Whether you're interested in paraben-free cosmetics or want to hypnotize yourself free of that pesky ciggie addiction, this weekend's Holistic World Expo has something for the hippie in all of us. Of course, in 2007, the New Age is fairly mainstream--hence yoga demonstrations, lectures on alternative approaches to osteoporosis and breast cancer, booths by the purveyors of Tom's of Maine and Liberte yogurt, and information on setting up your very own composting worms.

This year's keynote speaker is James Redfield, author of the very popular The Celestine Prophecy, holding forth on his theories on the evolution of human consciousness. There will also be a showing of the movie The Secret, the "law of attraction" philosophy that's currently all the rage, thanks to Oprah.

Other sessions include a breakdown on holistic dentistry, managing chronic pain, all about the healing power of horses and, of course, insight into "The Wisdom of the Penis." In other words, a little something for everyone.

The 2007 Holistic World Expo is on this weekend at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

"Kensington Market after the rain" (Metrix X)

From: Denise Balkissoon
To: Jonathan Rothman
Subject: Neighbourhood Watch, Kensington Market

Hey Jonathan,

So, Kensington Market--I think that one of my all-time favourite aspects of the market is that it preserves a bit of fringe weirdness right in the centre of downtown. Everyone knows that Queen and Spadina is now the outdoor Eaton Centre, and every bit of TTC-accessible land is becoming quickly gentrified into another Starbucks-and-stroller parkade. Except Kensington: ok, so there are the little bougie outposts, like Hibiscus foods (which is still worth going to, I'm not using "bougie" as a full diss) or the Kensington Lofts (which I would totally move into if I could), but still, good old Kens remains a haven for the incense-scented, mohawked and dreadlocked. And that counterculture isn't just aesthetic, which is why Pedestrian Sundays happen there, and why Maria Solakofski of Guerrilla Gourmet chooses to live there. Kensington remains a place where new things can happen, and new ideas can sprout and grow. But maybe I'm just being sentimental, since I never have got around to living there. How does it look from the inside? When did you move there? Do you smoke a lot of crack?

denise

The only thing better than rocking out is rocking out for a good cause. The lovely Hannah Sung (formerly of Muchmusic, now repping Her Damn Self) has put together a benefit concert for CARE Canada with a stellar lineup that's sure to brighten up a December afternoon. The Constantines, Jason Collett and DJ Rory Them Finest will be kicking out the jams on December 2 at Lee's Palace, while comedian Sabrina Jalees will also be on hand to add some laughs. The anti-poverty org is working hard to involve youth in the world's future: this is an afternoon, all-ages show to raise awareness of its newest arm, Youth CARE, and proceeds go to young people's peace building efforts in the tumultuous nation of East Timor.

For more info, check out the Youth CARE MySpace page.

Continuing my amazing streak of "leaving the house," Friday night I went down to the Great Hall to check out Brooklyn DJs The Rub. I'd seen the trio before, when they opened for Montreal's A-Trak, so I knew that their super fun mash-ups of soul, hip hop and pop were very likely to bring the party. I was further intrigued by the always exciting prospect of a new venue: if you haven't been yet, the Great Hall is a big, dark basement with a raised stage, room for about 300 people and surprisingly clean washrooms. There isn't a proper bar, so unless you like your drink in a plastic cup, stick with beer (Stella and Moosehead were both $5). As for The Rub, they totally delivered. I'm happy to report that a packed dance floor got sweaty for hours and thankfully didn't engage in any ironic posing. Admit it, you were totally busting a move when they dropped Justin's "My Love."

Maybe I'm just a nerd, but going to the public library fills me with real joy. Maybe it's just the joy of not spending $30 on a book I end up hating, but I truly think there's something more there. I have a friend from California who always complains about the price of books and when I ask her why she doesn't use the library, she looks at me like I'm crazy, because there aren't any libraries where she lives, not useful ones with current books that you might actually want to read.

Today, as I was on my way to my current local branch, Sanderson, I was trying to think of a good post as per I haven't done anything interesting in ages and therefore haven't had much bloggy fodder for a while. And I realized--my love for the Toronto Public Library is strong and true, and so here, I share it with you.

Apologies in advance for the general thickness of this post; had a bit too much fun last night. First, off to the Drake for the launch of Lavalife Magazine, a new online mag concerned with, of course, the highs and lows of the single life. Brenda Canning of Broken Social Scene was spinning fun, uncheesy tunes and there was a massive candy buffet complete with miniature cupcakes. I ran into loads of old co-workers, drank loads of wine and ate not much. Good times.

Then, off to see Tv on the Radio, thanks of course to Bianca. Sorry for the bad picture, it's hard to be short.