CIVICS | Steal This Idea!
As any traveler can attest, the infrastructure of other international cities just works so damn well. So why shouldn't Toronto just steal them? Tonight, a discussion panel will meet at the Toronto Reference Library with ideas worth stealing to help our fair city commit to a stronger sense of social justice, sustainability and culture. Presented by Diaspora Dialogues and the Literary Review of Canada, former MuchMusic VJ and radio host Sook-Yin Lee will be joined by Rick Smith of Environmental Defense and MP Olivia Chow to hear out Torontonians ideas for improvement. The Toronto Star's Urban Affairs columnist Royson James will moderate the event along with Ryerson president Sheldon Levy, who will play devil's advocate for good measure. Bring your brains and travel tales!
Toronto Reference Library, Bram & Bluma Appel Salon (789 Yonge Street) 7PM Free

LITERATURE | Speakeasy Reading Series
The University of Guelph's MFA in Creative Writing takes over the Magpie Tavern yet again for its monthly Speakeasy reading series and this time they're stepping it up a notch. Selected authors like Michael Winter and Nancy Jo Cullen have previously read at the Speakeasy events along with program alumni but this month celebrated Canadian novelist Nino Ricci joins the list. Ricci will read from one of his own selections and will be joined by Jamaican-born writer Teneile Warren, award-winning novelist Richard Scrimger and program alumni Leigh Nash. A love of books is mandatory to attend this Canadian lit community gathering.
Magpie Tavern (831 Dundas Street West) 7:30PM Free

THEATRE | Your Brother. Remember?
Who is Zachary Oberzan? A regular guy who grew up in the rural U.S., recreating his favourite movies in home video with his older brother, Oberzan explores the self, sibling relationships and memory in Your Brother. Remember?, a play splices together live performances, Hollywood films and home videos to tell his life's story. Now estranged from his elder brother Gator, Zachary has recreated his old home videos shot for shot with new footage upon returning home in this performance that opens at The Theatre Centre tonight. Audiences will observe the strained relationship of the two estranged siblings--one a success and one self-destructing--in this production that was conceived, produced and directed by Oberzan himself. Already a New York Times favourite, Your Brother. Remember? is positioned to sell out so buy tickets now.
The Theatre Centre (1087 Queen Street West) 8PM $22 regular, $15 student/senior/arts worker

FILM | The Epicure's Revue: Babette's Feast
Babette's Feast, a film for foodies, is the adaptation of Isak Dinesen's short story about a young French refugee who teaches a community that a well-prepared meal, cooked with artistic passion, can transform a dining experience. Babette joins a congregation in 19th century Denmark after the death of the pastor and begins cooking elaborate meals, providing only the best for the sullen community. In changing their attitudes about food, she ignites a passion for life within them by feeding their souls. Before the screening of this hearty film, local Roncy food vendors such as Barque Smokehouse and The Chocolateria will showcase samples of their creations for the audience, making this the perfect evening of food and film for a cold winter's eve.
The Revue Cinema (400 Roncesvalles Avenue) 6:30PM $10 regular, $7 members/children/seniors

DESIGN | Do Design 2012
Dundas West's storefronts are getting a design makeover with the opening of Do Design 2012 tonight. Browse the storefronts of various businesses--ranging from beauty parlours to cafes to pharmacies — to observe alternative venues and ideas of design in the city. With most exhibits visible from the street, the art gallery will come to you in this second annual event that happens in conjunction with design week and the Toronto Interior Design Show. It's a free and innovative way to look at your favourite local independent shops and businesses like Porchetta and Co., MADE and Saving Grace while experiencing art and design on a grassroots level.
Dundas Street West (between Bathurst Street and Grace Street) 12PM Free

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR:

• Avoiding Activist Burnout Workshop
• Limitless--Interior Design Show 2012
• Expansion Series: ROM YOGA
• Hamlet Live 2012
• Twinning Artists -- Twinning Cities: Avalon (Bangalore and Toronto)
• WE-3 for Come Up To My Room 2012

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

For Toronto movie showtimes, view our Movie Listings section.

Photo by byronjyu in the blogTO Flickr pool