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Thousands rally for Tina Fontaine in Toronto

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Nearly 5,000 protestors gathered at Nathan Phillips Square yesterday afternoon in support of International Women's Day and to demand justice for Tina Fontaine, the 15 year-old Indigenous girl from the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba who was found murdered in 2014. 

Just a week after Tina's accused killer Raymond Cormier was acquitted of second-degree murder, the crowd came together in a call for Canadian child welfare reform and justice for the Indigenous community. 

The rally followed weeks of gatherings across Canada protesting Indigenous discrimination, and was joined by the International Women's Day Toronto March. 

Just last week, nearly 200 protestors gathered at Fort York on a cold rainy day before walking down to Lake Ontario in silent prayer led by Indigenous youth. 

The week before that, hundreds gathered at Nathan Phillips to protest the verdict in the case of 22 year-old Colten Boushie, an Indiegenous man who was shot dead by a white farmer in Saskatchewan.

The event yesterday was organized by 16 year-old Madyson Arscott, an Ojibwe student at John A. Macdonald Collegiate Institute.

In the cold, protestors formed circles around speakers – mostly Indigenous women – who spoke and performed sacred rituals in honour of Tina, as well as all of Canada's missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people.


Winnipeg chain Za Pizza Bistro opening multiple Ontario locations

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A Winnipeg-based pizza chain known for its quick, artisanal wood-fired pies is opening up three new locations in Ontario. 

Slated to open this month, Za Pizza Bistro's downtown Toronto restaurant will sling its pizzas out of a ground level space in Bond Condos, located at Adelaide and John. 

A second store will be tucked in Rutherford Marketplace, a suburb plaza in Vaughan, and its third location in Mississauga will be located in an area called the Mississauga GO lands, a commercial area right next to the Lisgar GO Station. 

Headed by the young Winnipeg entrepreneur Manly Cheung – who grew up in his parents' Chinese stir-fry restaurant – the chain is best known as a fast casual restaurant that specializes in 11-inch pizzas cooked in stone ovens. 

With five locations already in Winnipeg and more along the way, the business has seen a formidable growth since 2015 and has gained a reputation for zippy ready-times of just 3 and a half minutes.

Za Pizza offers custom pies, plus daily fresh-made dough of whole wheat, classic, or gluten free.

Pizzas here can get experimental, with previous locations offering temporary specials like teriyaki chicken pizza and cheeseburger-inspired pizzas at select locations.

In an interview with the Winnipeg Free Press in September last year, Manly expressed plans to open up restaurants in Victoria, Vancouver, Halifax, and Calgary. 

"The plan is to open up to 100 in Ontario," he said. "That is my dream and my goal." 

Winnipeg chain Za Pizza Bistro opening Toronto location

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A Winnipeg-based pizza chain known for its quick, artisanal wood-fired pies is opening up three new locations in Ontario. 

Slated to open this month, Za Pizza Bistro's downtown Toronto restaurant will sling its pizzas out of a ground level space in Bond Condos, located at Adelaide and John. 

A second store will be tucked in Rutherford Marketplace, a suburb plaza in Vaughan, and its third location in Mississauga will be located in an area called the Mississauga GO lands, a commercial area right next to the Lisgar GO Station. 

Headed by the young Winnipeg entrepreneur Manly Cheung – who grew up in his parents' Chinese stir-fry restaurant – the chain is best known as a fast casual restaurant that specializes in 11-inch pizzas cooked in stone ovens. 

With five locations already in Winnipeg and more along the way, the business has seen a formidable growth since 2015 and has gained a reputation for zippy ready-times of just 3 and a half minutes.

Za Pizza offers custom pies, plus daily fresh-made dough of whole wheat, classic, or gluten free.

Pizzas here can get experimental, with previous locations offering temporary specials like teriyaki chicken pizza and cheeseburger-inspired pizzas at select locations.

In an interview with the Winnipeg Free Press in September last year, Manly expressed plans to open up restaurants in Victoria, Vancouver, Halifax, and Calgary. 

"The plan is to open up to 100 in Ontario," he said. "That is my dream and my goal." 

15 things to do in Toronto this week

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Events in Toronto this week are chock full of things to inspire you to get out of the house, whether it be to check out the hottest trends in gaming, trying some vegan goodies, or all the juicy gossip from the Trump White House. 

Events you might want to check out:

Oscar Documentary Shorts (March 5-7 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
Amongst the big-name feature films at this year's Oscars, It's easy to miss the little things. All 40 minutes or less, each of these five shorts are just long enough to squeeze some artful filmmaking in to your busy schedule.
Sustainable Dim Sum Fest (March 6 @ Rotunda, City Hall)
Turn yourself into a stuffed little dumpling by filling up on dim sum, all in support of Environmental Defence.
Reporting from Inside the Trump White House (March 7 @ Convocation Hall)
American journalist Michael Wolff has been in the headlines himself lately after the release of his book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House that gives a behind-the-scenes look at the first nine months of the Trump presidency.
The Mystic Forest (March 10 @ Opera House)
Transforming the Opera House Toronto into The Mystic Forest on March 10th. Enter the world of Luminus and experience a spectacular combination of scenography, over-the-top theatrical interaction, colourful costumes and the best electronic music.
Vegan Bake Off (March 11 @ Glass Factory & Lounge)
Vegan goodies are in full bloom at the 10th anniversary of the Vegan Bake Off, featuring plant-based items from both professional and home bakers looking to take home the title of Vegan Master.
EGLX (March 9-11 @ The International Centre)
Gamers rejoice! The Enthusiast Gaming Live Expo is back with over 150 exhibitors, a game swap, hands-on experiences, and first look at upcoming industry trends and forecasts and a giant, life-sized game of Catan.
National Home Show (March 9-18 @ Enercare Centre)
Homeowning takes the spotlight this week as the latest innovations, design trends will be featured among more than 700 exhibitors and experts available to to provide all the advice you need beyond installing kitchen cabinets.
Tune Yards (March 6 @ The Danforth Music Hall)
Experience the unique sound of the music project of New England's Merrill Garbus featuring a slew of instruments that make for a different kind of listening.
New Ideas Festival (March 7-25 @ Alumnae Theatre)
This three-week, juried celebration of original writing and works-in-progress, brought to you by the Alumnae Theatre Company will feature a massive selection of performances in various degrees of development.
The Sleeping Beauty (March 8-18 @ The National Ballet of Canada)
Choreographed by Marius Petipa and restaged by Artistic Director Karen Kain, the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty takes the stage for three weeks only.
Weird Al Yankovic (March 8 @ The Danforth Music Hall)
Everyone's favourite musical satirist is in Toronto, foregoing his usual high-octane, big-production show for an intimate evening of music and instead focusing on original non-parody songs from his 14-album catalogue.
Theatre Passe Muraille 50th Anniversary (March 8 @ Theatre Passe Muraille)
Toronto's Canadian-only theatre mainstay is celebrating a huge milestone at 50 years strong. The anniversary gala will also include a performance of The Drawer Boy.
Tirgan Nowruz Festival (March 9-11 @ Toronto Centre for the Art)
In celebration of Toronto's Iranian arts and culture scene, the Nowruz Festival will feature an music, food, and dance in the tame of the ancient Nowruz tradition beyond the borders of Iran.
Rose Cousins (March 10 @ Harbourfront Centre Theatre)
P.E.I. Native Rose Cousin is in town to explore the more shadowy corners of the heart through music that embraces sadness, pain, and longing, counterbalanced in performance by Rose's brand of quick wit.
Life Through a Lens (March 11 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
Part of the Great Photographers series, the focus is turned to Annie Leibovitz who is responsible for some of the most memorable images of the past several decades having appeared in Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair and Vogue.

York University is now on strike

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All teaching assistants, graduate assistants and contract faculty members at York University are now officially on strike– but that doesn't mean classes are cancelled outright.

CUPE 3903 (the union representing TAs, GAs, research assistants and more) rejected what university administrators called their "leading offer" on Friday night.

Bargaining was permitted to continue over the weekend, but neither the school nor the union could concede to reach an agreement ahead of today's strike deadline.

Thus, as of midnight on Monday, March 5, after six months of negotiations, CUPE 3903 is on strike.

"The York Administration has made it clear that they are not interested in improving the working conditions of its workers, or the learning conditions of its students," wrote the union on Facebook.

"Instead, CUPE 3903 has received a hard 'NO' on key issues such as: guaranteed funding for teaching assistants, job security for contract faculty, restoring the 800 eliminated graduate assistant jobs, prioritizing equity, anti-racism, and anti-sexual violence on campus."

York University had promised students that the school will remain regardless of what union members decide to do.

"All classes that can continue will continue," reads an info page on York's website. "Libraries, restaurants and other food outlets, administrative offices and other university facilities will remain open."

Things could get messy, regardless (and drawn out, if history is an indicator.)

CUPE 3903 says that its members are responsible for delivering 60 per cent of the course work on campus.

All full-time faculty are still expected to "carry out their duties and responsibilities at the normal times and places scheduled," according to York, but many have also spoken out online in support of their colleagues.

York's suggestion that "some classes, labs and tutorials will have to be temporarily suspended" might be a bit of an understatement. Either way, the school says students will be able find regularly updated information about their courses at the university's website.

Students are not so sure about this claim.

A massive solidarity rally is set to take place today at 11:30 a.m. near York Blvd. and Keele St.

"In the 3 years since our last round of negotiations, York has demonstrated a clear intent to lower the quality of education, confuse our students, and undermine the union," reads a description for the event on Facebook. "This stops now."

"York is trying to tell us that times are tough, while hiding that they made $37 million in profits last year alone--a number that has been steadily increasing since 2013," it continues.

"How far is York willing to go to deny the dignity and respect its workers deserve?"

This Week on DineSafe: Red Lobster, McDonald's, Boston Pizza, Sugar Marmalade

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This week on DineSafe a number of chain restaurants around the city were busted by city health inspectors. Boston Pizza, McDonald's and Red Lobster are just a few of the culprits. 

Learn which other Toronto establishments got in trouble with the food police this week on DineSafe.

Red Lobster (3200 Dufferin St.)
  • Inspected on: February 26, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 8 (Minor: 2, Significant: 4, Crucial: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 60C (140F) or hotter and operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder.
Big Sushi (388 Bloor St. West)
  • Inspected on: February 27, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Boston Pizza (16A Leslie St.)
  • Inspected on: February 27, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 6 (Significant: 5, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.
Ding Dong Pastries & Cafe (321 Spadina Ave.)
  • Inspected on: February 27, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 1, Significant: 3, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.
Isaac's Bakery (3390 Bathurst St.)
  • Inspected on: February 27, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 11 (Minor: 3, Significant: 6, Crucial: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: Employee failed to wash hands when required and operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.
McDonald's (883 Bloor St. West)
  • Inspected on: February 27, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 2 (Significant: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Sugar Marmalade (5322 Yonge St.)
  • Inspected on: February 27, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Hermes Bakery (2885 Bathurst St.)
  • Inspected on: February 28, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 11 (Minor: 4, Significant: 6, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Employee failed to wash hands when required.
Hula Girl (2473 Dundas St. West)
  • Inspected on: February 28, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 1 (Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder.
Second Cup (333 Bay St.)
  • Inspected on: February 28, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 1 (Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Local 1794 (1794 Danforth Ave.)
  • Inspected on: March 1, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 1 (Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Bagel World (336 Wilson Ave.)
  • Inspected on: March 2, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 10 (Minor: 4, Significant: 4, Crucial: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: Employee failed to wash hands when required and operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.
The Captain's Boil (865 York Mills Rd.)
  • Inspected on: March 2, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder.

Note: The above businesses each received infractions from DineSafe as originally reported on the DineSafe site. This does not imply that any of these businesses have not subsequently corrected the issue and received a passing grade by DineSafe inspectors. For the latest status for each of the mentioned businesses, including details on any subsequent inspections, please be sure to check the DineSafe site.

The Best Stores to Buy Greeting Cards in Toronto

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The best stores to buy greeting cards in Toronto have you covered. Celebrate the purchase of a new sponge, the ability to literally do anything while crying, or ordering pizza, and if all else fails, just grab something with Drake on it and hope for the best.

Here are the best store to buy greeting cards in Toronto.

5 - Blue Banana Market

This gigantic Kensington market shop contains greeting cards within its depths, most of the more humorous variety in keeping with their kitschy offerings.
8 - Scout

One of the cutest shops in Roncesvalles Village, not only do the cards here come with adorable sayings like “I love you pho-evah!” they’re also curated to be handcrafted and Canadian made.
9 - I Have a Crush On You

Scrambling through rack after rack of cards, nothing ever as cool as the person you’re giving it to? This is the place for you. Instagram-worthy cards are in abundance at this twee Liberty Village shop.
10 - Valhalla

Cards featuring all things Toronto from Drake to Rob Ford are at this West Queen West store, and you can pick up a basic gift like a Toronto or Ontario tee as well.
11 - Collected Joy

This Upper Beaches shop specializes in sourcing small-batch greeting cards with delightfully honest statements like “Pets are better than people” and “Please accept my heartfelt condolences that your birthday falls on a weeknight.”
4 - Kid Icarus

In Kensington market, this store specializing in local goods has been retailing thoughtfully designed, quirky and eccentric cards for over a decade.
7 - Labour of Love

This Cabbagetown store has full walls of a spectrum of greeting cards for almost any happenstance. Where to go for a ton of cute animal cards.
3 - Town

This shop might be on the smaller side, but this Bloordale destination has salutations that will suit your artsiest giftees.
6 - The Outer Layer

You can get classic, one-size-fits-all type cards bedazzled with fancy script as well as hilarious ones featuring the likes of The Rock and Bob Ross at this Queen West store.

The Toronto Maple Leafs just wore the whitest uniforms ever

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'All white everything' is a great look for Las Vegas pool parties, brides at weddings and, of course, Young Jeezy. Hockey players? Not so much.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were a bit hard to see on Saturday night during an outdoor game against the Washington Capitals in Annapolis, Maryland thanks to their special new Stadium Series uniforms.

Featuring white pants, white sweaters, white helmets, white socks, white gloves and yes, even a white Maple Leaf, the uniform was reportedly designed to "honour the tradition of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club."

A nice tribute, for sure, but one that caused players to be almost comically camouflaged against the rink at Maryland's Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Leafs fans had plenty of things to say about their team's Stadium Series look when it made its officially debut on Saturday night.

Viewers on Twitter said the team looked like everything from Imperial Stormtroopers and toilet paper to Elvis and "Casper's Friendly Canadian Hockey Club."

A few people seemed to like the crisp-looking duds, but most of the #TMLTalk crew wants to see the uniforms scrapped.

"They looked fluorescent! Especially with the white gloves!" tweeted one fan

"Hands down one of the ugliest jerseys in any sport that I've ever seen in my life," wrote another.

As the NHL’s new uniform designer, Adidas also decked out the victorious Pacific Division in white pants and white gloves during last month’s NHL All-Star Game.


15 things to do with kids during March Break

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March Break events for kids in Toronto mean taking advantage of some of the fun activities offered by many of the city's biggest cultural institutions, like seeing the giant pandas before they leave the Zoo or checking out a giant dragon at Casa Loma.

Events you might want to check out:

TIFF Kids International Film Festival (March 9-18 @ TIFF)
With over 100 films from 40 countries, interactive screenings, and the digiPlaySpace film playground, there's definitely more than enough stimulation to tucker anyone out.
Fun at the Aga Khan Museum (March 10-18 @ Aga Khan Museum)
There's hands-on, family-friendly programming for the kiddies, and grownups can get a preview of the upcoming World of the Fatimids exhibition.
March Break at the Art Gallery of Ontario (March 10-18 @ Art Gallery of Ontario)
Colour me March Break with nine days of futuristic programming for the whole family inspired by the Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors exhibition and Kusama’s playful world of light and colour.
Go for Gold! (March 10-18 @ Bata Shoe Museum)
Inspired its Glittering Footwear from Around the Globe exhibition, the theme of this year's March Break is gold, with the museum brimming with arts and crafts and other special activities.
March Break at the Hockey Hall of Fame (March 10-18 @ Hockey Hall of Fame)
The Stanley Cup turns 125 this year, and this March Break is the chance for the whole family to get an up close look at the cup and explore an exhibition dedicated to he holy grail of hockey.
Imagine Dragons (March 10-18 @ Casa Loma)
Travel to a fairytale castle and an era of dragons and adventure with interactive theatrical live shows featuring Heavy Meta, a 30 foot long and 19 foot tall fire-breathing metal dragon.
Viking Adventure (March 10-18 @ Royal Ontario Museum)
This is a kids-friendly take on the Vikings exhibition on until next month where they can learn about the legendary explorers on land and sea.
March Break Mania (March 10-18 @ Todmorden Mills Heritage Site)
Take a trip through time and check out some historic homes, sample treats, make a craft, and discover toys and games popular with generations past.
Farewell to Giant Pandas (March 10-18 @ Toronto Zoo)
There's less than two weeks left to see the giant pandas Da Mao and Er Shun before they head off to Calgary. There'll be extended hours during March break to give you ample time to bid goodbye.
March Break at the CN Tower (March 12-16 @ CN Tower)
Imagine button making at 1,815 ft. That's just one of several March Break happening at the CN Tower. Kids can also learn about the engineering of the structure and check out the glass floor.
March Break at Union (March 12 @ Union Station)
The newly, almost completed Union Station is keeping with its goal to become a community gathering place as well as a transit hub by partnering with Young People's Theatre, TVO and TD from March 12 to 16 to make for a kids-friendly week of learning and play.
Family Drop-in at Fort York (March 12-16 @ Fort York National Historic Site)
We all remember the first time we went to Fort York, and now you can bring the kids there to take part in soldiers' drill classes, officers' sword drill, music workshops, historic treats, and dressing up in costumes.
Kids Paint Week! (March 12-16 @ Paintlounge)
Unleash the inner Picasso and take part in a workshop that lets kids pick their favourite colours to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
March Break Fun (March 12-18 @ Black Creek Pioneer Village)
Junior detectives are needed to help solve the mystery of Case of the Missing Jewels! There's also a sticky Maple Syrup Adventure to be had at Black Creek Pioneer Village this March Break.
March Break at Mabel's (March 15 @ Mabel's Fables Children's Bookstore)
Mabel's Fables bookstore is hosting free kids activities featuring snacks, door prizes, special guests, and more as they launch a new chapter book series, Tournament Trouble, for video game lovers.

Police could return to Toronto Pride Parade this year

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Last year's Pride celebrations were nothing short of controversial, with the echoes of tension between Toronto Police and Black Lives Matter still fresh in the public eye.

Officers were forbidden by Pride Toronto to wear their uniforms, bring cruisers or enter police floats in the 2017 parade, sparking backlash among citizenscity councillors and police officials.

It looks like Pride Toronto may now be reconsidering its stance. Maybe.

The Toronto Star reports that police are "in discussions with Pride Toronto on the status of their parade presence in June," though no final decisions have been made at this time.

Police union president Mike McCormack told The Star that "officers are hoping that Pride will reconsider its position this year by allowing police to march in uniform."

He acknowledges, however, that tension between Toronto's LGBT community and police could hinder progress in this regard.

The latter has been under fire for some time now over how it's been handling the case of suspected Village serial killer Bruce McArthur.

10 bars with extended 4am last call in Toronto this week

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A host of Toronto bars will have extended last call in the coming days thanks to events like Toronto Men's Fashion Week and the Toronto Music Passport. While the majority of these venues will be open late over the weekend, a few will be open for extended last call during the week as well.

Here are the Toronto bars with 4 a.m. extended last call this week.

People just stormed an Ikea in Toronto to protest animal skin rugs

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A group of animal rights activists made shopping at Ikea even more traumatic than usual this weekend by staging a protest at the Swedish retailer's North York store.

Video footage from the demonstration shows about a dozen protesters carrying signs through the sprawling warehouse and showroom – some of them featuring dead and bloody animals.

"Ikea! Shame on you for selling the skins of cows, the real skins of sheep!" shouts one of the protest's leaders at the beginning of the video. 

"You're a progressive company? You sell vegan food? You've won awards for your synthetic materials?" she continues. "How dare you sell the skin of real cows and real sheep! This is disgusting!"

Protesters commenced to walk around the store, chanting things like "IKEA has blood on its hands!" and "Animals don't want to die!"

Their main concern, as the signs and chants suggest, is Ikea's use of animal skins to make and sell decorative rugs.

"Using animals as mere decorative items, is not only cruel, but ignores the damaging environmental impact of animal agriculture," said organizer Roman Thompson in a release, noting that the company prides itself on being environmentally friendly. 

Police were called to Ikea in response to the protest, according to Jenny McQueen, a noted animal rights activist and coordinator for Direct Action Everywhere Toronto.

Thompson is starting a petition, according to McQueen, and says he will encourage other cities to protest Ikea until the company changes its policy on animal feathers and skins.

Toronto can't get enough of Infinity Mirrors at the AGO

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Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrors exhibit is finally open to the public in Toronto (well, for those who were lucky enough to score tickets, at least).

Hype was strong leading up to the 88-year-old Japanese artist's immersive show at the AGO, and with good reason. Have you seen the promo pictures?

A lot of people have been stoked for months by the promise of entering Kusama's iconic "kaleidoscopic environments" and, more importantly, the potential to take selfies within them. Infinite selfies.

Now that the exhibit is open, ticket holders have been moving through the multi-reflective installations in awe. Very slowly. One by one.

Apparently, Kusama was worth waiting in line for - both digitally and in person.

"Broke my no-selfie rule for #InfiniteKusama," wrote one person on Twitter. "Yes, it's totally worth the hype."

"Worth the price of my @agotoronto membership!" wrote someone else.

Even complaints about how crowded, slow and brief the experience was were framed quite reverently.

Some in the city have complained that they're already sick of seeing photos from the exhibit, but those who've actually gone inside seem very pleased. 

Kusama's six reflective landscapes are the main attraction, but visitors will also get to see the artist's own intimate drawings, her early Infinity Net paintings and some of her surreal sculptural objects.

"These key works join more than 90 works on view," reads the AGO's website, "including large and vibrant paintings, sculptures, works on paper, as well as rare archival materials."

There's still a chance to get some highly coveted tickets to the exhibit, which runs until May 27, if you haven't yet.

Another block is set to be released by the AGO tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. The art gallery also promises that there will be a "limited number of same-day tickets available on site each day starting at 10 a.m., with a max of 2 tickets per person."

Good luck!

Music open mic nights in Toronto by day of the week

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Music open mic nights in Toronto give you a chance to perform your heart out in front of strangers without the commitment of bookings or tickets (read: refunds, in case you suck). Head to any of these bars throughout the week for your moment in the spotlight. 

Monday
  • The Painted Lady starts sign ups at 9 p.m. and lets performers sing a max of two songs. 
  • Amsterdam Bicycle Club isn't really for beginners, but those with a few performances under their belt can sign up at 9:30 p.m.
  • Irish pub Dora Keogh hosts Riverboat Mondays with sign up at 8 p.m., allowing three tunes per performer. 
  • All levels are welcome at Lou Dawg's. Sign up is at 9 p.m. – an acoustic guitar provided. 
Tuesday
  • The Cavern welcomes solos or small groups of different styles on Tuesdays (and Sundays); sign up starts at 7:30 pm.
  • The Hideout hosts a free open mic sponsored by Amsterdam Brewery. Some instruments are provided here; sign up is at 8 p.m.
  • No One Writes To The Colonel hosts an open mic for stand up that starts at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday
  • B-Side Lounge has open mics hosted by local songwriter Kevin Howley. Sign up is at 7:30 p.m.
  • Ein-Stein has been hosting its open mic since 2000. Sign up at 8 p.m. or ahead of time by e-mailing the bar. 
  • Junction City Music Hall starts sign up at 7 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m.
  • The Boat's free open mic starts at 9 p.m. and runs until late on every Wednesday except for the last of each month.
  • Hosted by Jamie Douglas, Pour Boy hosts its show from 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m., with a piano and guitar available. 
Thursday
  • Fair Grounds Organic Cafe and Roastery starts their open mic at 7:30 p.m., with a show on the third weekend of every month.
  • Steve's now holds an open mic from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the store's second floor, right about the keyboard department.
  • Pauper's Pub holds its open mics on the second floor lounge starting at 10 p.m.
  • Grossman's Tavern has a rotating schedule, but will commonly have an open mic night twice a month hosted by Diane Mason. Head here for 8:30 p.m. and stay until 1 a.m.
Friday
  • The Friday Night Blues Jam at Salty Dog is a rare recurring open mic on a day that doesn't get much love. Jam out to roots music; the show starts at 9 p.m. and runs until 1:30 a.m. 
  • Big Daddy's has a show hosted by John Loree, running from 9:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.
Saturday
  • Your Magic Open Mic at La Rev goes from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. weekly.
  • Mackenzies has afternoon open mics from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month.
Sunday
  • Sign up online for Supermarket's weekly show Free Fall Sundays, and claim your spot by 7 p.m. sharp.
  • Hirut has a family-friendly open mic running from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Woodbridge pizzeria Motorino Enoteca opening in downtown Toronto

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Chef Domenic Chiaromonte is bringing his sleek, contemporary Italian restaurant Motorino Enoteca to Toronto — as in downtown Toronto.

Motorino already has two locations in the GTA – one in Woodbridge and one in King City – but the newest restaurant under the brand's umbrella is set to open right near the corner of Adelaide and Ontario streets.

"Motorino Enoteca is like a scene out of ​classic Italian movie," reads the restaurant's website. "Food, fun, vino and vespas set ​the stage for a great time out."

Diners can expect to find wood fired Napolitan pizza topped with San Marzano tomatoes and a choice of fior di latte or mozzarella di bufala, as well as salads, pastas, meat entrees and seafood dishes like frittura di pesce and lobster arancini.

Really good Italian food in a sexy-meets-sporty atmosphere, basically.

An opening date has yet to be announced, but Motorino Citta is "coming soon" to 466 Adelaide Street East


Toronto nightclub takes heat over racist Asian theme night

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You know that dark bar in the basement of the Thompson Hotel? The one with fast-flowing Redbull and good bathroom selfie mirrors?

It's called Wildflower (not "the Thompson's basement," as I previously believed) – and its managers are taking some serious heat today in the wake of a party that many are slamming as downright racist.

The King West nightclub hosted what's being described as an "Asian-themed" event on Sunday evening called "Stir Fry" (in reference to the hit song by Atlanta hip hop trio Migos.)

Wildflower Asian party

The poster for Wildflower's Stir Fry party is almost identical to the cover of Migos' single with the same name. (Wildflower/Facebook)

Photos from the party show that, while almost every guest was dressed normally, several staff members were wearing costumes.

One white staffer, believed to be a barback, was shown wearing a conical hat with fake facial hair, squinting his eyes for the camera, in a now-deleted Instagram Stories post.

Wildflower Asian party

(Image via @jujuweiners on Instagram.)

Two female servers appear in another now-deleted Instagram photo wearing kimonos with chopsticks in their hair.

Wildflower Asian party

(Image via @jujuweiners on Instagram.)

An Instagram user who goes by the handle @xlthr posted screenshots to her Stories of a private conversation she'd been having online with one of the women in this photo.

"I did not pick this theme, you think I wanted to dress like that?" wrote the server. 

"No. I was told to. I posted this photo because it was a cute picture of me and my friend. I'm sorry you were offended, hence why it was taken down."

Wildflower Toronto racist

Instagram user Xlthr also shared photos of this burlesque dancer showing off what she (or whoever did her makeup) called "assassin geisha vibes." (Photo via Wildflower/Facebook).

Wildflower has now issued at least four apology posts on Instagram, most of which were deleted amidst a flood of hateful comments.

"Thank you to everyone who gave us feedback about the inappropriate and offensive behaviour of a couple of our staff members this past weekend," read an earlier post.

"We in no way condone racism and the actions taken by these individuals is not reflective of our values at Wildflower," it continues. "Appropriate action will be taken with the individuals responsible."

People complained that this early, non-apology only passed the buck onto employees, prompting Wildflower to delete it.

As images from Sunday night's party continue to circulate, people are just dragging the club more and more on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

"On behalf of Wildflower, we apologize," reads the establishment's most recent apology on Instagram.

"We executed poor judgement in the event concept and in our response afterwards. We will use this as an example to do better and think more carefully about our actions."

Halo Top is now available in Toronto

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Attention low-cal iced dairy dessert lovers: Halo Top is now officially available in Canada!

The popular "guilt-free" U.S. ice cream brand announced on its Canadian Instagram page today that it had finally landed in grocery stores around the country.

A post shared by @carmengetsskinny on

Of course, if you live in Toronto, you may have started seeing it pop up in the freezer aisle at Metro or Loblaw's a few weeks ago.

As promised, all 12 flavours available here are only 80 to 100 calories per serving.

The stuff isn't cheap, but it's way lower in sugar and fat than almost anything else you'll find with flavours like Peanut Butter Swirl, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Candy Bar and Birthday Cake.

You can find the closest HT dealer to your house on the company's website.

10 things to do in Toronto today

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Events in Toronto today are highlighted by the city's 184th birthday at Nathan Phillips Square, while there's also a an epic art battle, punk rock show, and a spotlight on animated shorts. 

Events you might want to check out:

Celebrate Toronto (March 3-6 @ Nathan Phillips Square)
Today is the big day: the city's 184th birthday! Celebrate the final day of this festival in Nathan Phillips Square.
Sustainable Dim Sum Festival (March 6 @ Rotunda, City Hall)
Turn yourself into a stuffed little dumpling by filling up on dim sum, all in support of Environmental Defence.
Tune Yards (March 6 @ The Danforth Music Hall)
Experience the unique sound of the music project of New England's Merrill Garbus featuring a slew of instruments that make for a different kind of listening adventure.
The Train of Shadows (March 6 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
Catch a free screening of Nika Autor's and co's film surrounding Europe's continuing crisis of conscience around the influx of economic and political migrants.
Myseum Intersections (March 6 @ Toronto City Hall )
The second annual festival of exhibits kicks off today with events showcasing different perspectives of the city's natural, cultural, and historic diversity.
Soul Glo (March 6 @ The Baby G)
Get your fill of punk and hardcore with Que Lastima and Group Hug's brand of sludgy, punky, and noisy sounds.
Marlon Williams (March 6 @ Horseshoe Tavern)
New Zealand musician Marlon Wiliams is in Toronto as part of his world-wide tour playing hits off his new alum Make Way for Love.
The Promise (March 6 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
Watch the story of how young lovers Jens Soering and Elizabeth Haysom were arrested in London in 1986 for cheque fraud—only to arouse suspicion when their love letters linked them to a gruesome murder a year prior.
Art Battle Toronto (March 6 @ The Great Hall)
It's an art-off! Watch as painters have 20 minutes to battle the clock & each other to transform blank canvases into beautiful works of art that will be available for silent auction.
Short Animation Spotlight (March 6 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
Looking at three animated shorts, TIFF's Short Animation Spotlight will feature Threads, Deyzangeroo, and Charles, each between 4-10 minutes.

Homes sales crashed in Toronto last month

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Sales of homes declined steeply across the GTA last month compared to February of 2017, according to The Toronto Real Estate Board – as did the prices they sold for. 

But take that with a grain of salt. What goes up must come down.

TREB's most-recent monthly market figures report, released on Tuesday, shows that home sales fell by 35 per cent, year over year, in February of 2018.

The over average selling price was also down by 12.4 per cent during the same time period, but, as TREB points out, Toronto did see a major price spike in the first quarter of 2017.

"It is important to note that February’s average price [$767,818] remained 12 per cent higher than the average reported for February 2016, which represents an annualized increase well above the rate of inflation for the past two years," reads the real estate board's report.

Almost 8,000 residential transactions were reported by realtors in February of 2017, making this February's sales total of 5,175 homes seem piddly by comparison.

The number of new listings entered into TREB's MLS system last month (10,520), however, saw a 7.3 per cent increase over February of 2017 (9,801.)

Still, says TREB, this is well below what's been average for the month of February over the past 10 years.

"Listings supply will likely remain below average in many neighbourhoods in the GTA," said TREB's Jason Mercer in the report, "which, over the long-term, could further hamper affordability."

York strike escalates as picketers take to the streets

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York University is officially a strike zone once again today, leading to a fair bit of confusion among students, teachers and random people who just happen to be travelling near campus.

CUPE 3903, the union representing teaching assistants, graduate assistants, contract faculty and more, rejected a final offer in response to their demands from school officials on Friday night.

"The York Administration has made it clear that they are not interested in improving the working conditions of its workers, or the learning conditions of its students," wrote the union on Facebook.

"Instead, CUPE 3903 has received a hard 'NO' on key issues such as: guaranteed funding for teaching assistants, job security for contract faculty, restoring the 800 eliminated graduate assistant jobs, prioritizing equity, anti-racism, and anti-sexual violence on campus."

With no deal on the table as of Monday morning, a strike was called– meaning that 60 per cent of all course work being delivered on campus has now suddenly stopped. 

The university remains open, officially, but many students aren't willing to cross the picket lines.

In some cases, full-time professors aren't willing to either.

Still, mixed messages abound. Some students are being told they'll be penalized academically for missing class – which, as others point out, impedes their right not to cross picket lines.

Even just getting to campus is proving difficult in light of the strike.

"Our routes servicing that area have been impacted by the strike at York," wrote York Regional Transit to one Twitter user in response to her query about an absent bus. "Congestion around the University has impacted service time."

Despite any complaints from students or staff, spirits remain high among the hundreds of picketers at York today.

"Solidarity to striking contract faculty #Cupe3903 at @YorkUniversity! Solidarity to West Virginia teachers and communications workers! Solidarity to Oklahoma teachers!" writes one supporter on Twitter. "Workers of the world unite, you have nothing to lose but your chains!"

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