The Film Buff

As soon as there is a nip in the air, the idea of venturing out for an ice cream cone sounds ridiculous. For most people, cold weather and a movie makes for a more pleasant afternoon.

But as soon as the mercury rises, an ice cream cone immediately overrides any film.

The Film Buff on Queen Street East has its customers figured out as along with a huge selection of movies, it has a wide variety of ice cream flavours.

The Film Buff on Queen Street East sends customers out with an obscure film and an ice cream cone. (photo by Tatomme P. Flanagan)

“It keeps the business steady,” said Joe Reed, an employee at the Film Buff. “In the winter I’m recommending dozens of movies and in the summer I’m strengthening my right forearm serving ice cream.”

Reed kicking off the summer season with a scoop of ice cream. (Photo by Tatomme P. Flanagan)

The Queen Street East location opened five years ago after much success at the owner’s first store in Roncesvalles.

“Even though we do rent out movies that made the Box Office, we are more known for our selection of artsy films,” said Reed.

Each wall houses films of the same genre. It just so happens that the artsy/indie wall runs the entire length of the store.

A wall of artsy films at the Film Buff. (Photo by Tatomme P. Flanagan)

“I just rented Beeswax,” said Paul, a customer who has been visiting this location since day one for its obscure movies.

During the weekends and the summer, the Film Buff acts as a community centre for the neighborhood as everyone from the ages of seven to 75 comes to talk movies and eat ice cream.

With a scoop of Crunchy Frog (mint chocolate chip with a Monty Python flare) in one hand and Beeswax in the other, Paul headed out for a night of sheer bliss.

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Spring has Sprung

After a chilly long winter, people are finally shedding off the winter layers and throwing on their shades to adapt to the clear blue skies. Another way fashionistas are adapting to the sudden weather change is through their wardrobe.

"Spring is such a fun and light season; the clothing should reflect just that," said Sarah Graham, 21, a second-year fashion student at Ryerson. "Bright and bold prints scream fun."

Prints are being seen on the runway at New York fashion week just as much as they are being seen strolling down Yonge St. Whether they are geometric or floral, prints are definately here for the spring and maybe even longer.

Mary Katrantzou's digital print struts down the catwalk at New York's Spring 2010 Fashion Week. (Marcia Madeira)

"Instead of the usual drab clothing in tight times, bold prints have returned as a result of the recession," said Daniel Booth, a graduated fashion student from Ryerson. "People haven't had excess money to spend on clothes, so fashion designers want to go bold and bright to get their audience excited about fashion again."

And excited they should be, as this is a trend that can be worn by a wide range of women and men, according to Booth.

"If you don't feel comfortable wearing a print, then you can opt for an accessory with a print," said Graham. "There are so many options!"

Sarah Nardozzi said that she hasn't been able to keep her shelves stocked at Aldo Accessories.

A python print tote from Aldo. (www.aldo.com)

"As soon as I replenish the purses, I turn around for a second and one has already been snatched up," said Nardozzi, an employee at Aldo.

So before it's too late, toss aside last year's drabs. It's time to celebrate the end of the recession with bright and bold prints.

"Prints are fun, but as with any trend they will eventually fade out," said Jade Sullivan-Vallentyne, a fourth-year fashion student at Ryerson. "I think people will return to the modest attire come winter."




Summary: Prints are just as hot as the weather this spring.

Is Your Boss a "Friend"?

It's almost impossible to avoid: camera flashes. Whether you approve of it or not, your "caught in the moment" face is suddenly tagged on the ever so popular Facebook for the world and your mother to see.

Even though she may be slightly appalled by the pictures captured of you Saturday night, your mother is someone who will eventually move on. She loves you, so a little tagged photograph won’t hurt a beloved daughter's reputation. But what if your boss sees that picture --- Where do you draw the line on who to accept as a "friend" on Facebook?

Without taking into consideration the privacy settings on Facebook, the world can see what you do at every moment of the day even if you aren't the person to post it. So is this something you want your boss to have access too?

This was a question I had to ask myself the morning I woke up to one new "friend request." Usually it's an exciting notification, but after seeing that it was a request from my boss that excitement suddenly changed to confusion.

Facebook friend reqest.

I saw it as a rude gesture to reject this request, but also as an unprofessional one if I accepted it.

The final decision came a few days later after I noticed that my co-workers were accepting his request; I clicked yes. Yes, I was a follower but I had to see how the others were responding to this “invasion of privacy.”

I realized that if I chose to reject his “friendship” my online persona was still completely accessible to him, and the rest of the world. The internet, specifically Facebook, makes everything you do visible to the rest of humanity through a simple Google search. So before you go posting your wild weekend or venting about your workplace, stop and think. This information will instantly be available to current and future bosses as the internet isn’t known for being modest.

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Summary: The internet makes your life visible even if you aren't Facebook Friends.

Lahore Tikka House

Just a few steps east of Greenwood, one will suddenly be hit with a wall of potent spices; he has entered Little India.



Known for constantly being under construction, Lahore Tikka House is the place which marks the beginning (or the end---depending on one way you're coming from) of the Indian Bazaar.

Are Hard-Copy Newspapers Disappearing?

Not Everything is at Your Fingertips

We have always been taught to follow our passions as that would result in the greatest amount of success. However, I use that word lightly as success can come in many forms whether that be money, happiness, positive feedback…the list goes on.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case as after years of commitment and dedication, Jim Rankin from the Toronto Star says he is still waiting for that positive feedback: audience appreciation.

Back in 2002, Rankin began an online news site for the Toronto Star which would inform Canadians of the crime and punishment system in our country; specifically, it would tell us how billions of dollars are being put into the system each year because of the ever-changing criminal laws.

With our pocketbooks being a top priority these days, you would think that this informative site would be of interest to any Canadian.

Rankin says that that may be the case, if the Toronto Star had a better way of properly show casing web-exclusive content.

With the internet being highly accessible to almost everyone these days, you would think that a successful newspaper would strive to have all of its information a click-a-way…Especially after the generous amount of time that Rankin put into the site in order to come into contact with his Freedom of Information requests.

To put that time frame into perspective, Rankin says that he just received information on a file request he put out in 2003.

I wouldn’t be surprised if it took me that long to find his interactive site, as after hours of searching Google I wasn’t in anyway closer to it.

With a site that has everything you need to know about crime and punishment in Canada at your finger tips, the accessibility of it should come just as easy.

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Jim Rankin from the Toronto Star is disappointed with the lack of audience his website has had.

A Night of Dinner and Theatre

During Toronto’s winter months, evening outings tend to be sparse, as leaving the toasty confines of one’s home becomes a mere difficult task. But if the evening involves indulging into a four course meal prepared for you and then watching a live performance inside a warm theatre, then how can you say no?

George Brown College on King St. has Torontonians figured out this winter as very few people will turn down a hearty meal and live entertainment during these bitter months.

Whether it be February or April, the chef school and the theatre school will be teaming up to awe guests with their new and improved skills as a result of the school's reputation for hands-on learning.

The evening will begin at the school's student-run restaurant the Chef's House and then guests will head over to the Yonge Centre for the Performing Arts in the historic distillery district.

And with the most important ingrediant at chef school being learning, students are challenged with new menus daily. This means that guests are encouraged to come with an open mind and an open palate as every student strives to satisfy.

However, you don't have to be completely prepared for a night full of surprises as the performances are planned and most definately rehearsed.

So if winter activities have been a struggle, take some stress off and book your tickets now for a night of good food and entertainment.

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Summary

George Brown's culinary arts and theatre school have joined together to satisfy Torontonians this winter.