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So, You Want to Board the Yoga Train?
How to join the yoga craze—without feeling like a total newb BY ANISSA STAMBOULI If you’re all about the Lululemon look but have yet to hit the mat, it’s not too late to make yoga a lifestyle—not just a fashion statement. As someone who values a tough fitness routine at the gym, I always viewed yoga as a stretching gig for those seeking relaxation and flexibility; however, after doing some research and trying yoga myself, I’ve come to realize that it’s more layered than I thought. For me, yoga has become a non-intensive way to unwind at the end of the day, mentally and physically, all the while gently toning…
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Christ Returns, Runs For President, Loses in Landslide
BY FRANK RUSSO (@ComedyRusso) It’s finally happened! After centuries of waiting, Jesus Christ returned to earth and immediately set his sights on the most powerful position of influence in the world: President of the United States. And that’s when things went horribly wrong. In a glorious display of political novice, Christ was unable to connect with his target demographic at every stop on the Republican primary trail, leaving pundits to question whether Jesus miscalculated who his followers are. In Iowa, the return of Christ was met with great fanfare. Holding his own in the debates, things quickly went south for Jesus when it was discovered he had spent the day…
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Sports Rivalries
BY KARA STEYN There is no room for rationale. Pride is on the line every single time. Their histories are embedded in tradition, an observance passed down from generation to generation. Their scales vary from countries to individuals, but the fervour never decreases. They are deal-breakers, debate-starters, blood-boilers. They incite an unparalleled passion in people. They are sports rivalries. Every four years the curtains open on the world stage of winter sports. Athletes who have been working their entire lives have a few moments to show off their talents. All this pressure has led to some incredible and intense match-ups. As soon as the Canadian hockey players touch down in…
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Being Single on Valentine’s Day
BY JENNY WILSON Everyone’s favourite consumer holiday is just under a week away: Valentine’s Day, or for those of us who are a bit more cynical, Singles Awareness Day. Now I could lie and say that Valentine’s Day doesn’t bother me, and most of the day it doesn’t, but there’s always one point where I just sit there and think “I’m not allowed to celebrate this “holiday”.” And then I end up consuming more chocolate than two couples put together. I’ve never been able to truly celebrate the holiday as it was meant to be celebrated because I’ve always been single. Unless you count my grade eight boyfriend, but let’s be…
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The Best Ones Just Happen
BY FRANCISCO MACIEL That day felt no different from any other day. I came home a bit early from school and found her sitting on the couch. I had a job interview for a cooking job. I didn’t really need the money but I missed working in a kitchen. I had worked in a kitchen a few years back, and since then I had had a zeal for cooking and food. Cooking in a kitchen for guests (whether paid or not) satisfied a need to provide. It satisfies a need to give back to someone. Up until then I had let my facial hair grow in for a while. I…
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The Active & Outdoor Guide for Torontonians
Don’t let winter scare you away from outdoor fitness and recreation in the city BY ANISSA STAMBOULI Staying active in the winter, whether for fitness or recreational purposes, can be hard to manage in the city. Between the slush and salt, the streets of Toronto aren’t exactly enticing for those seeking an outdoor adventure. Ro Leitner, a student in Brock University’s Recreation and Leisure Studies program with a focus on the outdoors, shared her tips with On the Danforth readers. What are your favourite outdoor winter activities? If time allows, snowshoeing and snowboarding; however, winter hikes/walks, runs and indoor spin classes are my go-to. For Torontonians hoping to stay…
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How Opinion Became Belief
BY FRANK RUSSO (@ComedyRusso) “Opinions are dead and the era of beliefs is upon us.” That is the theme to this year’s philosophy and society conference in Toronto, Canada, where many great minds came to debate the perceived merging of opinion and belief. “It’s a subtle, yet significant change,” explains Johnny Deepthought, philosophy professor from Laurentian University. “An opinion used to be an idea you agreed with, but weren’t committed to. Now everyone has beliefs and the misconception that beliefs are protected from scrutiny, even though most of their ‘beliefs’ are opinions. Everyone knows someone who doesn’t ‘believe’ in cell phones. What they mean is they don’t think they’re necessary,…
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Lower Body Blaster
Moderate and advanced exercises for toning your lower body BY ANISSA STAMBOULI If you spend most of your day sitting in class or at work, or while away the winter hours on your couch watching Netflix (no judging), then your glutes and thighs may be due for a tune-up. The following exercise should take between 45-60 minutes, including light stretching at the end. Be sure to warm up with at least five minutes of non-intensive cardio or stretching, and have a bottle of water and some upbeat music on hand (OTD TIP: Girl Talk, All Day) *Most of the following are intervals, meaning you will do the first exercise, and then jump…
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Top Diets for 2015
BY SOFIA VARGAS January is over, and it’s getting harder to keep New Year’s resolutions for dieting; trying to find the best weight-loss diet, or maintaining one, can be tedious. Eating is one of the greatest pleasures in life, and choosing the best diet for you may not be an easy task. You may think that eating less is the answer, but it’s not always the healthiest one. With so many diet options out there, you have to know if what you’re really looking for is a weight-loss program or a healthy lifestyle commitment. Many of the weight-loss diets are not exactly the healthiest ones. Sometimes you can even feel…
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The Non-Date
BY FRANCISCO MACIEL That Saturday morning was our first weekend together in the apartment. It was a strange feeling waking up and walking out of my room to her, but seeing her sitting there at the kitchen table, eating a bowl of cheerios felt so natural. Her ‘good mornings’ were always so sweet. They always brightened up my days, and made me wonder about what we’d be like as a couple. The vase with roses from her boyfriend on the table cut those thoughts short. After a week of living together and having to sit on the floor every time we watched tv, we both agreed we needed a couch.…
