Archive
-
Spectre (2015) is thrilling entertainment
If you liked Skyfall, and want more of the same, then Spectre will not disappoint. Like Skyfall, it carries on with the more serious and semi-realistic tone of the Craig Bond movies, but with an appropriate injection of humour and nostalgic references to older Bond films. One particular throwback moment I enjoyed was a reprieve of the famous “hello, Pussy” line from Goldfinger. The film’s greatest strength lies in its action sequences, its humour, and its tone. It feels like classic Bond in many ways, and embodies a nice mixture of novelty and well-loved old tropes. The opening sequence, featuring a stunning tracking shot, atmospheric Mexican drums, costumes and architecture,…
-
5 Nerdy Subscription Boxes to Gift your S.O. this Christmas
It’s often hard to find a unique gift for your significant other, especially with the holidays fast approaching. Why not surprise them with a fun mystery gift instead? Subscription boxes are an awesome way to celebrate the love of nerdy things with those you care about. Here’s a list of geeky boxes for all of your gifting needs this Christmas. If your loved one is passionate about video games, comics, fan art, books, or quirky pop culture, we definitely have you covered. Comic Boxer If your significant other is an avid comic reader, Comic Boxer will definitely make the perfect gift. This service ships 5-7 comics per month, straight to…
-
6 Spots to Shop for a Literature Lover
Do you have a book nerd friend who not only enjoys reading books, but loves the scent of an old library? Or the sound of a book being cracked open for the first time? Are you a book fan yourself? If not, I’m sure you’ve at least ventured into a Chapters or Indigo to check out their home living section or to grab a cup from your favourite coffee mermaid, and found yourself walking through a sea of books, wondering how you got there. The holidays are upon us and if you’re looking for a new book for yourself or a gift for someone else, here are six independent stores…
-
Exhibit Review: Dr. Seuss at the Liss Gallery
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Feeling nostalgic for your childhood? Want to escape the responsibilities of being an adult? What better way to do so than to return to the works of Dr. Seuss? On picturesque Yorkville Avenue by Avenue Road sits the Liss Gallery, owned by Brian Liss. Every year the gallery hosts an homage to Dr. Seuss. This year, the exhibit is The Art of Dr. Seuss and I decided to check it out. It opened this past Saturday and will continue to run until December 24th. All of the artwork is on…
-
Surviving Your First Escape Game
An escape game or mystery room is a real-life time sensitive simulation where you and your friends have to escape from danger, collect protected objects, or play the role of detectives in solving a case. Anyone who likes puzzle solving, team sports, or role-playing will enjoy this activity. These games are run like businesses such as mini-putt or bowling where each game gets a specially designed play space. They are hosted by various groups at locations throughout Toronto including Looking Glass Adventures on the Danforth. After participating in several of these challenges, I have created this list of useful tips for winning the game. Tip One: The More the Better…
-
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…
