blogTO | Posts by joshua http://www.blogto.com/ Toronto blog Copyright 2012 Sat, 26 May 2012 21:08:40 EDT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Morning Brew: Igor Kenk Spared, All Things TTC and Adam Giambrone, Tweeting the Mayoral Race, PanAm Games CEO Named, Pizza Olympics Photo: "golden eye ducks landing in mist" by louise@toronto, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

Igor Kenk must have enjoyed his time away from the Don Jail yesterday as he got not only some time out from behind bars but the assault charges against him were stayed by the judge, effectively concluding his court appearance schedule. Perhaps a fitting end to a story that started with fireworks - near endless bike seizures - and has been slowly fizzling (run of the mill plea bargain). No doubt when Kenk is released from jail his life will be dramatically different. When and how he lands on his feet - and I predict he will - could be another interesting chapter.

Will it be the City of Brotherly Love to the rescue? In the TTC's attempt to take its proverbial foot out of its mouth, officials are looking at Philadelphia's transit system - and major customer service improvements that agency has implemented - for help. Any help is welcome in my book.

Speaking of the TTC, Mayor Miller is standing by his man. He endorsed Adam Giambrone as the right man to helm the TTC at this time. That's a position not everybody agrees with, and Giorgio Mammoliti is suggesting this is an issue for the ethics committee. We're only talking about the next 8 months or so as the next mayor will undoubtedly select somebody not-named-Giambrone as TTC chair. Could a new chair really accomplish much more than Giambrone the rest of this term?

And speaking of Adam Giambrone, now a report has surfaced that he won't even run for his council seat, which would end (for the time being, anyway), his municipal political career. Giambrone's inevitable return to the public eye, and what he'll do over the next 8 months - and beyond - are sure to be hot topics.

And back to the TTC for a second. Unlike just about any other city service, the much-maligned transit agency (under the chairmanship of the much-maligned Giambrone) broke even in 2009.

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]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/02/morning_brew_igor_kenk_spared_all_things_ttc_and_adam_giambrone_tweeting_the_mayoral_race_panam_games_ceo_named_pizza_olympics http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/02/morning_brew_igor_kenk_spared_all_things_ttc_and_adam_giambrone_tweeting_the_mayoral_race_panam_games_ceo_named_pizza_olympics City Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:37:36 EST City Joshua 2010-02-07T20:37:36 Morning Brew: Giambrone Skips Town, Sam the Record Man Transformed, Vaughan City Officials Living Large, G20 to be Disruptive, No Strike?, Air Canada Returning to Island Airport? Photo: "Eglinton Drive home from Duplex" by PJMixer, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

There are reports that the troubled Adam Giambrone and partner Sarah McQuarrie have left the country on some kind of vacation, amidst a flurry of news, including George Smitherman calling for his resignation from the TTC. Unlike serial cheater Tiger Woods, Giambrone won't be able to hide out forever, although it would be rather funny if the vacation was to the same Mississippi sex therapy centre Woods is reportedly holed up at. In any case, way to tackle problems head on, Adam, it's that sort of leadership and judgement Torontonians need.

It may not be as salacious as Mr. Giambrone's fall from grace but four City of Vaughn employees are regretting a nearly $1000 lunch with developers. This is not the first time corruption in Vaughan has made the news. It's also not clear what the disciplinary measures are, but I hope part of it is an education on how to tip servers: $100 is not enough on an $850 tab.

Blue Jays fans and Pride participants are getting pushed aside by the G20 summit in June. The unofficial word is that the Metro Toronto Convention Centre will house the G20 which means the security zone will be maximally disruptive. Pride organizers are already planning to push most activities back a week, and although the Jays aren't exactly the biggest ticket draw, the two games affected are against the Phillies, the defending National League champs who also have a long history with the Jays. That, coupled with the games being part of interleague play, means that they'll be among the season's better attendances. Too bad Christie Pitts probably isn't on the list of possible relocation venues.

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]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/02/_morning_brew_giambrone_skips_town_sam_the_record_man_transformed_vaughan_city_officials_living_large_g20_to_be_disruptive_no_strike_air_canada_returning_to_island_airport http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/02/_morning_brew_giambrone_skips_town_sam_the_record_man_transformed_vaughan_city_officials_living_large_g20_to_be_disruptive_no_strike_air_canada_returning_to_island_airport City Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:37:13 EST City Joshua 2010-02-07T20:37:13 Morning Brew: Giambrone in Sex Scandal, McGuinty to Prorogue Legislature, TTC Union Tired of Harrasment, Definitely Not the Snowmageddon, TREB to Face Competition Bureau, HST Ad Campaign, Brendan Burke Funeral Photo: "Cherry Beach sunrise" by Grandpaparazzi, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

Adam Giambrone may be the most surpsing person to be at the centre of a "sex scandal," but the story surrounding the man who wishes to be mayor is taking an awfully familiar turn as Giambrone admitted to having multiple affairs over the last year. He vows to stay in the race, but will Torontonians push him out of the race like an American politician? Or does the Sun's Mike Strobel have his finger on our collective pulse when he applauds the councillor?

TTC Union boss Bob Kinnear is getting angry and wants what he calls harrasment to stop. He may have a point that we can't keep playing "gotcha" with the operators, collectors and other front-line TTC employees if we want to see real progress made, but even Kinnear has to realize that riders are fed up and finally feel like their voices are being heard. That and taking it out on riders won't win us over. So let's hope Kinnear sent a similarly strong message to his union members, urging them to step it up a notch (or several).

It may not be Snowmageddon, but Toronto finally got a noticeable amount of snow last night - the first of 2010. Although it wasn't enough for me to need to do more than run the windshield wipers to clear the car, so I'm thinking all the news coverage warning us of snow was just to make sure we didn't feel left out as the east coast got dumped on again.

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]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/02/morning_brew_giambrone_in_sex_scandal_mcguinty_to_prorogue_legislature_ttc_union_tired_of_harrasment_definitely_not_the_snowmageddon_treb_to_face_competition_bureau_hst_ad_campaign_brendan_burke_funeral http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/02/morning_brew_giambrone_in_sex_scandal_mcguinty_to_prorogue_legislature_ttc_union_tired_of_harrasment_definitely_not_the_snowmageddon_treb_to_face_competition_bureau_hst_ad_campaign_brendan_burke_funeral City Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:36:50 EST City Joshua 2010-02-07T20:36:50 Morning Brew: Matt Galloway to Host Metro Morning, TTC Boss Admonishes Staff, TTC Staff Fight Back, Racism at Ryerson, "Curious George" Opens Office, It's the Budget Stupid, Oprah Pitches In, Argos Ownership to Change, Raptors Keep Winning Photo: "Lights" by jamonation, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

TTC chief general manager Gary Webster adds his voice to the continual damage control efforts of the beleaguered transit agency with a sharply worded message to staff over the weekend. But with a steady stream of "gotcha" photos - distributed widely by the media - TTC staff have responded by creating a mostly private Facebook page, "Toronto Transit Operators against public harassment." The page's purpose is to "fight back" against the "harassment" and to post photos of riders breaking the rules. Is a "work to rule" effort to be expected? With everybody pointing the finger another direction, will the TTC experience finally improve? Inquiring minds want to know.

Matt Galloway has been tapped to take the helm of Metro Morning, starting March 1st. The question of who would fill the host's chair after 15 years under Andy Barrie's watch has been a popular topic since Barrie announced he would retire from the top rated morning show. Galloway got a few minutes of practice after 8:15 this morning, but he's an old hand in the time slot, having filled in many times and serving as the Friday host for months now. No doubt Galloway was the favourite of armchair oddsmakers, but I wondered if the 39 year old who often talks about mornings with his children wanted to commit to 4am wake-ups. This, of course, opens up the question of who will take over Here and Now, the afternoon show often considered synonymous with Matt Galloway. Is Kevin Sylvester ready to switch from CBC utility man and jack of all trades to full time host?

Egads! Racism at Ryerson! A new 118 page report finds a diverse student body with many people from minority groups feeling harassed or otherwise excluded. Senior staff are to undergo special training, more courses on diversity are to be offered and progress will be tracked. I find it hard to believe a university - and a university in downtown Toronto - wouldn't be on the cutting edge of accepting and embracing diversity.

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]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/02/morning_brew_matt_galloway_to_host_metro_morning_ttc_boss_admonishes_staff_ttc_staff_fight_back_racism_at_ryerson_curious_george_opens_office_its_the_budget_stupid_oprah_pitches_in_argos_ownership_to_change_raptors_keep_winning http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/02/morning_brew_matt_galloway_to_host_metro_morning_ttc_boss_admonishes_staff_ttc_staff_fight_back_racism_at_ryerson_curious_george_opens_office_its_the_budget_stupid_oprah_pitches_in_argos_ownership_to_change_raptors_keep_winning City Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:36:02 EST City Joshua 2010-02-07T20:36:02 Morning Brew: Glen Murray wins Toronto Centre, City Defrauded, Another Pedestrian Hit, Chili Cookoff Photo: "Fruit Crates" by John Elmslie, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

Toronto Centre residents are seeing red this morning. Liberal red. Perhaps unsurprisingly Glen Murray won yesterday's byelection with 47% of the vote. The NDP's Cathy Crowe garnered 33% of the vote while the PC's Pam Taylor collected 15.4%. While McGuinty and Murray bent over backwards praising each other, Crowe, despite a strong showing, was accusing the Liberals of buying the seat with the last minute $15 million for Toronto Grace Hospital. Guess we'll see what residents think when we all go to the polls soon(ish).

The city lost $600k to fraud last year, thanks to unscrupulous employees. Some were of the relatively pedestrian 'submit false medical bills for reimbursement' variety but over $300k comes from one employee who collected fees from residents to upgrade their water service. Of course that's all a drop in the bucket compared to the over $100 million an auditor found in lost cash.

I've just learned perhaps the easiest and best way to get out of a parking ticket: drive away before the ticket is placed on your car. But if councillors have their way you won't be able to do that for long. Apparently $5 million worth of tickets were canceled due to drivers pulling away, which really just tells me ticket writers don't show much leniency when drivers are near the car.

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]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/02/morning_brew_glen_murray_wins_toronto_centre_city_defrauded_another_pedestrian_hit_chili_cookoff http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/02/morning_brew_glen_murray_wins_toronto_centre_city_defrauded_another_pedestrian_hit_chili_cookoff City Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:35:59 EST City Joshua 2010-02-02T20:35:59 Morning Brew: Jordan Manners Case Underway, Toronto Grace Hospital to Stay Open, By-Election Today, Are these Dogs Pit Bulls?, Ice Time in Toronto, Mayor McCallion on Wine, Raptors Win, Leafs and TFC Too? Photo: "Branchcicles" by Paul Henman, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

The case of Jordan Manners' shooting death is underway. We learned that Manners lay, dying, for 45 minutes in a school hallway, that the shooting was "planned and deliberate," and also that much of the evidence the Crown plans to present will be unpleasant. Of course, I'm not sure in what shooting death case the evidence would be "pleasant."

The Province and the Salvation Army reached an agreement to keep Toronto's Grace Hospital open for business. Was the Health Minister moved by today's by-election in the hospital's riding? Or just by the opportunity patients of Grace have to die in comfort and with dignity?

Speaking of the by-election, the NDP's Cathy Crowe is pushing hard to claim the seat while Glen Murray works just as hard to keep the seat Liberal red. And then there's the PC's Pamela Taylor, running strongest in the riding's north where Rosedale residents lean blue. So if geography rules the race, does that mean Murray has the edge as he's the most competitive from top to bottom of the riding? Or are Toronto Centre voters fed up with the Liberals?

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]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/02/morning_brew_jordan_manners_case_underway_toronto_grace_hospital_to_stay_open_by-election_today_are_these_dogs_pit_bulls_ice_time_in_toronto_mayor_mccallion_on_wine_raptors_win_leafs_and_tfc_too http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/02/morning_brew_jordan_manners_case_underway_toronto_grace_hospital_to_stay_open_by-election_today_are_these_dogs_pit_bulls_ice_time_in_toronto_mayor_mccallion_on_wine_raptors_win_leafs_and_tfc_too City Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:35:21 EST City Joshua 2010-02-02T20:35:21 Morning Brew: Improve the TTC, Bike Lanes on University, Sex in a Restaurant Bathroom, Condo at 1 Bloor St East, i-Waterfront Coming Soon?, Leafs Win! Photo: "burkie's poutine dog" by StudioGabe, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

Make the Better Way better says Toronto's mayoral candidates. Hard to argue with calls to improve the TTC, but it's also hard to ignore that George Smitherman, Rocco Rossi and Joe Pantalone have a reason to gang up on the TTC: that might be the way to knock Adam Giambrone (the only candidate not available for comment) out of the race first.

Could bike lanes be coming to University Avenue? City planners are considering it and drivers are already opposing it. Nothing like a bike lane discussion to bring out the friendliest of Torontonians.

Making plans for a special Valentine's weekend dinner and want more than dinner? Head to Mildred's Temple Kitchen. The Liberty Village hotspot is actively encouraging couples to have sex in the champagne bathroom. The unisex bathrooms offer considerably more space - and creature comforts - than those on an airplane, and the effort is condoned by Toronto Public Health ("As far as bodily fluids, it's pretty much similar to the other human functions going on in there.").

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]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/02/morning_brew_improve_the_ttc_bike_lanes_on_university_sex_in_a_restaurant_bathroom_condo_at_1_bloor_st_east_i-waterfront_coming_soon_leafs_win http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/02/morning_brew_improve_the_ttc_bike_lanes_on_university_sex_in_a_restaurant_bathroom_condo_at_1_bloor_st_east_i-waterfront_coming_soon_leafs_win City Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:34:53 EST City Joshua 2010-02-02T20:34:53 Is Enoteca Sociale the Next Pizzeria Libretto? After 10 years and heaps of critical praise Silver Spoon will serve its last meal on January 22nd as chef-proprietor AND Pizzeria Libretto owner Rocco Agostino pursues yet another Italian adventure in the form of a wine bar set to open this spring.

It would be easy to point to the economy or the bothersome Roncesvalles construction (which "conveniently" landed a port-a-potty in front of the restaurant) on the closure, but the chef won't do that. Agostino instead cites his desire to follow his passion in another direction, and he's awfully content with what he accomplished during Silver Spoon's decade-long run.

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]]> http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2010/01/is_enoteca_sociale_the_next_pizzeria_libretto http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2010/01/is_enoteca_sociale_the_next_pizzeria_libretto Eat & Drink Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:24:40 EST Eat & Drink Joshua 2010-01-07T20:24:40 Morning Brew: H1N1 Shot Available to All, TTC Raises Fare & Ire of Riders, Drug Lab Found in Swank Duplex, $25,000 in Fines for Chandra's Takeout Restaurant, Coming Soon: Commute from Niagara? Photo: "Colour Me In" by a_mandolin, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

Step right up, get your shot! Starting today, Toronto Public Health will be happy to stick a needle full of H1N1 vaccine into anybody who wants it. Rob Roberts visited a flu clinic and found that with 20 needle stations only 8 were in use, so it's not surprising everybody can go now. But with so few deaths related to H1N1 (198 across Canada at last count), will all that many people bother?

The TTC isn't winning any friends lately, not after the commission passed fare hikes to start January 3rd, even though those hikes were less than anticipated. Cash fares and tokens (if, that is, you can actually get tokens) will go up 25 cents (making a cash fare $3) and the monthly pass will jump from $109 to an astounding $121 (Jerrold's got all the details). Todd Harrison has a way of getting $100 Metropasses, but advises it may already be too late. Given yesterday's comments (here and here), I'm thinking more complaining will, understandably, be the order of the day.

Have police sniffed out a drug lab in a fancy Woburn Ave duplex, near Avenue Rd and Lawrence Ave? Neighbours reported an odd smell last night and drug squad officers have found "suspicious chemicals." Maybe the really swanky duplexes have better ventilation.

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]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_h1n1_shot_available_to_all_ttc_raises_fare_ire_of_riders_drug_lab_found_in_swank_duplex_25000_in_fines_for_chandras_takeout_restaurant_coming_soon_commute_from_niagara http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_h1n1_shot_available_to_all_ttc_raises_fare_ire_of_riders_drug_lab_found_in_swank_duplex_25000_in_fines_for_chandras_takeout_restaurant_coming_soon_commute_from_niagara City Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:25:19 EST City Joshua 2009-11-17T08:25:19 Morning Brew: TTC Faces Tough Questions, Choosing Campaign Issues, Big Retail Discounts, New TFC Coach, Dunlap Observatory Trees Plowed, Leafs Hit New Low Photo: "Hot Dog On Xpro" by Metrix X, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

In their awful week, the TTC tried to ensure all blame for the Yonge Street subway shutdown was placed with Enbridge and their contractor, but now Enbridge is pushing back, saying the City of Toronto authorized the work. But the transit agency can't just focus there, they're also getting questions about why collectors let customers pay their fare without informing them they couldn't get on a train or get as far as they needed. Basically, the week just gets worse for the Red Rocket.

Councillor Joe Mihevc wants us to talk about issues, not just who's running for mayor next year, and is even having a public meeting next week to figure out which issues are on peoples' minds. He went so far as to set up a Setting the Agenda 2010 website so we can all discuss. Seems a laudable goal, but will people participate?

The American school of before-Christmas sales and discounts seems to be migrating north in the face of the sad worldwide economy. Look for Sears and Wal-Mart to start a big head-to-head price war: Sears is offering Boxing Day prices all weekend while Wal-Mart has a price reduction strategy that will see 18,000 prices drop in November. Small, independent retailers won't like this news, but none of the Canadian retailers will be happy if Canadians head to the U.S. for American Thanksgiving next week with such strong Canadian currency in hand to take advantage of the traditionally deep discounts.

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]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_ttc_faces_tough_questions_choosing_campaign_issues_big_retail_discounts_new_tfc_coach_dunlap_observatory_trees_plowed_leafs_hit_new_low http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_ttc_faces_tough_questions_choosing_campaign_issues_big_retail_discounts_new_tfc_coach_dunlap_observatory_trees_plowed_leafs_hit_new_low City Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:24:54 EST City Joshua 2009-11-17T08:24:54 Morning Brew: The TTC's Bad Week, HST to be Election Issue, Baby Gorilla Named, G20 Coming to Toronto?, Kessel Worth the Price? Photo: "downtown 063" by Roger's Eye, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

It would seem that a private Enbridge contractor cut away a bit too much of the Jackes Avenue bridge, right over TTC tracks, forcing the recently-beleaguered transit agency to shut down rush hour Yonge line service between Bloor and Eglinton. The TTC came on strong to pass the buck and even the Mayor tried to keep the blame away from Giambrone & Co. That service resumed around 8:30pm last night might appease some riders, but it doesn't change that this just ain't the TTC's week.

Don't expect any public hearings on the proposed HST. Premier McGuinty made it clear yesterday that he considers the 2011 provincial election to be the chance for constituents to weigh in on the weighty tax. Not sure if that's the Premier being silly, strategic or just laying down the gauntlet.

Police nabbed a 21-year-old and a 15-year-old accomplice in Malton yesterday, on charges for the murder of George Kalogerakis. Now three more suspects are sought after a shooting - fatal for Alex Rundle - in Etobicoke last evening. Maybe I was blinded by the summer sun, but after what seemed like a lot of early 2009 shootings violent crime seemed to get better... until the last few weeks.

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]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_the_ttcs_bad_week_hst_to_be_election_issue_baby_gorilla_named_g20_coming_to_toronto_kessel_worth_the_price http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_the_ttcs_bad_week_hst_to_be_election_issue_baby_gorilla_named_g20_coming_to_toronto_kessel_worth_the_price City Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:24:22 EST City Joshua 2009-11-17T08:24:22 Morning Brew: Long Lines for TTC Tokens, Street Food Program Expanded (Too Late?), Dupont Station to Keep Name, Police No Closer to Makhniashvili, Leafs Thinking Too Much? Photo: "Toronto Santa Claus Parade 2009" by sai.photography, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

The TTC has taken strict measures to prevent fare token hoarding, but don't expect the lineups to buy tokens to dwindle because the TTC has no plans to increase staff selling tokens. With the TTC Commission set to approve the fare hike later today it's safe to say the lineups will be worse, if stations even have tokens at all. If the TTC doesn't like its fare system - and gosh knows riders aren't in love with the fare system - why not (finally) change to a modern fare-paying system?

The opportunity to pay 13% sales tax crept closer to reality yesterday, as Ontario Liberals introduced their HST bill legislation. The move, intended to increase provincial coffers, is unpopular with just about everybody except the Liberals. In fact, it's the NDP who may be speaking most loudly against the bill, which tells me that there must be better ways to get money into the province's hands.

The A La Cart program - bringing ethnic flavours to select streets - has been mired in problems that most of us would call predictable. But Toronto Public Health has now admitted many changes are necessary, and has made a number of them, including passing control of the food carts to the economic development department. More carts are authorized, but we'll just have to wait and see if the folks selling pad thai or biriyani can come back from the brink of bankruptcy.

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]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_long_lines_for_ttc_tokens_street_food_program_expanded_too_late_dupont_station_to_keep_name_police_no_closer_to_makhniashvili_leafs_thinking_too_much http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_long_lines_for_ttc_tokens_street_food_program_expanded_too_late_dupont_station_to_keep_name_police_no_closer_to_makhniashvili_leafs_thinking_too_much City Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:27:04 EST City Joshua 2009-11-15T20:27:04 The Best Kitchen Supply Stores in Toronto The best kitchen supply stores in Toronto aren't about simply equipping your kitchen with basic necessities; they provide well-designed solutions that make cooking at home that much easier and way more fun. Sure, big chains like Kitchen Stuff Plus, Williams Sonoma or the Calphalon Culinary Centre shouldn't be overlooked, but for those who just can't get enough of restaurant supply stores or who prefer to support local merchants, it's worth giving places on this list a try.

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]]> http://www.blogto.com/best_of_toronto/2009/10/the_best_kitchen_supply_stores_in_toronto http://www.blogto.com/best_of_toronto/2009/10/the_best_kitchen_supply_stores_in_toronto Best of Toronto Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:02:45 EDT Best of Toronto Joshua 2009-10-29T11:02:45 Slow Food Picnic Serves Fast Bites at the Brick Works Eco-gourmands descended upon the Brick Works Sunday afternoon to feast on slow food served up by some of Toronto's most prominent locavore chefs, inspired by the cuisine of countries far and wide. With more than 60 food stations - and a personal commitment to trying something from each one - it sometimes felt like a dine and dash to get to the next booth. OK, maybe that's the glutton in me talking.

But at an event like this, it's impossible not to stop and smell the food and fall into lively conversation with a chef, farmer or other guest. The free-flowing wine (15+ wineries) and beer helped too, conveniently intermingled amongst the food purveyors.

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]]> http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2009/09/slow_food_picnic_serves_fast_bites_at_the_brick_works http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2009/09/slow_food_picnic_serves_fast_bites_at_the_brick_works Eat & Drink Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:55:24 EDT Eat & Drink Joshua 2009-09-29T08:55:24 Morning Brew: Electric Bikes Given Thumbs Up, Expect Ripped Up Roads in 2010, Alternative to Plastic Bags Required?, No $17 million Community Centre, Lula Lounge Tries to Save Parking Spots, Leafs Lose Photo: "784" by skateboy075, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

E-bikes are now officially allowed on Ontario roads with all the same rules as regular bicycles (except riders must be 16 and wearing a helmet). We should have electric bikes on the streets but I'm not so sure they should be in regular bike lanes; with a top speed of 32 km/h they go substantially faster than most all pedal-powered cyclists. And as an aside, I had no idea that you have to have a disability or be a mail carrier or cop to legally operate a Segway in the province.

Coming Soon: Roadwork near you! Transportation Services is going on a spending spree with $82 million in federal stimulus money. Projects must be done by March 31, 2011 so the city is gearing up for 30-35% more roadwork next summer than usual, making it the busiest summer ever for road-paving. Sadly, those efforts will only account for a drop in the bucket of Toronto streets needing repair.

Are stores that only offer plastic bags - at a nickel per - obligated to provide a free alternative? Councillor Michael Walker says yes but city manager Joe Pennachetti says no. Retailers say they're confused. I'm having a hard time getting past the part where a store's obligation (or lack thereof) to offer bags at all is bylaw regulated. If a store doesn't want to offer any bags at all, that should be their right. Just like it's a customer's right to not shop at a store if they don't like the bag policy.

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]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/09/morning_brew_electric_bikes_given_thumbs_up_expect_ripped_up_roads_in_2010_alternative_to_plastic_bags_required_no_17_million_community_centre_lula_lounge_tries_to_save_parking_spots_leafs_lose http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/09/morning_brew_electric_bikes_given_thumbs_up_expect_ripped_up_roads_in_2010_alternative_to_plastic_bags_required_no_17_million_community_centre_lula_lounge_tries_to_save_parking_spots_leafs_lose City Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:58:37 EDT City Joshua 2009-09-28T20:58:37