The future of the Canadian newspaper may not be as bright as it once was, but there was a time when papers were as common as blogs are today. Well, not quite. Actually not at all. But there were more than there are today!

With a focus on foreign news shooting in through the telegraphs across the Atlantic and a sense of irreverence borrowed from American tabloids, Toronto eventually fashioned its own style of reporting that stood in contrast to sister publications in other Canadian cities. By the turn of the century in Toronto modern print journalism was thriving. Although a number of early papers were known for their conservative outlook and the crime coverage used to be even more sensational than Toronto Sun headlines are today, our papers were also alternately known their factual accuracy, foreign coverage, and fervent support for the separation of church and state.

The ongoing history of newspapers in Toronto is as rich as it is diverse, so here are a few snippets from our publishing past.

Last night people packed the Hoxton for the return SBTRKT, the UK producer responsible for introducing a new wave of dub step to North America. The show was highly anticipated after his July set when Drake made a surprise appearance. SBTRKT may not have delivered Drake last night, but he did bring the party.

Saturday night saw the sixth installment of Feast in the East, the monthly festival that worships food, music, art and, above all, the east end of Toronto. The night is the lovechild of musician Neil Rankin (Foxfire Forrest) and party promoter Tad Michalak, two residents and ambassadors of the east-end as a party destination.

The idea to throw a monthly food/art/music festival in Toronto's east end that would rival any party on the west side was born out of the frustration from the long commutes from one end of the city to the other. Neil and Tad wanted to go see the bands they would normally see in the west end and enjoy a short walk back home at the end of the night.

After searching for a venue, they found their location in The Dickens Street Theatre, a loft space in the heart of the industrial section of Carlaw and Dundas.

Nuit Blanche wasn't the only all night party this weekend. While half the city was wandering the streets of Toronto, collections of young coders were designing the next app in hubs across the city. The Great Canadian Appathon competition, which pits young coders against each other in attempts to create the next big game for XMG and a chance to win up to $25,000 had its second coming this weekend.

The kids arrived at their respective pods Friday at 5pm, and just like MTV's The Real World, they were confined to their quarters with limited access to the outside world until they were released Sunday at 5pm. Unlike The Real World, there were supervisors making sure they didn't overdose on energy drinks or get up to any hanky-panky on the bean bag chairs--although the supervisor at the Ryerson location didn't seem to think this would be an issue.

The Hoxton is a fitting venue to celebrate the launch of Billy Corbin's film Limelight. As the latest venue in a series of bars run by Richard Lambert and Jesse Girard (who are also behind Parts & Labour and former club The Social), The Hoxton represents a growing empire of boutique style clubs.

Limelight is also a story about building a club empire, albeit on a much larger scale than anything on West Queen West. The film chronicles the rise and fall of Peter Gatien and his New York Empire of nightclubs, and through that story, tells a bigger story of the rise and fall of the nightclub as incubator of underground culture.