J and I watched an interesting documentary by CBC Doc Zone entitled:
Thoroughly Modern Marriage.
It was fairly interesting but I found it lacked some depth into exploring some of the concepts it covered. It really did give me a feeling of wanting to know more like an unfulfilling appetizer. Case in point, it does not go into detail about the "open-marriage" presented in the documentary, I dunno about you, but the sociologist in me definitely sees some under-tones in that arrangement.
I do like however that it highlights a transition to marriage as a "cap-stone" for couples.
There is also a lovely bunch of ideas for making ones wedding unique and their own. I love the lantern signal for the bride to begin her procession!
This may sound heretical, but I think $100,000 is a ridiculous amount to spend on a wedding. I'd rather work with my client to effectively spend $10-15,000 of that and refer them to a good investment broker, NGO, or charity (Sick Kids Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Bicycle Commons, to name a few...)that could use the help.
What would you rather have?
One fleeting day of opulence or the ability to make a difference on a larger scale?
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Food for Entrepreneurial thought...
"Business cards are like ammunition. Running out of it isn't fun." - Rolo
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Oh Greenest Business Cards - please call me back?
stop·gap
[stop-gap]
–noun
1.
something that fills the place of something else that is lacking; temporary substitute; makeshift: Candles are a stopgap when the electricity fails.
–adjective
2.
makeshift: This is only a stopgap solution. (linky link)
I really wish someone at The Worlds Greenest Business Cards would give me a shout back. I do so want to get my next order of Business Cards (colloquially known to me, myself, and I as BC's). I first heard of them through a fantastic business contact and I've been aching to place an order with these fantastic folks. I kinda feel like I have a case of unrequited love, when I left a e-mail and a call and its been more than a week or two.
Cue - CAKE "You're never there."
....Caaaalll me. (Please? )
I want to ride my... BICYCLE
Spring is around the corner and I think its high time I fill you folks in on an initiative I've been volunteering my time with. Formerly known as the BICYCLE project, it has now evolved into a leaner and more fantastic version known as The Bicycle Commons! You can follow them directly at their website(www.thebicyclecommons.org), through facebook(www.facebook.com/BicycleCommons), and even on twitter(@bicyclecommons).
How is Simplicity involved? Well in practicing what I preach I've been involved since last fall taking on the role as volunteer coordinator for the Bicycle Clinic's we've been running out of the old Canary building. (See the November 2010 - BICYCLE post)
Part of that initiative resulted in one of the largest public bike repair clinics in Toronto headed up by BICYCLE in collaboration with Bike Sauce, MEC, City of Toronto, Toronto Police Service, Mayor's Tower Renewal and Think First. I even managed to squeeze myself and Simplicity in there along with Cobbs Bread - Annex!
Here are the photos of that bike clinic in the heart of St. Jamestown on the lawn of the Wellesley Community Centre.
It was a slightly chill day but a special thanks goes out to every single volunteer who showed up and helped generate the hype on the street and in the neighbourhood. It was slightly chilly, but the stats don't lie:
600 neighbours, 80+ bikes repaired, 500 helmets, 500+ hot dogs and hamburgers, 10 repair tents. A LOT of volunteers! It was a long chilly day for me and completely nuts being at the forefront of the reception for all the residents. I loved every minute of it and I met and worked along side some fantastic people to make this event happen.
How is Simplicity involved? Well in practicing what I preach I've been involved since last fall taking on the role as volunteer coordinator for the Bicycle Clinic's we've been running out of the old Canary building. (See the November 2010 - BICYCLE post)
Part of that initiative resulted in one of the largest public bike repair clinics in Toronto headed up by BICYCLE in collaboration with Bike Sauce, MEC, City of Toronto, Toronto Police Service, Mayor's Tower Renewal and Think First. I even managed to squeeze myself and Simplicity in there along with Cobbs Bread - Annex!
Here are the photos of that bike clinic in the heart of St. Jamestown on the lawn of the Wellesley Community Centre.
 |
| Forrest helps me sort out the Bike Repair queue |
 |
| A turn out of 600 residents! |
 |
| The Toronto Police Service custom fit bike helmets donated by Think First! |
 |
| I like little handy maps! |
 |
| Michael from the Mayor's Tower Renewel, and I take a quick snapshot (who needs tripods and timers!) |
600 neighbours, 80+ bikes repaired, 500 helmets, 500+ hot dogs and hamburgers, 10 repair tents. A LOT of volunteers! It was a long chilly day for me and completely nuts being at the forefront of the reception for all the residents. I loved every minute of it and I met and worked along side some fantastic people to make this event happen.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Late night fare and a good date movie : Barney's Version and 7 West
I love spur of the moment ideas because you never know where you will find yourself. The other day J and I went for a last minute movie and late night dinner at 7 West.
I really enjoyed Barney's Version. Without getting into uber film critic mode and using university-esque learned terms like mis-en-scene. This was a very engaging and intimate film. It focused on one man and his relationships through out his life. I would not say Barney is a tragic hero by any stretch of the imagination, but what struck me as tragic were is decisions and a failure to learn from his mistakes.
In my humble opinion I found Paul Giamatti's performance fantastic and of the same calibre as the myriad of "bad-buy" roles he has portrayed in the past. (Ie. Red). As for Rosamund Pike, I continue to find her performances captivating. In particular her connection, portrayal and intellectual yet intimately mature relationship with Barney very endearing. She is well and far from the "Bond Girl" image I remember.
As for 7 West, I've long wanted to take J there to enjoy a late night brew. Sadly I was kinda disappointed. It wasn't all bad, our server was very attentive. However the obnoxious patrons on either side of us were a poor accent to the food. I suppose I should not expect much from a place that runs 24 hrs, and staff that is cooking a meal at 1am. Which brings me to the unintended realization that I am trying REAL hard not to be a food snob.
J's salad had dried cheese (ed - bocconcini ) and dried red onions. Without risking being a food snob, my spaghetti with meat sauce was er, just plain normal. Nothing else good to mention about it other than it was hot, had spaghetti and some form of ground meat. For the love of Barney it didn't even have oregano, garlic or a mushroom in sight.
I feel fairly let down, perhaps because the ambiance and service were a cut above the food we were served.
In contrast, I find Fran's Diner is just as good if not better the later it is!
Anyhow, this spur of the moment date is a welcome island of relief as we gear up for another event. I am again, blessed with a great regular client - The Toronto 7th RCA. The question remains for Monday if can engage more volunteer students to participate on this wonderful event experience. I look forward to working with Second Harvest too.
I always feel the ramp up to the event as the team gets assembled, vendors come on board and our suppliers orders get filled.
More updates to follow!
I really enjoyed Barney's Version. Without getting into uber film critic mode and using university-esque learned terms like mis-en-scene. This was a very engaging and intimate film. It focused on one man and his relationships through out his life. I would not say Barney is a tragic hero by any stretch of the imagination, but what struck me as tragic were is decisions and a failure to learn from his mistakes.
In my humble opinion I found Paul Giamatti's performance fantastic and of the same calibre as the myriad of "bad-buy" roles he has portrayed in the past. (Ie. Red). As for Rosamund Pike, I continue to find her performances captivating. In particular her connection, portrayal and intellectual yet intimately mature relationship with Barney very endearing. She is well and far from the "Bond Girl" image I remember.
As for 7 West, I've long wanted to take J there to enjoy a late night brew. Sadly I was kinda disappointed. It wasn't all bad, our server was very attentive. However the obnoxious patrons on either side of us were a poor accent to the food. I suppose I should not expect much from a place that runs 24 hrs, and staff that is cooking a meal at 1am. Which brings me to the unintended realization that I am trying REAL hard not to be a food snob.
J's salad had dried cheese (ed - bocconcini ) and dried red onions. Without risking being a food snob, my spaghetti with meat sauce was er, just plain normal. Nothing else good to mention about it other than it was hot, had spaghetti and some form of ground meat. For the love of Barney it didn't even have oregano, garlic or a mushroom in sight.
I feel fairly let down, perhaps because the ambiance and service were a cut above the food we were served.
In contrast, I find Fran's Diner is just as good if not better the later it is!
Anyhow, this spur of the moment date is a welcome island of relief as we gear up for another event. I am again, blessed with a great regular client - The Toronto 7th RCA. The question remains for Monday if can engage more volunteer students to participate on this wonderful event experience. I look forward to working with Second Harvest too.
I always feel the ramp up to the event as the team gets assembled, vendors come on board and our suppliers orders get filled.
More updates to follow!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
One more fast food place for me to avoid...
Its been real fun lately volunteering and teaching at Alpha II Alternative. I have to say though stopping by the local faux-Medican food joint was a reminder why I really should avoid fast food. A simple fast food burrito combomeal gave me uber heart palpitations the rest of the afternoon!
Anyhow as much as I love pseudo-Mexican food I think I really ought to go to a place like Margaritas, or El Sol (oh so yummy moleh). And no, before you say it, it wasn't anything else I had before or after my burrito combo, because it was on an empty stomach!
Anyhow. I'm very excited about March. There are several fabulous upcoming events and projects that are being planned by Simplicity. T-minus 10 days till the next one!
I'll be posting more pics over the next few days!
Anyhow as much as I love pseudo-Mexican food I think I really ought to go to a place like Margaritas, or El Sol (oh so yummy moleh). And no, before you say it, it wasn't anything else I had before or after my burrito combo, because it was on an empty stomach!
Anyhow. I'm very excited about March. There are several fabulous upcoming events and projects that are being planned by Simplicity. T-minus 10 days till the next one!
I'll be posting more pics over the next few days!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
RADIOHEAD!
Last week I absolutely leapt for giggly joy at the fact that RADIOHEAD released their eagerly awaited 8th studio album entitled "King of Limbs".
Why the have a simple title for the post? I really do think it speaks for itself, and there is no better way to express the bubbly joy at the new album other than to yell RADIOHEAD!.
I make utterly no claim at being a cultured music critic. I just know what music I like, and I just love this band! Some may hem and haw about the music and how its a departure or how its not like their other stuff. To me, its progressive, its new and its not the same old-same old.
I love the release video for their song Lotus Flower. It reminds me of my experience at the The MOVE. (linky link)
I recently had a chance to visit and be a part of it. It was actually quite strange to not enjoy a drink with tunes. I do recommend it for those looking to dance without the club scene. It reminds me of Thom Yorke. So if you want to know what going to The MOVE is like. Its like a whole lotta Thom Yorke & Yorkettes doing this (see above). A lot.
(Mental note: I highly doubt Thom-Head would be a good choice for my kids name.)
Why the have a simple title for the post? I really do think it speaks for itself, and there is no better way to express the bubbly joy at the new album other than to yell RADIOHEAD!.
I make utterly no claim at being a cultured music critic. I just know what music I like, and I just love this band! Some may hem and haw about the music and how its a departure or how its not like their other stuff. To me, its progressive, its new and its not the same old-same old.
I love the release video for their song Lotus Flower. It reminds me of my experience at the The MOVE. (linky link)
I recently had a chance to visit and be a part of it. It was actually quite strange to not enjoy a drink with tunes. I do recommend it for those looking to dance without the club scene. It reminds me of Thom Yorke. So if you want to know what going to The MOVE is like. Its like a whole lotta Thom Yorke & Yorkettes doing this (see above). A lot.
(Mental note: I highly doubt Thom-Head would be a good choice for my kids name.)
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