Black Walls' Ken Reaume (who formerly performed and recorded as VIVIV), names Mark Kozelek and Black Sabbath as influences. His 2012 album Acedia weaves heavy lyrical content, skillful classical guitar playing, and ominous chords into a deep collage of emotion and open ended personal stories, building a modern mythology that's both unpretentious and vulnerable.

Acedia, carefully produced by Black Walls and Brandon Hocura and mastered by James Flames, appeared in April of this year, but it's fitting Black Walls' mentality that we're just reviewing it now. This isn't the kind of fleeting music that demands immediate attention: Acedia is a slow, creeping sound that knows its own power and doesn't push to the forefront, leaving it up to us to do the rest.

Demons, childhood memories, religious imagery and celebrity skate boarders flicker in and out of view as Acedia looms dark and enclosing as Reaume's overwhelming sleeve cover illustration. While each track is moving, 10 minute long "Pines" finally giving way to the sound of lapping waves is an especially lovely moment, and both "Hiatus" and "Sun to Rise"'s soft percussion and lively guitar highlight Reaume's gentle vocal inflections.

To see Reaume pouring himself out over his guitar live is difficult to achieve dry-eyed, and on record there is a chilling sense that Reaume is present as an invisible, sad specter somewhere in the corner of the room, recalling the most tender acoustic moments of Twinsistermoon or Natural Snow Buildings. Be warned: Black Walls' spirit will linger long after the album has ended, a hardcore tee clothed Casper for the modern world.

Acedia is available on white vinyl through Toronto's Pleasence Records, or on Bandcamp.

Christmas Addendum:

Just released: a new metal-tinged Holiday track for free from Black Walls: "Gabriel's Message".

Holiday sales in Toronto might just save the day if you're late to start on your gift list, especially now that panic has no doubt swept all of us last-minute shoppers. Of course, there's a handful of corporate giants offering unbeatable prices (the crowds at the Eaton Centre and Yorkdale the last few days are proof) - but if you really want to impress your loved ones and maybe earn karma points for helping out small businesses, you need to hit the streets and shop local. Here are some of the most noteworthy Holiday sales and pop-up shops going on this week.

Let's Give Back Together
Miracle Thieves (249 Crawford St) is really trying to spread the love and positivity this season, inviting everyone to head to the shop tomorrow (December 20) with canned goods and warm clothes for the less fortunate. Plus, you can still shop their Holiday Boutique featuring amazing local designers and artists over good vibes, treats, and egg nog.

I'Moniq Pop-up at Sauvage
Tomorrow (December 20) and Friday (December 21), Sauvage (644 Queen St W) will be home to I'Moniq accessories. Their statement jewellery can be paired with a Sauvage ensemble, checking off that fashion-savvy person on your list or giving you that perfectly unique Holiday outfit you've been searching for. Plus, with designer Monique Anderson giving style advice and a chance to win a jewellery piece, you just might walk away with more than you bargained for.

Jonathan & Olivia
A slew of Alexander Wang, Isabel Marant, Acne, and more have been marked down at Jonathan & Olivia (49 Ossington Ave). Find the perfect luxe basic or statement piece at up to 50% off all season long.

Designer Collaborative Capsule
Emily Woudenberg is hosting a one-day local brand extravaganza at 822 Dundas Street West this Saturday (December 22) from 8 am until 9 pm. Get your last minute holiday shopping done all in one place while also supporting some of the city's own talent including Varsity Brown, Sea Flower Studios, Wes Misener, and - of course - Woudenberg. With complimentary San Pellegrino and I Love Puffy Love marshmallows for sale, you might just get through the holidays without stressing over gift hunting.

Life of Manek
For one day only, Life of Manek (1504 Dundas St W) is hosting a Holiday Open House, where they'll be serving up drinks and treats to all manic last-minute holiday shoppers. Stop in, party, and shop their vintage and contemporary lines this Saturday (December 22) - 'tis the season!

Nomad
Nomad (819 Queen St W) is giving customers the chance to shop their Fall/Winter 2012 goods at an extra 10% off all the way up until the 24th of December. This means you could be the bearer of a cozy (and well-made, and probably very generous) gift for the men in your life... or you could take the opportunity to spoil yourself with a deal on that Carhartt vest you've been eyeing. I don't judge.

Know of a holiday sale or pop-up worth sharing? Let us know in the comments.

The best songs from Toronto bands in 2012

With 2012 nearly a memory, it's time to look back and recall some of the year's best tracks from Toronto bands. It's always difficult paring a list like this down to 10, but it was even more difficult thanks to what a strong year it was for local music. Give 'em a listen and then leave a comment below telling us what you think about our choices — or leave your own suggestions if you feel there's something we missed. The more Toronto music, the better.

10. The Elwins - "Stuck in the Middle"
The Elwins subtly turned themselves into one of 2012's best new bands to watch out for. The quartet's catchy "Stuck in the Middle" produced a bright, poppy first impression.

9. Memoryhouse - "The Kids Were Wrong"
Memoryhouse made their Sub Pop debut with The Slideshow Effect, a record that showcases the band's misty, somber sound. "The Kids Were Wrong" rides out in a fog with Evan Abeele's fuzzy guitar lines and Denise Nouvion's vocal billows.

8. The Wooden Sky - "Malibu Rum"
"Malibu Rum" is a sparkling serenade that intoxicates you with bewildering calypso and a woozy, tender melody.

7. PS I Love You - "Sentimental Dishes"
PS I Love You continued to blaze a trail of scuzzy noise-pop hooks with Death Dreams, which features the soaring "Sentimental Dishes" - a song that never slows down, but just gets faster, heavier and more sublime to the very end.

6. Crystal Castles - "Affection"
"Affection" combines automaton vocal effects and disharmony, yet there's substance in the constant patterns of mis-patterns, along with the distorted washes of broken-down choruses and dark, looping beats.

5. Bahamas - "Lost in the Light"
Bahamas (Afie Jurvanen) shone bright in 2012. The best song on Barchords is "Lost in the Light", a song where Jurvanen lets free his wandering, inventive spirit on guitar, with rollicking strums and vocals assembled with perfect backing.

4. Evening Hymns - "Asleep in the Pews"
Evening Hymns' reflective album Spectral Dusk is full of sad songs. And one of the album's saddest tunes, "Asleep in the Pews" is also one of this year's most beautiful, inspiring tracks.

3. Metz - "Wet Blanket"
"Wet Blanket" is explosive and catastrophic. Metz pulls out all the stops to break the barrier between sound in your ear-space, the ground beneath you, and everyone else in the crowd ready to join the chaos.

2. Cold Specks - "Blank Maps"
"I am, I am, I am, I am a goddamn believer," exalts the soulful Al Spx aka Cold Specks in "Blank Maps". With a dauntless, expressive voice, the Polaris shortlist nominee claims her place - and rightly so - as one of 2012's best new artists.

1. Trust - "Sulk"
TRST, the debut album from electronic duo Robert Alfons and Austra drummer Maya Postepski was engineered to shake your earphones. "Sulk" represents Trust's flashy attitude and affinity for noir, dark-wave splendours. Just hit play on "Sulk" - you'll see why it's 2012's number one.

ADDITIONAL STAFF PICKS

ADAM BRADY

• Army Girls — "Twice"
• Cold Specks — "Holland"
• Dusted — "Centuries of Sleep"
• The Elwins — "Forgetful Assistance"
• Digits — "Where I Found You"

AUBREY JAX

• Trust — "Chrissy E"
• U.S. Girls — "Jack"
• Crystal Castles — "Plague"
• Kram Ran — "Hiatus"
• Sins — "Suicide!"

ADAM KAMIN

• Beliefs — "Violets"
• METZ — "Wasted"
• Fiver — "Calm & Collected"
• Dusted — "Property Lines"
• Cold Specks — "Blank Maps"

RYAN BOLTON

• Gold & Youth — "City of Quartz"
• Hannah Georgas — "Somebody"
• Trust — "Sulk"
• Diamond Rings — "Runaway Love"

ERIN SCHOLZ


• DIANA- Born Again
• Dusted- Cut Them Free
• METZ- Wet Blanket
• Moon King- Only Child
• Julie Doiron- By the Lake

Following the sad news that Caju is set to close its doors, a new Brazilian cafe and restaurant has popped up in Cabbagetown. It boasts exclusive single-origin coffee direct from Brazil, a small menu of innovative Brazilian dishes, as well as music nights, and art for sale.

Read my review of Cafune in the restaurants section.

From the funny to the frightful, here are 10 videos from 2012 worth watching all over again

It's end of year review time, and what better way to start to wrap up 2012 than by watching Rob Ford fall, Batman scare people, and talking dogs protest the plastic bag ban? It wasn't necessarily a banner year for viral videos from Toronto, but there's good entertainment to be had from the selection below, which also includes some stunning timelapse sequences of the city. Enjoy! And let us know of any we missed so that we can add them to the post.

Rob Ford hits the astroturf
When people fall down it's often funny. Perhaps it shouldn't be, perhaps we should collectively express sympathy (even empathy) at the site of someone taking an embarrassing tumble, but, come on, it's almost impossible to do so. And when the subject in question is Rob Ford — hitting the deck while showing off his putative football prowess — well then you have the recipe for a so-called viral video.

Rob Ford says "subways" for 10 minutes
Subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways, subways. Rob Ford likes subways. But he hasn't got them yet.

City Rising and Planet Toronto (timelapses)
2012 saw its fair share of timelapse sequences featuring Toronto, but two stood heads and tails above the rest in terms of pure visual stimulation, Tom Ryaboi's "City Rising" and Ryan Emond's "Planet Toronto," the latter of which was shot for Toronto Tourism. Both videos feature gorgeous sequences of the city from atop our tallest buildings, but it's the little details (people milling about in their apartments, changing weather systems, etc.) that make them both more than the sum of their parts.

Toronto Batman
Yes, the whole schtick got a bit stale after the first video, but the sight of "Batman" riding the subway, scaring people and shouting "where are they?" was worth more than a few laughs the first time around. The lesson: quit while you're ahead — something that the caped crusader has always struggled with.

What happens after dark at TYPE Books
Who thought that after hours could be so interesting at a bookstore? Sean and Lisa Ohlenkamp's stop-motion sequence turns TYPE books into a veritable playground, and offers a subtle reminder that even if the author is dead, the text certainly is not.

Lemon Bucket Orkestra at Pearson
Flight delays suck, especially when you're stuck on the tarmac. That is unless the Lemon Bucket Orkestra happens to be on your plane bearing their instruments. In flight entertainment, indeed.

Pho fight!
Things fall apart. Especially on Halloween after all the drinks. No one's going to win any medals for representing the human race in this impromptu brawl at a pho restaurant, but it's hard not to watch the whole thing unfold. Oh, and the tough guy throwing plates was eventually arrested.

Dogs help to reverse the plastic bag ban
Dogs. Dogma. This one probably doesn't make the list if it wasn't for the fact that the bag ban was reversed. Canine power — believe in it, guys.

Jeff Harris's 14+ year photo project
This video slipped under the radar a bit, but it's a fascinating documentation of what Toronto-based photographer Jeff Harris has been up to for now almost 15 years. Beautiful images and a compelling story, this one is not to be missed.

It's the holidays, so I'm in a giving mood. That means now is probably the best time to think back to what Mayor Rob Ford accomplished over 2012, an admittedly difficult year for Toronto's political leader. From his vindictive (and expensive) firing of former TTC GM Gary Webster, to the loss of his subway-centric vision for Toronto rapid transit, to multiple court appearances, the mayor's failures were plentiful and embarrassing this year, but let's shake things up a bit by looking back at some of his accomplishments, even if a few of them deserved the tag "dubious."

He managed to remain mayor
You know you're in trouble when this is the first item on the list, but given the verdict in his conflict of interest case, Ford should probably thankful that he was granted a stay during the appeal process. It seems dubious that he'll win that appeal, so the bigger question is whether or not I'll be able to add this item to next year's list of accomplishments.

He coached the Don Bosco Eagles to the City Finals
You know you're in trouble when this is the second item on the list, but even if he had his struggles on the floor of city council, Ford was able to take his high school football team almost all the way, finally suffering defeat at the Metro Bowl. So apparently skipping out of all those council meetings paid dividends after all.

He won the bag ban battle
It's probably not entirely fair to credit Rob Ford for victory on this one, as it was really the threat of legal action from interest groups that scared city council to reverse its decision on banning plastic bags. That said, the final outcome was one that aligned with Ford's desires, so I'll throw him a bone on this one.

He implemented private garbage collection west of Yonge
Not everyone will agree that this is a good thing, but the privatization of garbage collection was something that Rob Ford wanted to implement and he was able to see it through. Despite some first week hiccups, the Green For Life pick-up service seems to be getting the job done just fine and at a better rate for the city (for now).

He continues to attract interest in Toronto politics
Has city hall ever been more entertaining? Possibly. But the presence of Ford and his brother on council (not to mention the rise of #TOpoli on Twitter) have ensured that scores of new folks are tuning into see what's going on in the clamshell. And while many of these new observers might be critical of the mayor and his policies, renewed interest in local politics is surely a good thing. Thanks Rob!

Photo by BruceK in the blogTO Flickr pool

Good(ish) news, herbivores. While you might have heard on Twitter or Facebook that Fressen will be serving its last Moroccan stew on December 31, it's not exactly the end for this beloved vegan sit-down spot.

Owner Steve Gardiner will take several months in the new year to craft an entirely new concept for the restaurant, that which will include a new name, look, and menu. The food will still be vegan, of course, but that's about all that will linger from the existing Fressen prototype. Even the current staff has all been let go, with the promise that some may be asked to return when the new restaurant is up and ready.

I chat with Tanaz at Fressen, who tells me Steve's plan has actually been about a year in the making. "He's just been so busy with Urban Herbivore," she says, "that he really hasn't had the time to make [Fressen] what he wants it to be. But the sister restaurants are now running smoothly, so I think now is a good time for him."

Fressen's basement is already in the mist of being gutted in preparation for the day after serving its final meal. No details have been released as to what to expect of the new space, though the transformation is expected to take about two to three months.

Photo from the Fressen Facebook page.

Photo by ronnie.yip in the blogTO Flickr pool

ART | Darkest Before the Dawn
One of the more pervasive topics in art shows this week is the winter solstice, which the Darkest Before the Dawn exhibit explores in its opening night at 163 Sterling tonight. Addressing the emotional strain that shortened days can cause, Darkest Before the Dawn features performance artists, dancers and noise and drone musicians collaborating to create dark and sometimes violent interpretations of this time of year. The show takes place one night only and donations to the artists will be accepted.
UNIT 2 (163 Sterling Road) 9PM Free

THEATRE | Jay Davis and Friends: A One Man Show
The Green Door Cabaret series, a 5-day-a-week cabaret show at the Lower Ossington Theatre, features a range of Canadian musicians each week, with tonight's performance being lead by Toronto vocalist Jay Davis. Performing a one man show, Davis will sing the music of artists like Michael Buble, Josh Groban, and The Police, including some holiday music to get everyone in the spirit. Special rates are available and all are welcome. Just look for the green door!
Lower Ossington Theatre (100A Ossington Avenue) 7:30PM $25

MUSIC | The Untold City + Dan Burke Holiday with Grounders
Famed local concert promoter and booker Dan Burke hosts his annual holiday party tonight alongside The Untold City with plenty of bands and special guests performing. Alt rock five-piece Grounders, the band that has been everywhere lately, headlines with upcoming acts Danger Band, Gay and Koko Blue also filling the marquee for the night. Tickets to the best hidden Christmas party of the year will be sold at the door.
The Silver Dollar Room (486 Spadina Avenue) 8PM $7

THEATRE | Christmas Again?! An All-New Holiday Musical Revue
A retail worker falls in love with the mall Santa Claus, who can be found unwinding at the local pub, while the Christmas trees spar with one another (tinsel vs. fir!) in the local lot, and a stressed mother worries about gift buying. With original music from Jill Leger, Christmas Again?! is a musical comedy performance that's the National Lampoon's version of the holidays, cut for the stage. A comical reminder of the ugly side of holiday cheer, the play opens at Red Sandcastle Theatre tonight, running through to the 22nd.
Red Sandcastle Theatre (922 Queen Street East) 8PM $12

MUSIC | Last Gang Records' Annual Holiday Charity Event
Last Gang Records, a Toronto- and Montreal-based record label that currently boasts names like Emily Haines, Chromeo and Death From Above 1979, throws its annual holiday charity event to celebrate the year that has passed and the big year approaching, which will mark their 10th anniversary. An evening of up-and-coming musicians has been secured with Modern Superstitions opening the show, followed by Tre Mission, Egyptrixx and DJ Amy Traphouse. Tickets are only available at the door with all proceeds going toward Dixon Hall, which supports at-risk youth, homeless and women's shelters and isolated seniors.
The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen Street West) 9PM $10

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR:

• WS/EX: We Were Heads, Helsynki, The Kerouacs and Good People
• Taylor Knox Fire 7" Release
• WORKSHOP: Holiday Cookies with Paula Costa

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

For Toronto movie showtimes, view our Movie Listings section.

Photo by Proletar1at in the blogTO Flickr pool

Rob Ford (remember him?) is back from his "private time" Hallandale Beach in South Florida, his office has confirmed. The week-long trip was customarily not advertised but several travelers at Pearson noticed the mayor preparing to board a flight. While he was gone Ford missed a budget debate about the ailing Gardiner Expressway.

"Idle No More," a grassroots campaign against a controversial federal omnibus bill, is organizing a flashmob at Yonge-Dundas Square this Friday. Bill C-45 proposes changes to the Indian Act that would make it easier for First Nations groups to surrender lands. Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation is currently on hunger strike, vowing to die unless the government alters its stance on aboriginal rights.

Curmudgeonly councillor Mike Del Grande has a rather grumpy message for people trying to reach him online: "Assume I am not going to read your e-mail. Send it after the 6th of January otherwise it will find it's [sic] way in the trash bin." The temporary auto-response also advises that the budget chief has "left downtown and dashed to get my private jet and fly off to Rio in Brazil." It does manage a "Merry Christmas" though, so that's something.

The TTC was "arrogant" and "patronizing" to residents near Donlands and Greenwood stations during a consultation process over second exit projects, according to a report by the city's ombudsman. Fiona Crean found the Commission made serious mis-steps in its conversations with the community, including threatening to demolish several homes. Commissioner Glenn De Baeremaeker said it was a "dark day for the TTC."

A TTC driver could face charges after a collision at Yonge and Finch last night, says CP24. Police say a female pedestrian had the right of way when she was struck by a bus just before 8 p.m., suffering non-life threatening injuries to her head and face.

A development on the west side of Bathurst Street between Dundas and College looks like it's dead in the water. RioCan had hoped to develop the strip that includes the Kromer Radio building into a 3-storey retail site but were cut down by Toronto's committee of adjustment in May. An appeal verdict handed down by the Ontario Municipal Board that was released earlier this week upheld the decision to nix the proposal.

That horror novel might be a little scarier than you thought. Bed bugs found in a Toronto library book mean another public space in the city isn't safe from the parasitic creeps.

Batten down the hatches - it looks like Toronto's about to get its first blast of frigid weather. A winter storm has prompted Environment Canada to issue a special weather statement warning of snow, freezing rain, and hazardous driving conditions today through Friday. Stay safe.

IN BRIEF:

• Man pulled unconscious from apartment fire [CBC]
• Delta Chelsea no more: Delta chain removes name from city's largest hotel [National Post]
• Owner of Ikea monkey wants him home for the holidays [The Star]
• Locked-out NHLers get taste of what they're missing [CP24]
• Bills centre trashes Toronto games after Seahawks trash team [The Star]

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

Photo: "Yellow Line" by Aband1d_Urbex (rockandrollfreak) from the blogTO Flickr pool.

This Kensington Market deli opened its doors just last weekend, and is already drawing attention for its selection of prepared foods, fresh pasta, to-go sandwiches, homemade pickled goods, and wide array of innovative relishes, jams and pates--and they have root beer on tap.

Read my profile of Thomas Lavers Cannery and Deli in the grocery stores section.

Well, the time has come. This Friday, December 21st, marks the end of the Mayan long count calendar, and everyone is rife with predictions on what exactly will go down on this fateful day. Maybe the Earth will be engulfed in solar flares or subsumed in a black hole, or maybe we'll collectively undergo a spiritual re-awakening; nevertheless, a pat on the back to Earth for having made it through the calendar's 5125 years.

What better way to celebrate the potential end of the world than with a proper haul of parties? Toronto's got a lot for you to choose from, and in keeping with the season, many of them will likely turn into holiday parties past midnight's stroke.

Here are 15 events to celebrate the Mayan Apocalypse in Toronto:

End of the World Holiday Party
The El Mo is snubbing its nose at tall tales of the end of the world, and throwing a party featuring the musical talents of Ada Dahli & The Pallbearers, Jack Marks & The Lost Wages, and Freeman Dre & The Kitchen Party.
El Mocambo (494 Spadina Ave) 10PM

Mayan Formation
Following Kensington's Festival of Lights to celebrate the Winter Solstice, Double Double Land pays homage to the possible end of all things by gathering a trio of DJs to send off the world properly.
Double Double Land (209 Augusta Ave)

No Tomorrow
The Monarch Tavern is promising appearances from all your favourite religious figures--Jesus, Buddha, and even Stanley Kubrick--on this final eve, but what you can count on is a night of good music courtesy of Cyn + kme1eon, and a slew of DJs.
Monarch Tavern (12 Clinton St.) $5

Screening of Fritz Lang's METROPOLIS / End of the World Party
This one sounds fitting. Stop by the Metro Theatre for a screening of one of the original visions of dystopia, Metropolis, and enjoy some beers, and live tunes from BOSSFYTE and others.
The Metro Theatre (677 Bloor St. West) 9PM $8 advance, $10 at door

Burst Party
If you're thinking the world will end not with a bang but rather a whimper, and would like to see it out in a calm and orderly fashion (you upstanding citizen of the world), why not make it a full day of food, drinks, reiki, and meditation. The event runs from noon-2am, and you can attend either during the day, night, or both. For ticket options and times, visit the event website.
House of Moments (386 Carlaw Avenue) 12PM

Mayan Apocalypse Party
There's something for everyone at this party, including an apocalyptic burlesque show, music, a comedian MC, and Blood Sacrifice Registration (relax, it's to the Canadian Blood Services).
The Hideout (484 Queen St West) 8:30PM $18 advance

Jumple's End of the World Party
This one's straightforward. It's a party, and there'll be vodka. 'Nuff said.
Rasputin Vodka Lounge (780 Queen St E) 9PM

Stain--End of the World Punk Party
Remember Mad Max (and other post-apocalyptic films of its ilk)? You'll likely want to ally yourself with the punks early on, so stop by the Velvet Underground for a jam-packed night of music, stripteases from Paige Turner, video projections, and DJs spinning punk 'til late.
Velvet Underground (510 Queen Street West) doors at 9PM, $7 (or $5 with canned good)

Apocalypsemas
Augusta House plays it safe with the best of both worlds: the world will end (sparing you the tight feigned smiles at holiday family dinners), or it's almost Christmastime! Either way, they've decided disco is the way to go, so expect a full line-up of disco-inspired acts.
Augusta House (152 Augusta Ave) 10PM $5

Doomsayer 2012
There may be no better time for a night of industrial and dark techno music than the projected end of the world. Zeus, Hangedman and others will provide the music, and there'll be a lightshow and fire performance. There are even hints that food is provided with the cost of admission.
Bïzune Event Gallery (452 Richmond St. W.) doors at 10PM, $5 before 11, $10 after

Fabricated presents The End of the World
The folks at Stone Lounge will be holding their breath to see whether the world ends (although the Mayans forgot to tell us at what time exactly we can expect our world to be torn asunder). If by some stroke of luck, we're all still here at midnight, this DJ dance party will transform into a festive holiday party.
Stone Lounge (728 College Street) 10PM

Guilty Pleasures--Apocalypse
Because sometimes you just want to end your days at a cozy, neighbourhood bar. Guilty Pleasures returns to Holy Oak for a night of DJ'ed dance music (with special guest Emma Danger), and a drink special dubbed New Beginnings, which is inspired by Tracy Chapman.
Holy Oak Cafe (1241 Bloor Street West) 10PM

Soundscape 5: End of Days Celebration
Kitch takes a different approach to the end of the Mayan calendar, positing that it'll be a time of rebirth and transformation. There'll be music from guests Carlovega and Noble & DJ Esteria, as well as resident DJ Roland Gonzales.
Kitch (229 Geary Ave) 10PM

The End of the World Party
The Hoxton is fairly reliable for a good time, and you might as well go out with a bang at this end-of-the-world musical extravaganza featuring PB&J, Patty V, Fonzi and others.
The Hoxton (69 Bathurst Street) 10PM $10

Zima Project 2012
You don't need to be Russian to enjoy the Zima Project's 10th instalment. This party will stretch over 3 rooms, including a VIP lounge, and promises "special performances."
The Guvernment (132 Queens Quay East) 10PM $15 advance, $20 at the door before 11PM

The Bond Condos may be a nod to the venerable SIS agent James, or else a reference to our collective and persistent affinity ('bond') for 400-something-square-foot living spaces. I'm still not sure. According to developers, The Bond is a "connection, a destination, a state of mind." Which, still, tells me nothing. How can a condo tower be a state of mind? Anyway (and existential questions aside), the enigmatic "Bond" is set to open its door sometime in 2015, welcoming hundreds of new condo owners to their new special space on Adelaide Street West. Right next to hundreds of other new special spaces on Adelaide Street West. Hm. Here's a closer look at The Bond Condos.

SPECS

Address:290 Adelaide Street West

Exterior: Glass

Total number of units: 369

Number of storeys: 41

Number of elevators: 4

Types of units: Studio, one bedroom, one-plus-den, two-bedroom, two-plus den, two-plus-study, three bedroom

Unit sizes (in square feet): 327 - 1174

Ceiling heights: 9'

Prices from: Mid $200,000's

Parking: $45,000 (for select suites)

Storage: $5,000 (for select suites)

Maintenance fees: $0.52/sf

Maintenance fees exclude: Hydro

Developer:Lifetime Developments

Architect:Core Architects

Interior Designer:Tomas Pearce IDC

Amenities: Party room, billiards lounge, golf simulation/games room, yoga studio, gym, outdoor pool/hot tub, 24-hr conceirge

Expected occupancy: Winter 2015

THE GOOD

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right? (Or else, just move uptown.) The Entertainment District will be absolutely saturated with tall towers by the time The Bond opens its doors, so 41 storeys seems totally appropriate in terms of height. Sure, the area might be plagued with crushing density, perpetual shade, and brutal wind tunnels — but look, a golf simulation room! Eh, that heading reads "Good," doesn't it? Moving on...

In terms of aesthetics, The Bond is certainly one of the more pleasing-looking projects poised to land in the area. Its podium actually offers a little visual interest in contrast to some of the more sterile new bases along Adelaide, with a tower that doesn't come off as overly domineering. And hey — Hooters is just a few steps away for some late night...wings.

And speaking of location, there will always be people who want to live in the heart of the action, and in that respect, The Bond delivers. Access to public transit is about as good as it gets from this location, without the risk of the streetcar breaking down right outside your front door. Residents will have plenty of options for things to do, see, and eat, with practically everything (minus a decent grocery store) within walking distance.

THE BAD

Condo marketing material is always hilarious, but The Bond certainly wins for its renderings. Each depiction oozes a sort of ostentatious 20-something sensibility, with one party-room image focusing on a waiter cleaning a table as a resident shows off her shoes on the balcony, and another showcases the outdoor pool that presumably only plays host to beautiful people. If these depictions are taken to be true, I'll assume I'd be the only one eating a tub of day-expired yogurt off my stomach by the pool.

And if I did, for some reason, end up moving into The Bond, I probably would actually opt to eat in common areas. Either that or forgo my bed in favour of a functional dining table. After all, what else can you really do when your one-bedroom unit is but a pitiful 400-something square feet? Buy a folding card table? But beyond being just terribly compact, these suites are symptomatic of the horrible kitchen, living, and dining room hybrid sweep that, when executed poorly, becomes nothing more than a living room with a fridge. There's little counter space, no room for an island or dining table, and poor definition of different spaces. But hey, the balconies are pretty big — just call that your dining room in the summer and eat out the rest of the year.

That is, of course, if the Entertainment District doesn't become a barren condo-land (à la CityPlace) by 2015. While I'll concede that that may be a bit hyperbolic to say, it's true that most new condos that go up in this area seem to first annex an existing restaurant or entertainment space. Forum commenters on Urban Toronto have already begun discussing the implications of the trend, and suffice to say that I agree when they suggest that there might not be too much "entertainment" left to this district. At-grade retail just doesn't have the same charm. The Bond does have its own healthy little collection of amenities (which will probably get quite pricey, by the way) but they don't make up for its tiny suites and potentially threatened area attractions.

THE VERDICT

It's all yours, beautiful people.

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

"Transportation" and "success" are words that all too rarely share a sentence in Toronto. Yet, here we are. The Atlantic Cities has named the resurrection of Transit City one of North America's biggest transportation policy successes of 2012. I know, right?

OK, OK, we're not calling it that anymore, but according to the US-based urbanism blog the revival of the LRT network is a sure step towards creating a true mass transit system. The short citation also reserves a moment to take a half-jab at the downfall of Rob Ford, himself the architect of Transit City's initial demise.

A proposal under David Miller, Transit City, like every transportation project in Toronto, was a hugely divisive issue. When Rob Ford was elected in 2010, one of his first orders of business was to declare the light-rail expansion dead. Never mind whether or not he had the authority, it was done. Over. Until, of course, it all went south for Ford and he lost control of the transit agenda and every other important topic at city hall. Then it was back to square one for the project, minus two years of progress.

The explosion in real-time cellular updates, a spike in Amtrak passengers, the post-Sandy subway fix, and California's approval of a high-speed rail link between San Francisco and LA are also among the other high-ranking ideas and events worth of inclusion.

How do you rate this year for transit in Toronto? Boring machines continue to push northwest on the Spadina extension, the first of our new streetcars arrived, TTC drivers stopped texting and reading at the controls, and work began on a new-look Queens Quay West with a dedicated right of way. This may well be your last chance to talk TTC before 2013 (or the world ends.) Sound off.

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons and Metrolinx.

Some of the best concerts in Toronto from 2012

A ton of great artists blew through town in 2012 — gracing huge stadiums, divey basements, and everything in between. Sometimes a crowd can make a show, sometimes a lone powerful voice is enough to capture the audience, while sometimes everyone drinks too much and beer (and dignity) ends up on the floor. No matter the setting or one's generic preference, there's nothing quite like the experience of live music, and we're genuinely lucky to have so many high calibre artists stop in Toronto. Below you'll find our staff picks for our favourite concerts in 2012. Obviously we didn't get to every show this year (as much as we might have wanted to), so we encourage you to share your picks in the comment section.

RYAN BOLTON'S PICKS
FLAMING LIPS / YONGE-DUNDAS SQUARE / JUNE 16
This one is easy. It was a perfect June night. Thousands descended upon Yonge-Dundas Square. Confetti littered the air. Wayne Coyne crawled atop of the boisterous crowd in a human-sized hamster ball. And in a classy but sombre tribute, Coyne et al. remembered Radiohead's drum tech who died earlier that day when the main stage collapsed at Downsview Park by playing "Knives Out."

SIGUR ROS / ECHO BEACH / AUGUST 1
Truly unlike any other concert I saw all year, this was the most arresting live show I made it out to. A haunting beauty that, at times, brought near silence to the thousands gathered at Echo Beach. If you were there, you know.

THE LUMINEERS / THE HORSESHOE / JUNE 16
Pretty much as intimate a show as it gets. With the biggest line-up outside of the Horseshoe that I've ever seen and everyone inside singing along to the catchy-as-all-hell "Ho Hey," it was one of those shows that you never want to end.

EDWARD SHARPE AND THE MAGNETIC ZEROS / KOOL HAUS / MAY 13
Say what you want about frontman Alex Ebert, but shit, that guy is a performer. Completely silencing and the sold-out Kool Haus crowd and having everyone sit down to end an equally beautiful and weird set is pretty dope. Also, there was a lot of that. Dope.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN / ROGERS CENTRE / AUGUST 24
He's the Boss. He packed the Rogers Centre and played for nearly four hours straight. Full stop.

AUBREY JAX'S PICKS
JANELLE MONAE / NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE / JUNE 22
A perfect show, from the performances by Monae and her orchestra to the costumes to the dancing. Even the awkwardness of the Toronto Jazz Fest tent couldn't hold the energy back.

HOW TO DRESS WELL / THE DRAKE UNDERGROUND / JUNE 7
Prior to releasing Total Loss, Tom Krell was getting his new band ready for a heavy fall tour schedule. Emotional, real, and sparsely attended, this warm-up show was the intimate experience fans dream about. The band's new material shone, and I made a 60 second long cell phone recording during "Decisions" that I listen to it all the time.

KINGDOM / DIM SUM KING / FEBRUARY 24
Kingdom's heavy live set at Happy Endings blew me away and I forgot I was at a packed club show where my natural inclination would be wall flowering or just bolting out the door. Technically this was in a Chinese restaurant so it wasn't a club show, but there was bottle service, so whatever. The ambiance of Dim Sun King and the sparkly crowd were dazzling: it felt like Toronto at its best.

DENT-DE-LION / PLACEBO SPACE / JANUARY 30
Before this night I'd never heard of France's Aymeric Hainaux but now I often think back to his trance-like state during his avant beat-box (you had to be there) / noise performance. I've never seen an artist so immersed in and in control of their sound and body movements: it was a real, captivating, and uncomfortable experience. Plus, RIP Placebo Space.

TRUST & LIGHT ASYLUM / THE GREAT HALL / JULY 13
Trust seemed to have twice the energy and stage presence of their record release at Wrong Bar earlier this year, and NYC's Light Asylum were a great match. It was the hot (Great Hall in summer = Turkish bath) goth mess of the year.

YO LA TENGO / TORONTO UNDERGROUND CINEMA / APRIL 21
Watching the three members of Yo La Tengo creep from instrument to instrument while Jean Painlevé's quirky films of giant sea creatures were projected above them was unforgettable. The artist formerly known as Mantler (now Marker Starling) charmed as well.

ADAM KAMIN'S PICKS
SHABAZZ PALACES / LEE'S PALACE / APRIL 10
Making their first Toronto appearance in support of last year's interstellar debut Black Up, the duo of Ishmael Butler and Tendai Maraire brought to Lee's a captivating take on the unique psychedelia-meets-jazz-hop of their recorded material. Rarely taking a moment to pause for instrument changes, let alone between songs, the set was exhausting in all the right ways, underscoring the potential of the relatively new band. Also, they managed to incorporate choreography in the strangest and most effective way, so points to them.

ARCHERS OF LOAF & METZ / THE PHOENIX / JUNE 16
Existing as the perfect stopgap between Pavement and the Replacements for the all-too-short decade that was the 90s, Archers of Loaf finally brought their triumphant 2011 victory lap to Toronto in support of Merge's exhaustingly comprehensive reissues of their back catalog. Eric Bachmann and co. pulled out a two-hour plus set touching upon nearly everything one could want from the reunited band with fervor like they'd never left. Bachmann's a little gruffer and the crowd's a little balder, but who cares? If they're this good at being weekend warriors, it's impossible not to hope they become an active concern again. METZ opened and tore the place down, obviously, because they do that.

DINOSAUR JR. / LEE'S PALACE / SEPTEMBER 24-26
If you ever wondered whether Lee's could fit four full Marshall stacks, J, Lou and Murph rolled in for a packed three-night stay at the venerable Annex venue to answer your question with a fuzzy but resounding "yes." Joined by Broken Social Scene's Kevin Drew and Fucked Up's Damian Abraham for the final night of the engagement, these shows were evidence of just how tightknit and collaborative the band has become since J's early days of commandeering every decision pertaining to Dinosaur Jr. The distorted psych-pop of Montreal-based openers the Besnard Lakes only sweetened the deal. If you went in sans earplugs, I sympathize - but not nearly as much as I do if you missed these shows altogether.

LADYHAWK & BABY EAGLE & THE PROUD MOTHERS / PARTS & LABOUR / OCTOBER 28
Touring a criminally light schedule for what could very well be their best record yet, Vancouver's favourite sons Ladyhawk capped off an exhausting four dates in Ontario with a last-minute show at the recently reconfigured Shop at Parts and Labour, joined by Baby Eagle & the Proud Mothers. Having performed double-headers at the venue over the last two Februarys as de facto headliners of Mattyfest, the closed-in, beer-soaked environs of the Shop seem to have become a home away from home for Duffy and the boys. Running through a marathon set comprising most of their biggest and best chart-toppers, it remains obvious why the band is so consistently in demand. I feel like I can speak with authority when I guarantee the hundred-ish hoarse folks huddled in the basement of the Shop would come out every weekend if possible.

NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE / AIR CANADA CENTRE / NOVEMBER 19
Feedback. Comically oversized amps. The only band worth paying to see jam one song out for upwards of ten minutes. More feedback. At times I thought the ACC would surely collapse. The most intimate and explosive arena show I've ever been witness to. And no, he didn't play "Heart of Gold."

ERIN SCHOLZ'S PICKS
LADYHAWK / PARTS & LABOUR / FEBRUARY 11
I transform into a beer-chugging-man-monster at Ladyhawk shows. This particular one I recall dropping my Stiegl on the ground, picking it up and continuing to drink — I don't even like beer. The Shop at Parts & Labour has kind of become their home base and it's a very sweaty, very loud and very drunk base.

BRY WEBB / THE MUSIC GALLERY / FEBRUARY 4
I usually prefer my live shows loud and drunk so the fact Mr. Webb made me shut up and cry is something I don't take lightly. The beautiful Music Gallery was packed and his powerful voice rang out into awed silence. His banter between songs about his young son only softened me more. (Get it? Because I'm so hard.)

SLEIGH BELLS / THE PHOENIX / MARCH 26
A lot of people were making out at this show. Grossness aside, Alexis Krauss is one of the most energetic frontwomen I've ever seen — she didn't stop jumping around and whipping her hair back and forth until the last booming bass beat. Oh yeah — the bass. So. Loud. It rumbled through my body and forced me to dance.

DOG DAY / PARTS & LABOUR / JULY 13
Dog Day is a band I'd been wanting to see for years, and I ended up waiting even longer as they didn't go on until about 1am. They started their set with Deformer album opener "Daydream" and I really think I got chills (like, for real). The husband and wife duo was so in sync and there's just something so earnest about them that made The Shop seem more like a friend's living room.

THEE OH SEES W/TY SEGALL & SMARTBOYS / THE HOXTON / SEPTEMBER 26
This was my first time seeing Thee Oh Sees live and holy fuck I left feeling like a train had run me over. The crowd was extremely aggressive, there was a constant stream of stage-divers (yes, in 2012!) and I had to fight to hold my tiny space on The Hoxton's floor. The crowd shouted along to the lyrics and tipped and swayed as one big, sweaty hot mess.

ADAM BRADY'S PICKS
WHITEHORSE / THE WINTER GARDEN / FEBRUARY 24
Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland redefined the concept of the duet over the course of an evening at the gorgeous Winter Garden. Constantly switching instruments over live looping and improvised percussion, they created beautiful textures and fresh takes on a few songs I've heard hundreds of times — as well as playing the new material that makes their records so worthy of repeated listens.

NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE / THE AIR CANADA CENTRE / NOVEMBER 19
This was just a straight-up dream come true. Seated amongst crotchety,
paranoid-stoned baby boomers and drunk college kids, I got a chance to watch Neil Young
stomp around like the prehistoric rock behemoth he is on a stage strewn with over-sized
amplifiers. And he played "Cinnamon Girl." What more could I want?

ARMY GIRLS & GORDIE JOHNSON / SUPERMARKET / JUNE 13
This was just one of those unreal 'is this happening' shows. Just before they went on, photographers began crowding the stage, elbowing each other frantically to get shots of Army Girls — and then the minute they finished, the photographers basically cleared out... just in time for Gordie Johnson of Big Sugar to get onstage and play from his new gospel/soul/doom project, Sit Down Servant! The experience was made all the more surreal because it was on the first night or two of NXNE, so I was all amped up and prepped to run from show to show, hardly sleeping for a week.

JAPANDROIDS & CADENCE WEAPON / LEE'S PALACE / JUNE 23
This was a huge year for both of these artists — both Cadence Weapon and Japandroids were nominated for the Polaris Prize shortlist, and each made critics' lists all over the world, bringing lots of international attention to what had previously been two very Canadian-secret kinds of acts. The energy in the room was great, the sold-out crowd at Lee's dancing, sweating and screaming along with the lyrics the whole night.

GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS & COLD SPECKS / DANFORTH MUSIC HALL / JUNE 2
I'd done some really heavy listening to Great Lake Swimmers' newest record in anticipation for this show, and was pretty pumped, but was completely unprepared for the Cold Specks. Great Lake Swimmers played a great set, with songs from across their career — but Cold Specks stole the show for sure, Al Spx's voice ringing in my ears, giving me shivers for days afterwards.

ERIC BOSHART'S PICKS
TEEN TITS WILD WIVES / POLYHAUS / OCTOBER 11
This particular Feast in the East was a mixed bag, which was appropriate because I was fairly in the bag. For some reason the band before had really freaked me out so I was in a bit of a sour mood when TTWW took the stage. Within 30 seconds my sourness was washed away like a "Tearjerker" under a water fountain until I was just a sweet ball again.

ANDREW W.K. AT RIOT FEST / FORT YORK GARRISON COMMONS / SEPTEMBER 9
Most of Riot Fest was a bore; NOFX are crass and nobody appreciated my George Plimpton inspired outfit. However Andrew W.K. made the long day more than worthwhile. It should have been a let down to finally see W.K. after all these years only to find out it was a afternoon set with a midi back track instead of a live band. It should have been, but Andrew W.K. defies conventional reality, and I love him so much for that and the joy he inspires in my heart. I should mention that Fucked Up were a hoot as well.

VILE INTENT / SIESTA NOUVEAUX / FEBRUARY 25
Frankly, hardcore or power violence or whatever you're supposed to call it is a perfect bore when recorded. But hearing it live is like going to a church. Just imagine that church in Blues Brothers without the rhythm, but with that pure emotion that's sometimes manifested in music. Plus my brother Brant is the singer and he's super cool and I love him very much. HEY BRO!

THE MAGIC & HOT CHIP / SOUND ACADEMY / JULY 15
The Sound Academy can be iffy but nothing beats having a drink on it's patio on a beautiful summer night before seeing a terrific band. Truth be told I was a little anxious about a live performance by HOT CHIP but they managed to recreate their studio sound with all the proper live trappings one could hope for. Nobody really danced, but I chalk that up to a packed house and distracting lasers.

FRIENDLY RICH & THE LOLLIPOP PEOPLE / CAMERON HOUSE / SEPTEMBER 22
Essentially Friendly Rich is a children's entertainer for adults. It's all silly dirty jokes, high energy meanderings and a capacity for fun that dwarfs any other live band I've seen, not to mention the fact the musicians are T.I.G.H.T. TIGHT, y'all FEEL ME? And he was playing to a nearly empty room.

Friendly Rich photo by Todd Fraser

This beloved farmers' market staple has finally opened up a storefront in Kensington Market, and the small shop sports pickled goods (including an old-school 'fermentation station'), pates and rilettes (bacon jam, anyone?), tourtieres, and of course, the creative sausage and meat flavours it's known for (think kimchi sausage). There's also a (not exactly true-to-form) banh mi on offer.

Read my profile of Hogtown Charcuterie in the grocery stores section.

The transit file dominated at Toronto city council this year, not just via the initial debate about a return to an LRT-based approach to transit expansion but later with the OneCity proposal, which caused quite the initial stir but ultimately had no legs. But even if transit remains the most talked about political subject in the city, there were plenty of other topics on city council's agenda in 2012 — be it bike lanes, service cuts, casinos or pedestrian spaces. Here's a glance at some of the better stuff that council got up to in 2012. Add your suggestions for additional accomplishments in the comments section.

NEUTRALIZING ROB FORD
Truth be told, this process started in 2011 with the vote to kill Doug Ford's looney tunes vision for the Port Lands, but after the ball was rolling, council never slipped back into the Ford-dominated funk that it had slipped into prior to that watershed moment. By the time the 2012 budget debate was all said and done, many of the service cuts the mayor was after had been reversed. And there was the whole transit file. No matter how many times he said the word, Ford just couldn't convince council to go along with his subway plans dreams.

THE RETURN OF TRANSIT CITY
As far as single achievements go, and depending on your point of view, this is was city council's major achievement this year. Transit issues do, of course, remain divisive in Toronto, but the decision to stick with LRT lines for which there's funding in place rather than a subway line with monetary question marks galore was just logical and will certainly serve the city as a whole far better than the alternative, which was never really an alternative at all.

INTRODUCING SEPARATED BIKE LANES
Sure, they might be full of cars and delivery trucks, but Toronto took a tentative first step towards a network of separated bikes this year. The work on Sherbourne Street officially wrapped up this week and new bikeways are coming for Queens Quay and Wellesley-Hoskin in 2013. Despite the Jarvis' debacle, "swimming with the sharks" has might just be getting better in Toronto.

SAVING THREATENED SERVICES
All-round belt tightening meant all kinds of nice things from libraries to lawn bowls were threatened with closure or serious cutbacks in 2012. Thanks to a series of deals and cash recoveries from other revenue sources many of the things that make life in Toronto a little more fun, like affordable access to sports fields, were rescued.

GOING PEDESTRIAN
There are lots of places in Toronto that would more than likely benefit from the removal of cars (Yonge-Dundas anyone?), and despite the mayor's love of the automobile the city added (or consider adding) pedestrian-only spaces at Kensington and St. Lawrence markets as well as on Gould, Willcocks, and John streets.

BONUS

NOT BUILDING A CASINO
As the bag ban shenanigans proved, things are capable of moving in the blink of an eye in the clamshell. When casino companies came knocking with batted eyelashes and and pockets full of cash, city council didn't go weak at the knees. A major gaming facility is still on the cards but at least council is taking time to look at the numbers and hear from local residents.

Writing by Chris Bateman and Derek Flack

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

This Is 40 (Various)

Everyone is talking about This Is 40, writer/director Judd Apatow's follow up (or "sort-of sequel") to the blockbuster comedy Knocked Up. This is 40 tells the story of Pete (Paul Rudd) and Debbie (Leslie Mann) by giving us a frank look into how they deal with kids, bodies that are falling apart, dreams dying, and a withering sex life.

Jack Reacher (Various)

Based on the hit novel of the same name by Lee Child, Jack Reacher is a 6'5" former United States Army Military Police Major played somehow by the diminutive Tom Cruise. In a small city, five people are shot dead by an expert sniper. Police quickly identify and arrest a suspect, but the accused man claims he's innocent and says "Get Jack Reacher." Reacher sees the news report and turns up in the city, to bury the guy. Shocked at the accused's request, Reacher sets out to confirm for himself the absolute certainty of the man's guilt, but comes up with more than he bargained for. Hard action fans and car junkies alike will enjoy this popcorn film.

Also opening in theatres this week:

• The Impossible (Various)
• The Guilt Trip (Various)
• Rust and Bone (Varsity)

REP CINEMA

The Sessions - (Friday, December 21, 7pm; Fox/Revue)

Based on the odd and questionably autobiographical writings of american poet Mark O'Brien, The Sessions tells the story of a man (John Hawkes) who has lived his life in an iron lung but is resolved to lose his virginity before he turns 40. The film features William H. Macy as a surprisingly understanding priest and Helen Hunt as a hilariously "hands-on" sex therapist.

More rep cinema screenings this week:

• 56 Up (Bloor Hot Docs Cinema)
• Gregory Crewdson: Brief Encounters (Bloor Hot Docs Cinema)

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior(Friday, December 21, 11:30pm; TIFF Bell Lightbox)

This is one of the only sequels that's better than the original film, the second Mad Max maintains the pure apocalyptic perfection that changed action movies, and Australian culture, forever. This film made Mel Gibson the star he is, and though he says so little in the film, his character somehow says so much. Even if you own this on DVD (and shame on you if you don't) this is your chance to see one of the best action flicks in history they way it was meant to be seen - on the big screen.

Other special screenings this week:

• It's a Wonderful Life - (Starts Friday, December 21, 2pm; Yonge/Dundas
• Silent Night, Deadly Night - (Saturday, December 22, 9:30pm; Yonge/Dundas)

Film still from This is 40

Photo by Nate Sit in the blogTO Flcikr pool

Heeeeeeeeeee's back! In his first public appearance since his pre-holiday holiday to South Florida, Rob Ford handed out presents in Scarborough yesterday. The Star reports the mayor knocked on doors and said "Ho ho ho. Hi, I'm Rob. Can we come in?" Terrifying.

The increasingly tedious Ikea monkey saga is now in the hands of a judge. The owner of the animal that danced into the spotlight two weeks ago is launching an appeal to have her former pet removed from a sanctuary. Rhesus macaques are banned in Toronto, as are many other exotic creatures. Should the monkey be returned?

A Ryerson student and Toronto police may have foiled an Arizona shooting plot. A 16-year-old girl from the city of Mesa, 32 kilometres east of Pheonix, posted a message on a YouTube channel operated by Alex Haney, a Toronto student, that said "I now literally have a plan of seriously hurting ... killing ... murdering people in my high school." Haney contacted Toronto police who passed on the tip to Arizona. There, the girl was arrested and handguns found in the family home.

Hey - that's a lot of Metropasses. TTC regulars can rest assured their expired travel permits can be used to make an extra special transit-flavored rainbow. The cards will likely be discontinued in a few years in favor of PRESTO.

Last night was a major washout for the GTA. While northeastern parts of the province saw significant snowfall, the city of Toronto was pelted with freezing rain and high winds. More bad weather is expected today and some forecasters are calling for snow. Welcome to the apocalypse.

Ever wondered why you're being turfed off a bus or streetcar because of a "short turn"? The TTC's Brad Ross and CEO Andy Byford have produced a handy informational video that explains why transit control sometimes decides to empty and turn back and a vehicle. The short answer: big gaps in service on other routes or an accident. Drivers are now promising to communicate turns better.

Way back in February "The Plum Thunder" gave us the hilarious Toronto "Boys Without Girls" version of the Pet Shop Boys' "West End Girls.". Now the trio is back with a new video, "Bloor Street." Watch for the Ikea monkey cameo too.

QUICK LINKS:

• Pedestrian killed in collision on Sheppard Ave [The Star]
• Downtown stabbing leaves 1 dead, 1 injured [CBC]

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

Photo: "Toronto" by Che.Pei.En from the blogTO Flickr pool.