blogTO | Posts by Corina

blogTO | Posts by Corina http://www.blogto.com/ Toronto blog Copyright 2008 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:21:18 PST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Adrift in Tokyo, The ReelAsian Experience As Toronto's 2008 ReelAsian International Film Festival comes to an end, I am thrilled at the organizer's choice for last night's closing gala. Satoshi Miki's Adrift in Tokyo is a perfect film for this festival, plunking the audience down deep in the heart of Japan's capital city and immersing them in both a weird and wonderful Asian experience.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/film/2008/11/adrift_in_tokyo_the_reelasian_experience http://www.blogto.com/film/2008/11/adrift_in_tokyo_the_reelasian_experience Film Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:47:31 PST Film Corina 2008-11-17T14:47:31 Original F/X Owner Opens for One Last Sale After I posted the F/X deadpool story last week, I was surprised to see so many different reader comments about how the store had changed (for the worse) over the past few years.

I too noticed a decline in the store's quality and was eager to find out what was really going on. So when I returned to the store this week, I was pleasantly surprised to find Donna, the original owner and creator of F/X, digging through piles of stock.

I soon learned just what had happened to F/X over the past years. I also got to hear about Donna's amazing experience in the fashion industry and her unique vision for the original F/X boutique, reopening this weekend for one last blowout sale.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/fashion_style/2008/11/original_fx_owner_opens_for_one_last_sale http://www.blogto.com/fashion_style/2008/11/original_fx_owner_opens_for_one_last_sale Fashion & Style Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:30:19 PST Fashion & Style Corina 2008-11-11T22:30:19 ReelAsian International Film Festival 2008 Toronto's 2008 ReelAsian International Film Festival is almost here, kicking off on November 12th and running until the 16th. One of Toronto's most entertaining and longest-running small film fests, the ReelAsian program features films from 14 different countries and some of the most talented directors in the World.

With over 50 film premiers and entries from Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore/Cambodia, the Philippines, Vietnam, USA, and Canada's own Paul Wong, I had to narrow down a few of the best picks at this year's fest. Banzai!

]]> http://www.blogto.com/film/2008/11/reelasian_international_film_festival_2008 http://www.blogto.com/film/2008/11/reelasian_international_film_festival_2008 Film Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:28:09 PST Film Corina 2008-11-10T23:28:09 The Best Poutine in Toronto Is Toronto poutine an oxymoron? I don't know about that, but I would say for the typical late night devotee poutine is a very serious business, even a religion depending on who you ask (and how much French they speak). Having a mother from Quebec, I'm often horrified by the Anglophonic take on the classic French dish. Shredded cheese? Tabarnac!

Really, only two words distinguish real poutine from the rest: cheese curds. Mais lache pas la patate! Luckily Toronto has some incredible authentic poutine to offer. Poutine, that I should point out generally conforms to the three sacred elements of Quebec's famous meal as described in the poutine song.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/best_of_toronto/2008/11/the_best_poutine_in_toronto http://www.blogto.com/best_of_toronto/2008/11/the_best_poutine_in_toronto Best of Toronto Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:51:13 PST Best of Toronto Corina 2008-11-07T13:51:13 Smashing Pumpkins Two Night Takeover

The Smashing Pumpkins (which in this iteration includes Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin, and some kick ass backup) packed the seats at Massey Hall this week for a huge two night extravaganza celebrating TWENTY years (!!!) of the band's discography.

Having followed the Pumpkins for a long time (thanks to friends who are devout fans), I've seen the band's constantly 'evolving' sound split their audience. Similarly, this special two night affair had two very unique concert offerings.

Luckily, I got tickets to both nights and brought my camera.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/music/2008/11/smashing_pumpkins_two_night_takeover http://www.blogto.com/music/2008/11/smashing_pumpkins_two_night_takeover Music Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:09:30 PST Music Corina 2008-11-05T11:09:30 Contest: See the Arkells Live at the Phoenix The Arkells are getting ready to hit the road with their new album, Jackson Square. Since speaking with the Hamilton band at this year's Vfest, the guys have been busily preparing for what promises to be a high energy set of live shows.

From tightly coordinated rock riffs to wandering bluesy jams, I previewed a handful of wicked new tracks at the band's record release - believe me, the Arkells are a powerhouse live act not to be missed!

And to PROVE it, I've got two tickets for one lucky reader to see the Arkells live November 6th (along with Matt Mays & El Torpedo) at the Phoenix!

]]> http://www.blogto.com/music/2008/11/contest_see_the_arkells_live_at_the_phoenix http://www.blogto.com/music/2008/11/contest_see_the_arkells_live_at_the_phoenix Music Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:37:07 PST Music Corina 2008-11-04T09:37:07 A Night at the Opera, Seduced by Don Giovanni I've been to a number of musical theatre performances in Toronto, but this week was my first time at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts to attend a Canadian Opera Company performance.

Don Giovanni set to the music of Mozart would have normally been a bit rich for my wallet, but with the new $20 tickets for those of us under 30, I was able to take in an absolutely breathtaking performance of world class opera right here at home.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/10/a_night_at_the_opera_seduced_by_don_giovanni http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/10/a_night_at_the_opera_seduced_by_don_giovanni Arts Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:48:22 PDT Arts Corina 2008-10-30T14:48:22 F/X Enters the Deadpool For as long as I've been shopping on Queen West, F/X has been a fashion fixture. First at the giant location on the south corner of Spadina, and then moving to its current space at 515 Queen St. West. Well, its run has ended. The whimsical alt-trendy boutique has now officially entered the Deadpool.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/deadpool/2008/10/fx_enters_the_deadpool http://www.blogto.com/deadpool/2008/10/fx_enters_the_deadpool Deadpool Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:52:34 PDT Deadpool Corina 2008-10-29T10:52:34 Asian Ghosts & Gore at Toronto After Dark

Toronto's After Dark Film Festival has just wrapped up an incredibly successful 3rd year, with 4 sold out shows and tonight's closing gala topping off a week of delicious horror, sci-fi and cult action films. Among the best, and by far the most over the top, were two Asian offerings - 4bia (see trailer above) and Tokyo Gore Police.

While 4bia offered the best chills and 'what the eff was that?!' factor of After Dark 2008, Tokyo Gore Police had me pretty much wiping blood spatter from my face and drool from my chin... these two were sure standouts at this year's After Dark festival.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/film/2008/10/asian_ghosts_gore_at_toronto_after_dark http://www.blogto.com/film/2008/10/asian_ghosts_gore_at_toronto_after_dark Film Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:35:10 PDT Film Corina 2008-10-25T01:35:10 The Best Halloween Costume Stores in Toronto The perfect Halloween costume can be hard to find, but having seen and worn my fair share of lame costumes over the years I've resolved to make the effort to scour Toronto to hunt down just the right outfit.

While homemade costumes earn extra props, there are plenty of creative options in stores that can make a great impression without investing a ton of time or money. Sometimes I start my search at some of the classic vintage or second hand stores to see if I can find a bargain. I'm not saying I'm cheap, but I aim to alternate which years I splurge on playing dress up.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/best_of_toronto/2008/10/the_best_halloween_costume_stores_in_toronto http://www.blogto.com/best_of_toronto/2008/10/the_best_halloween_costume_stores_in_toronto Best of Toronto Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:10:04 PDT Best of Toronto Corina 2008-10-24T23:10:04 Saw V Telemarketing Campaign Shut Down Despite the launch of the new National 'Do Not Call' List, Saw V marketing strategists recently tried to launch a new crank call scare campaign to promote the release of the movie, filmed in Toronto last spring.

But like all good pranks, this one has come to an end with the website pulling the link to the interactive phone message application down permanently last night.

Luckily, I tried it before it went down... take a listen; timely Halloween prank or annoying telemarketing strategy?

]]> http://www.blogto.com/tech/2008/10/saw_v_telemarketing_campaign_shut_down http://www.blogto.com/tech/2008/10/saw_v_telemarketing_campaign_shut_down Tech Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:11:38 PDT Tech Corina 2008-10-18T17:11:38 Planet in Focus Festival 2008: Top Picks & Contest In celebration (and proliferation) of the 'green shift', I'm excited see the Planet in Focus Film Festival return October 22nd-October 26th for an incredible ninth year. Through artfully documented cinema, Planet in Focus will open your eyes to some of the most critical environmental issues in Canada and abroad, and once again, blogTO is proud to be a media sponor.

If you've never experienced the festival first hand, here's your chance. I have a pair of complimentary tickets to the opening night gala Blue Gold: World Water Wars and the Opening Reception to pass on to a blogTO reader.

Here are a few of the very best picks from this year's lineup.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/film/2008/10/planet_in_focus_festival_2008_top_picks_contest http://www.blogto.com/film/2008/10/planet_in_focus_festival_2008_top_picks_contest Film Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:49:15 PDT Film Corina 2008-10-17T14:49:15 Toronto After Dark Festival 2008 Picks Since losing the beloved Fantasia Film Festival, it can be hard to find a decent offering of fresh horror, sci fi and cult action films in Toronto. Thankfully we have the Toronto After Dark Film Fest. Just as Halloween is creeping up on us, so too is this year's wickedly demented film festival line up!

Paris Hilton, Canadian curling, a rock opera, and office vampires are just a sample of what this year's After Dark has in store.

Here are a few films I'm looking to for my annual dose of twisted cinematic pleasure. Video trailers are included, so viewer discretion is advised.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/film/2008/10/toronto_after_dark_festival_2008_picks http://www.blogto.com/film/2008/10/toronto_after_dark_festival_2008_picks Film Sat, 11 Oct 2008 11:21:00 PDT Film Corina 2008-10-11T11:21:00 Election 2008: The Internet has my Vote In the future, elections will be won on the Internet via competing SNL digital shorts... or something like that. However, while Canadian politicians aren't (yet) ridiculous enough to fall on to the US radar, even our politicians recognize the value of weighing in on the Internet as well as traditional media streams.

Each party has a fairly decent website (if you're interested, Conservative, Green Party, Liberals, and NDP) but this is hardly where to go for critical, unbiased, or generally entertaining political content. Instead I'm trying some of these more clever sites to help me decide where to place my vote.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/tech/2008/10/election_2008_the_internet_has_my_vote http://www.blogto.com/tech/2008/10/election_2008_the_internet_has_my_vote Tech Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:02:00 PDT Tech Corina 2008-10-09T16:02:00 In Motion: Nuit Blanche 2008 Video

Some things you really have to see to believe, especially when it comes to interactive art. So after a 12 hour night-long hike through downtown Toronto, I'm pleased to bring you my slightly sarcastic take on some of the incredible exhibits at this year's Nuit Blanche.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/10/in_motion_nuit_blanche_2008_video http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/10/in_motion_nuit_blanche_2008_video Arts Sun, 05 Oct 2008 12:21:56 PDT Arts Corina 2008-10-05T12:21:56