Yesterday, Mayor Miller officially announced that May 4th will henceforth be known as Jane Jacobs Day in the city of Toronto.

"As a writer, outspoken urban activist, a philosopher of everyday life and an innovator, her work brought into focus the idea that cities are engines of growth whose vitality stems from the variety of activities people engage in," continued Mayor Miller. "She taught us about eyes on the street and that walkable, dense, compact and diverse neighbourhoods were the hallmarks of a healthy and prosperous city."

The day will feature the first annual "Jane's Walk"; a guided walking tour taking place in several neighbourhoods across the city; highlighting that areas people, places and public spaces.

This past Friday, I decided to take a chance. Nothing life-risking or anything, but still nothing I've ever done before.

I chose to go to the opera. I'll give you a minute to let that sink in.

If you've seen any of my other music posts, you'll probably see why this is pretty left field for me. And while I am a closet fan of classical music, its not in my ipod rotation.

But this would not deter me from attending opening night of Richard Strauss' Elektra at the Canadian Opera Company's new facility at the corner of Queen and University.

And I have to say, both the show and the experience were worth taking the chance.

The story so far. Skate4Cancer started in Toronto, but the group has captured international attention. The video above gives a quick overview of how it began, and how cancer affects us all. The group continues to enjoy the support of lots of pro skaters and musicians alike, including the recent party blogTO covered on the Rise Against/Billy Talent after party that was hosted by the group. Hit up the video page on You Tube to see other videos.

Support Skate4Cancer, y'all!

Musicians from all over the world will be set on Toronto from September 23rd to October 26th. The venue has yet to be revealed.

The Academy (based in Cologne, Germany) is now accepting applications for the event, that includes days of international artists, and lecture series by key figures in the music industry.

Deadlines for applications to be received is May 4th, so get on it and help Toronto be represented at the international music festival.

Should this be filed under city or arts? I'm not really sure. On the outset, this looks like a picture of a typical house you'd see anywhere in Toronto.

Except for one major difference: its not a house at all.

Dr. David McKeown, Toronto's top doc, is urging Toronto eateries to reduce the use of trans fats in their food.

As part of a planned report to the city's board of health, McKeown is asking for new rules that would limit the use of deadly trans fats to less than 2% of any dish. The new rules would be implemented by 2008.

The announcement was also joined by the Heart and Stroke Foundation's request for the federal government to follow up on recommendations made by a federal task force that examined the situation last year.