Yup, count me in. If someone wants to start this up, I'll definitely attend. Could start small and simple, and grow from there. Maybe even a gathering at a local coffee shop, etc.
Kristen,
Maybe we should bite the bullet and finally start the JTHS this winter. It certainly sounds like it would be popular judging from recent posts.
Hi Joanna,
This idea of a history club has been mentioned before, and I think it is very likely to happen. I know I'd be an enthusiastic member, as would several people who post regularly here. I've looked at those old photos of the neighbourhood too. Just fascinating! One of my favourites is of Carlton Park, apparently the oldest park in the hood. Very haunting image. If I was savvy enough, I would add it here, but alas!
Kristen, I think you have assessed the situation correctly in posing your questions. The move towards non-fiction for me has been both as a result of having less time for escapism and because I am in a place in my life where I enjoy gathering information on a particular topic that benefits my life.
I used to love non-fiction as a kid and a teenager, especially anything that gave me insight into the world of adults. More recently, I have tried to read non-fiction books such as the "Polished Hoe" by Austin Clarke, which is a truly beautiful book, but I just haven't been able to give it the dedicated attention it deserves.
However, I am breezing through "Becoming the Evidence Based Manager" by Gary Latham (an organizational behavior professor at the University of Toronto) and "Beauty: Pure and Simple" by Kristen Ma (a successful entrepreneur whose Yorkville spa is greatly acclaimed for promoting natural beauty). I also have subscriptions to Money Sense - Canada's Personal Finance Magazine and Canadian House and Home. I think that what I'm reading probably has something to do with my life stage. I'm trying to advance in my career, make appropriate life decisions, and find time for easy pampering in my busy life.
On another note, I have also read Stroll; I loved the section on the Junction and the Maltese diaspora. I've been planning on reading it while actually doing the walks, but haven't gotten around to it. I want to see specifically what the author is talking about, because some of the things he describes I have never ever noticed. I find it interesting how many of us in the neighborhood enjoy books that focus on the city and city history. When I initially moved to JT, I poured over Toronto archive photos for hours trying to find a picture with my house in it or a similar house, so I could see what my house originally looked like. Alas, I didn't find such as picture, but I did find out about Grand Trunk, CPR lands, the importance of the railroad to this area, what our back alleys used to look like, and when the neighborhood had plumbing installed. I also found a great picture of the Wallace Bridge when there were shops around it. At the time, the Wallace Bridge had two sets of stairs going down to Dundas Street, not just one set. Maybe we need a history club?
Anyone know how to contact her? I have some issues that need addressing but Istill have not received any information as to how to contact her or the location of an office.
Random Passage is one of the more memorable fish history books I can think of. (historical fiction)
The book "Who Killed the Grand Banks?" by Alex Rose is a recent account of the cod fishery. I think all Canadians should read it. The challenge is to support compassionate yet responsible decision making. Or at least understand and learn from our worst decisions.
Could probably put in a request through the City's 311 system by submitting the request online, calling 311 or 416-392-CITY. Calling might be easiest, as there doesn't seem to be a "broken bench in a park" category online.
I saw that bench last night too. Wondering what happened...it would take some serious force to uproot that. A vehicle maybe?
So both of you would love this song then: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lutuDgZvAk This is Damien Robitaille from La Fontaine Ontario. He loves geography, and music too!
Love this image of you at six! What a great peek into your reading life. You will have so much fun reading to/with your child, it's one of my favourite things about being a mom. My uncle once told me that he had a nighttime ritual with his daughter. She would spin the globe and wherever her finger landed, he would tell her a story about that place. Maybe the game could be modified for the local level as well?
Yeah, I haven't really been into fiction for a very long time. When I was young, I used to love reading Farley Mowat, the "Three Investigators" series, Hardy Boys....stuff like that. In highschool I took a liking to A Clockwork Orange, Brave New World, and 1984. But overall, I don't think I was ever a prolific fiction reader.
Local history, and any kind of geography were my favourites. I have strong memories of being six years old, and making peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and then sitting down to pour through the National Geographic World Atlas (and later North American Atlas) that my parents bought for me. Or sometimes just road and highway maps. Thinking back, that World Atlas is probably my favourite book of all-time. Are there other six-year-olds that love to read population statistics, follow road lines on maps, and imagine the futuristic growth patterns of a Census Metropolitan Area? (Yes, I had considered studying GIS, urban planning, or something else more geography-based instead of computers; who knows, I still might)
I also used to love reading the local history articles in the Hamilton Spectator. I wish I could remember the writer's name now, but he was pretty cool. He even helped me dig through some stuff for a school project once, when I was down at the Hamilton Public Library's main branch. I really got interested in reading about Hamilton's history, especially around the downtown core and places where I've lived. When I moved to Ottawa, it was the same thing. And now for Toronto... I enjoy a bit of Canadian history too, and bits and pieces of world history, but I think the local stuff interests me the most. Stories, photos, etc. of places that I can actually experience myself, or compare a long-lost era to the present.
I picture myself telling little bits of history to my son/daughter someday, and pointing out cool/interesting features wherever we are. I don't know if s/he will be as interested as I am, or maybe say, "Geeze dad, quit it with your old-man stories". :)
Photography books and online articles have also taken up my reading time over the last few years too.
Back to the topic of fiction: I usually find fiction is hard to get in to, because I feel like I need to devote large chunks of time to it. I have a harder time keeping focused when I can only read it in small chunks. But usually when I try to set aside some time to read, e.g. like in the evening before bed, I'm too tired to concentrate and I end up getting sleepy. :)
Update: Yesterday I finished reading Stroll, and today started reading Toronto Sketches 3, by Mike Filey.
Perth Dupont Library also has a book club. The latest book that they were doing was Methland. I just picked up the book The Help. Will let you know how it is. Pretty thick though, I will see if I can get through it.
Vic, these books seem very "you"! Interesting that both you and Joanna say you don't read as much fiction now. Is it because you feel you have less time to give over to something pretend? Or just because you enjoy gathering information on particular topics? And speaking of time -- guess you will have even less of it soon, when that baby makes an appearance. I know I myself don't read as much fiction now either. Or I should say I don't read as often as I used to for pure enjoyment. The books I pick up (whether fiction or non) almost always have to do with whatever I'm working on, so even the novels are a way of gathering information.
I'm reading a fabulous book right now, the third in a trilogy, though I haven't read the first two. It's called The Ghost Road, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ghost_Road by Pat Barker, about British soldiers in WW1. Gorgeously written, largely based on actual accounts.
I've heard about the Holy Oak book club, Joanna. What a great little place that seems. I'm curious that you say you can't get into fiction "recently." So you could before? I wonder about the switch....
Holy Oak Cafe (just a stone's throw from JT) has a book club, which sounds interesting: http://www.openbooktoronto.com/news/holy_oak_book_club. They also have a facebook account for the club: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Holy-Oak-Book-Club/104474779583723. I've been meaning to look into joining, but more recently I just can't get into fiction. I'm coming to terms with being an information junky.... If anyone wants to set up a book club dedicated to management/leadership books or health/Dr. Oz type books, let me know.
The Portuguese and the Basques had been coming to the Grand Banks for a long long time before other Europeans figured it out. If you like that part of the story read:
"Cod: The Fish that Changed the World" by Mark Kurlansky (fun and breezy). He also wrote "The Basque History of the World: The Story of a Nation " which has some fascinating stories about fish and how the Basques were the first until the Portuguese caught on.
He also wrote "Salt: A world History" and one of my faves "The Big Oyster; History On The Half Shell". I have a prized autographed copy and Mark has a copy of my oyster doc. A fair trade.
"Here Fishy Fish" is a Monty Python reference and I will take any opportunity to squeak one in.
I don't read nearly as much as I'd like to. But I've been taking transit alot more lately, so I have more time to read. I don't really read very much fiction these days, and mostly end up just pouring through the news, some history, stuff about photography, etc... I'm currently reading:
Stroll, by Shawn Micallef. I've always enjoyed Shawn's (somewhat geeky) newspaper/magazine columns about walking around Toronto, and other interesting bits about the city. This book takes the reader all over Toronto to explore neighbourhoods and interesting features of the City that I might not normally check out or think about. (Junction triangle content: Yes, he mentions the Railpah). It's definitely an inspiring read, and makes me want to learn more about the lesser-known parts of Toronto. The writing style is all over the place: sometimes just random observations, other times a bit of history, and other times it's a bit more of a commentary or criticism. But it's all good.
Fifty Tales of Toronto, by Donald Jones. A collection of 50 historical stories about Toronto, written for Jones' column in the Toronto Star. Published in 1992, but I got this at a garage sale (or other used book sale) this year. Makes a great bathroom reader. :) And I've learned about amazingly cool people like Kit Coleman.
Lately, I've also been browsing through other books like The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, and similar. :)
Just a reminder to everyone that Christmas lights featured in Richard Mongiat’s Rail of Light (link) Scotiabank Nuit Blanche display at the Wallace Bridge are now available to residents of the Junction Triangle for a minimum $10 donation to the Junction Triangle Rail Committee. The outdoor strings are white, blue or red, 17 feet in length, and contain 50 LED lights.
If you would like to light up the Triangle and help a really good cause, drop us a line at rail@junctiontriangle.ca with your name and telephone number and we’ll get you some lights. Proceeds go towards rail-related events in the Junction Triangle.
Campbell rink opened on Sat. Dec. 4. After much discussion among staff and members of the community, staff decided on these pleasure skating hours
Saturday 4-6pm skating and campfire
Sunday 1-3pm skating and campfire
Monday 3:30-5:30pm skating
We know there are people in the neighbourhood who think Campbell's schedule is weighted too much in favour of hockey. We take that opinion seriously and are open to adding more pleasure-skating hours, including possibly pleasure skating on one or more weekday evenings. What we do in the future will depend mostly on the turnout we get for the current hours. If you would like to comment on the schedule or the rink in general, please send an email to mail@campbellpark.ca Finally, I'd like to remind everyone that Wallace-Emerson, at Dufferin and Dupont, just south of the Galleria mall has all-day pleasure skating every day of the week.
I've now had this two weeks in a row. I have to say that this is the best dinner deal in the Area, considering the beer on tap is Creemore or one of two Mill Street beers (Tankhouse or Organic, I think).
Yup, count me in. If someone wants to start this up, I'll definitely attend. Could start small and simple, and grow from there. Maybe even a gathering at a local coffee shop, etc.
-Vic
Kristen,
Maybe we should bite the bullet and finally start the JTHS this winter. It certainly sounds like it would be popular judging from recent posts.
Marcel
Hi Joanna,
This idea of a history club has been mentioned before, and I think it is very likely to happen. I know I'd be an enthusiastic member, as would several people who post regularly here. I've looked at those old photos of the neighbourhood too. Just fascinating! One of my favourites is of Carlton Park, apparently the oldest park in the hood. Very haunting image. If I was savvy enough, I would add it here, but alas!
It's on the city's website: http://www.toronto.ca/councillors/bailao1.htm
email: councillor_bailao@toronto.ca Surprise! She DOES respond to emails! (unlike her predecessor)
Toronto City Hall
100 Queen Street West, Suite C42
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
Phone: 416-392-7012
Fax: 416-392-7957
Let everyone know if she responds and addresses your issues or not.
www.ward18.ca
Ken Wood
Kristen, I think you have assessed the situation correctly in posing your questions. The move towards non-fiction for me has been both as a result of having less time for escapism and because I am in a place in my life where I enjoy gathering information on a particular topic that benefits my life.
I used to love non-fiction as a kid and a teenager, especially anything that gave me insight into the world of adults. More recently, I have tried to read non-fiction books such as the "Polished Hoe" by Austin Clarke, which is a truly beautiful book, but I just haven't been able to give it the dedicated attention it deserves.
However, I am breezing through "Becoming the Evidence Based Manager" by Gary Latham (an organizational behavior professor at the University of Toronto) and "Beauty: Pure and Simple" by Kristen Ma (a successful entrepreneur whose Yorkville spa is greatly acclaimed for promoting natural beauty). I also have subscriptions to Money Sense - Canada's Personal Finance Magazine and Canadian House and Home. I think that what I'm reading probably has something to do with my life stage. I'm trying to advance in my career, make appropriate life decisions, and find time for easy pampering in my busy life.
On another note, I have also read Stroll; I loved the section on the Junction and the Maltese diaspora. I've been planning on reading it while actually doing the walks, but haven't gotten around to it. I want to see specifically what the author is talking about, because some of the things he describes I have never ever noticed. I find it interesting how many of us in the neighborhood enjoy books that focus on the city and city history. When I initially moved to JT, I poured over Toronto archive photos for hours trying to find a picture with my house in it or a similar house, so I could see what my house originally looked like. Alas, I didn't find such as picture, but I did find out about Grand Trunk, CPR lands, the importance of the railroad to this area, what our back alleys used to look like, and when the neighborhood had plumbing installed. I also found a great picture of the Wallace Bridge when there were shops around it. At the time, the Wallace Bridge had two sets of stairs going down to Dundas Street, not just one set. Maybe we need a history club?
Anyone know how to contact her? I have some issues that need addressing but Istill have not received any information as to how to contact her or the location of an office.
Random Passage is one of the more memorable fish history books I can think of. (historical fiction)
The book "Who Killed the Grand Banks?" by Alex Rose is a recent account of the cod fishery. I think all Canadians should read it. The challenge is to support compassionate yet responsible decision making. Or at least understand and learn from our worst decisions.
Could probably put in a request through the City's 311 system by submitting the request online, calling 311 or 416-392-CITY. Calling might be easiest, as there doesn't seem to be a "broken bench in a park" category online.
I saw that bench last night too. Wondering what happened...it would take some serious force to uproot that. A vehicle maybe?
Where is the bench? Near Ruskin? Did Hydro knock it over? Any way who ever knows the location you just have to call 311 and they can take the details.
Alison
So both of you would love this song then: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lutuDgZvAk This is Damien Robitaille from La Fontaine Ontario. He loves geography, and music too!
Love this image of you at six! What a great peek into your reading life. You will have so much fun reading to/with your child, it's one of my favourite things about being a mom. My uncle once told me that he had a nighttime ritual with his daughter. She would spin the globe and wherever her finger landed, he would tell her a story about that place. Maybe the game could be modified for the local level as well?
Yeah, I haven't really been into fiction for a very long time. When I was young, I used to love reading Farley Mowat, the "Three Investigators" series, Hardy Boys....stuff like that. In highschool I took a liking to A Clockwork Orange, Brave New World, and 1984. But overall, I don't think I was ever a prolific fiction reader.
Local history, and any kind of geography were my favourites. I have strong memories of being six years old, and making peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and then sitting down to pour through the National Geographic World Atlas (and later North American Atlas) that my parents bought for me. Or sometimes just road and highway maps. Thinking back, that World Atlas is probably my favourite book of all-time. Are there other six-year-olds that love to read population statistics, follow road lines on maps, and imagine the futuristic growth patterns of a Census Metropolitan Area? (Yes, I had considered studying GIS, urban planning, or something else more geography-based instead of computers; who knows, I still might)
I also used to love reading the local history articles in the Hamilton Spectator. I wish I could remember the writer's name now, but he was pretty cool. He even helped me dig through some stuff for a school project once, when I was down at the Hamilton Public Library's main branch. I really got interested in reading about Hamilton's history, especially around the downtown core and places where I've lived. When I moved to Ottawa, it was the same thing. And now for Toronto... I enjoy a bit of Canadian history too, and bits and pieces of world history, but I think the local stuff interests me the most. Stories, photos, etc. of places that I can actually experience myself, or compare a long-lost era to the present.
I picture myself telling little bits of history to my son/daughter someday, and pointing out cool/interesting features wherever we are. I don't know if s/he will be as interested as I am, or maybe say, "Geeze dad, quit it with your old-man stories". :)
Photography books and online articles have also taken up my reading time over the last few years too.
Back to the topic of fiction: I usually find fiction is hard to get in to, because I feel like I need to devote large chunks of time to it. I have a harder time keeping focused when I can only read it in small chunks. But usually when I try to set aside some time to read, e.g. like in the evening before bed, I'm too tired to concentrate and I end up getting sleepy. :)
Update: Yesterday I finished reading Stroll, and today started reading Toronto Sketches 3, by Mike Filey.
Perth Dupont Library also has a book club. The latest book that they were doing was Methland. I just picked up the book The Help. Will let you know how it is. Pretty thick though, I will see if I can get through it.
Vic, these books seem very "you"! Interesting that both you and Joanna say you don't read as much fiction now. Is it because you feel you have less time to give over to something pretend? Or just because you enjoy gathering information on particular topics? And speaking of time -- guess you will have even less of it soon, when that baby makes an appearance. I know I myself don't read as much fiction now either. Or I should say I don't read as often as I used to for pure enjoyment. The books I pick up (whether fiction or non) almost always have to do with whatever I'm working on, so even the novels are a way of gathering information.
I'm reading a fabulous book right now, the third in a trilogy, though I haven't read the first two. It's called The Ghost Road, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ghost_Road by Pat Barker, about British soldiers in WW1. Gorgeously written, largely based on actual accounts.
I've heard about the Holy Oak book club, Joanna. What a great little place that seems. I'm curious that you say you can't get into fiction "recently." So you could before? I wonder about the switch....
Just a reminder that Dupont St. and the Railpath over Dupont are closed from 9PM to 6AM tonight.
we'll be there for sure tomorrow night!!
Holy Oak Cafe (just a stone's throw from JT) has a book club, which sounds interesting: http://www.openbooktoronto.com/news/holy_oak_book_club. They also have a facebook account for the club: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Holy-Oak-Book-Club/104474779583723. I've been meaning to look into joining, but more recently I just can't get into fiction. I'm coming to terms with being an information junky.... If anyone wants to set up a book club dedicated to management/leadership books or health/Dr. Oz type books, let me know.
The Portuguese and the Basques had been coming to the Grand Banks for a long long time before other Europeans figured it out. If you like that part of the story read:
"Cod: The Fish that Changed the World" by Mark Kurlansky (fun and breezy). He also wrote "The Basque History of the World: The Story of a Nation " which has some fascinating stories about fish and how the Basques were the first until the Portuguese caught on.
He also wrote "Salt: A world History" and one of my faves "The Big Oyster; History On The Half Shell". I have a prized autographed copy and Mark has a copy of my oyster doc. A fair trade.
"Here Fishy Fish" is a Monty Python reference and I will take any opportunity to squeak one in.
I don't read nearly as much as I'd like to. But I've been taking transit alot more lately, so I have more time to read. I don't really read very much fiction these days, and mostly end up just pouring through the news, some history, stuff about photography, etc... I'm currently reading:
Lately, I've also been browsing through other books like The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, and similar. :)
Just a reminder to everyone that Christmas lights featured in Richard Mongiat’s Rail of Light (link) Scotiabank Nuit Blanche display at the Wallace Bridge are now available to residents of the Junction Triangle for a minimum $10 donation to the Junction Triangle Rail Committee. The outdoor strings are white, blue or red, 17 feet in length, and contain 50 LED lights.
If you would like to light up the Triangle and help a really good cause, drop us a line at rail@junctiontriangle.ca with your name and telephone number and we’ll get you some lights. Proceeds go towards rail-related events in the Junction Triangle.
Campbell rink opened on Sat. Dec. 4. After much discussion among staff and members of the community, staff decided on these pleasure skating hours
Saturday 4-6pm skating and campfire
Sunday 1-3pm skating and campfire
Monday 3:30-5:30pm skating
We know there are people in the neighbourhood who think Campbell's schedule is weighted too much in favour of hockey. We take that opinion seriously and are open to adding more pleasure-skating hours, including possibly pleasure skating on one or more weekday evenings. What we do in the future will depend mostly on the turnout we get for the current hours. If you would like to comment on the schedule or the rink in general, please send an email to mail@campbellpark.ca Finally, I'd like to remind everyone that Wallace-Emerson, at Dufferin and Dupont, just south of the Galleria mall has all-day pleasure skating every day of the week.
have you tried the short ribs yet? awesomeness.
This place has great food! Definitely a perfect addition to the neighbourhood.
I've now had this two weeks in a row. I have to say that this is the best dinner deal in the Area, considering the beer on tap is Creemore or one of two Mill Street beers (Tankhouse or Organic, I think).