazardous foods in container at internal temperature above 5 C O.
We're thrilled to announce today that we've partnered with Shopify for Popify - a limited time retail experience where a storefront in Toronto is transformed into a curated selection of products from around the world. It all takes place from December 5th to 8th at 165 Augusta Avenue in Kensington Market.
Things get started on the Thursday night with a private opening night party. Want to go? Just head on over to our contest page for a chance to score an invite for you and a friend.
72 Belvedere Boulevard is a recently built home in the Kingsway that exudes a subtle modern classiness. In its former iteration, the house was a nice if unremarkable structure typically of the post-war building boom in Etobicoke. A complete rebuild has turned the property into a stunning open space home, complete with many of the amenities that you'd expect of a $2.5 million listing - you know, the wine cellar, integrated surround sound, and a butler's pantry (to name only a few).
The area won't appeal to everyone - especially at the asking price - but with five bedrooms and six bathrooms, a family looking for a hyper-contemporary home with lots of indoor and outdoor space that's not so far removed from the life of the city might be seduced by the gorgeous space.
SPECS
NOTABLE FEATURES
GOOD FOR
A well to do family looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of downtown living. Someone who's always wanted to be featured in the style and decor section of a magazine. And, of course, residents who do not want to walk more than a few feet to access a bathroom at any given time - this is key.
MOVE ON IF
Move on if you're looking for more significant living and lounging space. For all the size of this home, the main level is dominated by the kitchen and dining room, something that you might not expect in a semi-suburban home at this asking price. You might also take a pass if you expect that $2.5 million will get you into a more chi chi neighbourhood.
MORE PHOTOS
Read other posts in this series via our House of the Week Pinterest board.
This new fresh bar on West Queen West does a wide variety of juices and smoothies, but also serves as a healthy lunch option for those looking for something more substantial like grain bowls, soups and stews. They even do healthy "sundaes," which'll save you from guilt when you're looking to indulge your sweet tooth.
Read my review of Bolt Fresh Bar in the restaurants section.
2013 proved to be a boom year for restaurant openings in Toronto, but less advertised were the ones that didn't make it. Some of these places passed the one-year threshold only to close soon after, while others were gone in the blink of an eye.
Honourable mentions go out to Alimento Fine Food Emporium, C House Lounge Cafe, Jungle Juice and Toucan Taco Bar. Gone but not...oh look, something new.
Here are the 10 biggest restaurant flops of 2013 (so far).
White Squirrel Snack Shop
The original cafe is still going strong, but this Queen West offshoot only lasted one season. Having opened in the spring, the snack bar closed in early November and is now P&L Burger (a burger shack from Parts & Labour) - a bold move, considering the close proximity to a Burger's Priest.
Nejibee Izakaya
Location, location, location. If ever this adage was truer, this is the case: the premiere Toronto outpost of this popular Japanese pub chain opened in March only to close in August. The Tokyo-based franchise suffered from a hidden location with zero street presence and a misleading Google address.
Que Supper Club
Opened in August of this year, this Corktown joint attempted to modernize BBQ with fussy fusion preparations like Redneck (meat filled, bacon-wrapped) sushi rolls. Somehow this didn't catch on, the restaurant and lounge was dunzo by October.
Hoof Raw Bar
Dundas West pioneer Jen Agg (owner of the celebrated Black Hoof) debuted this seafood-centric bar back in May 2012. Just over a year later, the cool concept was put on ice, only to be recently reincarnated as Haitian eatery Rhum Corner. Perhaps not a flop so much as a case of culinary ADHD.
Slider Revolution
Introduced in late 2012, this mini-burger and sandwich specialist barely lasted six months. The Danforth eatery lost its sizzle and closed up shop in June. Coming next to 673 Danforth? A BBQ joint.
Valentina
Kensington Market became ground zero for Toronto's taco obsession this summer, but it remains yet to be seen if the neighbourhood can sustain the influx of new taquerias. Over-saturation has already claimed its first casualty: this short-lived Mexican eatery that opened in June then closed by November.
Vicki'z Vegetarian Eatery
Open in July and closed just three months later, this fast casual vegetarian eatery on College at Bathurst served pretty decent food but kept terribly inconsistent hours and was just generally out of synch with the neighbourhood's lazy lunchers and bustling bar crowds. The address is soon to become an izakaya and ramen shop.
A-OK Foods
Pour one out for this purveyor of house-made ramen and Korean Fried Chicken. Opened late last year, this Queen St. noodle shop and snack bar (from the team behind Yours Truly) was shuttered at the end of October.
Smoke BBQ House
Situated at Harbord and Manning, this smokehouse opened in January only to be renamed Smoke Bourbon Bar-B-Q a mere three months later. The barbecue joint is still cooking, even though "creative differences" saw one of the founding partners leave with all the cool furniture...sounds messy.
The Melting Pot
This U.S.-based fondue franchise is going strong in the States operating 135 locations. The chain entered the GTA market in April 2012 with the launch of a Richmond Hill outpost co-owned by Food Network chef, Corbin Tomazeski, it was closed by March. Shall we just chalk this one up to the Restaurant Makeover curse or just the fact that people don't actually eat fondue anymore?
What did I miss? Add more flops to the comments below.
Rick Mercer is at it again. Following up last week's rant about Rob Ford, Mercer has pieced together a spoof ad where he plays the owner of the infamous gas station where our Mayor reportedly relieved himself during police surveillance. The video is all in good fun but it begets the question of whether Rob Ford has been so over-exposed that we just can't stomach another Daily Show bit, interview with US news media or fake video no matter how funny.
Tell us how you feel in the comments. And, uh, watch the Rick Mercer video below.
Toronto events on November 27th, 2013
LECTURE | Converge Lecture Series presents Ed Burtynsky's "The Water Project"
Ryerson University's School of Image arts presents a lecture by Toronto photographer Ed Burtynsky this evening as part of their Converge lecture series. Burtynsky is well known internationally, and his work often focuses on industrial landscapes. He is a member of the Order Of Canada and has had his work shown in the National Gallery of Canada, the Guggenheim Museum, to name a few. Tonight he will discuss the story behind "Watermark", a documentary film he produced recently with Jennifer Baichwal. Ryerson University School of Image Arts, Room 307 (122 Bond Street) 7PM.
MUSIC | Rokia Traore
Malian songwriter and guitarist, Rokia Traoré plays Koerner Hall tonight, presented by Small World Music. Traoré has broken some of her Bambaran culture's "rules" by both singing and playing guitar, which is not usually done by women in the music world of Mali. She has collaborated on recordings with Kronos Quartet, performed with Peter Gabriel, and has written music for Toni Morrison's play, Desdemona. Her latest release, Beautiful Africa is her fifth studio album, and was released in April. Koerner Hall (273 Bloor Street West) 8PM $35.
BOOKS & LIT | Grant Lawrence's The Lonely End of the Rink
Tonight at The Gladstone Hotel, TINARS presents the launch for Canadian author Grant Lawrence's new book, The Lonely End of the Rink: Confessions of a Reluctant Goalie. Lawrence is well known for his tenure at CBC Radio, and also as a musician in the Vancouver music scene. This is his Lawrence's second book, and focuses on the role hockey has played in his life. His first book was nominated for the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction, as well as the Edna Staebler Award. Tonight there will be a Q&A, and Lawrence's brother in law, Matthew Barber, will perform as well. Gladstone Hotel, Main Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West) 7PM $5 (free with book purchase).
FOOD | 4th Annual Latkepalooza
With Chanukah beginning at sundown tonight for TO's Jewish population, what better way to feel a part of this celebration of the "miracle of light" than by hitting Caplanksy's on College street for their 4th annual Latkepalooza? The latke is a "potato pancake" and such delicacies can be found in many cultures, but these are served with sour cream and apple sauce - a delicious combination. This event takes advantage of the fact that this holiday falls earlier than usual this year, which will enable this latke making contest to double as a fundraiser contributing to the restaurant's Movember campaign. Sounds like a tasty way to contribute to a good cause! Read our review of last year's Latkepalooza here. Caplansky's Deli (356 College Street) 9PM. Latkepalooza is postponed. A new date will be announced soon.
Continuing
DANCE | Innovation
The National Ballet of Canada's Innovation opens tonight. The new series of shorts will present the words of four Canadian choreographers, including Toronto choreographer Robert Binet's Unearth, a half hour long dance which features an original score by Owen Pallett, whom we chatted with last week about his experiences scoring his first ballet, touring with the Arcade Fire, and moving from Toronto to Montreal. Read our interview with Owen Pallett here. November 22 - 28, Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen Street West,) various showtimes and prices.
Also Of Note
Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.
Photo: Edward Burtynsky, Benidorm #1
Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly doesn't think there's any "gravy" in the city's new budget despite Rob Ford branding the $9.6 billion spending blueprint "the gravy train all over again." Since Ford lost many of his mayoral powers, drafting the city's spending plan is now Kelly's responsibility. "If you really think the gravy train has returned then give me one example of gravy in this budget," he said.
Whoops. Toronto's city manager says between $200 and $500 million of Rob Ford's much-touted $1 billion in savings is not made up of actual spending cuts. Joe Pennachetti told the Star that up to half of Ford's figure is comprised of financial tweaks that did not result in a reduction of spending.
Drug scandals might just be Toronto's biggest export of 2013. Florida's Bradford County Sheriff recently arrested the mayor of Hampton, Fla., Barry Layne Moore, on drug charges. "This isn't Toronto," Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith said in a statement. "We will not tolerate illegal drug activity."
The Toronto Public Library is set to open its 99th and 100th branches next year at Bathurst and Bremner near Fort York and the Scarborough Civic Centre. Not bad for a library system that not long ago was at the centre of a major strike. The TPL says it will spend $18 million on new books, CDs, and DVDs in 2014, says the National Post.
Meanwhile, Steven Temple Books on Queen Street West is closing after 40 years in business. The bookstore is the last surviving piece of Booksellers' Row, a well-known stretch of bookstores that ran from Simcoe to Spadina. The news comes as the World's Biggest Bookstore announced it too is shutting up shop.
Finally, the guy who made a spoof porno starring Rob Ford isn't ruling out a sequel. Lee Roy Myers told the Sun the reception to the movie has been "absolutely insane." "I would not say that it is not possible that a celebrity sex tape is in the future of Rob Ford," Myers said. Yikes.
IN BRIEF:
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
Image: Gail at Large/blogTO Flickr pool.
This new gift shop on Coxwell just north of Danforth sells design accessories and crafts from across the country so you don't need to go further than the Bloor line to get your Canadiana fix. Think of it as design gallery meets local fan group.
Read my review of Len (Democratic Purveyors of Fine Art & Beautiful Things) in the design section.
This Week in Fashion rounds up the week's style news, store openings and closings, pop-up shops, sales and upcoming fashion and design events in Toronto. Find it here every Wednesday morning.
NEWS
Next weekend (December 5 - 8), Popify is taking over A Homerun (165 Augusta Avenue) to bring you a chock (or should I say shop?) full of clothes and curiosities from around the world, just in time for the holidays! blogTO's Max Mosher has carefully curated the selection and are giving you the chance to have a first look at the pop up shop. Enter our contest for tickets to the private opening night party happening next Wednesday (December 4), where you can meet the merchants over drinks and shop with free shipping from 7 pm until 9 pm.
EVENTS/PARTIES
Tomorrow (November 28) from 5pm until 8pm, Fashion Takes Action is teaming up with Encircled and Hintz Design to throw a trunk show at Artscape Distillery Building (15 Case Goods Ln, Studio #202). It's your chance to pick up the perfect ethical and environmentally sustainable gift for the holidays, like a modal cardigan that easily converts into a top, dress, and scarf, or a hand painted clock made of upcycled vinyl records.
The Frocktail Party is back! Tomorrow (November 28) from 7 pm 'til late, dance the night away at Arcadian Loft (401 Bay St, Simpson Tower, 8th Floor) in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Plus, participate in a fundraising auction of donated frocks, accessories, and menswear by Pink Tartan, Greta Constantine, and more. Tickets are $65 in advance or $75 at the door.
Meet Caitlyn Purcell and shop her ethereal, handmade jewellery at the She Sells Sea Shells holiday trunk show. For one night only this Saturday (November 30), pop by at Penny Arcade (1177 Dundas Street West) from 7:30 pm until 11 pm to shop the collection over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres made with fresh fruit, flowers, and herbs by Magic Hour.
Mondo Bazaar is back for the holidays! This weekend (November 30 - December 1), the Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St W) will be home to the eclectic two-day market, so drop in free-of-charge from 10 am until 5 pm to peruse the 60-odd booths of locally crafted and fair-trade clothing, jewellery, apothecary, and more. Plus, there'll be giveaways courtesy of the many vandors all weekend long!
From tomorrow (November 28) until next Sunday (December 8), the One of a Kind Show is returning for its winter edition. Held at the Exhibition Place (100 Princes' Blvd), the event is essentially a large convention/market of art, photography, clothing, jewellery, food, makeup, toys, and more from over 800 artisans and designers from all over the country - including handcrafted, architectural jewellery by Toronto's own Pamela Lauz. Tickets are $14 (or $12 if purchased online) for adults, $7 for seniors and youth, and free for children under 12 years old.
SALES
The PYA Importer Ltd. sample sale kicks off today (November 27) and stretches until Saturday (November 30), giving shoppers four whole days to snatch up a great deal. Brands like DKNY Intimates, Line Knitwear, and Loomstate will be available at up to 80% off, so be sure to visit 15 Apex Road for a chance to stock up on quality goods.
Get a bit of a head start on your Black Friday shopping at Arthur Mendoca and Jessica Jensen's three-day sale. From tomorrow (November 28) until Saturday (November 30), take advantage of the sweet deals at 35 Mowat Avenue, marked from 40% to 80% off.
Over the Rainbow (101 Yorkville Ave) is throwing a Black Friday weekend blowout sale! Don't pay tax on regular priced merchandise (excluding Canada Goose) and enjoy an additional 50% off on selected denim from Friday (November 29) until Sunday (December 1).
Dean Davidson - Canada's favourite name in architectural, art deco-inspired jewels - is giving you a chance to snatch one up at a great price this weekend at his two-day sample sale. Head to 90 Sumach Street (Studio 514, buzz 0835) this Friday (November 29) or Saturday (November 30) to shop past and current collections over complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres.
WHAT WE GOT UP TO THIS WEEK
Photo of One of a Kind by Dennis Marciniak
