Karim Rashid: The designer behind mailboxes and modern art
The uncanny rise of design chameleon Karim Rashid and his secret Toronto connection
Blog
Morning Throwback: this old-school TTC worker definitely wasn’t a vampire
Before the start of every shift, this TTC worker would give himself a pep talk in the mirror: “Your old man was a pro bus driver. But he never made it this far. You’ve got a real chance to be the best damn bus driver in the city. The next time you see sky, it’ll be looking out from a bus. The next time you take a lady home, it’ll be because it’s your job. Your passengers only think of themselves. But they gotta do what’s right for them ‘cause it’s their time. Their time out there. Right here, it’s your time. It’s your time right here.”
Guillermo del Toro gives a masterclass on how to revere Hitchcock’s films
School is open at the TIFF Bell Lightbox this week as filmmaker Guillermo del Toro gives a series of masterclasses on the work of Alfred Hitchcock. The classes are a one-of-a-kind experience for any film buff: one legendary filmmaker examining the work of another, creating an exciting and inspiring look at the culture of the films.
Trending in Theatre This Week: Beyond the Cuckoo’s Nest, High, Unspoken, West Side Story, Throne of Games
In a nod to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Edward Roy’s new play, Beyond the Cuckoo’s Nest, explores teen mental issues through three teenagers who meet at a drop-in group.
Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front St. E., 416-862-2222. May 9 -17.
Hannah Simone: playing Zooey Deschanel’s ‘New Girl’ BFF is wild
Former Toronto resident Hannah Simone is the best friend every woman dreams about. At least, she is if she’s anything like the character she plays on Citytv’s hit sitcom New Girl, which has its season finale tonight (May 8).
New Black Hoof-related restaurant set to open soon (for real this time)
We’ve known for a while now that something interesting was going down in the previously papered-up venue adjacent to The Black Hoof, and now the Toronto Star is reporting that the space appears on the cusp of opening as a new Hoof-related restaurant.
Morning Throwback: these kids aren’t just finger painting
Sure, this may look like just an ordinary Saturday morning art class, but in reality, these kids were mapping out the one and only successful escape route from Alcatraz. So what if they sported bowl-shaped haircuts and berets like a bunch of fancy pants? These kids were freaking geniuses. Too bad the map was written in kid code — we all know what that means.
There ain’t no party like a Street Food Block Party
Bringing together the Toronto Underground Market and Food Truck Eats for the very first time, Saturday’s Street Food Block Party was the foodie event of the spring. Hundreds of hungered Torontonians made their way to the Evergreen Brick Works to test fare from 21 vendors and 11 trucks, with a surprise appearance from Jamie Kennedy’s famous fries. With tickets selling out promptly, lines were snaking their way around the mammoth space, with lineups reaching hour-long waits (lobster poutine, we’re looking at you).
Meet a Comedy Troupe: Pondward Bound
If you think the improv troupe Pondward Bound sounds awfully close to Homeward Bound, you would be correct. But instead of three cute animals trying to find their way home, this comedic duo is comprised of two regular guys, Adam Ward and Simon Pond, who are trying to find their way to the funny. And just like those critters in the flick, they’re pretty successful at reaching their destination. We caught up with Ward and chatted about thinking fast, Nathan Lane and being sick on stage.
Q&A: Michael Stadtländer on the mega-quarry, locavorism and his visionary new undertaking, The Singhampton Project
Nearly two decades ago, Michael Stadtländer opened up Eigensinn Farm and set to work establishing his 100-acre Singhampton outpost as one of the premier dining spots in the country, all the while spearheading the local-food movement with his ready-made environmental ethic. At Eigensinn, Stadtländer shocked traditional foodies by growing his own food, making his own chairs and tables, crafting his own outdoor ovens and grills and featuring the bounty of local growers — call it fine-dining DIY.
The Rock ’n’ Roll Revival Hour: Skydiggers, Royal Wood, Del Bel, The Darcys, Dragonette, Chris Murray, Neko Case
The venerated Toronto alt-country band Skydiggers are hitting the road in support of their fine new album, Northern Shore. It is the first new recording for the band since 2009’s greatest hits collection, The Truth About Us. For those who don’t know, Skydiggers are a very influential band, formed by singer Andy Maize and lead guitarist Josh Finlayson, with roots in the city dating back to the late ’80s.
In new book, Toronto eco-columnist Adria Vasil warns of toxic body products
In this tough economy, many people have juggled their priorities, putting more emphasis on making ends meet and allowing things like their impact on the environment to slip down the list. But Adria Vasil, a Toronto-based environmental writer, is on a mission to reverse that.