I probably walk by the Katharine Mulherin Contemporary Art Projects gallery on a daily basis. I peer into the window from time to time, but I've never actually went in. Until yesterday. After a delightful brunch at The Sparrow, my friend and I walked past and saw through the window a neat little collection of magnifying glasses hanging on the wall. With curious looks on our faces, my friend and I watched the people inside choose a magnifying glass and walk up to the tiniest paintings I've ever seen. Not being able to resist, we HAD to see what the scoop was.

Inside, Dana Holst, an Edmonton based painter, is showing an exhibit called Woebegone. At first glance it seems like a cute idea, paintings of pets on tiny Victorian piano keys surrounded by green mohair and mini paper flowers all pinned to the wall. Upon closer inspection (with nifty magnifying glass of course!), I realized that it's not quite as "cute" as I had hoped. In fact, it's really rather disturbing. What I saw was 80 miniature oil paintings entitled "Momento" that depict portraits of tortured family pets--dogs, cats, bunnies, rats, and I think I even saw a goose. Some of the poor poochies and kitties had missing ears, broken limbs and the saddest eyes I've ever seen.

I've been living in the downtown core for 7 years now. First was a house full of college grads in Little Portugal, then the high rise at Queen and John, next was the loft near Moss Park and eventually I got smart and decided to live on my own which lead me to Little Italy and now, I'm over in West Queen West.

Almost everyday something happens that makes me smile, giggle or even laugh out loud. That's why I live here. Some would be unsettled living across from CAMH, but me? I'm cool with it. I mean heck, I lived at Queen and Sherbourne for over 2 years...THIS is nothing. A few crazies scattered here and there make life a little more interesting and if I find them in the park on a sunny afternoon--even better.

I dream about it. I try to save for it. I play the lottery in hopes that someday I'll be able to do what I really want to: I'm traveling abroad.

I have a feeling that it was meant to be when I saw the Go Abroad Fair sign on the University Subway line last weekend. For some reason I stared at the sign for the whole ride without even READING it and then at the last second I actually realized what it said and tried to snap a photo of it on my camera phone. Alas, the rush of pedestrian traffic didn't allow me to save it but all is well though...that is what the scheduler function is for! The alarm went off the other day and reminded me that the fair is this weekend from 12pm-6pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday.

Let's just forget the fact that I'm not getting any younger, because the Go Abroad Fair is for anyone of any age. If you want to study, travel, work or volunteer all of the options are there. Even better, the event is FREE!



After quickly perusing the exhibit list, I'm totally stoked to check out the numerous pavilions that will help me choose the proper path to get me on my way. Added to the various exhibitors, there will also be seminars going on throughout the weekend.

Oooh and there is even a chance to win a Contiki 8-Day Italian Espresso Tour! I'm not much for coffee or the like, but heck...I'll drink my weight in cappuccinos if it will get me to Italy.

Look out world, here I come!

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre
North Building, Level 100
255 Front Street West,
Toronto, Ontario

Saturday, September 16 2006: 1200 - 1800 hrs
Sunday, September 17, 2006: 1100 - 1700 hrs

Image: Go Abroad Fair

It was lunch hour when I got the word that Wicked was popping up in my neighbourhood. I had been wondering what they were doing to The Vatikan as of late. I remember passing by and seeing the upstairs lights on, noticing contractors walking around and thinking what an amazing loft apartment that could be. Little did I know that it is the new locale for one of Canada's largest hedonistic clubs.

Wicked is opening up on Queen Street West and Brookfield and claims to be an upscale Swinger's Club that caters to the 25-35 year old crowd complete with "love furniture", communal showers, a multi-tiered orgy room and oh yeah, a DJ spinning a soundtrack to your provocative evening.

The new "red light-esque" establishment basically has free reign now that the Supreme Court of Canada has legalized Swinger's Clubs where consenting adults can engage in sexual activity behind closed doors and even have an audience without suffering any illegal consequence.

Being an avid cyclist in the downtown core, I understand how nerve-wracking it can be to bike to and from work during rush hour. Starting this month every last Friday will be known as BikeFriday. By joining up with BikeFriday, you can get yourself safely to work and meet some friendly cyclists that are trying to accomplish the exact same thing.

In the past, events like The Group Commute have only been held once a year but it's a great way to make motor vehicles more aware of cyclists on the street and it also makes those on bikes feel safe as well.

On August 25, 2006 "The First BikeFriday Morning Commute" will be held at 8am starting at various points throughout the city. Even if you're not in the city, BikeFriday can be held anywhere in the GTA--just make yourself known on BikeFriday's site.

For those taking part and living around the Danforth area, Grassroots Environmental Products will be offering a free breakfast at their store between 8 and 9:30am. Talk about a great way to start off your day!

At 6pm, there will be the Critical Mass that has also been happening every last Friday of the month. It starts at the south-west corner of Bloor & Spadina where cyclists meet at 6:00 and then ride at 6:30.

BikeFriday wants to make the commute as successful as possible, so cyclists are asked to obey all of the road rules. Safety first I say, and don't forget your helmet.

Image: BikingToronto

You know the episode of Seinfeld where Kramer decides to widen the lanes of the highway for more luxurious driving? Well, the equivalent of that is what is happening to the bike lanes on the Queens Quay during August 11th-20th for "Quay to the City". While it wasn't exactly my version of a street party, there were quite a few things going on along the kilometre of geraniums and "picnic lawn".

I happened upon the International Market/World Cafe down at the Harbourfront where I was able to check out some nifty jewelry, clothing and the like. Did I taste the food? You bet I did.