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“A writer, in some ways, lives and dies with the characters”: An Interview with Madeleine Thien
Says Madeleine Thien, author of the award-winning novel, Do No Say We Have Nothing. I often judge a book by its cover. But when it came to Scotiabank Giller Prize winner Madeleine Thien’s Do Not Say We Have Nothing (the book also received the Governor General’s Literary Award and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize), history was not bound to repeat itself. I met Thien during a session organized by Pivot Reading Series late November. As I mustered up the courage to speak to the author, I was soon pleasantly surprised by her honesty and genuine interest. When asked how the people closest to her shaped her into the…
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Manchester by the Sea: A Review
[SPOILERS AHEAD] If you had to pick one word to describe Kenneth Lonergan’s new film, it would have to be “real.” Manchester by the Sea takes a brief look into the life of a middle-aged man named Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck), who is racked with tragedy and must return to the site of all his woes—Manchester, Massachusetts—when his brother dies of heart failure and he is left as guardian of his nephew, Patrick (Lucas Hedges). The film revolves around grief and how it is dealt with. It is not, however, a film that you need to bring a box of tissues with you to see. There is no build up…
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Shop for Everyone Along the Danforth
The holidays are hard. How can you get the perfect gift for everyone on your list while still trudging through your daily activities? With the added stress of holiday parties and end of the year work schedules, holiday shopping can be hard. This list will help you get to everyone on your list, all in one neighbourhood! The Music Lover The Danforth has something for every music lover. Aside from the obvious concert hall, check out these music themed gift ideas! Music lessons at Elite Music Academy Some vintage vinyl from Mike’s Music A new or used instrument for the budding musician from The Twelfth Fret Don’t want to go…
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A Night Out on the Danforth
People will say the Danforth is only about Greek food. And while yes, it does have some of the best Greek food you can find in the city, it also hosts a bunch of different things to do on a night out. Here is a local’s guide to spending your night on the Danforth: Head for some Greek food I just said that the Danforth is more than just Greek food, but doesn’t mean you have to forgo. Whether it’s gyros or souvlaki, there are three must-try restaurants to satisfy your need for tzatziki. Pan on the Danforth: Great wine selection, and on Fridays and Saturdays they have belly dancers…
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A Maze of Masterpieces: A Walk Through the AGO
Walking into the Art Gallery of Ontario last Saturday, I was abuzz with anticipation. The lobby was packed, a winding line of bodies culminating in the shapeless crowd that reached almost all the way to the front doors. Luckily, I had been advised to purchase my ticket ahead of time and so moved forward. “Are you here for Mystical Landscapes?” a smiling AGO employee asked, seeming to already know my answer. “Right this way, up to the second floor.” I followed a line of other art enthusiasts up the museum stairs, guided by large signs that directed me toward my destination. For the last few weeks I had been looking…
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A Secret Santa Gift Guide for that Difficult Person in your Life
Well, it’s that time of year again! Gift buying is pretty fun, but what if you’re stuck participating in a Secret Santa, and you get the ONE person in the whole event that you rarely talk to? Plus, you’re expected to buy something nice for someone you barely know? If that’s not pressure, then I don’t know what is! Seriously though, trust me; been there, done that….and I never want to do it again. So here’s a list of gift ideas for you, in case you end up like me, going through a whole mall trying to find a gift. Bon Appétit Gift Card Gift Card The gift of food…
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Where to Watch UFC 206
Almost 6 years ago the UFC first broke boundaries (and records) and leapt up North to visit our beloved Toronto. GSP was defending his title and Aldo gave Hominick a massive hematoma (will we ever forget that?). Despite its success, it has been 3 years since the octagon has graced Toronto with a fight night. Now it’s a very different story. Cormier has recently pulled out of the fight due to an injury, so he sadly won’t be defending his Light Heavyweight belt. However, this Saturday December 10th, Holloway and Pettis are battling for the chance to fight Aldo, who is now the Featherweight Champion after McGregor relinquished the belt.…
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Barre Fitness: How to Look and Feel Your Best
What would you do if you knew you were meant to be a ballerina? Likely take ballet classes. Well I did, and I blew it. I was seven years old, and my mom demanded that I acquire a talent. The only song I could marginally play on the recorder was Ba Ba Black Sheep, and even that raised cries of alarm. We all knew I wasn’t meant for sports; I just didn’t have the coordination. So, what else was there for a seven-year-old who was hopelessly inept? Ballet. As soon as my mom signed me up for classes, I was ready—pink tutu, tights and all. How long did I last?…
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5 Places to get Vegan Sweets on the Danforth
With its seemingly endless row of restaurants, cafés, and bakeries, the Danforth is an epicurean haven. Whatever it is you crave, you are sure to find it here. Amongst the sizzling deep-fried Greek cheese, garlicky souvlaki, and limitless supply of delicate, honey-soaked pastries, vegan food might not be on your radar. Surprisingly, however, there are a number of places in the neighbourhood to get vegan and vegetarian meals, and even the ever-elusive vegan dessert. Here are five places to get sweet vegan treats on the Danforth. Tsaa Tea Shop Although Tsaa Tea Shop is primarily known for their impressive selection of tea, anyone with a sweet tooth should take…
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5 Ways to Enjoy Toronto Arts & Culture On a Dime
There are literally hundreds of thousands of post-secondary students in Toronto. Hundreds. Of. Thousands. On top of that, there’s that glorious period of time following your graduation where you can’t (technically) use your student discount but definitely can’t afford regular prices. Fear not, my impoverished friends. Listed below are many ways to enjoy the arts and culture of the 6ix for the cost of one drink or less. Free Museum Days Toronto is full of wonderful museums to keep your brain full of information even after you’ve closed the textbooks. Most have evenings when they are free to the public, so you can get all that glorious knowledge without paying…