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The top 5 bands to catch at Warped Tour Toronto 2014

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Warped Tour TorontoThe top bands at Warped Tour 2014 in Toronto will run you heavy on nostalgia - unless you're too young to remember many Warpeds past. Gather 'round, ye pierced, tattooed and rainbow-haired: this year marks the 20th anniversary of the massive all-ages touring festival, consistently popular with kids for pairing cool, anti-establishment counter-culture with youth-friendly product advertising. What started as a punk rock festival has expanded its scope significantly to include lots of genres such as pop, hip hop, electronic, and indie, though the peppy guitar stuff still dominates.

Truthfully, the Warped Tour probably lost its edge a long time ago, and a recent halfhearted ban on crowdsurfing and moshing really hammers home the corporate identity that's taken over. Still, metal, emo and pop-punk diehards can find plenty of worthwhile acts at this year's shindig (and that ban doesn't seem very serious, anyway). At just under $50 before service fees, the tickets are pricey but still a lot cheaper than most of Toronto's big music festivals this summer. So if you're contemplating braving the crowds of screaming tweens with undercuts this Friday at The Molson Amphitheatre, here are five totally ska-free (sorry, Less Than Jake) band picks.

PS: If you want more, check out this Warped Tour rant from 2005.

Every Time I Die
One of the reigning heavyweights of hardcore, Every Time I Die join the festival for a sixth year to cement themselves as Warped Tour veterans. It's perfect timing as their newest LP From Parts Unknown was just released (with glowing reviews, I might add) on Tuesday, so fans can grab the album in time to memorize lyrics and sing along with the new tunes for their Friday set. Just as comfortable on a sweaty bar stage as they are at a major festival, the Buffalo five-piece pack a ton of excitement into a live set and will hopefully show the tour's many whippersnappers how it's done.

Any band on the verge of breaking up
Hey, Warped Tour doesn't have to just be for the trendy and too-young-to-vote crowd. Those of us feeling nostalgic for our favourite decade-old high-school breakup songs should check out this year's crop of MySpace-era names - especially since this might be our last chance. Alt-rockers Anberlin announced that their seventh LP Lowborn will be their last, and Warped is a big chunk of their farewell tour; Finch were heavily rumoured to be ending things in 2013, but for the time being, they're also hitched to the Warped bandwagon. And even though Yellowcard doesn't currently have any quitting plans, keep in mind: they've already gone on hiatus once (from 2008-2010), and several members have left since then, leaving just one original founder in the fold - guess who it is? The violin player! I know, I'm surprised too. Good for him.

Courage My Love
The only Canadian band on the bill (!), Courage My Love is a Kitchener-born pop-punk trio that's young but full of promise. Though they've only released three EPs, their singles are faves on MuchMusic (who still play music videos, apparently?) that earned them a Juno nod for Breakthrough Band this year. Those who miss the days of Paramore as a Warped staple should catch Courage My Love's set, as vocalist Mercedes Arn-Horn packs a power and style reminiscent of Hayley Williams. Plus, they're one of the only female-fronted acts in what's otherwise a painfully overwhelming dude-fest.

Saves The Day
Emo has been a dirty word for the better part of the last decade, but rumour is it's actually becoming kind of cool again (as cool as it ever was), which surely benefits long-haul representatives like Saves The Day. Despite numerous lineup changes, the New Jersey band is still truckin' under the guidance of frontman Chris Conley, whose impassioned, bittersweet lyrics likely resonate just as much with those who grew up in the 90s as they do with kids now. Critics are saying they're just as strong as ever with the new members, so don't let the new faces turn you off - they can still give a powerful performance.

Teenage Bottlerocket
There's a handful of esteemed heavy bands that deserve to be on a list like this, such as Terror and Parkway Drive, but Wyoming's Teenage Bottlerocket rounds out the top five because they make exactly the type of music that people remember the Warped Tours of yesteryear so fondly for: simple, bratty, catchy pop-punk that doesn't take itself too seriously, yet still pays homage to classic influences. If you just want to let loose and have a good time (possibly with some slightly discouraged moshing here and there), get up front for these guys.

Warped Tour 2014 is in Toronto Friday, July 4 at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre.

Writing by Shazia Khan. Photo of Courage My Love by Ashley Osborn via Facebook


That time GO Transit almost went electric

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toronto go alrtGO Transit has been promising to electrify its trains for a long time--the provincial Liberals have promised to get it done (eventually) and mayoral candidate John Tory is making "surface subways," electrified portions of the Metrolinx network, part of his 2014 election platform.

The idea isn't a new one. One of the first incarnations of high-speed, non-diesel GO transit surfaced in 1982 with the announcement of GO-Advanced Light Rapid Transit (ALRT)--a plan to install trains similar to the ones used on the Scarborough RT on a pair of east-west routes through the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The result would have been a second tier of GO transit, smaller in capacity but faster and more frequent than regular inter-city service--roughly every 5 minutes, down from 20.

At the time of the announcement under premier Bill Davis, GO was paying steep rental fees to share rail lines with CN freight locomotives. By buying up land parallel to the CNR line, GO predicted it could save millions in charges and boost reliability at the same time.

The basic concept originated from a very Toronto pastime--idly drawing transit lines on a map. Provincial minister of transportation James Snow was returning from a fishing trip in Halifax in the summer of 1981 when he and a colleague discussed the idea of a new type of rapid transit for the GTHA.

"Flying home, he and his deputy minister, Harold Gilbert, started talking about Toronto's commuter transit problems," Mark Osbaldeston recalls in Unbuilt Toronto 2. "Using magic markers and some handy maps, they blocked out a solution, a route for a commuter transit network serving the GTA and beyond."

toronto go alrt mapThe result was a plan for two lines: one in a new right-of-way between Oshawa and Hamilton and another parallel to the 401 corridor between Oakville and Pickering with a spur to Pearson Airport. The trains would be similar to the ones the province's Urban Transportation Development Corporation had developed for the Scarborough RT, minus the futuristic magnetic induction motors.

Like the Scarborough Intermediate Capacity Transit System (ICTS,) the GO-ALRTs would be computer controlled and operated on an elevated guideway at speeds of up to 70 km/h. (As Transit Toronto notes, the trains would later go through several design changes, starting off similar in appearance to the ICTS and later appearing as longer, articulated vehicles with seating for more than 120.)

The whole thing--trains, track, land--was projected to cost about $3 billion and it take 20 years to fully complete.

The first phase would see the existing Lakeshore GO line extended beyond its eastern terminus at Pickering to Oshawa by 1988. The first electric trains would only operate between those two stops. Later, at the west end of the line, ALRVs would run between Oakville and Hamilton while a downtown link track through Toronto's Union Station was under construction.

Premier Davis predicted 22,000 people would ride the Pickering-Oshawa extension every day, 12,000 between Oakville and Hamilton. The entire GO network carried about 100,000 daily in Nov. 1983, but traffic was becoming an increasingly pressing issue in Toronto. In an attempt to better integrate the TTC and proposed GO-ALRT, officials discussed establishing a single fare for the two systems.

While the eastern portion of the new Lakeshore line was broadly welcomed, the Hamilton end became mired in trouble. The proposed route would have taken the ALRT down Highway 403, through a brand new park, under the city cemetery, into the downtown at the expense of 11 houses. Local residents formed a protest group called "NO-ALRT" in opposition to the alignment, much to the frustration of transportation minister Snow.

If Hamilton chooses "a white elephant route that doesn't meet transportation standards, that's no good to us," he said.

toronto go alrtThe Pickering-Oshawa extension broke ground in June 1984, but costs were already creeping up. The $162 million budget for the 25-km extension hit $350 million before shovels entered the ground. Snow put on a brave face, dismissing observers who predicted the ALRT would soon be nixed. "My faith in the feasibility of an electrified rail system running along the lake shore ... with links to municipal transit and a second inter-regional line stretching north across Metro remains unshaken," he said as the bulldozers began their work.

Like so many GTA transit plans, the ALRT was killed by a change in the political climate. By 1985, premier Bill Davis was out, as was transportation minister James Snow. The incoming ministers cancelled the electric trains, opting instead for diesel. They did, however, decide to keep the east-west Lakeshore GO corridor extension, saving $100 million and speeding up the opening date.

On his blog, Toronto transit advocate Steve Munro says the GO-ALRT was "flawed at heart."

"There is a long history of our transportation plans and needs being highjacked or misdirected, and GO-ALRT was a classic example," he wrote in 2007. "On the premise that nothing could fill the place between a bus and a subway at reasonable cost, Queen's Park set out to invent a new transit mode, to fill a "missing link" in the evolution of transit."

"The GO-ALRT network was visionary in hoping to build regional infrastructure before the regions actually existed, but it foundered on the need for a new technology to be developed, perfected and implemented at reasonable cost."

As Osbaldeston writes in Unbuilt Toronto 2, the scheduling problem with CN trains also conveniently vanished in the mid-1980s, taking with it the main justification for the dedicated right-of-way.

"GO-ALRT had become a solution to a problem that no longer existed."

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Images: "GO-ALRT," 1983, City of Toronto Archives, Series 1465, File 597, Item 38; "The GO-ALRT program: Status Report," June 30, 1983, Toronto Public Library, 385.22097 G566; Toronto Star, June 20, 1984, A26.

New Chinatown spot serves up s'mores sandwiches

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Lucky Red TorontoThe Chau brothers, creators of Banh Mi Boys, have finally opened their highly-anticipated new shop in Chinatown. While the kimchi fries are the only item to be carried over from the original sandwich shop menu, you'll discover (as I did) a whole new line-up of things to love. Expect to find 11 savoury steamed (or baked) bun sandwiches, noodle bowls and addictive deep fried desserts including a s'mores sandwich.

Read my profile of Lucky Red in the restaurants section.

All you can eat poutine coming to Toronto

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poutineville torontoGet ready for all the poutine you can handle. Poutineville, a Montreal-based poutine chain specializing in all things poutine has announced it will be opening its first Toronto location in the Annex later this summer.

In addition to outrageous menu items like poutine grilled cheese sandwiches, poutine gyros and steak poutine, Poutinville is know for something called their AYCE poutine promotions where you can gorge on a selection of their signature poutine dishes for a flat rate of $15. In other words, get ready to stage your very own poutine eating challenge.

Photo via Poutineville on Facebook.

How many TTC collisions is too many?

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TTC collisionTTC vehicles have been involved in over 18,000 collisions over the past five years, according to data obtained by the Toronto Star. Perhaps even more surprising is that "181 drivers have been in 10 collisions or more" over this same period. Of these total accidents, roughly three quarters were deemed "not preventable" as part of the TTC's internal review process, which involves a manager inspecting the scene of a collision. In the event that an accident is deemed "not preventable," the operator's record remains clean, which is why so many drivers with multiple collisions continue to drive their vehicles.

The TTC does remove and/or fire drivers who are deemed unsafe, but these numbers are cause for at least some concern as to the process by which accidents are classified. 10 collisions in a five year period seems like more than a case of bad luck, even when one takes into consideration the huge number of kilometres a bus or streetcar driver covers in a year of work. While TTC spokesperson Brad Ross notes that the majority of accidents are "very minor," the numbers seem to demand some form of further investigation.

What do you think? How many collisions is too many?

Photo by Jeremy Gilbert

Rob Ford's return fails to boost poll numbers

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Rob Ford pollsRob Ford's return from rehab has failed to boost his polling numbers, according to a new survey by Forum Research. The mayor's approval rating hovers at 31 per cent, which is up ever so slightly from its all time low of 28 per cent on June 6th. It's mostly the same story in the mayoral race, where projected vote breakdown looks very similar to Forum's last poll on June 23rd. Oliva Chow enjoys 36 per cent of the vote, John Tory comes in at 27 per cent and Ford sits at 26 per cent.

Ford's 26 per cent represents a bump from his mid-rehab 20 per cent on June 6th, but not over Forum's June 23rd poll, which put him at 27 per cent. While this may not be surprising to some, there was certainly much speculation that a slimmer and repentant Ford would be able to dramatically improve his numbers by merely returning and being apologetic. Toward this end, the mayor's return speech ranks as a failure. According to Forum, "more than 6-in-10 Toronto voters watched or listened to the speech the mayor gave upon his return on Monday, June 30 (61 per cent), but, of these, just one third say this speech was a satisfactory explanation and apology for the mayor's behaviour (34 per cent), while 6-in-10 did not find it satisfactory (60 per cent)."

If there was a winner of this particular poll, it's Tory, who continues to lead in the approval rating department and has made modest gains in the projected percentage of votes.

Photo by BruceK

Should Toronto raise the DVP to prevent flooding?

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DVP floodThe city of Toronto is considering raising the Don Valley Parkway to prevent increased instances of flooding. It's a rather dramatic fix, and one that would cause traffic chaos while repairs were undertaken, but Toronto and Region Conservation Authority senior manager Laurian Farrell told the Star that it's the best of a number of options under consideration. Building a flood wall is another option, though that can be complicated in an area like the lower Don, which also features GO Transit commuter tracks and recreational trails for pedestrians and cyclists.

Needless to say, the problem with raising the road is that the costs are exorbitant and the combination of major construction on the Gardiner Expressway and the DVP at the same time could seriously screw over commuters who rely on these highways every day. While it's too early to put a price tag on the project, estimates range into the hundreds of millions. The larger the section of the parkway that requires elevation, the higher the cost. And yet, as recent weather events have shown us, something needs to be done.

Photo by Tom Ryaboi

Road closures in Toronto: July 5-6

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toronto road closedRoad closures in Toronto for the weekend of July 5 and 6 rounds up the key transportation shut-downs affecting the city, including street and TTC closures.

KEY ROAD CLOSURES IN TORONTO

Lawrence: Warden--Birchmount: Road closed starting at 10 a.m. Friday, July 4 for Taste of Lawrence festival until Sunday, July 6 at 11:59 p.m.

Queen's Park and Queen's Park Crescent: Bloor--College, University: College--Queen, University: Queen--Adelaide: The Lions Club International Convention and parade will see parts of Queen's Park and University closed Saturday, July 5. Queen's Park will be shut 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., northbound lanes of University between College and Queen from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and University between Queen and Adelaide from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TTC CLOSURES

Line 2 Bloor-Danforth: Pape--St. George. Critical track work on the Bloor Viaduct will delay the start of service on Sunday, July 6 until noon. Shuttle and Wheel-Trans buses will cover the route during the closure.

Line 1 Yonge-University-Spadina: Union. Second platform construction work means trains will not stop at Union station on Sunday, July 6. King and St. Andrew will be open as normal.

501 Queen: Broadview. Ongoing TTC streetcar track replacement means Queen and Broadview is impassable until July 25. The 501 Queen streetcar is diverting via Parliament, Gerrard, and Coxwell. 504 King is using Broadview, Dundas, and Parliament. 502 Downtowner and 503 Kingston Road streetcars are being replaced by buses.

ONGOING CLOSURES

Over and above the special closures this weekend, construction projects across Toronto result in numerous other road restrictions across the city. For a comprehensive list of such closures, you can consult the official map maintained by the City of Toronto (also available as a PDF.)

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.


Rancho Relaxo launches a food truck

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rancho relaxo food truckWith a Mexican restaurant on the ground floor and a live music venue upstairs, Rancho Relaxo's been a College St. staple for a decade and a half. Now, buoyed by a smash-hit fish taco recipe, the restaurant has gone mobile with a brand-new food truck. Along with those cornflake-crusted basa fish tacos, expect quesadillas, burritos, and sweet potato fries.

Read more about Rancho Relaxo's Gourmet Food Truck on Toronto Food Trucks.

Fried Neapolitan pizza now available in Toronto

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fried pizzaNew to the east side is this second effort from the folks behind Triple A Bar, where the menu specializes in Italian street foods and deep fried pizzas that are neither Nonna's recipes nor strictly regulated VPN versions. The results are delicious, duh. It's deep fried pizza, how could it not be?

Read my profile of Mr. Ciao in the restaurants section.

New in Toronto real estate: Residences at the Hunt Club

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Residences at Hunt ClubThe Residences at Hunt Club is a new condo development on Kingston Road, sitting atop the prestigious golf club of the same name. With excellent views of Lake Ontario to the south, this midsize building bills itself as a luxury option for those who are swayed by such things. The development is located just to the east of Kingston & Co. condos, and is further evidence that this neighbourhood is slated for intensification. And why not? The lake is a major draw, but so too are the various trails around the nearby Scarborough Bluffs, the proximity of the Beaches neighbourhood, and the still relatively low prices. I say relative because the penthouse units here break the million dollar mark, so there's nothing budget about this building.

Residences Hunt ClubSPECS

Residences Hunt ClubFEATURES

  • Sweeping views of Lake Ontario from south-facing units
  • Ample outdoor space
  • Amenities include a gym, party room, roof deck, two-storey lobby, yoga room, roof top terrace

Residences Hunt ClubTHE VERDICT

It's still a bit early to offer a definitive verdict on this development as a number of details regarding unit sizes and floor plans have yet to be released, but I'll repeat what I said about the neighbouring Kingston & Co. project: Toronto could use more of these mid-scale developments, especially in neighbourhoods that have previously lacked density. While it strikes me that the sales pitch linking the project to the golf club that it happens to be located next to is a bit over the top, the renderings suggest that the upper units are luxurious indeed.

I also like the degree to which the various terraces and stacked levels on the upper storeys lessen the impact of the structure. It's an attractive looking building that won't dominate what is primarily a low rise neighbourhood -- at least for now.

The Best Ice Cream in Toronto

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ice cream torontoThe best ice cream in Toronto is all about that alchemy of eggs, cream and sugar churned and chilled to perfection. This is crave-worthy stuff, be it scooped or soft serve, and it needs nothing more than a spoon to be enjoyed - meaning that even delicious extras like waffle cones or hot fudge are nothing more than the superfluous cherry on top.

Here is the best ice cream in Toronto.

See also:

The top 10 under the radar ice cream shops in Toronto
The Best Ice Cream Sandwiches in Toronto
The Best Gelato in Toronto
The top 10 under the radar gelato in Toronto
The Best Frozen Yogurt in Toronto

Weekend events in Toronto: July 4-6, 2014

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weekend events TorontoWeekend events in Toronto is our guide to events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here's what's happening in Toronto this July 4-6, 2014.

TURF (Toronto Urban Roots Festival)
After confounding everyone with their 2013 debut, "what the heck is the Toronto Urban Roots Fest?" can finally be dropped. Put on by some of the most well-respected members of the Toronto music community, TURF has expanded to three days and seven club nights in only its second year. Headlined by Beirut, Sam Roberts Band, and Neutral Milk Hotel, there's a deep lineup behind those three with lots for fans of indie rock to love. July 4-6, Garrison Commons (Fort York). -MF

THEATRE

Fringe Festival
Toronto's largest indie theatre festival has kicked off summer with one of the most exciting and jam-packed weeks on the arts calendar: the fest spans 12 days and features over 140 shows across 35 different venues in the city. The list of addition programming (FringeKids!, a site-specific Art Category, Fringe Club, Tent Talks, etc.) will make your head spin. To plan your fringe journey, pick up a guide book at one of the locations listed on their website, or better yet check out our guide to the 2014 Fringe Fest here. Until July 13. DF

For more events on stage, check out our The top theatre productions in Toronto July 2014 post.

ART

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
Browse works by the 350-ish artists taking over Nathan Phillips Square this week. Wander the stalls having deep talks about the state of painting today, admire some kitschy trinkets, seek out some up and coming local illustrators, or find a photo of your favourite Toronto spot (unless that spot is the bathroom at Jilly's, then this might not be the fair for you). Bonus: if you find something that will look just darling over your mantle, you get mad points for supporting the arts. July 4-6, Nathan Phillips Square.

Toronto summer art showsProof of Existence - Brendan George Ko
Starting tonight Le will showcase the playful work of Toronto photographer Brendan George Ko. This show will be hot - Le Gallery, please, air conditioner! Check out Ko's super-cute Say Cheese series on his website here. Reception is July 4, 6-9pm. Le Gallery (1183 Dundas St West).

Artist Talk - Lethe Baptism, with Tasman Richardson
In Lethe Baptism Tasman Richardson, one of Toronto's most fascinating new media artists, VHS portraits are "copied and recopied from tape to tape - until erased" as Richardson searches for a way to both portray the natural decay of human memory, and hang video art on a way without electricity. Quote Richardson, what some have "mistaken for a static photo print show" is actually "animated lenticular... the video component behind the blue velour curtain is a memory experiment best experienced alone." Saturday is your last chance to see the show - stop by at 1pm to hear more from Richardson himself. Neubacher Shor Contemporary (5 Brock Ave), Saturday July 5, 1pm.

See also

For more art listings, check out our Top 10 Must-See Art Shows This Summer post.

FOOD

Summerlicious
It all goes down over the next two weeks (down to your stomach, naturally). Toronto's annual summer prix fixe bonanza Summerlicious starts today and is on until July 20. It's a great chance to check tons of restaurants you've been curious about around Toronto off your list - over 200 will offer three-course prix fixe menus as part of the festival. Deal hunters and even the most casual foodies should check out our preview of the top 20 restaurants to eat at for Summerlicious 2014, and forget their belts at home. Friday, July 4 - July 20.

Festival Libre
The Bacardi Festival Libra will transform The Distillery District into Little Havana starting tonight until Sunday. The weekend event will feature live musical acts, Cuban food stations, street dancing, buskers and cigar rolling. Check out the list of performers here. July 4-6, The Distillery Historic District, various times. LI

For more food events, check out our Toronto Food Events, Summer Food Events, and Summer Beer Events post.

PARTY

Kajama Midnight Moon Sailing Cruise
Promise and AlienInFlux's annual cruise on the Kajama tall sailing ship is always one of the more memorable events on the water, and much different than your typical party-boat outing. This year they're bringing in Scottish electronic music veteran Funk D'Void, who excels at bridging the gap between techno and house. Friday, July 4, 235 Queens Quay West, 11:15pm, $45. BB

Summerdaze
For the fourth installment of the Summerdaze patio party series, they're rotating their location back to Gossip Restaurant on the CNE grounds, and teaming up with Box Of Kittens for a bit more techno flavour than previous parties. Berlin-based Torontonian Sid Le Rock performing live alongside DJ sets by Jamie Kidd, Mike Gibbs and LeeLee Mishi. Check out our review from the first Summerdaze here. Sunday, July 6, Gossip (50 Prince Edward Island Crescent), 2pm, $15. BB

See also

For more dance listings, check out our Top Dance Parties in Toronto in July post.

FILM

Horror Fest
The Lost Episode Festival in Toronto presents Horror Fest this weekend at Hot Docs. On offer are the Canadian premiere of Star Trek Continues, plus lots of zombies and general evil-ness. There will be beer, and you will be scared. July 5-6, Bloor Hot Docs Cinema (506 Bloor St W).

Christie Pits Film Fest
Rosie O'Donnell, Geena Davis, Lori Petty, and Madonna playing baseball - at Christie Pits? CPFF opens this weekend with A League of Their Own, plus a costume contest. The Peaches are the only baseball team I can name. Bring a blanket and whatever donation you can muster. If you're hungry, Tallboys and Wild Child's Kitchen are the night's food vendors. Sunday, July 6, 7:30-11pm, Christie Pits Park.

See also

MUSIC

Rakim
The legendary MC flies solo these days after his split with Eric B in the early 90s. A massive solo career has followed though, and he'll be testing the waters in Toronto this summer. Check him out over on Sherbourne when he lights up The Phoenix. Friday, July 4, 8pm, The Phoenix (410 Sherbourne). AG

Deltron 3030
This supergroup puts it together well, though not quite with the same brilliance as Del's old Hiero days. Kid Koala and Dan the Automator are nothing to cry about though, and this trio will be stopping by Toronto in the wake of their return from a 13-year album hiatus. Saturday, July 5, Tattoo. AG

Bastid's BBQ 2014 Toronto
DJ Skratch Bastid hosts a mean BBQ - and invites some pretty cool friends. See the likes of Tony Touch, Starting From Scratch, Rich Kidd, Wristpect, DeMiggs & Tom Wrecks Itzsoweezee, Jesse Futerman Live, Jim Sharp UK, The Gaff, Big Jacks, Love Handle Catalist & Famous Lee, Big Toe's Hifi, Your Boy Brian, and Mark Brand while chowing down and soaking up the summer. Saturday, July 5, 3-11pm, 306 Queen Street West, $12 advance.

See also

For more music listings, check out our This Week in Music, July Concerts, Summer Concerts, and Summer Music Festivals posts.

COMMUNITY

Taste of Lawrence
IFrom July 4-6 this street festival's sights and sounds will prove that Lawrence Ave is worth that arduous bike ride. Explore Toronto - unless this is your hood (then you've got it easy for once). July 4-6, Lawrence Ave E. from Warden Ave. to Birchmount Rd.

Afrofest
Stop by Woodbine Park for Afrofest, Toronto's celebration of African culture. Music, art, food, workshops and a marketplace and more await you in the east end. Woodbine Park (1695 Queen Street East), July 5-6.

Cultura Festival
Why do anything indoors? (I say this to my boss in a whiny voice - ineffective.) Cultura Fest is at Mel Lastman Square July 4, 11, 18, and 25. Performers, art installs, and film screenings are all free. Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge Street).

FASHION

Pop-Up Shop: The Queen's Trunk
Hit the Norman Felix Gallery this Saturday for designer wearables straight from the UK. British fashions have been selected by London stylists just for you - you'll need to have brunch at the Bristol after, naturally. Saturday, July 5, 11am-6pm, Norman Felix Gallery (445 Adelaide Street West).

See also

HOARDING

Geek Swap & Sale
Swap your geek stuff! Everything from VHS tapes to toys will be on offer here. Bring a flask and swig once for every copy of the Maxtrix (twice for every sequel and three times for the last one). Just kidding, that is terrible advice. Financial transactions are not discouraged, but swapping is cheaper and makes better friends. Saturday, July 5, 12-7pm, Back Space Toronto (587A College Street).

PETS

City of Toronto Mega Adoption Weekend
While this row of empty cages is depressing when you imagine them full of the homeless animals who will call them their home at the CNE this weekend, this is actually a story with a happy ending for hopefully hundreds of needy pets. Go down to show the dogs and cats some love, and maybe find a new best friend. Aw. July 4-6, CNE Grounds Queen Elizabeth Building (200 Princes Blvd).

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

Contributions by Matt Forsythe, Benjamin Boles, Derek Flack, Adam Golfetto, Liora Ipsum. Photo of TURF by Roger Cullman

Daysleeper

Toronto mascots from the past and present

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Toronto MascotsDerived from the French word "mascotte" meaning bringer of good luck, mascots have amused, embarrassed and terrified us in equal measure since the 1800s. Usually affiliated with sports (dutifully illustrated by The Simpsons in the form of the Capitol City Goofball), and meant to embody the spirit of any given franchise, Toronto has had its fair share of mascots both sporty and otherwise. Here is a primer on some of our best and worst, most of whom have already exited stage left with little or no fanfare.

Starting with perhaps the most ill-conceived and lamest mascot of all time, meet Millenni, the cuddly Tower headed androgynous cartoon character created to help Toronto usher in the mighty year 2000.

MillenniMillenni epitomized late 1990s confusion and Millennial tension, and much like the Y2K frenzy seems to have vanished into the ether of cultural amnesia as of January 1st, 2000. While those who drunkenly danced and got their pictures taken with him on New Year's Eve 1999 at Nathan Phillip's Square may never forget, the city quickly did. The last time Millenni made news was in 2010 when his poor origins were invoked in the spirited debate about creating a mascot for the 2015 Pan Am Games (or rather, how not to).

Even a scant decade after his birth, Millenni was viewed as an embarrassment best left behind in the 20th century.

Dough DudeWhile McDonald's perfectly nailed their mascot over 50 years ago with erstwhile Burger loving clown Ronald McDonald, other fast food franchises have struggled to find similarly endearing characters with whom the public might identify. Dough Dude, the official Mascot of Ontario's once Teflon pie chain Pizza Pizza, never quite caught on and went quietly into the night sometime in late 2007.

Some might say the character's dull name, unimaginative behaviour and lacklustre appearance is apropos to the product he's shilling for.

Mr MooseWhen Ikea Monkey mania exploded in late 2012, their long forgotten mascot Mr. Moose garnered nary a footnote. Speaking in a thick Swedish accent, Mr. Moose was often found goofing off at Blue Jays games, or marching with other mascots at the Toronto Santa Claus Parade. One that is definitely due for a comeback, although the fact Ikea never cashed in on Darwin the Monkey craze makes it doubtful this will ever happen.

Law enforcement has had many successful mascots over the years, from McGruff the Crime Dog to Elmer the Safety Elephant, nevermind Toronto Police Service's own legendary Blinky the Talking Police Car.

Pat trollHowever things took a turn into a slightly bizarre and terrifying realm in the 1990s with the appearance of Pat Troll, a Troll headed Toronto Police safety officer who visited schools. Pat Troll didn't last very long, probably owing to the fact that the toy Troll craze died a death and in isolation such a character probably frightened its intended audience more than educated them.

DeweyAccording to the Toronto Public Library's Kidspace website, Dewey is "a robotic alien who likes Kids' Space a lot". He can be found at the city's annual celebration of the written word, Word on the Street, and various Libraries around town. Named after the antiquated library classification Dewey decimal system, Dewey bears more than a passing resemblance to the lucrative Minions from Despicable Me, although in fairness Dewey preceded their ubiquitous arrival.

PolkarooAlthough he began innocently enough as an imaginative and mysterious character in TVOntario's flagship pre-school TV series Polka Dot Door, Polkaroo has since evolved into Canada's own Big Bird, a signifier of the importance of Public broadcasting in our course culture.

When Tim Hudak raised the spectre of cuts to TVO, many hoped for a redux of the firestorm which engulfed U.S presidential candidate Mitt Romney in 2012 after he threatened to annex funding to PBS and Big Bird became an unlikely symbol of the left. Alas, the reserve cavalry of Polkaroo wasn't needed this election, but he's always waiting in the wings if future nuts feint a similar war game.

DomerToronto's cadre of sporting mascots have always been top tier. Sadly over the last few years many of the original characters have peeled away - Domer, the Nelvana-designed Turtle who helped put the SkyDome on the map in 1989 is all but forgotten but for musty plush and YouTube videos. He was wheeled out last month when the Dome celebrated their quarter century b-day, but as with how to handle Roger's Centre original name in the proceedings, the whole enterprise seemed somewhat confused.

BJ BridieBJ Birdie's antics thrilled Blue Jays fans spanning decades, until some kind of behind the scenes salary dispute ended his beloved reign back in 1999. Designed and played by Kevin Shanahan (who also realised the Argo's defunct mascot Scully), BJ Birdie's absence remains one of the franchise's worst hangovers. His replacements Ace and Diamond (Diamond lasted a mere 3 years) lack a certain cartoonish charm and haven't come close to matching BJ's enduring popularity.

The Raptor, Carlton the Bear, and Jason the Mascot (Scully's replacement) are still around, but like all mascots have struggled to stay relevant and most importantly aid the kind of lucrative licensing boons their forerunners engaged in during the pre-internet age.

Sesquithe SquirrelSesqui the Sesquicentenary Squirrel was selected to be Toronto's mascot for its 150th birthday celebrations in 1984, roundly defeating runner up T.O Hog, who pretty much ruined his chances by squealing loudly through the City council debate on the subject. The immensely popular Sesqui (or Seskwee) appeared throughout the city at many functions in 1984, culminating in a massive b-day jam at Nathan Phillips Square, whereupon he retired and was rumoured to be resting up in hibernation for the city's 200th birthday celebrations. Time will tell if Sesqui is destined to make an encore T dot appearance in 2034.

Other memorable mascots of the city's past include Skywalker the CN Tower's frightening clown on stilts, TTC's friendly giant beaver Barney, Bob the Baker, mascot for the sorely missed donut chain Baker's Dozen, and countless strange others whose lifespans were either fleeting or promptly forgotten.

Bob BakerPachiPachi the Porcupine, mascot for the 2015 Pan Am games, is the newest member of the pantheon of Toronto mascots, and probably hopes to be remembered as more of a Sesqui than a Millenni.

Retrontario plumbs the seedy depths of Toronto flea markets, flooded basements, thrift shops and garage sales, mining old VHS and Betamax tapes that less than often contain incredible moments of history that were accidentally recorded but somehow survived the ravages of time. You can find more amazing discoveries at www.retrontario.com.


Legendary burger joint is back in business

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fat phills torontoAfter a few movies and a hiatus, a longtime Toronto burger favourite has finally found a permanent home in the heart of midtown. Will the new location's monstrous burgers stand up to childhood memories of the original?

Read my review of Fat Phill's in the restaurants section.

The top 10 fashion events & pop-ups in Toronto this summer

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toronto fashionFashion events in Toronto this summer are a little bit on the quiet side as designers and media gear up for fall's presentations (of the spring collection). In the meantime, Torontonians are enjoying hot weather, shorts - and tons of pop-up sales. The slew of temporary stores happening this season mean a chance to grab something new for the season...and maybe even a free drink or two.

I've rounded up 10 pop-ups, sales, and fashion events that are happening in Toronto over the next couple of months - but keep an eye out, because there will undoubtedly be more.

Here are my picks for the top fashion events and pop-ups this summer.

Jeremy Laing, CALLA, Arielle de Pinto sample sale / July 5-6
This one is on right now, and it's only two days long - so if you like these designers, get there early. Both current and past collections available for sale. Laing is considered one of Canada's best designers - so if you like his style, now is the time to snatch up some of his work. The sale is on at 1161 Dundas St. West from 12-6pm.

Jacflash and Cara Cheung pop-up / Until July 21
Jacflash began as a now-departed store on West Queen West, and evolved into a lifestyle brand. Cara Cheung is a Canadian designer who's shown at World MasterCard Fashion Week. The two have partnered up for a pop-up store that combines retail and decor: Cheung will be showing her spring/summer 2014 line, all of which was manufactured in Toronto, in a store designed by Jacflash's Jaclyn Genovese. Check it out at 101 Yorkville Ave.

Outclass pop-up shop / Until July 9
Gentlemen: If you enjoy infusing your outfits with stylish Can-con, then you'll want to check out the Outclass pop-up. This relatively new line recently showed at World MasterCard Fashion Week for the first time to praise for its reworking of traditional Canadiana wear of plaid shirts. The pop-up at 1104 College St. will have unreleased samples, discounted denim and a five-panel hat exclusive to the pop-up location.

18 Waits pop-up shop / July 10-13
It's a good summer for local menswear. 18 Waits' pop-up shop is on at 955 Queen St. West (#109) for three days, offering apparel and accessories from current and previous collections. The previous collections will have markdowns and the team is offering special deals on the current collection. They'll be there 4-8pm Thursday, 12-9pm on Friday, 11am-9pm Saturday and 11am-4pm Sunday.

Modern Man / July 11
The ultimate "guys' night out" (as they say so themselves) takes over Roy Thomson Hall on July 11, promising an all-you-can-eat manly gourmet buffet, drinks, a live poker challenge, an underground market and a shoe shine station. The event, billed for the ultimate modern man, also promises music and the chance to show off your dapper duds.

Queen's Trunk pop-up / July 5-6 and July 12-13
If your heart (and your fashion sense) truly lies on Savile Row or Portobello Road, you'll want to check out this pop-up of vintage and high-street-inspired goods imported directly from the UK. Head over to Norman Felix Gallery (445 Adelaide St. West) this weekend or next to get the London look.

Philip Sparks Summer Friday Nights / Fridays in July and August
This Toronto-based designer is pairing up with friends and fashion industry insiders to host a series of Friday night parties at his flagship store at 162 Ossington Ave. Come for the music and the free bottles of Peroni, and maybe get a custom bow tie or pick up a piece from Sparks' collection. (blogTO's own Natalia Manzocco will be co-hosting one of the events on July 18 - come say hi!)

TOM (Toronto Men's Fashion Week) / August 12-14
One of the most-awaited fashion events of the summer isn't a pop-up at all. This August, Toronto will become the 18th city to have a its own designated men's fashion week. The inaugural week, taking over the Evergreen Brickworks next month, promises to feature some of the city's best menswear designers - including Benji WZW, HD Homme and Christopher Bates - plus a few newcomers.

Martone Cycling pop-up at the Room / Until August 10
Love cycling? Then you'll love this New York line of bikes, which will be running a pop-up shop in The Room at Hudson Bay's Queen and Yonge flagship until August 10. They're a little the pricey side (men's bikes are $1460, women's $1560), but they're good for urban cyclists thanks to their automatic gears. And really - a super-stylish red bike? Why not?

Maison Kitsune pop-up at Holt Renfrew Yorkdale / Through August
If you're a fan of the French line's range of preppy/street-inspired hats, shoes and polo shirts, then head to Yorkdale's Holt Renfrew location to shop those goods in person. The pop-up, featuring pieces for both men and women, will be at the recently-revamped Holt's location until August.

Did I miss any? Leave your suggestions for fashion pop-ups and events in the comments.

pure leafThanks to Pure Leaf for sponsoring our summer adventures. For more things to do this summer, check out our Best of Summer page.

Writing by Renee Sylvestre-Williams.

The lost amusement parks of Toronto

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amusement parks torontoThere is something incredibly nostalgic about black-and-white photos of amusement parks from the 1900s. Wooden rollercoasters, hand-painted rides, delighted faces taking a dizzying ride on the Whip, eating red hots, or splashing down a log flume. Everyone dressed up for occasion--no shorts or flip-flops in sight no matter how hot it might have been.

In the heyday of waterfront amusement parks, Hanlan's Point was Toronto's Coney Island and Sunnyside its Blackpool Beach. As tastes changed and Torontonians found their kicks elsewhere, the city's parks fell on hard times and one by one disappeared, often leaving no trace of their existence save for a few dusty archival photographs.

Here is a roundup of five lost amusement parks we wish had stuck around.

CROW'S BEACH

toronto crow's beachThe mouth of the Humber River, in the 1870s some distance away from the central city, provided the location for some of Toronto's earliest amusements. Crow's Beach on the old Lake Shore Road was a cluster of hotels en route to Hamilton and Niagara that became an attraction in its own right.

According to Mike Filey in I Remember Sunnyside: The Rise & Fall of a Magical Era, a hotel run by John Duck called Wimbleton House featured a dancehall, bicycle track, a fishpond, a small zoo, swings, and a merry-go-round. Duck died in 1891, leaving the business to his widow, Catherine Crow, who continued until 1912 when a fire finished off the attractions for good.

The waterfront site was later occupied by the Palace Pier, an off-shore dancehall that the owners had hoped would feature ice skating, dancing, games of chance, a theatre, and shops.

HANLAN'S POINT

toronto diving horseToday, the ferry dock at Hanlan's Point betrays little of what used to await disembarking passengers. From the late 1880s into the 1920s, the western tip of the Toronto Island was home to a wild amusement park packed with rides like dodgems, rollercoasters, swings, and even dubious attractions such as diving horses and a freak show--"the great and only museum of living curiosities."

The popular summer attraction spawned from Hanlan's Hotel, a large accommodation built by champion sculler Edward Hanlan, the son of the early settler for whom the area is named. A large athletic field at the northern part of the point was where a young Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run in 1914.

Hanlan's, faced with competition from mainland attractions like Sunnyside, went into decline in the 1920s before vanishing entirely. Today, the Toronto Island airport and the ferry dock occupy the former site.

SUNNYSIDE

toronto sunnysideIn its heyday, Sunnyside amusement park was the most popular pleasure park in the city. Opened in 1922 on a strip of sandy artificial waterfront near King, Queen, and Roncesvalles, its rides included the Aero Swing, a merry-go-round, bumper cars, a whip, and a lightning-fast wooden rollercoaster called the Sunnyside Flyer, which was capable of reaching a terrifying 90 km/h.

Later, the TTC offered free streetcar rides to the park's massive pool--nicknamed "The Tank"--such was the popularity of the giant bathing area.

Sunnyside died a slow death: visitors declined as cars allowed potential visitors to reach more exotic locations and construction of the Gardiner Expressway required the demolition of several of its principal buildings in the 1950s. Metro Chairman Fred Gardiner wasn't a fan of preserving the park. "We can't have this honky-tonk at the main entrance to the city on both sides of the main expressway. It should be completely cleared away," he said. The park closed for good in the late 1950s after a series of fires, though some of it assets, like the Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool, still survive.

VICTORIA PARK

An altogether more sedate proposition than its rivals, Victoria Park specialized in sedate pastimes and bucolic scenery. Starting in 1878, downtown ferries began arriving at the foot of the city avenue that still bears the park's name, lured by the promise of dancing, waterfront strolls, a small zoo, and gentle rides on a steam-powered carousel.

Other attractions included donkey rides, a scenic lover's walk, bicycle races, ascensions in tethered gas balloons, and tightrope-walking displays. Victoria Park was bought out in 1899 and later served as a camp ground and outdoor school. The city bought the land in 1927 and later used it as the location for the R. C. Harris Water Treatment Plant.

SCARBOROUGH BEACH

toronto scarborough beachThe fourth of the major Toronto amusement parks from the halcyon days of the early 1900s, Scarborough Beach Amusement Park was located on the south side of Queen Street, a few blocks east of Kew Gardens.

Though not remembered as fondly as Hanlan's or Sunnyside, Scarborough Beach did brisk trade thanks to its excellent streetcar connections. The main attraction was a roughly 20 to 30 metre log flume called "Shoot the Chutes" that plunged riders into a pool of water, a "Whirl of Pleasure," a wooden rollercoaster, and something called "The Tickler," tagline: "It's a scream from start to finish."

The park, operated in later years by the Toronto Railway Company, a private streetcar company, closed in 1925 when TRC became part of the Toronto Transit Commission and the latter balked at maintaining the attraction. The land was sold to property developers and is now home to several streets, one of which is named after the park and is built on top of its former driveway.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Images: City of Toronto Archives

The top 10 romantic patios in Toronto

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romantic patios torontoRomantic patios are a thing that exists in Toronto. I promise. It may not seem like it, and don't be deluded that you'll have the whole thing to yourself. But with a little candlelight, Toronto's teeny back patios can make for lovely date spots. And if you're an exhibitionist, by chance, they'll be even better. Just exactly what's constitutes "romantic" is rather subjective, but the general criteria at work here is that these patios satisfy two or more of the following: they're 1) secluded, 2) picturesque, 3) dark, 4) quiet.

Here are my picks for the most romantic patios in Toronto.

Press Club
Dundas West's Press Club has a surprisingly large back patio with dark hidden corners to snuggle up to the one you're trying to romance. A quiet backyard, you won't have to compete with a lot noise when whispering sweet nothings in your partner's ear. There's a good beer selection, and don't worry, it's not (usually) dominated by the press.

Le Neuf CafeLe Neuf Cafe
Le Neuf Cafe boasts an intimate sidewalk patio directly across from Clarence Park. While the rush of traffic on Spadina is less than a 100 metres away, here on the patio overlooking the park, it's possible to imagine that you've escape from it all for a quick dinner in Paris. Ok, not quite. But the French fare and park setting will get you pretty close. This is also a good spot for cautious, early evening first dates (order coffee if you think you might bail).

WallflowerWallflower
Wallflower's back patio might be quiet on a weekday, and would make an ideal date spot with its candlelight and the fact that it's fully enclosed. The Dundas West bar serves up strong and reasonably well-priced cocktails, and the laid back atmosphere makes it a good spot to chill for hours on end. And they have snacks, too.

PatriaPatria
Patria's patio is a cozy spot on King West, ideal if you want to go out clubbing afterward. They've got perfect mood lighting, a fabulous cheese list, tapas, and cocktails to go with it. While it isn't Spain, it's tucked enough away that'll it'll feel like an escape from humdrum Toronto.

Harvest KitchenHarvest Kitchen
Dining on the patio at Harvest Kitchen feels a bit like being transported to some magical treehouse. The rooftop patio is nestled quite literally among the trees, and thus feels all the more enclosed and intimate. Indulge in the wine on tap to dial up your sweet talk game.

Auberge du PommierAuberge du Pommier
The cottage-like Auberge du Pommier might have one of the most romantic patios in the city, complete with a fountain at which more than a few couple have been married. The patio is large patio but enclosed with trellis and foliage, and the cosy corner seats allow for lots of privacy. The staff know when not to interrupt, and you'll never have to shout over the music. As for the food, it's drool-worthy if you're into fancy French cuisine.

Papillon on the ParkLe Papillon on the Park
Between Leslieville and the Beaches, the patio at Le Papillon on the Park is shady, and surrounded by lush greenery. An ideal spot for a romantic lunch, the patio can feel like a private getaway. Feed your date escargots or small bites of crepes, or any of the treats on their menu, and I defy you to not have an at least somewhat sexy time.

Harbord RoomHarbord Room
The Harbord Room has a large back patio with benches perfect for snuggling. Dimly lit with pretty lanterns and foliage overhead, there's a bit of a secret garden thing going on here. The cocktail list is also worthy of note, as Dave Mitton has put together one of the best lists in the city.

UnionUnion
Union's back patio has dim lighting, poetry written on the walls, and long benches for seating so you can snuggle up to your intended (don't worry, there are also some single seats if you're not into the benches). Combine that with the local food, seasonable produce and an ever-evolving wine list, this is an ideal spot for hot summer nights.

CzehoskiCzehoski
The Czehoski patio is nestled in the eves of a classic Victorian home on Queen. It's protected from street view, and the candle-adorned tables are spaced just enough so that you don't feel like your neighbours are on top of you. On the menu you'll find a decent beer list and an admittedly slightly less decent wine list, alongside pretty typical, though artful, pub-esque restaurant food.

3 Speed3 Speed
Bloordale's 3 Speed might seem like an odd place to romance someone, but if the object of your affection is a grungy, shall we say casual sort, the back patio complete with fireplace and fairy lights can make a beautiful place to make out. You can get relatively cheap beers and snacks and sharing boards, too.

What did I miss? Add your favourite romantic patios to the comments below.

Rush members set to be honoured with a Toronto park

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toronto rush leeTwo of the founding members of Rush could be honoured in the name of a new Toronto park. Cllr. John Filion, who represents the Willowdale neighbourhood where the band started in the 1960s, thinks a new park to be opened in 2015 near North York Centre subway station should be called "Lee Lifeson Art Park," after Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson.

The miniature Xanadu, which is due to open in 2015, will have an arts theme, specifically related to music and sound, Filion wrote in a letter to North York Community Council. He said the idea has the support of the North York Arts and Willowdale Central Ratepayers' Association and was favourably received at two meetings with local residents earlier this year.

Lee and Lifeson grew up in Willowdale and founded Rush with original drummer John Rutsey. The pair attended Fisherville Junior High School, wrote songs, and played shows in the neighbourhood. After decades in the limelight, the band was given a star on Canada's Walk of Fame in 1999.

The community council adopted the recommendation at its June meeting. Parks, Forestry and Recreation will produce a report on the by August 12.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: Doctor Noe/blogTO Flickr pool.

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