• Lifestyle

    Why Guinea Pigs are the Perfect First Pets for Your Kids

    Guinea pigs are furry, fun little creatures that are sure to brighten your lives. They are great for little children to care for as their first pets—they can teach them a whole lot about responsibility and caring for other creatures. As sweet as they can be, they are not easy to take care of; they require a lot of care and attention so they can be a happy addition to your family for a long time. No Need for a Long Search: They’re Everywhere Guinea pigs are considered to be common pets so they are quite easy to find (you can find them anywhere from PetSmart to Petland), and are…

  • Lifestyle

    Preparing Your Child for Swimming Lessons

    In my five years as a swimming instructor I have had the privilege of seeing a range of emotions that comes from a child’s first encounter with a swimming pool. First you have the screamers, who are absolutely terrified of the concept of being surrounded by water. Then there are the kids who are overly courageous and think they can float based on sheer willpower. Finally, there is the range of kids in between who are aware of the danger but eager to learn how to stay safe. This is a compilation of tips based on my experiences as both a swimmer and a coach on how prepare your child…

  • Arts + Culture

    From Writing to Driving: Craig Davidson’s Journey as a Bus Driver

    The author reveals how despite his stellar literary career—one of his books was made into a Hollywood film—he felt he had hit rock bottom. Craig Davidson has published four books of literary fiction, including Rust and Bone, which was made into a Golden Globe-nominated film starring Marion Cotillard, and Cataract City, which was shortlisted for the Giller Prize and the Trillium Book Prize. The 31-year-old has also written about “boxing and dog fights, zombies and werewolves, vampire and lunatic prison inmates” under the pen names, Patrick Lestewka and Nick Cutter. But rather than being most impressed with his illustrious career, it was an honest confession that won the crowd at…

  • Lifestyle

    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…

  • Archive

    School’s Out! Now What? Part 2

    Keeping your kids amused and occupied during March Break By: Heather Pierce While the children rejoice in their freedom from school, working parents struggle to find campsand activities to keep them occupied. In part two of On the Danforth’s March Break series, we take a look at the activities the Toronto public libraries on the Danforth have to offer. Combine the events from both libraries together and your kids will have a full  week of fun.

  • Archive

    School’s Out! Now What? (Part 1)

    Keeping your kids amused and occupied during March Break By: Heather Pierce and Catherine Sim While the children rejoice in their freedom from school, working parents struggle to find camps and activities to keep them busy. In part one of On the Danforth’s March Break series, we take a look at local camps for kids, ranging from the Shakespeare-lovers to the sports-obsessed. Shakespeare is Boffo! When: March 10-14, 9 am to 4 pm Where: St. David’s Anglican Church, parish hall; 49 Donlands Ave. What: Shakespeare is Boffo! is aimed at nine to 14-year-olds and is designed to introduce kids to Shakespeare in an active and fun way through the play’s fight scenes, as well as…