The Commonwealth is a new collective and event series that's been put together to foster the health of Toronto's DIY and small press publishing scene. And boy could it use it. Although there are plenty of truly independent publications out there, outside of events like Word on the Street, there are precious few occasions in which the the folks behind such endeavours are able to come together and offer their work in a wider context.

Photo by mcdux in the blogTO Flickr pool

OK bike nerds and design connoisseurs, this is an event to have on your radar. Brooks, the England-based saddle and bike accessory manufacturer, has organized a five city travelling bike show called "Dashing," which lands at the Kensington Market location of Bikes on Wheels June 8th. More akin to an art/design exhibition than a strictly commercial display, the idea behind the show is to highlight brands that aren't well-known in North America but which are nevertheless noteworthy for their design and craftsmanship. Well, that and to celebrate a little.

You know you've got a full-blown scandal when the memes start circulating, but only the most ridiculous and newsworthy events tend to make it onto t-shirts. Do the Rob Ford crack smoking allegations make the cut? Maybe. Spotted on Instagram the other day is this t-shirt (or, perhaps more accurately t-shirt design) that goes to bat for our mayor by proclaiming that all he's guilty of his "having a good time."

The big display of Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridge's Bay this year finished up just before the skies opened and drenched those who lingered by the lakefront. So good. To be honest, the timing of the rain was kind of perfect because my neighbourhood sounded like an absolute war zone prior to its arrival. As usual, I sound like a dink — but when all you're treated to is the sound of fireworks, it's anything but appealing. I like the idea of neighbours getting together and putting on a little show, but in practice, I was annoyed more than anything else.

Shoot me. Or maybe just look at these pretty photos.

Photo by .enKay in the blogTO Flickr pool