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a singer in the genre of Frank Sinatra

Administrator — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:12:32 GMT

Make your special event a hit.

This years Christmas party was the best ever. Why because Brian Roman honored us with his appearance. A Torontonian who sings in the genre of Frank Sinatra. He sang "When your smiling, The way you look tonight, Mack the knife," amongst other songs.

I do not know how this amazing feat happened but not one of the 150 people that attended the 7.30 AM annual Christmas breakfast, complained. Brian is a best kept secret. His songs take you back to times when music was music. I would swoon if I was just a little younger. ( incidentally he sold all the CD's he brought within just a few minutes)

If your planning an event and would like to hire him, I think he needs quite a long notice. But he is a nice guy, and for sure will try to accommodate you. One of the 10 girls who was in the audience has intentions of hiring him for her daughters wedding. I wish her luck. You can see his bio at www.brianroman.com

THEATRE

annabelle — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:11:33 GMT

Last night we went to see Avenue Q,

I loved every minute of it. TO TELL YOU IT WAS GREAT IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. Unfortunately it's only playing till August 31st. It may come back to town. Or you can see it in New York If you can swing it. It is well worth it!

( hoping that it will come out in the movies. than I can see it again and again.)

It is a story about a just graduated student who is venturing out in the world to find his road and purpose in life. A wonderful story brilliantly interpreted by actors who assist puppets to tell the tale. This is a musical that brings up contravertial subjects like sex, racism and homophobia. It leaves you with a moral. The scenery, superbly supports the narrative.

WEll worth your time and money--at the Elgin theatre--Avenue Q

A romantic hideway

Administrator — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:37:49 GMT

it was about a week before the workshop. I had to act fast otherwise I would have to shuttle back and forth from home. Really didn't make sense to pay $60 in gas daily when I could stay in town at a b&b, for a little more. AND conserve energy. Live a little I say. So I picked the first spot that had availability for rooms for 4 nights. The Drew House was the spot. No upfront credit cards necessary, just show up at lunch time to pick a room.

The B&B is quite obscure just off the main street. But when you enter the 1 1/2 acres of a gorgeous park like setting, you start to notice the small but comedic touches. I found a "whimsical" porcelain toad at the foot of the front door of the main house. The two buildings are well over 150 years old. Rentable rooms number perhaps only 12 . All unique, individually decorated ( tiffany lamps, hardwood floors) mostly with private baths. Strange to have the conveniences of a modern hotel, in a barn. And your hosts are a delight.They are very friendly and will make you feel really at home.Just wait till you see your breakfast. A work of art.

If your planning an off site meeting, a wedding, or just a few days of rest for the Mr. and Mrs., be good to yourself and stay at the charming Drew House in Elora. 519-846-2226

Free things to do in Monreal

jesse — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:19:05 GMT

This past weekend I was in Montreal and I had a chance to sample from the very best free things to do in la belle province.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: Located in the downtown core near the Peel and Guy-Concordia metro stations, this fantastic multi-building museum houses the most historic art in Montreal. Over two days we visited the museum seeing exhibits on decorative art in the last 200 years, art of Sub-Saharan Africa, and contemporary and classic Canadian and European works that included Picasso's, Matisse's, Renoir's, Monet's, Pellan's, and a Dali. The best part about it besides the historic artwork, was that it was 100% free. The only cost would be if we had chosen to see the temporary exhibit. It's one more reason to love the Quebec government.

Saturday nights during early summer in Montreal bring the joy of fireworks. I have been in Montreal on two of the past three Saturday nights and have had the luxury of watching an exciting half hour of fireworks at the port of old Montreal. It is my understanding however that the firework displays end in early August and will start again in June of next year.

Sunday afternoon's in Montreal during the summer cannot be complete without witnessing the Tam Tam's. Hundreds of spectators show up and watch dozens of drummers of all age's, languages and ethnicities make music. It's more fun if you bring your own drum and join in! The festivities happen even on muggy rainy sundays on the base of Mount Royal... just go north on Parc from the downtown and you will find it on your left next to a huge statue.

a tip for hotel & car rental bookings

orangetree — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:00:59 GMT

Hotel & car rental rates at a good discount

Yesterday I booked my reservation for a three day stay in Waterloo. I had been given this name "Hotwire.com" by the organizer of the conference that I am attending. I put in the date of arrival & departure, type of hotel,the usual type of room required etc -and I was given a discount of 30% off. just like that. Purchase is final, no changes or refunds allowed. Your told the name of the hotel after booking.

Still this is painless. A confirmation arrived in my e mail not 2 minutes later. Very efficient business IMHO

I have been told that their car rental service is awesome.A budy rented a car for a week for $56.00 TRY THIS.

summer festivals

penny — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:37:35 GMT

Some of the best festivals around . I strongly encourage you to pick one or two at least. You will not be sorry. please share with us your feelings.

Bayfest Concert Weekend ( Festival)

Location: Sarnia July 7th to the 13.2008

Sarnia Bayfest is an outdoor concert festival featuring top performers. BON JOVI 6th, FERGIE 9th, MOTLEY CRUE 10th, BLACK CROWES 11th, RASCAL FLATTS/Taylor Swift 12th, BIG & RICH/Emmerson Drive 13th http://www.sarniabayfest.com/

Parry Sound's Festival of the Sound

29th Annual Festival of the Sound -- Canada's premier summer chamber music event at the Charles W.StockeyCentre in Parry sound. 2008-July-18 to Aug 10

Morning,noon,eveningconcerts,cruises/sp.events www.festivalofthesound.on.ca

Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival. June 20-29, special event July 2nd , Dave Brubeck quartet with Toronto Jazz Festival Orchestra
http://www.tojazz.com/Pages/festival.aspx

Shaw Theatre Festival Niagara on the lake

http://www.shawfest.com/

Book your tickets in advance if possible/youth 50%off , under 30, thirty dollars. If you live in the burbs in TO. You can leave for dinner at 5.PM have dinner at Niagara on the lake and make it in time for a fantastic play.ONE OF THE BEST DESTINATIONS OF THE WORLD.

List of the Top 100 Festivals in Ontario

http://www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca/UserFiles/File/2008_Top_100_Media_Release(2).pdf

Chicago in the Spring

bluejay — Sat, 03 May 2008 15:00:12 GMT

So although my vacation to Chicago was a little rainy, it was still full of fantastic sights, sounds and tastes!

Chicago sights you must see...

Lincoln Park Zoo
it's free, there are camels, gazelles, giraffes, zebras, penguins, polar bears, tigers YOU NAME IT!
We went twice it was so good, and just around the corner from the Zoo is the Conservatory. They have an entire room devoted to Orchids. Plants are cool, and also free to look at!

Second City
We saw the "best of second city" traveling show, but any of their shows are sure for a loadful of laughs. My face hurt after the night from so much laughing. Be sure to get there a little early though, as seats are first come first serve. Tickets are only $14, which is totally worth the money, because not only do you get the show, but you get about 40 mins of improv afterwards. Take some time to look at the old photos of Second Citiers from the past, some who are huge names in the comedy industry today.

Millenium Park
another free place to check out! Awesome sculptures, including the giant mirror ball, a really cool concert venue and the fountain with faces on it that change every couple of minutes. It is also a great place to start your walk down to the waterfront or to Buckingham Fountain.
If you are willing to spend $12, you can also check out the THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO. A fantastic art gallery that holds some amazing pieces of work, Picasso, Seurat, Monet, Dali. They are all there.

FOOD
Soup Box
Great soup, absolutely delicious. Get off the Red Line at Chicago station and walk towards Michigan avenue.
They have 12 fresh soups that come in a bread bowl if you want. And the bread is awesome.

A great and vibrant city to visit, with lots of stuff to do, for free if you are on a budget.

Travel Deals

judy — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:09:24 GMT

Revealing travel deals

While searching about this evening, looking at pictures of Paris I came across this wonderful site.

http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/realdeals/

It appears to have many reasonable travel deals

if your interested in the Paris pictures, You will find them here

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24187759/?pg=13#TRAVEL_Paris_BudgetTravel

My favorite is "the Paris skyline" It brings back memories of nights I spent in Paris. Autumn in Paris, nothing like it on this continent. Just save the money that you spend on buying coffee everyday.And you too can see Paris this autumn. It is possible. A little planning, some imagination,a bit of creativity and you'll be there.

TAMARACK WEST VIRGINIA

annabelle — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 12:59:07 GMT

Just a nine hour easy drive on I 90,I 79,to I 77, from Toronto to Beckley West Virginia. You can visits this amazing Arts Centre. A gallery of the most awesome collection of handcrafts. Its impossible to describe all the wonderful things you can see AND BUY. I saw a heron about 4ft tall crafted from wood almost real for $6,000. Quilts that were just beautiful. Definitely to be used only for display. Glasswork and pottery, oil paintings, and jewelry that can make you cry.

http://www.tamarackwv.com/

The drive going there is very pretty with breathtaking vista's in the mountains of West Virginia. Must be beautiful in the fall.There are about 10 hotels within a city block from the centre.

WE stayed at a best western-that had unbelievably great beds.Very clean and reasonable. Its well well, worth a weekend.

Shake the Tail @ Clinton's Tavern

bluejay — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:18:46 GMT

If you like 60's and 70's music then this Saturday night event is for you!

I grew up listening to oldies, but I never got to go to sock hops or dance to the music at school dances.

Thank goodness for Clintons! Located between Bathurst and Christie Stations on Bloor St. it is the perfect venue for a Saturday night.

They play all 60's and 70's music and there are tons of people who come out and dance. Drinks aren't too expense ($5 - $6 usually) and if you get tired of dancing (although how could you!) there is a bar and sitting area at the front, in a different room than the music!

So break out your dancing shoes and make your way to Clinton's Tavern (Bloor St, near Christie Stn.) for Shake the Tail!

BLUE JAYS TOONIE TUESDAYS!

bluejay — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:34:47 GMT

Toonie Tuesday are back in Toronto people, which means there is no better time to see a baseball game than a Tuesday!

For two dollars you can go see a Jays game and have a choice of three different sections... 500 Level, 200 level outfield or 200 level family zone.

You have the chance to see the Jays take on Oakland tomorrow (April 8th) There is no reason why they should not win this game, they are coming off a three game streak against the defending world series champions.

You can see them play Tampa Bay on May 6th (another guaranteed win) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on May 20th (with a team name like that how can you NOT go?)

Finally you can see them play the Seattle Mariners on June 10th.

What else are you going to do on a Tuesday night?
Call 416 341 1234 or visit

[url=http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/tor/schedule/home_schedule.jsp]http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/tor/schedule/home_schedule.jsp[/url]

Go Jays Go!

OK Blue Jays Let's Play Ball!

bluejay — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:19:26 GMT

Clearly stated by my name, I am a tried and true blue jays fan.

If you like in Toronto there is no better way to spend a weeknight, friday night, or weekend afternoon watching some baseball in a great ball park.

Little tips, bring a waterbottle smaller than 500ml, bring your own food, because the SkyDome is one of the only parks left that will still let you, and food can be pricey.

They are doing an all you can eat promotion, on a couple of days during the season, where if you buy specific tickets, you get unlimited food!

The atmosphere is great, you can get tickets for as little as $11 and even if you aren't a big baseball person the experince is alone reason to go!

Toronto Playback Theatre

Administrator — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:35:07 GMT

Toronto Playback Theatre- a fantastic experience of improvisation. A huge opportunity to see stories about other peoples lives, to broaden your horizon, to see people that love what they are doing.

reviews----Very engaging, moving, joyful, funny, sad. Much admiration for actors - such talent, courage and freedom! I found it stimulating, creatively leading me inward and outward at the same time. Inspiring, rejuvenating, reflective. Thanks!”

Christopher von Baeyer's team is dedicated to listening to peoples stories and to transform them spontaneously into theatre. This is awesome a MUST SEE. GOOD FOR ALL AGES Performances start at 8 PM

Solo: A Boy's Journey
by Jerry Brodey
AND
Stories of Facing our Fears
by Toronto Playback Theatre
Sat Mar 19 2008
(This double-feature will be
held at Workman Theatre)

Stories of Creatures Great & Small
Sat Apr 5 2008 Ralph Thorton Centre

765 Queen St. E (2 blocks E of Broadview, S side of Queen) Phone (416) 392-6810 x237

ADMISSION is Pay-What-You-Can (suggested min. $15)
Light refreshments will be served.

Join us tonight as we gather together to explore the impact of endings and beginnings on our lives and the lives of others in the community.

http://www.torontoplayback.com

for workshops Feb.23, March30 http://torontoplayback.com/workshops/work.html

Hilton Head Island

Julie — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:22:58 GMT

REVIEW TRAVEL: HILTON HEAD ISLAND

My family vacations used to take us to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. We went year after year until our children were too old. It was a very easy thing to plan. Pack the car and go Just call coastal rentals 1-800-334-8678. ( I believe ownership has changed hands) There are many gated communities to choose from. We used to rent a four bedroom house for a week in Sea Pines. Came with one hr. of tennis daily. This was usually during the March brake, at about $1,000. The island has more than 10 miles of sandy beaches, 20 golf courses, 300 tennis courts, & wonderful restaurants. Make sure you try the smoke house. And definitely rent bikes. Pack some sand toys, and roller blades.Your in for a fantastic time!!!

AH YES PLENTY SHOPPING TOO& Villa Rentals
Pineland Office Bldg.

EZ pass

annabelle — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 19:25:02 GMT

Make hi way travel easy. By getting an ezpass. Go to the web site apply for an account. You maintain a $25.00 minimum. They charge your credit card to replenish the minimum balance.

http://www.ezpass.com. Works in many states. Saves you time and money on the hi-ways.This is a no brainer. We estimate a half hour saved from not being in line waiting to pay tolls on each of our trips.

Contemporary Dance: Older and Wreckless

joolya — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:41:42 GMT

This is a series which is now in its 14th edition. I saw the performance of the 13th edition a couple of months ago, and it was AMAZING.

If you have interest in contemporary dance, this series is a great opportunity to see what seasoned choreographers and dancers are doing.

read more [url=http://www.danceumbrella.net/olderandreckless.htm]on the website[/url]

Via Rail Service Extrodinaire

bluejay — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:55:33 GMT

ON the way back from a trip to Ottawa to enjoy the Winterlude Festival, my boyfriend and I found ourselves on a train that was over 1 hour behind because of some CN complications.

I was hungry as our train left at aroun 4:30 and when the food cart came to our seat I asked for some Hummus and Crackers.

As a vegetarian there isn't too much healthy food on the train to eat. Unfortunately after paying, the Via attendent returned to tell me he was out of Hummus.

After he returned my money, I quickly decided that I was ok and would last till we got into the city, but to my surprise, the attendent returned 15 minutes later, hummus in hand!

He must have went to other cars food carts to find one for me. I was incredibly impressed and this made my experience much more enjoyable.

Winter in Corning New York

annabelle — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:39:48 GMT

Just 4 1/2 hour easy drive from Toronto awaits the Radisson in Corning New York. Down pillows, sleep number beds, fluffy towels, spotless classic decor,and a great restaurant beckons. Trust me you will say thanks. My husband and I had a (6)meal like no other. Grill 125. We knew in advance that this was a good restaurant. But it is a great restaurant. If your coming this way. Stay no where else. AND definitely eat all your meals here. ( staff very friendly, somewhat like being a guest in their own homes.)www.radisson.com/corningny

Checked out the Corning museum. It is incredible. We spent five hours and did not finish. So we went back for another 4 hrs the next day.It is an amazing place. There is a complete representation of the history of glass going back to Mesopotamian times.I went mad over all the new modern artist works. They also have a studio where you can actually get your hands right into making something. And "The gift shop" is outrageous. From $15.00 to $40,000.00. You must go in there with a budget. Otherwise don't blame me on what'll happen.

Cannot stress this enough, this is worth seeing. www.cmog.org

Chicago in the fall

annabelle — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:24:41 GMT

Recently we were in Chicago for a few days. It was a treat to be in a major American metropolis and find it to be almost provincial. Clean and friendly.

We went to the theater. Saw the blue man group. A joy!

Walked through Millennium Park . Saw the "Bean" , the Pritzker Pavilion, and the must see digital water fountain. Spent hours at the art institute. SAW the best exhibit of impressionist paintings on this side of the pond. Saw the field museum, and its skeletal rex exhibit, and the ancient americas, back 13,000 years.We visited the shedd aquarium. If you love penguins, turtles, sharks etcetera you will love this. Be sure to see the Carrabian reef where divers hand feed the sharks.

My husband gave me a few hours to shop at Bloomingdales and at Nordstrom ( I know- I'm a tourist) Bought 3 prs of SHOES ( why? I am a girl)---The Magnificent mile will blow you away. STORES AND MORE STORES (why am I impressed?- cause- I live in a country of 34,million people. Can you possibly imagine we have 2 department stores and one is called Sears.)

oh yes, we feasted at Tucci Benucch-if you like tasty Italian you'll be very happy with their fare. 900 Michigan Avenue . We had chinese at Ben Paq 52 west. Illinois , Scrumptious. AND a delightful American dinner at Cafe Erwin 2925 N Halsted.

AND we took a boat tour. Fortunately the weather was great! and the downtown view was a delight.

The drive from Toronto is a breeze. Left home after breakfast at 9 AM, got to Chicago, by 6 PM.

DO IT NOW!

Ottawa during WINTERLUDE!

bluejay — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 06:38:45 GMT

Whether you are from outside Ontario, or live in the province Winterlude (first three weeks of february) is not to be missed.

Last year we got a great deal from Ottawa Tourism, where we got two nights in the Albert at Bay hotel (our room was bigger than my apartment, with a kitchen, two bathrooms, a livingroom/dining room and a master bedroom)
The package also includes admission to your choice of two out of three galleries/museum. We visited the National Gallery, and the Museum of Civilizations.

Downtown Ottawa isn't too big, so it is easy to get around on foot, or by their excellent public transit system. I think in total the package cost us something like $120 per person.

In addition, you get to experience WINTERLUDE. Which is a fantastic winter festival! You can skate the Rideau Canal (amazing experience!) visit the pavillions and check out the giant ice sculpture competition.

Truly a wonderful winter mini break. Ottawa is about 4-5 hours east of Toronto and a lovely drive across the 401 east.

Enjoy!

Buckhorn Fine Art festival

Administrator — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:25:08 GMT

We make the trip to the Buckhorn art festival every year. Allways My children or friends come along for the ride. A high quality of "wild life" artists display their creations. Its a special day in a country setting where you get to meet outstanding artists. Just two that were there last year were Glen Loates and Michael Dumas Its one of the best days, that you remember of the summer.grande shopping opportunity!

August 2008 : artfest@buckhorncc.com-