why i decided to love yonge & dundas square.

I remember being skeptical when Yonge and Dundas square was being built. Why was Toronto trying so hard to compete with New York? And why did I need to be subjected to so many advertisements and flashing lights- enough to give someone an aneurysm? But with free wifi, outdoor concerts, street artists, musicians and breakdancers...how could you not learn to love this intersection? It was really these three kids that did it for me; blasting their beats through their iPod speakers in front of H&M: 

They're so little!

S.

my favourite i phone apps.

Ok, the love affair between myself and my iPhone 3G is about to reach its sixth month and it's still going strong  (thanks to T.H. who assisted me in my decision to commit to this smart-phone when my heart was weaker and wavering-BB? I don't think so). Best part yet, there's still so much to discover! In my 6 month relationship, I've only acquired 64 apps. I probably use 1/3 of them regularly and I refuse to pay more than $1.99 per app (with one exception below). But I thought that perhaps it was time to share the love! Here is a run-down of my top favourite apps these days.

Most useful news: CBC radio. (free!) After my alarm goes off I spend the first hour of my day with Matt Galloway's Metro Morning. 

Best game:  You know it- Angry Birds. (free!) I met this guy at a party recently who tried to convince me that there was no iPhone game better than Bejeweled. Yeah. right. 

Best Yoga App: Yoga Hour. I'm pretty sure I was one of the first to purchase it in August when it came out and used it everyday while I was on vacation and continued to use it in September in the park. Mind you, I'm a bit of a yoga geek. It's $2.99 but totally worth it especially if you can't afford to go to a yoga studio. Now that winter's upon us, do it at home. I like it  better than both Yoga Stretch ($0.99) and Pocket Yoga ($2.99). For one, you follow actual pictures of Darren Rhodes in the most advanced version of the posture as opposed to illustrated pictorials. It's a one hour, simple, vinyasa- flow sequence that can be tailored to any level. The music is great. While Pocket Yoga offers varied sequences for (30, 45 to 60 minute intervals) to me it feels a lot like pilates. And Yoga Stretch is unique in that you can pick from a bunch of poses to guide your own practice session, but folks who are advanced would benefit the most from this. 

Best interactive game: Words with Friends! It's Scrabble against other iPhone users- they have to get the app as well, sign on with a user name and presto...let the games begin. Waiting for the sweet notification that one of my opponents has played their move might just be one of the high lights of my days. Plus it's free. I have 6 games going on right now! 

Photo-editing:  I take A LOT of photos with my iPhone. I think I have 600. I upload a lot of them onto this blog. The following two apps used in tandem greatly enhance your i phone photography experience. First off is PS Express which does basic edits like cropping, contract, brightness etc. but in two seconds you can fix the exposure on all your underexposed photos (and you know that the iPhone is bad for that) and send them off via email, post to fb, save them in your library etc. We also know that there's no flash on the iPhone (what was APPLE thinking??)...so for dimly lit scenes, you should try Night Camera and you likely won't even have to edit the exposure afterwords. 

Next App Purchase: I just learned (thanks to birthday boy F.M.) that my weekly Friday highlight, Settlers of Catan (thanks R.), is available on the I phone! ($ 4.99)  You play against other players and if they're not available you play against the computer. I better start practicing so I can beat those kids next week.

Final note, be a smart smart-phone user. If you go abroad turn off your data roaming. Or keep your phone on airplane mode. Whatever you do, do not access data. You could rack up an ginormous phone bill...and few of us are lucky enough to have friends pretend to be us and use their mad acting skills to get FIDO to erase all charges...(thanks e).

S.

Myanmar Cuisine in Bloordale Village

Ever wondered what Burmese food tastes like??  Check out Motherhome Myanmar Cuisine in Bloordale village, 1194 Bloor Street West. I was a newbie and can only describe the food are a hybrid of Indian meets East Asian, (makes sense given its geographical region!) The menu includes: Teryaki fish, tofu and vegetables, lamb curry, jasmine rice, fried rice, mutton rolls, etc...and it's good! It tastes like home cooking. It's not heavy nor greasy and the veggies are super green and fresh. They do catering as well, but you should stop by for their lunch special- a large plate with rice or noodles for only $5!!! That's a steal in Toronto for a healthy, fresh meal. Plus if you work in a basement office with fluorescent lights, this brightly lit place with yellow and fuschia walls and courteous service will add a sparkle to your otherwise mundane 9 to 5 day. The owner is a sweet man who calls everyone his friend.

S.

Post a Letter Social Activity......Mondays 7-11

The art of pen and paper is certainly making a comeback... and it is sure is widely supported on this blog! My latest letter writing venture was on Monday, October 25th. After casting my vote for the mayoral candidate of my choice, I went to NACO Gallery Cafe (Map: 1665 Dundas W.) to write some letters in the company of friends. Pretty stationary and stamps provided at no cost!

You know what a treat it is to receive letters in the mail, so why not make someone's day??


Join for the following Mondays, 7-11pm:

Nov 8.
Nov 22.
Nov 29.
Dec 13.

Plus NACO cafe in Brockton Village is adorable! 


S.

I'm not one to sensationalize news..

nor am I the Twitterati...but this just in: Shooting outside Banjara! Not good for business- poor guys! I was just really surprised to find Bloor Street between Christie and Shaw taped up all yellow with police cars and news crews when I was walking home just now. Bloor and Ossington is the quietest I've ever seen it. What gives?

S.

Love Letters in Bellwoods

On August 24th, some pretty kids got together in Bellwoods and by candle light, pink and purple streamers, they wrote love letters. Unabashed, grandiose gestures of love, lust and longing swept the colourful pages of card stock, one by one. The letters are now posted on community notice board in Dufferin Grove Park for all passers-by to witness and marvel in. Next time you're at the Dufferin Grove Farmer's market, stop to take a peek!


Best birthday ever.  
- S.

Pantalone in the Annex

...sans smart car, walking the streets with entourage, encouraging this younger crowd to vote for the "progressive choice".  

Who's your guy? Who's not your guy...?

S.