HackerNest Toronto Job Fair

Begins: 8 November 2014 at 1:00 PM Ends: 8 November 2014 at 6:00 PM Where: University of Toronto,255 McCaul Street Organized by: HackerNest

by via Toronto Networking Events

Hult Alumni Brunch

Begins: 9 November 2014 at 10:30 AM Ends: 9 November 2014 at 12:30 PM Where: 85 Hanna Ave Organized by: Hult Alumni Canada

by via Toronto Networking Events

Star says Ghomeshi showed CBC graphic sex videos

Jian Ghomeshi showed CBC brass graphic videos of sexual encounters, which included beatings and bondage, as proof that his violent encounters with women were consensual, sources have told the Toronto Star. Before being fired by the broadcaster last weekend, Ghomeshi had become aware that allegations against him were about to surface, and had brought in the videos as evidence that, as a source told the Star, "how bruising could happen and it could still be consensual."

Ghomeshi features in the videos, which featured "scenarios where Jian Ghomeshi asks, for example, a woman to do something and she does it," the source told the Star. In his initial public statement after being fired by the network Sunday, the host said he "voluntarily showed evidence that everything I have done has been consensual. I did this in good faith and because I know, as I have always known, that I have nothing to hide. This when the CBC decided to fire me."

The attempt, of course, backfired. In a new internal memo to employees leaked online Friday afternoon, the CBC confirmed that at a Thursday, October 23 meeting with Ghomeshi, they saw "graphic evidence that Jian had caused physical injury to a woman" and found it to be "fundamentally unacceptable for any employee." He was officially terminated three days later. The memo also confirms that Ghomeshi first notified them of a possible Toronto Star investigation into his conduct this spring. Read the full memo here.

Photos by mississaugapictures on Flickr.

by Natalia Manzocco via blogTO

Jian Ghomeshi dumped by agent

Jian Ghomeshi was dumped by his agent today, less that 24 hours after being dropped by both of his PR agencies. In an emailed statement The Agency Group, a live music booking agency with offices in Toronto and around the world, confirmed that they are no longer the agent of representation for Jian Ghomeshi. No further comment was issued.

The news comes on the same day that Ghomeshi was finally disinvited from a book tour appearance set to take place in Toronto next month, and in the wake of numerous new allegations about what the CBC and the Toronto media community did or didn't know about his conduct.

No comment is expected by Ghomeshi who yesterday posted on Facebook that he doesn't intend to discuss the matter any further.

Photo by Ryan Bolton.

by Staff via blogTO

Amanda Palmer drops Ghomeshi from Toronto event

After several days of mounting public pressure, former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi, who's become the subject of numerous sexual assault allegations in recent days, will no longer be a guest at the Toronto stop on Amanda Palmer's book tour. In a blog post this afternoon, the musician and author wrote:

"thank you to everyone for sharing forward all of the articles and content, you've helped me. the story is incredibly, incredibly sad. given everything i've learned, and especially given how upsetting it would be to so many, jian will not be coming to the show in toronto."

The former Dresden Dolls singer, who is coming through town next month to promote The Art of Asking, an account of what she learned through her infamous Kickstarter campaign, had originally invited Ghomeshi to be a special guest at the Toronto date of the tour. After Ghomeshi initially claimed his innocence on Sunday in a lengthy Facebook post, Palmer shared the statement and added, "for those asking, yes, of course he will still be guesting at the toronto show".

As increasingly damning accounts of alleged sexual abuse surfaced, and Palmer's fans urged her on social media to boot Ghomeshi, she maintained in a follow-up statement on Facebook that she was "still figuring out what to do about this". That wasn't enough for many of her fans, who accused her of putting professional commitments to Ghomeshi before their own feelings of safety - and critics, who accused her of using the controversy to promote her book.

Photo via Amanda Palmer on Facebook.

by Natalia Manzocco via blogTO

This weekend is a great opportunity to check out the fall leaves in Toronto:

This weekend is a great opportunity to check out the fall leaves in Toronto:





Where to See Fall Colours in Toronto

www.toronto.com

Photos and locations of the best spots to see the changing leaves across Toronto.

by torontodotcom via torontodotcom's Facebook Wall

The top 10 General Tao chicken in Toronto

The top General Tao chicken in Toronto still can't seem to agree on what it wants to be called. (General Tao? General Tso?) Whatever you call it, few will disagree that this dish of uncertain origin is a great panacea for those craving a tang of sweet and spicy (and often greasy) Chinese food. It may be unhealthy, inauthentic, and unappreciated by connoisseurs, but for my money, there's no dish that offers as awesome a pick-me-up as a plate of the General's chicken.

Here are my picks for the top 10 General Tao chicken in Toronto.

Not Just Noodles

It's funny how often Not Just Noodles, a grimy and sad-looking corner restaurant, shows up on my lists. Their General Tao chicken, at around $10, is supremely satisfying. It can sometimes be a little batter-heavy, but that's part of the appeal. It's a bit sweeter than several of the other places on this list, and is just the right dish when you're craving greasy, steaming Chinese food in the middle of your cold day. Service is pretty fast, too!

Peking Man

For a psychedelically confusing yet delicious experience, look no further than Peking Man. This 70s-style restaurant is well-known for its Peking duck, but I can vouch for its General Tao chicken. At around $12, it's not exactly cheap (especially because you're not exactly eating in a fancy place) and the portion is a bit on the small side - but that sauce is god-dang delicious. The sauce has just enough kick, and the meat is always tender.

Hong Shing

Also a long-time favourite of many (including my wife), Hong Shing's General Tao is sure to please. At times, they use less sauce than many of their downtown counterparts, but the savoury-sweet glaze is still delicious. Also, you can get it for $6.50 as part of their lunch special, which is outstanding value (though the portions are a bit smaller than many other downtown spots). Complement your meal with some of their spicy fried bean curd and sweet and sour pork. It's terrible for your arteries, but wonderful for your heart.

Asian Legend

Lots of Chinese families go to the Asian Legend chain for meals, so that's gotta mean the General Tao here is more authentic than others, right? Uh, not really. But who cares when you're scooping mountains of sticky-sauced chicken into your bed of rice, complete with sesame seeds on top? The chicken here is more pronounced, and a little light on the batter, so those looking for a less "junky" version of this dish will feel right at home.

Taste of China

The chicken pieces here are covered in a batter that feels crispier than most of the others on the list, while still having that distinctive sweet-and-spicy tasting sauce. It's also a late-night favourite with many (the general is quite partial to after-hours comestibles, it seems), and therefore, another great place for your post-clubbing activities.

Swatow

This restaurant is pretty much a staple for the late-dining crowd in Toronto, so it stands to reason that its General Tao would be one of the best in town. And, put simply, it is, with its glistening sweet-spicy sauce and large chunks of vegetables that complement the juicy chicken. Downing spoonfuls of these with your bed of steamed rice at 2am on a weekend night? Hangover helper.

Spadina Garden

Despite its claims to be a Szechuan-Hunan restaurant, this cute-looking restaurant (a staple for many office workers) is really an Indian Chinese (Hakka)-inspired spot. True to that cuisine's form, expect bold flavours, thick sauces, and a crazy assault on your tastebuds. Their excellent take on General Tao ($11.95) is definitely one of the "heavier" ones on this list - eat it during lunchtime at your own risk.

New Ho King

Another place to get greasy, delicious, and dirt-cheap Chinese food at practically all hours of the night, New Ho King will fill your belly up with their large-sized, crudely-prepared, super-delicious General Tao. The service isn`t going to be great, and the atmosphere even less so, but if you ever want a bowl of breaded and sauced fowls at 4am, you can always find the General at the King.

Szechuan Szechuan

No, General Tao isn't a Szechuan dish, and it's not really spicy here. But there's something to the sweet-and-savoury sauce piled on this dish here that keeps me coming back. Now, at over $14, it's rather pricey - but then again it is one of the nicer establishments on this list. They used to have a location downtown, but only the one in Vaughan Mills is now open.

Perfect Chinese Restaurant

Perfect's General Tao is one of the lighter-tasting dishes in this collection, so it's perfect (groan) for those who are looking for a version of this dish that doesn't completely assault your tastebuds. Pair it up with their fried tofu, and you've got a killer combination.

Did I miss any? Leave your picks for General Tao chicken in the comments.

Writing by Darren "DKLo" Susilo. He hangs out on the twitter and his own mansion.

Photo of Hong Shing by Jesse Milns.

by Darren "DKLo" Susilo via blogTO

Stunning Stanley Kubrick exhibit lands at TIFF Lightbox

Stanley Kubrick has touched down at the TIFF Lightbox just in time for Halloween. The retrospective tracks Kubrick's evolution as a filmmaker with dedicated areas for each of his seminal works, with particular attention paid to landmark films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Shining. Casual fans and Kubrick-nerds alike will find something to like here, as the show does a good job of introducing viewers to the director's practice but also offers enough production images and props to appeal to die-hard fans.

While the exhibition has traveled elsewhere, the Lightbox has outdone itself here with its mix of educational resources and cinematographic curiosities. Kubrick's various inspirations and lasting influence on cinema culture is all well accounted for, which should enrich the experience of watching his films after the exhibition. The show runs until January 25th.

Check out the weird and fascinating world of Stanley Kubrick in this photo gallery .

by Derek Flack via blogTO

Toronto's new tailoring shop can transform your clothes

Hidden away in a basement on Ossington is fashion designer-turned-tailor Maegan McWade's brand-new shop and studio space. Her specialty: "trendy" alterations that turn busted-up jeans or ill-fitting vintage into one-of-a-kind wardrobe staples. If you're not in the market to get your threads fixed up, you can peruse a selection of handmade items from up-and-coming local crafters and artists.

Read my profile of Shoppe and Tailor in the fashion section.

by Natalia Manzocco via blogTO

10 lost Toronto buildings we wish we could bring back

For every preserved historic building in Toronto there have been many more lost to short-sighted planning or indifference. The mindset has changed in recent years--high-profile architects like Frank Gehry must bend their designs to incorporate protected structures and beloved neighbourhood edifices (sometimes) get gentrified--but there are still egregious losses and cases of unfortunate neglect (see Walnut Hall, George St. in general).

It's not practical to expect every pretty building erected in the City of Toronto to remain in perpetuity. This city is in a persistent state of flux, constantly making itself over, old giving way to new. In order to build many of the buildings mourned by this list, other, equally valuable landmarks had to make way. There would be no TD Centre, First Canadian Place, or City Hall in an alternate version of Toronto where these properties had survived.

Here are 10 buildings I would include in an impossible fantasy version of Toronto.

Toronto Star Building

The Toronto Star never looked as much like the Daily Planet as it did during its time on King St. W. Superman co-creator Joe Shuster, a former Star paperboy, likely based Clark Kent's employer on the paper, and the company's imposing, high-tech office tower no doubt played a role. Ink was distributed around the building in pipes, fire poles allowed reporters to quickly change floors, and a system of pneumatic tubes linked the various offices. It even had its own coal-fired power station. The building was knocked down in 1972 to make way for First Canadian Place.

University Armouries

At one time the largest armoury in Canada and the home of the Toronto Regiments of the Canadian Army, the University Armouries was a common place of enrolment during the Boer War, the first and second world wars, and the Korean War. The massive interior housed firing ranges, drill halls, even a bowling alley and was often rented out for events like trade shows. It was razed in 1963.

Temple Building

If the Temple Building at Bay and Richmond could have survived the office tower boom of the 1970s, it would probably still be standing today. Built for the Independent Order of Foresters, a fraternal organization and financial institution now operating as Foresters, the ornate 12 storey office building was the tallest in Toronto for about ten years. The building was the brainchild of Oronhyatekha, the IOF Supreme Chief Ranger and a prominent early First Nations entrepreneur. It was demolished in 1970 to make way for the Queen-Bay Centre.

General Post Office

It's easy to miss on the King streetcar, but Toronto Street used to be one of the most impressive thoroughfares in the city. The General Post Office on Adelaide St. was its crowning monument. Heritage Toronto notes that the structure, completed in 1873, was the once federal government's most expensive post-confederation project. Though superseded in importance by later postal buildings, the GPO survived until 1958. An office complex currently stands on the site.

Bank of Toronto (King and Bay)

I'm a big fan of TD Centre, the crisp, modern office towers at King and Bay, but it arrived at a price. The original bank building, built for the Bank of Toronto, one of the financial institutions that merged to create TD, was operated out of a grand columned building at the southwest corner of King and Bay. At its heart, a grand banking hall with massive bronze, marble, and glass skylight was bathed in natural light. Several of the building's decorative details were saved and are now on display at the Guild Inn in Scarborough.

Registry of Deeds and Land Titles

Another grand building surrounded by columns that was replaced by a beloved modernist structure, the neo-classical Registry of Deeds and Land Titles was built at a time when the City of Toronto had the money to spend on grand monuments to itself. The loss of the building is particularly hard to swallow because, judging from photos of construction of City Hall, it didn't need to be razed at all (at least one rejected City Hall design incorporated the structure.) Had it survived, the building would be located in place of the Superior Court of Justice.

Chorley Park

The death of Chorley Park, Ontario's first purpose-built government house, came amid cost cutting in the wake of the Depression. The province built the chateaux-style Rosedale mansion in 1916 to house the current and future lieutenant governors, but costs began to spiral out of control almost immediately. The final bill, $1 million, was almost four times the budget and the cost of maintaining the opulent palace was even higher. It was abandoned and stripped of its contents in 1937 and finally knocked down 1959. The building's concrete entrance arch and part of its podium are all that remain.

Board of Trade Building

The Board of Trade Building with its distinctive curved front and decorative rooftop tower almost didn't get off the ground. The unfinished structure collapsed during construction, resulting in the dismissal of the New York-based architectural firm responsible for the original design. When it was completed, like the Temple building, it was briefly the tallest in the city. The TTC would called the Yonge and Front building home from 1921 until 1958.

Maple Leaf Stadium

The original Toronto Maple Leafs had bats and gloves, not sticks and pucks, and their second stadium at the foot of Bathurst St., south of Lake Shore Blvd. was a classic ball park. A horseshoe-shaped stand with views of the field and the lake featured giant stone arches that, as James Marsh notes at Toronto in Time, have recently been mirrored in the designs of Camden Yards and New Yankee Stadium. Toronto would be without a downtown ball park for ten years after the Maple Leafs moved to Louisville in 1967 and the stadium was demolished in 1968.

Bata Shoes Head Office

Canadian architect John B. Parkin's work is all over Toronto. He contributed to the design of Rosedale subway station, Yorkdale mall, the Sheraton Centre, TD Centre, and City Hall, but one of his earliest (and arguably best) buildings is sadly lost. The "simple and seemingly weightless" Bata Shoes office, in the words of architecture critic Christopher Hume, was demolished in 2010 to make way for a Ismaili museum and cultural centre. Hume called the classic modernist building on Wynford Drive "unadorned yet poetic." There aren't many like it left in Toronto.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Images: City of Toronto Archives, BataLTD/Wikimedia Commons

by Chris Bateman via blogTO