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A Night of Fun and Laughter on the Danforth
It was an unusually warm night in late October when I threw on my faded denim jacket and worn-out Converse to make my way toward Comedy Bar on the Danforth for the first time. Wedged between an unassuming cigar shop and a residential building with plain, grey-scale facades, the massive sign that spans the venue is hard to miss. “Comedy Bar” sits across the top in glowing red letters. Details on the headliners, showtimes, and website shine below, framed in beaming yellow show lights. As I walked toward the illuminated sign, I thought about the first comedy show I attended. I was in my early twenties, struggling to get through…
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10 Fun Things to Do in Toronto When You’re Stressed Out
Sometimes weekends at home are not enough when you need to unwind. It’s hard to stop thinking about all the deadlines, meetings, and upcoming projects when you’re holed up in your room, binging on entertainment.
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Get Back Into Biking
Although winter this year has been mild enough to keep even the less than avid cyclist on the road for the majority of the season, most of us are eagerly awaiting those longer, warmer days of spring. Torontonians, on the whole, have embraced this efficient, clean, and fun way to get around; but while choosing the bike as a primary mode of transportation can be difficult for many, there is something to be said about its use recreationally. Opt for Trails and Pathways While the city debates over how to expand its on-street bike network, and those brave enough deal with the often stressful, although rewarding commute through these traffic-laden…
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In the Heart of Toronto: Exclusive Rogers Centre Tour
Calling all Blue Jays fans, concert goers, and Torontonians! Below lies a behind-the-scenes tour of the well-known Rogers Centre from January 25th, 2016. The Roof Control Room Our first stop was the (newly renovated) roof control room where we met the building operator and electrician. Here, we learned that when the Rogers Centre, then the Skydome, opened in 1989, it held the first operating panel (see picture below) in the world for a retractable roof. Just four people are involved with the process of controlling the roof: the building operator, a plumber, an electrician, and the panel control manager. The panel control manager has several jobs aside from managing the…
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Warmth on a Winter’s Weekend
I know you; you’re sitting in front of your computer, wrapping misery in a blanket, and you’ve opened this article to scoff at my list of ideas to keep your heart warm through another Canadian winter. You don’t like that snow has seized our streets, patios have shut their doors, and Mr. Frost has personally ensured that you will not be at a restful temperature while outdoors for the next three months. So you might as well read this and enlighten your winter more than your wistful waiting ever could. I’m sitting at a coffee shop—outside the window to my left, the snow falls modestly—in the foreground is my computer,…
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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…
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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.…
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The Souper-Bowl Is Here!
Get your spoons ready for the Leslieville Farmer’s Market Annual Winter Fundraiser! By Stephanie Chow Last year, over 700 pounds of onions were sliced and diced to make 2000 litres of soup for the annual Souper-Bowl Winter Fundraiser, sponsored by the Leslieville Farmer’s Market. The onion-induced tears that were no doubt shed last year were well worth it: they raised over $3000 and are hoping to do it for a third year in 2013 with your help! Bring your appetites this Super Bowl Sunday because Le Papillon on the Park’s Chef Lukas and his team are planning to concoct over one tonne of their delicious french onion soup! If soup’s…
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Sautéing in Style
Kitchenware that puts the “fun” in “functional”.