Pix of Toronto

Jack Layton: The Re-awakening

admin — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 19:27:26 +0000

The state funeral of Jack Layton in Toronto allowed people to come to terms with what they had – truly Bon Jack. Canadians had not a carpetbagger politician nor a Karl Rove wannabee – nor a blame game and media maestro/mistress as seen Due South; but rather a man constantly referring back to first principles and morals in these chimeral modern times. A rare commodity in politics. Thus Jack Layton represents a re-awakening of what to expect from politics and politicians. And his funeral in Toronto allowed people to see what was lost. You can see and read it in their chalked remarks left at Nathan Phillips square:

There is almost a bewilderment at what was lost in these words. Yes, some on the right, only saw a man playing to the plebes on how to rook the State[again echoes of Due South ultra-conservative sentiments]; but in general time will tell whether Canada embraces fair and moral or strange righteous elitism. Rue the day that a Champion of Principles was felled too soon.

Only time will tell if Jack`s passing was not just a political fancy.

Where in TO is Vicki’s House?

admin — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 19:24:03 +0000

I got to visit Vicki’s House yesterday and was blow away by the beauty to be found at her place:

Click on any image to see it enlarged

If you recognize Vicki’s House, send an identifying photo to ye Editor and win your choice of a Nikon Coolpix 950 or 8 web pages for your own website.

Roncesvalles Resurrected

admin — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:03:18 +0000

Roncesvalles Street in the West End stretching from just below Bloor to King Streets has had to endure more construction anguish via the TTC and the City then perhaps any other streets in Toronto with the possible exceptions of St.Clair West and Eglington Ave West. Ye Editor knows the Sheppard East and Parliament and Queeen east would beg to differ. But having endured 4++ years of totally disruptive TTC trolly track construction [twice] and City water pipe refittings, ye Editor can testify to the pluck of this largely Polish and East European neighborhood that has St Joeseph’s Hospital anchoring it in the South and Dundas Street and the Junction in the North.

Finally being able to walk on Rocesvalles with no construction barriers

The above is hardly a tourist shot for Roncesvalles, but it catches the relief of not having to pick yor way up and down the street – which is what pedestrian and shoppers have had to do for the past 2-3 years. No gates, walking boards with dug pits in the sidewalk, no one way traffic – up this week? After much agony the street and its merchants breath a sigh of relief.

Many Roncy vendors did not survive the economic downturn + street upheaval

The sad fact is that many favorite businesses and eateries just could not cope with the general economic decline in Ontario and Toronto plus the restricted access to their shops and places during the past 4 years. TTC construction followed by city water work uprooting followed by more TTC construction exacted its toll.

Roncy merchants had to resort to sidewalk sales when they could

If you had a business along Rocesvalles and survived the mugging from the city and TTC, you deserve a Medal of Resilience and Pluck. Many merchants resorted to sidewalk sales that linger even after the the “fixup”. As well the creative marketing and cross business deals help to stave the worst. Roncy was an MBA schooling in How to Survive in Business that will stand its merchants in good stead over the next decade or more.

The constant improvements

Another trick used by business was to constantly make small improvements to their stores and offerings. They were certainly aware of their customers needs and demands. That spirit continues to this day – with many renovations taking place now that the street is habitable.

Small Store Shopping

Another sustaining aspect of Roncesvalles is the European small store shopping ethic. No big mall stores or chains wreak temporary discounted havoc on the street. Quality and prsonal service helps to keep this in check. But also the European tradition of street shopping and service certainly helped Roncy survive. Take for example the many flower and grocery stores with flowers.

Every day, one can find great floral choices and displays on Roncesvalles

Ditto for fresh fruits and vegetables. And as for the Polish meats and sausages – schmeckt! One’s mouth just waters thinking of the meat shops on lower Roncesvalles.

So if you have been away due to the chaos, come down to Roncevalles again. The street is alive and thriving. Take the 204 King Streetcar South from Dundas Street West Subway stop. Or ride your bike. Its a great stroll during TheX.

Photo Contests in Canada

admin — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:27:21 +0000

Summer Photo Contests in Canada

This summer there are dozens of photo contests throughout Canada and the World. Our selections emphasize contests that are free for entry, have judging and not online votes as as the final arbitrer, and have some prizes for the winners. In addition, all of the contests post the winning photos [ and most post the top ten photos entered].

But most notable this year are contests specifically for kids. The Long Lunch Photo Contest has one prize devoted to youth between the ages of 10 nd 20 inclusive. And National Geographic has a contest which is for kids between the ages of 6 and 14 inclusive. So kids as photographers are being encouraged. finally, most of the contests allow for image editing using popular photo editing tools.

Summer 2011 Photo Contests – Ontario, Canada and Worldwide
Click here to get full info on contest details and prizes
Fireplaces and Furnaces Sponsor – Zone Life Furnaces Task: Indoor photography – show us a cozy scene using a fireplace or furnace	Toronto Tourist Attractions Sponsor – Boatel Task: Toronto sightseeing—submit the type of photo you’d like to see in a travel publication
Hair Style Sponsor – Donna Dolphy Task: Capture a beautiful, unique or iconic hairstyle and the main focus of your photograph.	Objects in Motion Sponsor – Allegro Freight Task: Capture an object (or person or animal) in motion; be sure your photograph illustrates which direction the movement is heading.
CBC Community Photo Contest – August Here are the general rules for the CBC photo contest: This month we want to see faces. Whether it’s a grandparent, a newborn, or a stranger on the street, CBC Community is looking for your best photographic portraits. They could be candid or carefully set up, but what we’re really looking for is expression and emotion. It’s up to you, the photographer, to capture your subject’s character for the world to see. Visit the CBC here for all the contest details
	National Geographic International Kids ContestKids from 1 to 14 years of age are eligible with their parents permission. The photos can be entered in 4 categories – humor, people, scenery, animals. The prizes include a trip to Costa Rica or Washington DC.See here for the photo contest details.

Classy Cars Blossom

admin — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 16:29:05 +0000

One of the attractions of the Apple Blossom Festival in Colborne ON is the reappearance like flower blossoms of the classic cars and trucks at the various Shows and Festivals throughout Ontario. And hidden in the valleys, farmyards, and cottages of South Eastern Ontario are some real beauties. Here is a favorite a look back to foggy memories of my Dad’s 1950′s era Mercury sedan. It is truly a foggy memory because this classic has been prepped and primed with a lot of “beauty touches”:

Ahh the smooth moving Mercury

Here is the full range of cars and trucks, quite a lot of the latter, to be seen at the Apple Blossom Tyme Festival:

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Ye editor, did not see the announcement of the Winners in the Show, so you will have to be contented with my own personal favorite:

Now ye Editor can just imagine himself percolating down the street in this very fine Yellow Chevy Pickup…..

Lilac Festival

admin — Fri, 27 May 2011 17:19:58 +0000

Blooms mean spring and Eastern Ontario’s Lilac Festival is a celebration of the Blooms of Spring. And if you missed the Lilac festival, the upcoming Apple Blossom Tyme Festival in Coborne is more than worthy as a Spring time outing of family fun and shopping for Antiques, Art, or just kids fun. And the flower blossoms, despite the cool and rainy weather, were finally out in full tulipean and daffodillian force.

But along with the Spring blooms the city is ready. The houses have been spruced up, the trees trimmed, the kids playing summer sports and the flowers as noted – finally blooming.
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The Warkworth Lilac Festival has two nifty ideas. First, celebrate Spring with the appearance of the Lilac blooms – especially on a wonderful creek side trail that wanders for 2 kms along the winding river path and is planted with over 3 dozen beds replete with various Lilac bushes. Second, along that trail have several events including an flower walk +talk plus an eventide song chorus. The Millenium Lilac Trail is a wonderful walk in the park at all times of the year; but especially in the Spring.

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But the Lilac Festival celebrates more than Spring. There is a gardening show with a talk by Mark Cullen and fun for the kids with Buskers and a BMX demonstartion. But ye Editors personal favorite is the Art Show upstream in the riverside park along Main street. Local artist have their works on display including some great wood craft.

Hamilton Woodworks provides some smooth wood lathings
This year the art works were quite provocative with a few rather colorful stylings to say the least:
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Bikes and Cars on Show

Fascination with motorbikes and classic cars runs pretty strongly in ye Editor’s family. And based on the turnout of Bikers and Classic car admirers, the Lilac Festival tapped into a fairly broad interest. The Classic Cars at the fairgrounds had a fifties turn that reminded one of a first car that rode like a smoothee and should never have been sold. And the bikers turned out on Main street with the Durham Divas, a womanly woman group of very genial bikers riding some very fine cycles. And the slide show below has proof positive of the cycle of classic delights to be found at the Festival.

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Summary

The Lilac Festival has a very accessible mix of kids fun and adult gardening and art crafts to serve the Victoria Day weekend well. Locals got to discover a wonderful walk/running trail riverside while visitors found a number of delights including the warm sunshine, flowers in bloom, special events, plus crafts for sale both at the Art Show and Warkworth’s downtown shops to make for an engrossing days outing.

Canadian Photo Contests

admin — Tue, 17 May 2011 05:24:12 +0000

Spring is my favorite time of year because Nature’s colors are a rare delicate and pastel hue. In short it is a season to imbibe and enjoy as a new cycle of vernal sounds, fragrances and colors cover the landscape. And if ye Editor is not mistaken, there is an invigoration in step and mood throughout the countryside. In short, Spring is prime picture taking time. And this year there are more opportunities to share those pictures by way of photo contests.

Canadian Photo Contests

A camera club buddy is very fond of the Canadian Geographic Societies free Photo Club – and ye Editor can see why. They have weekly contests called Shoot This as well as special annual prize-winning contests. Here is a sample of the weekly contest winning photos for the last two weeks:

Shoot This – Bicycles

For Shades of Blue – Bubbles

Here are some additional photocontests that may be of interest including two sponsored by PixofCanada. As well Lenzr.com has a number of ongoing photo contests that have prizes associated with them. The categories are off beat and often quite specific. But the prizes are nifty and the photo contests are easy to enter, photo copyrights are protected by the Creative Commons License, and you can enter multiple times if you want. Finally we have found some additional contests occurring this Spring which may catch your fancy.

sponsor – Clip Click Deals printable couponsPrize: $500 in groceries from your favorite food store	sponsor – Kingspan Insulated Metal Panels Prize: Sony Cyber-shot® H70 Digital Camera, very nice
sponsor – Muskoka Cottage Online Prize: Sony Cyber-shot® H70 Digital Camera	sponsor – ToughRoof commercial roofers Prize: Sony Cyber-shot® H70 Digital Camera
Warkworth Maple Syrup Festival concluded April 15th, 2011	Colborne ON Apple Blossom Tyme Fest – May 27-29thPrizes: Nikon Compact Camera, Photoshop Book
sponsor -Canada’s History Magazine- July 25, 2011 closing datePrize: 8 day adventure in Labrador and Greenland	sponsor -City of Toronto, Doors Open – May 28, 29Prizes: TBA

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What is neat about a Lenzr Photo Contest is that not only are there gobs of photo competitions but also the many categories actually stimulate some crazy creative image ideas. So they are fun and there are some great prizes to be had. The other photo contests are more location specific, you must attend the event or have visited the site.

Summary
As a photo buff, Ye PixofCanada editor certainly enjoys the prospect of getting some Spring time pictures for photo contests. In summer and Fall there will be more photo contest so readers will be kept posted. In the meantime try some of these contests or let us know of your own favorites in the comments below.

Apple Blossom Tyme Festival – May 27-29th

admin — Mon, 16 May 2011 12:22:18 +0000

For over 20 years Colborne Ontario takes advantage of its location next to Lake Ontario in prime Apple country and presents the Apple Blossom Tyme Festival indicating thefull start of Spring. Okay, May 27th-29th is not the official start of Spring, Planting on farms is passing full swing as is the trimming and prepping of fruit trees. Now Nature and the Bees Business awaits flowering and pollination – perfect time for a fest to launch into Spring with a festival geared for fun for the whole family. But most important of all, Spring flowers and blossoms are in full beauty and bloom.


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And the Apple Blossom Tyme Festival does not disappoint with three days crammed full of activities and events to please the whole family. For the kids, there are the carnival rides and games, a live owl exhibition, soap box derby in 3 age groups, a spelling bee also in 3 age groups, kids tractor pull, Irish road bowling contest, and firefighter challenge contest among others. For the family, there are the Cramahe Heritage Walks, the Beautiful Baby contests, the classic car shine and show, and the vintage tractor show and contests. For art lovers, there are the Art Studio tour, the Twindmill Antiques Shows, Salem Quilters Comfort display, the Crossroad exhibition at the Colborne Art Gallery, the Hoselton Scupture Tour and Sale, and more.

And the Apple Blossom festival is easy to get to. If you coming from Mississauga or the Toronto GTA its about 135km and less for those starting in Whitby, Oshawa, Peterborough, and Lindsay. The 401 is the fastest way – take the 497 exit for Colborne at the Big Apple turn-off and just follow the road 3kms into town and the Festival. For those wanting to see the Apple Blossoms coming from Toronto and West, turn off at Cobourg and take Highway 2 for the last 30 kms to Colborne through farm and Apple country to Colborne.

In the evenings there are concerts and dining starting with the DJ Dance Party at the Keeler Center at 8:00PM to 1:00AM on Friday [$10 tickets at the door] , the Apple Blossom Tyme Legion Dinner from 4:30 to 6:00PM on Saturday at the Royal Canadian Legion Center, and the Paul MacDonald Concert at 7:00PM Saturday at the Colborne Art Gallery[$20 tickets with a silent auction after the concert of donated art works].

Events that occur on one day only are highlighted below:

Events on Saturday May 28th only
Antique Tool exhibition – 9:00AM 4:00PM	Tractor Show and Races – 9:00AM to 3:30PM Slow Tractor Race, Pop Can Race, and Tractor Parade with commentary throughout the day.
5 Apple Blossom Baby Contests – 8:30 to 10:AM	Holcim Ogden Quarry Tours – 10:00AM to 3:00PM
3 Spelling Bee Contests – starting at 10:00AM Prizes of $150-1st, $75-2nd, $50-3rd for all 3 contests If you are like me the annual Spelling Bee and Geography + History Quiz were very important dates every year. School and family traditions rested on being a beeutifull speller. But the only prize was a small certificate of ranking not the big bucks available to Apple Blossom Spelling Bee-ers.	What is Irish Road Bowling? It is an ancient sport, dating back to very early times, that has been played in Ireland for years! Teams bowl “Bullets” underhand through a designated obstacle course approximately 3 miles (on the roadway). The first team to the finish line with the least amount of “Bowls” wins! This is a family friendly event. New – Kids Pedal Tractor Pull – 11:30 AM
Live Exhibition of Native Owls – 12 Noon	SoapBox Derby, 3 Divisions – 12:30PM
Comfort Quilt Show – 10:00AM to 4:00PM	Big Apple Pie Eating Contest – 3:00PM, Juniors and Seniors
Events on Sunday May 29th Only
Classic Car Shine and Show Contests – 9:00AM to 3:30PM	Ecumenical Worship Service – 11:00AM
TwindMills Market Antiques Extravaganza – 9:AM to 4PM	Closing Day – 3:30PM Award Presentations 50-50 Draw

As one can see the Apple Blossom Tyme Festival is full of fun for the whole family. Click on any image above to get further details. Also here are additional information resources:
Driving Instructions and Map
Events Schedule for the Festival
Map of Colborne with Event Locations
Forms for contests like Soap Box Derby
Apple Blossom Tyme Festival Website

Warkworth Lilac Festival

admin — Sat, 14 May 2011 17:19:13 +0000

Looking for a country outing this Victoria Day weekend? Consider the Warkworth Lilac Festival – three days of events in Northumberland county with lots to do. The Lilac Festival starts with a Friday evening of Sizzling Jazz featuring Chelsea Bennet and Beverly Taft – $20 at 7:45PM. Saturday follows with the Lilac Classic Car Show from 10AM to 4:PM at the Warkworth Arena. Take noontime off for a presentation by Mark Cullen featuring a Garden Talk – $20 at St. Andrews Presbyterian.Cap off the day with the Rock & Roll Cadillac Dance at the Warkworth Arena – $25, 8:30PM.

On Sunday May 22nd there is a free BMX demonstration, Up Up and Away, at the Warkworth Arena at 12 noon. That evening, there is Into the Night, the Lilac Festival Evening Walk featuring musical interludes from the WestBen Musical Chorus – $20 at 7:30PM. See the website for all the details.

Doors Open Toronto 2011- May 28th, 29th

admin — Fri, 06 May 2011 21:24:47 +0000

If you are architecturally inclined, city history interested and a budding photography buff, then Open Doors is the pace to be this Spring for the weekend of May 28th and 29th . The city has managed to pry open the doors to vital historical, business, and religious building and sites in and around Toronto. Many are in the core where people shop, play, pray and work.

And this year the theme is Photography. The city is promisng a photo contest [check here for details on May 16th]so all you clickers – make sure you have your cameras ready to go and places to visit in plan because there are nearly 150 place Opening their Doors this year. Actually it really pays to check the schedule here because not all of the sites are open both days and closing time is 5:00PM but many building close their doors to new visitors an hour or more before 5:00PM.

With photography the topic, camera buffs should be able to find some great shooting opportunities. Here is a sampler of what was found on previous years Open Door treks:

The Grange in Spring Time offers great views both inside and out.

St. Paul’s on Bloor Street was one of the highlights of Sacred Places tour 3 years ago

In sum, Doors Open provides an opportunity to visit places you have always wondered what they were like on the inside. This year a photo contest adds a bit more fun for photographers everywhere.