-
Book Review: Six of Crows
We’ve all got secrets, we all carry shame, and there are things each of us desperately wants, especially things that are wrong for us. Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows isn’t just a fast-paced, frantically page-turning heist story; it speaks to the complexities of each person, how we’re made of contradictions. Six of Crows is set in the fantasy city of Ketterdam (similar to Holland), where thugs and thieves run the streets and Kaz Brekker is their crippled, trickster king. Multiple viewpoints bring to life the diversity of characters who are all coming together to pull off the impossible: breaking into one of the most notoriously guarded prisons in the world…
-
For the Kale and For the Cause
[From Left, Nikita Billy, Sarah Ojamäe, Tyler Reaume, Kanav Sharma, Marc Dodsworth, Nick Wattie] On Thursday December 3rd, Centennial College hosted a pop-up market to raise money for Action Against Hunger. The little event provided sustainably produced food and handcrafted gifts to its shoppers. But the group of students truly went above and beyond: they sourced a raffle and silent auction, and provided gift-wrapping, a photo booth, and even a piñata for the kids. Aside from having a good time planning and hosting the event, the organizers learned a lot. “We take the availability of sustainable food for granted in Canada,” says Sarah Ojamäe. “We thought the task would make us…
-
Lighten Up: Waterfront’s Spectacle of Lights Review
The Santa Claus parades have come and gone, Christmas trees have been lit, but December has just started. Now I know the holiday season is when your wallet starts feeling light, so you’re on the lookout for something free and festive. The Spectacle of Lights on Toronto’s waterfront consists of four free light installations along the waterfront. If you’re heading to the waterfront from Union Station, just walk south on Bay Street and at the corner of Bay and Queen’s Quay is the spiral tree. All online descriptions state that it’s at the Westin Hotel, but more specifically, it’s in front of the Westin Hotel Conference Centre sign on the…
-
Chocolate in Unexpected Places
Whether you have a love for all things chocolate or are simply looking for something different to try, these recipes are the treat for you. 1. Crostini with Gorgonzola, Pears, and Chocolate These crispy Italian appetizers are sure to melt in the mouth. The unmistakable tang of blue cheese is smoothed by the addition of a slice of chocolate so that even timid eaters will find themselves reaching for a second bite. See Recipe 2. Spinach Salad with Mangos, Dried Cranberries, and Chocolate Vinaigrette Start off any meal with this light and healthy mix of sweet greens. The velvety texture of the spinach is highlighted with a soft cranberry crunch,…
-
Where Are You Christmas?: Unexpected (but Exceptional) Holiday Events
With the holiday season upon us, it comes as no surprise that the city has become a hot spot for festive events. For those wishing to avoid the large crowds of the Distillery District’s Christmas Market and the multitude of events taking place in Young-Dundas Square, discovering new, festive things to do can be difficult. Below, we have a list of some of the less crowded holiday events and activities happening in and around Toronto. Ugly Christmas Sweater Cocktail Cruise Ugly Christmas sweaters have become a staple of the holiday season and this cocktail cruise provides the opportunity to don your favourite hideous holiday attire and celebrate the season while…
-
Latte Love on the Danforth
Greektown in Toronto’s east end is home to a lot of local, independent coffee shops. I set out to find some of my favourite places to grab a double-shot latte on my way to school, and I have listed my recommendations in the order I visited them. El Greco (968 Pape Ave.) El Greco is a quaint espresso & snack bar. They are a favourite for local football fans so they tend to have a football game on TV. They have one of the best prices for a latte at $3.50. Their espresso is moderately bold and they have a wide variety of pastries to choose from. They are also…
-
5 Tips on How to Start Ballet as an Adult
Have you ever watched a famous ballet performance—The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, or Swan Lake—and wished that you had taken those ballet lessons when you were younger? Whether you’re 22 or 52, don’t let your age stop you from trying something new. Unsure where to find a beginners’ class? Check online or call your local dance studio. If you really have no idea and you’re in the Toronto area, Canada’s National Ballet School has adult classes you can sign up for. Ballet is as much an exercise of your mind as it is of your body Pull up, turn out, keep your shoulders down, point your toes, and remember the exercise.…
-
Because It’s 2015
By now you’ve heard of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s famous response to the question: “why is [a gender balanced cabinet] so important to you?” But what else is he doing to help feminism in Canada? Aboriginal Women After years of Harper avoiding the issue, Trudeau has pledged to finally investigate the murders and disappearances of hundreds of Aboriginal women. But he isn’t stopping there; he plans to work with many Aboriginal communities and organizations to deal with the unique issues that these women and girls face everyday. Parental Leave Future fathers, this one’s for you, because feminism is not only limited to woman’s rights. Trudeau plans to increase parental leave…
-
Spotlight Review: Don’t Let Your Catholic Guilt Make You Miss It
While Spotlight is an unnerving and devastating film at times, it celebrates the hard work of investigative journalists through a smart script and strong performances that overall, make for a very emotionally resonant experience. The film, directed and co-written by Tom McCarthy, is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage by a group of journalists at the Boston Globe. Beginning in 2001, the group of journalists at the Globe known as the Spotlight team were tasked with investigating a potential cover-up of local priests being shifted around to different parishes because of accusations of sexual abuse on children. As they dig deeper, they discover that these actions by the local religious…
