Meg Remy has been releasing music as U.S. Girls since 2008, and fans have watched her noisey, contemporary soul sound grow with each new release. The last three years have each seen powerful albums surpassing earlier efforts by leaps and bounds: from 2010's Go Grey to 2011's U.S. Girls on Kraak, to 2012's GEM, on FatCat Records, which will see its official release this Thursday in Toronto.

On GEM, vocal tracks are still compressed and echoing, but they're no longer buried under noise and the effects of lo-fi recording. It's clear that Remy is more confident in her unique voice, and in the stories she has to tell as a song writer: the artist's varied interests and influences include contemporary photography, sex work, and soul music. As U.S. Girls' cover songs are favourites for their tendency to break down the unseen meanings of the originals, fans will be glad to find 2011's take on "The Boy is Mine" is followed up by covers "Jack", a head banging number about a serial killer, and the politically charged "Down in the Boondocks."

New-found fidelity aside, GEM is in no way a clean pop record. On "Curves", sampled voices speak over rapid drum loops and swirls of noise. "Rosemary" is a chilling dirge, Remy crooning sweet yet full of menace as only she can over a slow, mechanical beat and disharmonic, ominous keys. Yet it's the cleaner and more complex "North on 45", as Remy herself states below, that shows just how far U.S. Girls has come as a sound project and as an emotive power.

Though Remy still carries an American passport, she's been living in Toronto for the past two years with her partner and artistic collaborator Max Turnbull of Slim Twig, who both produced GEM and appears as co-song writer and musician on several tracks. We spoke briefly to U.S. Girls about life in Ontario, GEM, collaborating with other artists, and her upcoming double album release show with Slim Twig.

How long have you been living in Toronto, and how does it compare for you to other cities you've lived in and played live in?

Meg Remy [MR]: I have been staying in Toronto a lot for the past two years. I do not officially live here yet but am in the process of obtaining my residency. I enjoy it more than anywhere else I have lived mostly because of the people I have collected here...not to mention the fact that the city is so clean, the street car runs all night, and all the good thrift stores and used record joints. I love Toronto.

GEM's one-sheet talks about your working in seclusion prior to collaborating with Max, which I'm sure is still a priority. Living in Toronto, how do you find peace to write and work on music?

MR: I mostly work on music with others now. Rarely do I go into the studio alone anymore. But I do find time, almost daily, to sit at my desk alone and work on collages. This is a nice time of isolation where I can let my mind and hands wander... and I often think about music while making visual pieces.

Why "GEM"?

MR: GEM is MEG backwards.

I can definitely make out more lyrics on GEM than on earlier records. Can you name a particular song on the album that means a lot to you lyrically, and talk about where the song came from?

MR: "North on 45" is a song that means a lot to me. Slim Twig wrote the music and I wrote the vocal melody and lyrics. This song is a pure symbol of our collaborative powers. The lyrics speak of my childhood in the most clear terms I have ever used and its a big step for me.

How has working with a producer and other musicians changed how you think about your sound?

MR: The sky is the limit for me now. No sound can hide from me. I have all of these talented people surrounding me who understand my ideas and help me convey them. My sound confidence has grown.

Will the Toronto show on the 13th see you play solo, or with a backing band?

MR: Full band, with maybe a solo opening song.

You spent a lot of time this year touring both in North America and abroad: what was the most memorable live show?

MR: The most memorable live show would probably be the Ottawa Bluesfest where I played on a stage with an audience capacity for 30,000 and only about 20 people were there. It was surreal and exciting and I was all over that jumbo-tron.

You can find GEM at FatCat Records, good Toronto record joints, or at the upcoming album release: U.S. Girls performs live December 13th at the Silver Dollar along with Slim Twig, Young Mother and Fiver.

Live photo by Christian Bobak.

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.

EVENTS/PARTIES

Headmistress, a local brand offering headdresses ranging from floral crowns to feather headbands, is kicking off their first ever pop-up shop tonight (December 12) from 7 pm until 11 pm. Make your way over to the Norman Felix Gallery (627 Queen St W) for a drink, a treat, a visit from Santa, and 10% off all of the accessories you'd need to stand out in a crowd. Plus, spend $50 or more and get a surprise gift - the Holidays have arrived! RSVP to RSVP@loveheadmistress.com for the launch party, and if you can't make it, they'll be open until Sunday (December 16).

Mavrik Wine Bar (676 Queen St W) is turning into a festive venue for the Holiday edition of the Mavrik Mrkt this Saturday (December 15). Spend the day perusing everything select local vendors have to offer, including Off Cut Studio, Knead Bakery, Touch the Dutch Jewellery, so get your homemade treats, crafts, and gifts while they're all in one place.

Chaos Theory, a local brand offering simple, versatile, and somewhat urban menswear, is throwing a pop-up shop at Proper Reserve (498 Queen St W) on Saturday (December 15). They'll be offering a sweet in-store discount from noon until 7 pm on their fall/winter 2012 collection.

Celebrate the holidays in style with Bridge & Bardot (1138 Dundas St W) this Saturday (December 15) from 6 pm until 10 pm. Peruse their new collection of hand-picked and reworked vintage clothing - including weather-appropriate sweaters and dazzling New Year's dresses - over complimentary champagne, cupcakes, and good company.

SALES

Jeremy Laing, Arielle de Pinto, Calla, and Rita Leifhebber are once again having their year-end sample sale for one day only - this Saturday (December 15). Head down to Jeremy Laing's studio located 207A Cowan Avenue from noon until 6 pm to get your unconventionally-designed clothing and accessory fix.

Caitlin Power, Calgary's budding new womenswear designer, is throwing a flash sale with M.W.L boasting up to 60% off on funky tailored clothing and endearing jewellery. Visit The Burroughes Building (639 Queen St W) from 11 am until 7 pm on Saturday (December 15) to score a deal!

Visit The Mascot (1267 Queen St W) this weekend (December 15 - 16) for CREEP's fall/winter 2011 sample sale. The bold urban menswear, heavily influenced by Japanese fashion, will be marked at 60% to 70% off the retail prices.

Consign Toronto is hosting its first ever pop-up shop at The Black Box Boutique (106 Yorkville Ave, 2nd floor) - the perfect exquisite and intimate location for such an event. Premium denim - including J Brand and 7 For All Mankind - will be sold at $30. Tops, shoes, and bags by Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and more, will also be available at discounted prices, so be sure to stop by at some point this weekend (December 15 - 16)!

Find out what's new and hot with our our bi-weekly local music roundup.

THE SKELETONES FOUR/ I'LL HAUNT YOU/ DECEMBER 10TH
I love guitar, you love guitar, everybody loves Guitar music. Luckily for all of us The Skeletones four are BACK with a new HOT new single full of that sweet guitar music. Last year saw the release of Gravestone Rock, an oddball spooky guitar music record that certainly had this reporter snapping his fingers and airing fret picking or whatever you call it....

Anywho, if the single "I'll Haunt You" is any indication The Skeletones Four's offer up the goods once again and uping the ante with some scary synth. The EP from hence it comes from Dragging the Lake is out as of yesterday for digital download.

MAYLEE TODD / BABY'S GOT IT / DECEMBER 4TH

Fingerblasting is perhaps the funniest term in the English language. I'm told by some that it's a coarse and even disrespectful term, but I beg to differ: I see it as an expression of sexuality, humility and humour, a combination you seldom see together. Frankly I'm sick of the moral prudes (the man) busting down on me for using hilarious descriptors of human sexuality. And, really, is it any worse then the term "jerking off"?

Anywho, Maylee Todd's new video for "Baby's Got It" contains a finger blasting scene. It's great. The video is great. The song is great. I know I throw a lot of accolades out but consider this accolade one of my more powerful lobs. But then again, I probably had you at "fingerblasting."

THE CAMERON BROTHERS / RATIOS / DEC. 5

Like every genre name except Jazz, Hip-Hop and Rock & Roll, the term "Roots" doesn't make any sense. What roots? Whose roots? Don't get me wrong, I "get" that it refers to old timey folky music that's considered the roots of western music of the last century — I ain't a dummy. But I feel that that discounts all the other roots music that doesn't involve coarse sweaters and and mountain lust. I'm just a political guy like that.

If I was in charge of these sorts of things, I would describe the Cameron Brothers as "Straw Chewing" due to the strong elements of rural nostalgia, traditional folky arrangements and being generally chill. Listen to "Blue Ridge Mountains" from their album Ratios and tell me* that "Straw Chewing" isn't an apt descriptor. (*Don't actually tell me).

JACELYN HOLMES/WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS/DEC. 13TH
I'm having a hard time pronouncing Jacelyn in my head. I'd try it aloud but it would spook the cat. Oddly, but certainly indicative enough, her Christmas single "Waiting for Christmas" seems to not spook him. He's a skittish fellow, but this upbeat jazzy poppy inoffensive holiday number seems to sooth his feline sensibilities. And he's Jewish!
I'm not a cat but I like the song too, and a little new christmas music never hurt anyone.
Catch Jacelyn with the Sugar Devils at her cd release for Winter Wonderland on the 13th at the Rivoli.

VARIOUS/HO! HO! HO! CANADA 4 / DECEMBER 10TH
Well kiss my Christmas Grits, what a treat! The good people at The Line of Best Fit have released their fourth compilation of Christmas tunes from some of your favourite Canadian bands! Really, it should be called "Who! Who! Who!" as it's a who's who of Canadian talent including our own Maylee Todd, The Magic and Dell Bell. I will admit that Ho! Ho! Ho! is more appropriate considering the context, but, you know...

Download here.

Have a sexy Holiday everyone!

The Bloordale Pantry is no more, but in its place is a new diner that does a solid brunch, dinner and late night eats. And while we only dabbled with the drinks menu on this particular visit, the cocktails are nothing to scoff at, either.

Read my review of Whippoorwill Restaurant and Tavern in the restaurants section.

A draft report from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation says expanding bicycle infrastructure and providing greater incentives for people to climb in the saddle will help curb traffic congestion and ease strain on overcrowded roads and highways in the GTA.

Released in the wake of a coroner's report into bike deaths, the report also pitches a province-wide cycling network in the image of Quebec's Route Verte that would connect smaller local systems, possibly with the addition of bike lanes to existing and new provincial highways, except, of course, 400-series roads.

A established, well-marketed regional cycling network could prove a big draw for tourists. Quebec's route brings in $30,000 per kilometre, almost $100 million each year. Apart from the cash, such a system has the potential to take cars off the road and reduce the burden on Ontario's health care.

There are also provisions, though vague, for funding of new lanes on or through MoT infrastructure.

A key part of the report avoids recommending changes to the Highway Traffic Act, possibly killing off the idea of a 1-metre passing rule and other new protections for cyclists. Instead, the province says it will "undertake its own research, review the approaches of other jurisdictions, listen to the comments and concerns of stakeholders, including the Coroner, and consider the recommendations of other government bodies."

The document stops short of providing specific detail on the proposed bicycle network and doesn't go into much detail in other areas. Fingers crossed for something more tangible when it's finally finished. Until then, you can have your say here.

What do you think of a province-wide cycling network? Is this a good way of promoting tourism and encouraging cycling? What would you like to see added to the report?

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

Photo: "First bicycle ride of the year" by andyscamera from the blogTO Flickr pool.

There's plenty of fun to be had in the Village, most notably at this new-ish church-themed bar that moved into the old George's Play space earlier this year. Cocktails have names like the St Francis and Forbidden Fruit and snacks like sliders and charcuterie provide all the sustenance you need to stay on the dance floor until last call.

Read my profile of Church on Church in the bars section.

Photo by ~EvidencE~ int he blogTO Flickr pool

PARTY | HoHoTO 2012
A party for Toronto's Daily Bread Food Bank that started as a Twitter movement, HoHoTO holds its annual fundraiser at the Mod Club tonight. Prizes, DJs and booze will make attendees very happy as they feed the hungry by participating in this geek and tech community party for less fortunate Torontonians. Tickets are available in advance through the HoHoTO website and at the door and non-perishable food items will be accepted by donation at Hailo Toronto's offices at 219 Queen Street West before the event.
Virgin Mobile Mod Club (722 College Street) 7PM $40

ENTERTAINMENT | The Anything Goes Show
The Anything Goes Show is possibly the only place in the world where you can see 1990s supergroup Wilson Phillips perform on the same evening as tightrope walker (and Niagara Falls conqueror) Nik Wallenda but that's why it's named so. Opening this afternoon at the Direct Energy Centre in Exhibition Place, The Anything Goes Show is a circus of the senses, with a full weekend's worth of programming that suits just about anyone who can think to go. Entertainment, music, shopping, art and holiday cheer collide in one convention centre, with exhibitors hanging around until Sunday evening.
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place (100 Princes' Boulevard) 1PM $25

ART | Ophelia/Machine
Inspired by Heiner Muller, Toronto trans performance artist Nina Arsenault opens her 72-hour performance installation Ophelia/Machine at Videofag. A reworking of Muller's Hamlet/Machine with allusions to Arsenault's three-day involuntary stay at a mental institution, the piece will be showcased nightly at 8PM at the Kensington cinema and performance space. The show is pay-what-you-can at the door.
Videofag (187 Augusta Avenue) 8PM PWYC

DESIGN | Spacing's Holiday and New Issue Release Party
Spacing is expanding its horizons and moving out west to the Junction for its holiday party and new issue release celebrations. Taking place at fun palace 3030 on Dundas West, Spacing, Canada's urban landscape magazine, releases its Tall & Small issue tonight. Copies of the magazine will be available along with other awesome Spacing merch (like the awesome TTC token holder).
3030 (3030 Dundas Street West) 8PM Free

MUSIC | Inspectah Deck
Wu-Tang original--and perhaps most low-key of the clan--Inspectah Deck comes to Toronto to play a small show at The Cave tonight. With two upcoming albums set for release in 2013, Inspectah Deck performs new music along with work from his 2010 album Manifesto. Openers include Mindbender Supreme, K-Slick, Urban Legend, Rebel Gang, Alex Dimes & Team US and Raw. Tickets are available at the door.
The Cave (860 College Street) 9PM $30 door

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR:

• Pirates Blend and Canesugar Filmworks presents: Missile Toes
• U.S Girls and Slim Twig with Fiver and Young Mother
• The Names Are Known

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

Photo by Martin Pinker in the blogTO Flickr pool

The cost of implementing PRESTO, the province's contactless fare card system, in the GTA has jumped to $700 million, almost three times the expected amount. Ontario's auditor general says the card might be the most expensive to establish in the world largely thanks to the development of an entirely new system, PRESTO Next Generation, for the TTC and Ottawa transit. Good one, Metrolinx!

Getting excited to ride the new Union-Pearson Express when it opens? Well, get ready to pay up. A new report says tickets could cost in the region of $30 each, ten times the TTC fare. Just for comparison, a Via Rail supersaver fare to Cobourg, more than 100 kilometres away, is currently $28. Another good one, Metrolinx! Should the transit agency consider running the line at a loss to lower fares?

The plot thickens. According to Ben Spurr over at NOW, it's possible a study on the portion of the Gardiner Expressway east of Jarvis was canned by Waterfront Toronto under pressure from Rob Ford's office in 2010. A staff report released Tuesday estimates that even with repairs the section will only last six more years before the deck has to be completely replaced. The nixed report would have revealed whether it's better to knock down part of the highway or foot the repair bill. What do you think should happen to the roadway?

Speaking of Ford, here's a picture of the mayor's head on the body of Ikea monkey. I can't believe this took four whole days to happen [via Reddit].

A limited number of Westvleteren 12, a highly-prized Belgian beer considered to be the best in the world, is heading to an LCBO near you. Stores at Dupont and Spadina, Hwy 401 and Weston, and Queens Quay and Yonge sold out of the beer, which sells for $76.85 a six-pack, in minutes yesterday. The drink was previously available only at the gate of a 19-century Trappist abbey where it's hand brewed by monks. Star beer columnist Josh Rubin described the taste as "dried fruit, demerara sugar and freshly-baked bread."

A set of giant wind turbine blades hanging around the west end on the back of a flatbed rail car have caught the attention of some eagle-eyed photogs. The pieces seem to be moving west past Kipling station in one shot. Neat.

The trailer for the new Guillermo del Toro flick Pacific Rim was released yesterday and the very first shot shows a heavily made up Elizabeth Street behind Toronto's city hall. Portions of the movie were filmed here earlier this year. Enjoy the giant monster show.

IN BRIEF:

• Mysterious gun traced to mysterious recluse [The Star]
• Four injured in apartment fire at seniors' home [CP24]
• Two men acquitted in deadly boat-cruise stabbings [The Star]
• Serial hit-and-run suspect Steven Paul Brunswick arrested [The Star]

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

Photo: "December 2012 Front Street City Place Footbridge" by beachdigital from the blogTO Flickr pool.

In an R&B field full of boisterous men like the R. Kellys and Ushers atop the charts, Los Angeles singer-songwriter Miguel has seemingly slipped through the cracks of our mainstream attention up until now. The more modest counterpart of his contemporaries, Miguel released his 2010 debut album, All I Want is You, to mild success, but followed it up with a trilogy of EPs and the triumphant Kaleidoscope Dreams this year, finally marking his rightful place in the spotlight.

Now, armed with a slew of Grammy nominations, the singer is primed for attention and if the packed house at the Kool Haus was any indication last night, we were ready to give it to him.

Dressed up in a dapper, slim grey suit, red shirt and small gold chain around his neck, Miguel's style is reflective of the retro Prince-like sensibilities that shine through in his music. Somewhere between slick and restrained, and flashy and confident, the singer presents a machismo attitude that's unlike many of those out there today.

This isn't a boastful, overtly sexual man; this is a man that who clearly takes sex and love seriously, and in turn, riles up the audience even more with his smooth, mature ways. Miguel never strains his vocals to the extent that we assume he can, but he doesn't need to. The controlled ad-libs and falsettos are always on-point and deliver just the right amount of energy and appeal that seduces us, wanting more; a skill that artists take years to develop.

There's no lack of entertainment onstage as he slips and slides from one side of the stage to the other, spinning, dancing and pulling every trick out of the MJ books, but adapted to his own style. He delivers every line of his songs with an innate sense of intimacy and the audience devoured every lyric of songs such as "Do you..." and his biggest single to date, "Adorn," shouting the words back at him in what can be described as, for a lack of a better word, a lovefest.

Additional Photos

Photos by Alejandro Santiago

This Week in Film rounds up noteworthy new releases in theatres, rep cinema and avant-garde screenings, festivals, and other special cinema-related events happening in Toronto.

NEW RELEASES

Sushi Girl (Projection Booth East/Projection Booth Metro)

One of the best received films at FANTASIA and Toronto After Dark, Sushi Girl is part detective story, comedy, action, drama, and thriller with a just a pinch of love story thrown into the mix. The best part is that the film operates as a stark single-set-piece style play, allowing the actors to really steal the show. Which actors, you ask? How about classic icons like: Mark Hamill (Star Wars), Tony Todd (Candyman), James Duval (Donnie Darko), Noah Hathaway (The Never Ending Story), Danny Trejo (Machete), Sonny Chiba (Kill Bill), and more! Fair warning however, this film is pretty violent. So maybe don't go on a first date, or at least hold off on the cheap all-you-can-eat sushi.

Also opening in theatres this week:

• The End of Time (TIFF Bell Lightbox)
• The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Various)
• Hyde Park on Hudson (TBD)
• Kirikou et les hommes et les femmes (TBD)
• La Mise à l'aveugle (TBD)
• Rust and Bone (TBD)

REP CINEMA

Searching For Sugar Man - (Sat, Dec 15, 9pm, Bloor Hot Docs Cinema)

Searching for Sugar Man tells the incredible true story of Rodriguez, the greatest '70s rock icon who never was. Discovered in a Detroit bar in the late '60s by two celebrated producers struck by his soulful melodies and prophetic lyrics, they recorded an album which they believed would secure his reputation as the greatest recording artist of his generation. In fact, the album bombed and the singer disappeared into obscurity amid rumors of a gruesome on-stage suicide. But a bootleg recording found its way into apartheid South Africa and, over the next two decades, he became a phenomenon. The film follows the story of two South African fans who set out to find out what really happened to their hero. Their investigation leads them to a story more extraordinary than any of the existing myths about the artist known as Rodriguez.

More rep cinema screenings this week:

• Detropia (Friday, December 14, Bloor Hot Docs Cinema)
• Meet the Fokkens (Friday, December 14, Bloor Hot Docs Cinema)
• Dr. Strangelove (Friday, December 14, TIFF Bell Lightbox)
• Deadlier Than the Male (Friday, December 14, TIFF Bell Lightbox)
• Samsara (Friday, December 14, Revue Cinema)

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

The Roncesvalles Village BIA presents a FREE screening of: Miracle on 34th St. (G) 96 min (Saturday, December 15, 11am - Revue Cinema)

Something to kick start the ol' Christmas spirit! Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn), visits New York. He meets a busy Macy's event planner, Doris Walker (Maureen O'Hara) and her practical daughter Susie (Natalie Wood), who doesn't believe in Santa Claus. So Kris takes a job as the season's department store helper in an attempt to change things. The film begins at the Thanksgiving Day Parade and runs through the hectic Christmas shopping season. The perfect nostalgic holiday classic.

Please bring a non-perishable food item!

Lumen Condos is "a measurement of light and life as inspired an imagined in architectural design." Uh, I think that means the building's light fixtures are important or something; I'm really not too sure. Part of the Concord CityPlace community, Lumen has absolutely nothing to do with the enigmatic character in the fifth season of Dexter, and instead offers real estate opportunities for people looking to invest by the Gardiner. A decidedly different thrill. This 30-storey building will come with a breathtaking illuminated lobby, every amenity imaginable, and, most likely, one hell of a hydro bill. Here's a close look at Lumen.

SPECS

Location: Bathurst and Lake Shore Blvd

Total number of units: 300

Number of storeys: 30

Number of elevators: 3

Types of units: One bedroom, one-plus den, two-bedroom, two-plus den

Unit sizes (in square feet): 525 - 933

Prices from: ~$300,000

Parking: $40,000 (for units above 550 s.f.)

Storage: $5,000

Maintenance fees: $0.51/sf

Developer:Concord Adex

Architect:Raw

Interior Designer:Figure3

Amenities: Indoor pool, 24/hr concierge, gym, party room, yoga studio, guest suites, games room, movie room...

Expected occupancy: March 2015

THE GOOD

Hey look, a park. And a new bridge. This place is all right. Right? As long as you're not driving, CityPlace access is pretty easy — it's walking distance to everything when the weather is warm, and steps to the Spadina and/or Bathurst streetcars. In terms of a pied-à-terre, not a half bad choice.

The building itself does look mighty fine, but more impressive is the distinct lack of pitiful 300-something-square-foot bachelor units. Sorry — "studios;" that's what we're calling them, yes? Most Lumen units aren't exactly plush with extra room, but 550-square-feet for a one-bedroom is fair... I guess... at least by today's standards. And definitely improved upon if you can snag one of those units with a 120-square-foot balcony. That's like *half* the size of a starter condo on King West. Rejoice.

If I continue, I'll just be grasping. I don't think the idea that "you'll have lots of neighbours and therefore plenty of options of people to watch your dog when you go out of town," is really a good reason to make a $500,000 investment.

THE BAD

Cool — a view of the lake. Maybe. If you pay for it. But with Lumen situated right by the Gardiner, all residents can count on the incessant sounds of weekday traffic and the unrelenting congestion that seems to worsen with every grand opening. Oh, how peaceful it will surely be to sit back on your 35-square-foot balcony and watch the emergency vehicles try to get to the fender-bender in the middle lane. This, friends, is tranquility.

Lumen developers boast that the building is located in Canada's fastest growing neighbourhood, which, apparently, needs no further footnote. But since when did "fastest growing" actually mean "best?" CityPlace has already garnered a bit of a reputation for lacking any sense of community, not to mention the condos that have seemingly been overtaken by hoards of student tenants. (And so, that explains the Economic textbooks and beer funnels found in the garbage rooms after each semester.)

Some haters critics have already sensationally pegged CityPlace a ghetto, while others, more reservedly, have stuck with "concrete jungle." Either way, it's pretty inarguable that the area lacks any real sense of character, and I imagine it'll yet be a long while before anyone says, "Hey, let's do dinner and explore CityPlace." So you're safe for now, Leslieville.

Lumen itself — other than that nifty glowing swimming pool — is pretty generic as far as downtown condos go. It has those blasted pseudo-kitchens with barely any counter space, unimpressive standard laminate flooring, and a few absolutely ridiculous layouts. One of its one-bedroom units (Layout 9, for those keeping track) has its kitchen IN ITS ENTRANCE HALLWAY, and another (Layout 12) has the fridge basically opposite the front door. Both units are so oddly laid out that it seems opening the oven would totally block off access to the entire suite. Not too *bright*, if you ask me. (Womp, womp.)

THE VERDICT

I prefer Dexter's Lumen.

What do you think? Would you live here? Add your comments to the thread below.

Read other posts in this series via our Toronto Condos and Lofts Pinterest board

This restaurant on Bloor near Ossington does traditional Ethiopian cuisine and coffee service just right, and makes for a good destination when you're in the mood to share platters with a group of friends. A relatively new addition is the basement bar that turns out jazz tunes to help keep patrons relaxed after they've stuffed themselves upstairs.

Find out more in my review of Pero Restaurant.

Rob Ford's lawyer says Justice Charles Hackland, the judge who ordered the mayor removed from office, made "several errors of law" reaching his decision in a factum filed in an Ontario divisional court yesterday.

The statement of facts filed prior to a January appeal hearing against the guilty verdict also claims the judge "adopted the wrong approach" by not finding Ford made a simple mistake by speaking and voting on an item in which he had a financial interest at a February council meeting.

Lawyer Alan Lenczner expanded on the foundation of Ford's appeal, which is due to be heard Jan. 7, detailing how by "construing the MCIA [Municipal Conflict of Interest Act] 'strictly'" Hackland "did the opposite of what the law demands."

Lenczner will also try to convince a panel of three judges that council overstepped its bounds by ordering Ford to pay back $3,150 in donations to his private football foundation in the first place. Ford voted to repeal a previous council decision that ordered he pay back the money gathered in part using the city's official letterhead to donors.

According to the document, Ford and his team believe the MCIA "has no application to the circumstances of this case." Another factum from Paul Magder, the Toronto resident who brought the case, is due before Dec. 24.

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

Photo by mikepop2ca from the blogTO Flickr pool.

The best cheap breakfast in Toronto is, of course, a greasy spoon specialty. Forget about your fantasies of herb aioli, aged cheddar, or local greens on these breakfast plates; here it's bacon, eggs, toast, and coffee (drip too &mash;the horror!). Probably some homefries too. These breakfasts are classic, unpretentious, tasty, and cheap, and definitely hit the spot without breaking the bank. Try not to think about your cholesterol level in 20 years, and just fish a few dollars out of your pocket.

Here is the list of the best cheap breakfast in Toronto.

See also:

The best all day breakfast in Toronto
The best brunch in Toronto
The best breakfast sandwiches in Toronto
The best eggs benedict in Toronto
The best pancakes in Toronto
The best French toast in Toronto

It's definitely starting to look like winter, but even grey skiies and colder days doesn't mean those around Trinity Bellwoods pack up their best fashion for the season. Here's a selection of who we found in and around the park on a recent December afternoon.

Check out all the looks in our Style section.

Photo by tmo222 in the blogTO Flickr pool

For sale: one aged highway, many previous users, some light wear. Councillor Adam Vaughan says it's time Toronto sold off the Gardiner and implemented tolls to cover spiraling repair costs that could, if approved, reach half a billion dollars. According to the National Post, the idea "was not immediately shot down by the mayor's allies." Is this progress?

The road saw action last night when cops arrested a 22-year-old driver for traveling the wrong way on the elevated road near Islington Avenue. Impaired driving charges are pending.

Rob Ford's office may not have known much about the dangerous state of the Gardiner Expressway even though city staff and engineers were working in "emergency" mode. Documents seen by the Star raise concerns that staff were sending the wrong messages to the public about the safety of the road.

Despite a whopping implementation bill, PRESTO is here to stay. The contactless fare card has cost almost three times more than expected to implement in Toronto and Ottawa but Metrolinx CEO Bruce McCuaig says the card will continue to roll out on the TTC as expected. Will PRESTO come into its own when the Toronto Transit Commission comes online?

A "concerned private citizen" isn't too happy about upcoming cuts to fire services in the city. A sign encouraging drivers to call Rob Ford to complain about a reduction in service has appeared on the lawn of a Scarborough fire hall.

Another new taxi company is wading into potentially murky water related to the city's car dispatching laws. TAG says it doesn't need a taxi operator's license because it contacts the dispatcher and not the drivers. Uber, a similar company, ran into trouble with licensing and standards last week over its system of sending fares directly to each car.

Toronto's most famous jacketed macaque may have been immortalized forever in ink on a local woman. Pictures on Reddit appear to show a design with the word "believe" underneath being prepared on a girl's side. What do you think - is it real?

IN BRIEF:

• Toronto elementary school teachers to stage walkout on Tuesday [National Post]
• Boy threatened while shopping at Eaton Centre, police say video [CBC]
• Downtown Toronto condo building set to include affordable rental units [The Star]

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

Photo: "Gardiner and Skyscrapers" by calebwildes from the blogTO Flickr pool.

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

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

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

Lead photo by FrancisLM.

2.
Photo by tmo222

3.
Photo by ~EvidencE~

4.
Photo by dtstuff9

5.
Photo by *Imperialis*

6.
Photo by Katrin Ray

7.
Photo by Martinho

After last Saturday's raucous event, I step into Gerrard Art Space (GAS) on Sunday morning and Joanne Filletti, director of GAS, is airing out the space. "It stinks like beer in here. Don't you smell it?" I guess my nasal faculties have become too accustomed to the rock-and-roll war-torn smell of stale beer, because I don't notice a thing.

"It's worth cleaning it up, though," she hastens to add, smiling as she rights a painting on the wall. As we sit and have tea in the now clean and bright room, looking nothing like the crowded space from the previous night, Filletti shares with me her true feelings about the show: "It's always magical." And that it was.

Saturday night was the second show in a music series called East Side Boom. Born from the curious and passionately musical mind of Jason Kenemy (Woodshed Orchestra), East Side Boom brings together talented musicians and artists from around Toronto and showcases them monthly.

Starting out as solely an idea to have more music and events in the neighbourhood (Kenemy lives spitting distance from GAS), it grew into a full-fledged music series over the fall.

"Having kids and playing music can be a challenge," Kenemy said, reflecting on the reasons he had to develop the series as we tried the espresso at a local coffee shop and kept an eye on his 16-month-year-old daughter, Hazel.

Wanting easier access to shows and creating a community that embraces music were a few goals Kenemy had in mind. "There seemed to be this hole," he said, referring to the lack of a local music scene in his neighbourhood, and for him, East Side Boom begins to fill it.

"I don't want my kids to grow up and think it's an exclusive thing, to play music," he added, and with a father as passionately dedicated to music as Kenemy, I didn't think his kids would have much to worry about.

Saturday's show brought together people from all over the spectrum - Gen Y-ers, baby boomers, musicians, artists, neighbours, and even those who happened to be passing by. With performances by Eva and Lisa, Julian Brown, The Volunteers, and the Woodshed Orchestra, the show grew increasingly boisterous as strangers became friends and chairs were put away in favour of the dance floor.

Sepia tones glowed in through the windows as the double streetcar passed by - the lasting, familiar curse of the TTC - and the glowing papier-mache asteroids hanging from the ceiling (as well as the art gleefully hanging on the walls) lent a visually tactile atmosphere to the scene. Filletti's artists know they might just get some extra love from other shows she holds at GAS, though the most delicate pieces always come down.

Although this was only the second show, East Side Boom seems already to have a strong standing in the neighbourhood, and its musical talents are something to be reckoned with. The coming shows promise to be even bigger, as Sam Cash and Jerry Leger play in January, with Autorickshaw headlining February's show. If you're lucky enough to be in the neighbourhood, you will want to swing by - otherwise you'll just be another passerby wondering what all the fuss is about at that cool shop on the corner.

Writing by Lori Steuart