ILSC T.O. English through Journalism Live Blog

Get breast out ?

2011-07-28T17:08:00.003-04:00

My first experience in Toronto was the Gay Pride Parade on Sunday 3rd of July, under a blazing sun. Other than the fact that I was completely subjugated by the architecture which is really different from European cities, I noted that people were absolutely not afraid to be semi-naked in the street. In general confusion and effusion of joy, I saw a topless woman. Looking around me, I saw that people were not shocked : no one looked at her askance. There were no improprer comments, no chiding remarks. This image was playing on my mind for a moment. I remember the French Gay Pride Parade (in the same weather condition), and I suddenly saw the difference : people were at least wearing underwear, generally only bikinis for women, but topless or naked ? Never.

What the law says
In France, the country I'm from, the law about nudity in public is really confusing. Until 1994, it was called "attempt on decency" and it concerns exposures of the body and sexual acts in public. It was, because part of the Imperial Penal Code of 1810 introduced by Napoléon Bonaparte, really strict. In 1994, this really obsolete law fortunately changed. The name changed too...
The new penal code called this "a law against sexual exhibition", which was concerned with "active acts" (masturbation and sexual relations in public) and passive acts, and here the problems began. The passive act is discribe as nudity in relation to sex imposed on the public. But, for a representative of law, it could mean everything. In France, if a policeman decides your behaviour is against the decency law, like walking topless on the street under 40°C, you can be arrested. It's a kind of personal undemocratic judgment.
In Ontario, since 1991, being topless in the street is legal, thanks to the Gwen Jacob case.

Wroting this article, I'm expressing an opinion. The most important question reflecting on nudity, and particulary topless behaviour, is why the sight of breasts is shocking ? Why is nudity, and especially women's nudity, immediately considered shch that "sexual agression " ?
The problem grew, and reached exessive proportions, breastfeeding became embarassing and mothers have to cover their babies. The problem is that breast are hidden because they are designated as a sexual part of the woman's body, and the girls are told for years and years to "never shock. Always be beautiful and innocent little dolls". Girls have became Lolitas.
By not providing a sexual education, female body and sex has become taboo. A lot of problems result from this taboo. The mytification of sexual acts, for example, make young people afraid of it. They dare not talk about sexuality, and in consequence they are ashamed to talk about protection, like the necessity of contraception. Everyone remembers the embarassment of asking how to use a condom. Hiding sexual relations is to not completely accept sexual relations are natural, and not just procreation.
Obviously, religion has a certain influence on people's behaviour .
Talking about sex could relax people and allowed them to know what they want to know (and need to know) about sexuality without embarassment. Maybe desexualizing women's bodies could promote respect and perhaps reduce real sexual agression.

Moral are changing, notably thaks to the TopFree Movement, and the demands of naturalist activists. But I think it'll be a long time till we see a "freebody" era.

Toronto is Boring vs Toronto Kicks Ass

2011-07-04T10:08:00.001-04:00

Have you ever had the feeling that there is nothing to do in Toronto? Forget it! Now the summer is about to bring beautiful weather and high temperatures. There will also be events such as festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and parades! It’s the best time of the year to enjoy the city!

JUNE

May 30th – June 30th
Toronto Bike Month
This Month is dedicated to cyclists so it’s the perfect time to take out your bike or rent one and to enjoy the scenery! It’s the best way to explore all the locations that you’ve never seen in Toronto. Here you can find some suggestions:
http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2011/06/toronto_bike_month_2011/

June 10th – 19th
Luminato Festival of Arts & Creativity
For 10 days in June, Toronto’s streets and public spaces are illuminated with art and creativity. Luminato is an annual multi-disciplinary celebration of theatre, dance, music, literature, food, visual arts, fashion, film, and more. Here’s the theatre and dance program:
http://www.luminato.com/media/10

June 17th – 18th
Toronto Pro Supershow
The largest expo of extreme sports in Canada! A showcase of everything fitness. Demonstrations, shows and seminars will be shown. The prices vary between $10 - $30. It depends if you want to see just the Expo or if you want to go to the Combative Sports Area.
Location: Toronto Metro Convention Centre (255 Front Street West)
http://www.torontoprosupershow.com/

June 17th – 19th
Taste of Little Italy
If you like Italian food, this event is for you! This little market offers the opportunity to explore all the different restaurants, shops and boutiques. Toronto will create its own piazza to celebrate all that Little Italy has to offer.
Location: College Street between Bathurst and Shaw
http://www.tasteoflittleitaly.ca/

June 19th – 25th
Ontario Craft Beer Week
For the second time, Ontario Craft Beer celebrates Ontario’s locally-based craft beer industry. For one week, a lot of bars and restaurants will throw parties.
Location: various places
http://www.ontariocraftbrewers.com/craftbeerweek/events2011.php?r=Toronto

June 24th – July 3rd
Pride Festival
Pride Week in Toronto is one of the largest in the world. For 10 days, the Pride Festival reveals the vast diversity in sexual and gender identities, histories, cultures, families, friends and lives.
Location: Church-Wellesley Village & Downtown Core
http://www.pridetoronto.com/

June 24th – July 3rd
TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival
This festival is not only about enjoying the style of music, but guaranteeing that it continues to be developed and appreciated. By the way, the festival will kick off with a free concert by Aretha Franklin.
Location: various places
http://torontojazz.com/

June 30th – July 3rd
Toronto Ribfest
The Toronto Ribfest attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year. The fest has live music, beer tents, and arts & crafts shows. For Canada Day (July 1st), there will be fireworks at approximately 10pm.
Location: Centennial Park / Etobicoke
http://www.torontoribfest.com/

JULY

July 1st
Let’s celebrate Canada’s 144th birthday with parades, barbecues and exceptional fireworks! You can also watch performances by Canadian musicians. The festivities begin at 5pm and the entrance is free!
Location: Mel Lastman Square ( http://maps.google.com.br/maps?hl=pt-BR&q=mel%20lastman )

July 1st, 2nd, 3rd
CHIN Picnic
CHIN Picnic is the largest free multicultural picnic in the world. Some activities are bikini modelling contests, international music, interactive soccer clinics, hockey exhibitions, and a grand prix cycling race.
Location: Exhibition Place
http://chinradio.com/

July 2nd
Harbourtfront Freeze
If you happen to be at the Harbourtfront Centre and nobody is moving, it’s normal! The idea is to be frozen in place for 5 minutes and then return to what you were doing! Here you can see a video of a similar event in New York:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwMj3PJDxuo

July 2nd & 3rd
On the Pulse Festival
Music, theatre, film, and dance. The audience can, of course, see the festival but also judge the performance of the candidates.
Location: Harbourfront Centre
http://media.harbourfrontcentre.com/mediaDisplay.php?id=944

July 6th – 17th
The Fringe Toronto’s Theatre Festival
The event all theatrical amateurs have been waiting for. Each July, more than 60,000 people attend over 150 theatre productions. The festival includes a Fringe Club with free nightly music, a beer tent and food services at great local restaurants. The winning play is staged on the last day of the festival.
Location: various places
http://www.fringetoronto.com/

July 8th – 10th
Honda Indy Toronto
3 days of world-class auto racing, motorcycle demonstrations and vintage car racing. Usually, in this kind of event, the prices are really not affordable, but this year, the Friday July 8 is FREE!!! So don’t hesitate!
Location: Exhibition Place
http://hondaindytoronto.com/

July 8th – 10th
Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition (TOAE)
This event serves to exhibit over 300 artists every year for the last 50 years. The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition is a charity event supported by a group of volunteer workers (even some students of ILSC Toronto). So let’s celebrate the 50th birthday of the TOAE and see all the art of Toronto for free!
Location: Nathan Phillips Square
http://www.torontooutdoorart.org/

July 8th – 24th
Summerlicious
Provides locals and tourists the chance to discover over 150 restaurants at the most affordable prices. Here you will find the list of the participants:
http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/restaurants.nsf/Summerlicious?Openform
Location: various places

July 10th – August 21st
Sunday Serenade
Runs every Sunday from 7:30pm - 9:00 pm. You have the opportunity to enjoy the warm summer evening by listening to the best jazz, swing and big-band acts of Toronto. The entrance is free.
Location: Mel Lastman Square

July 13th – August 31st
Fresh Wednesdays
Local farmers offer an array of fresh and ripe fruits and vegetables to savour. At the same time, you can enjoy the finest Canadian music when you shop from 8:00am – 2:00 pm and, of course, it’s free admission.
Location: Nathan Phillips Square

July 14th – September 1st
Tasty Thursdays
A combination of food hot off the grill and live music is included in Tasty Thursdays. Each week, a variety of restaurants bring international cuisine for $5 or less from 11:00am – 2:00pm.
Location: Nathan Phillips Square

July 14th – August 12th
Caribana
This festival, lasting 6 weeks, promises to offer a spectacle full of excitement! The event starts with the Scotiabank Caribana Official Festival Launch, where there will be live music and an array of Caribean Food (Jamaican, Trinidadian, and Cuban). On the 30th, the famous Caribana Parade, which moves along the streets of Exhibition Place and parts of Lakeshore Blvd, will be celebrated. And to complete the Festival, you can join a lot of parties where you will hear the sounds of reggae, soca, calypso and other sultry beats!
http://www.caribanatoronto.com/home

July 15th – 24th
Beaches International Jazz Festival
For 10 days, international and local jazz sensations will take part in the Beaches International Jazz Festival. The location is perfect to have a good time drinking your beverage and hearing the sounds of jazz in the Beaches and for free!
Location: The Beaches (East Toronto)
http://www.beachesjazz.com/

July 21st – July 24th
Frugal Fashion Week
Created to build relationships between shoppers and local retailers and designers. The week is focused on supporting local fashion.
http://www.frugalfashionweek.com/ffw2011main.htm

CONCERT

Concerts are occasions to see the performances of your favourite singers or bands and to have a great time with your friends! Here you can find a website with the list of all the concerts that will be given this summer:
www.muchmusic.com

Toronto, Canada and Beyond

2011-07-04T10:08:00.000-04:00

Toronto, Canada and Beyond

By Rabaa Saleh Abdulrahman

Coming to Toronto is one big adventure. While staying here, you will be able to see different summer festivals. Even if you decide to come in the winter, you can enjoy the Canadian skiing experience all over the country. There’s a variety of activities you can enjoy during the weekdays and weekends too. Once June starts, Canada’s Wonderland opens its doors to visitors, activities on Toronto Island start, and Dundas Square will be full of people.

Starting in July, every weekend will be dedicated to one country, and Dundas Square will host one big event for each. Many countries start competing to represent their cultures, music, food and traditional clothes.
But what if you are not interested in such things, or you feel like a change of scenery? In this case, I can say pack your bag, count your money, and get ready to go far beyond Toronto’s city limits.

Here are some ideas:

1- Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Park is one of the most famous places in Ontario. It’s located two hours drive north of Toronto. The park is located in a transitional zone between two types of forests with a diversity of plants and animal life. During your stay, you can go camping, hiking, and canoeing.

Also, Muskoka is located to the east of the park, and according to the [National Geographic Traveler website] , it is ranked as number one in the “10 Best Trips of Summer”.
To go to Muskoka you will have to arrange your own transportation, but if you decide to go to Algonquin Park itself, you have the choice of driving or renting a cabin for a couple days, or you can go with ISX for one day, which costs $80. For more details check ISX.ca .

2- New York City.

If you come to Toronto and you have a US visa, New York City is a must-see! Many students in ILSC Toronto center are already planning to visit the ‘Big Apple’.
Astrid, an ILSC student, describes New York as an amazing place with different sights such as Times Square and the Rockefeller Center. But when I asked her to compare it to Toronto, she said, “It’s not as safe as Toronto, and people are not as nice.” So readers, be careful when you talk to New Yorkers!

However, if you decide to visit the USA and you do not have a visa, you can use [the Visa Waiver program (VWP)] . According to travel.state.gov, “VWP enables nationals of 36 participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business (visitor [B] visa purposes only) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa” .

Some of these countries are Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

3. Vancouver

It might be costly, but it is worth it. Once you go there and see the beauty of the mountains on one side and the sea on the other side, you will know that you spent your money on the right place. According to Ahmed, a student who has visited the city, “Vancouver is much smaller than Toronto, but the best thing there is that they care about nature. When you go there, you will see public transportation running on electricity.

However, the percentage of people driving luxury and sports cars there is much higher than Toronto. One of the best things is that the wild animals are friendlier than in Toronto. For instance, you can go near raccoons there without being afraid of them attacking you.”

If you decide to fly there, try to book your flight as early as you can to make sure you get the cheapest price. The usual cost of the round trip is between $900 to $1900 depending on the season, the airline, and the date.

4. Montreal

Montreal is one of the most beautiful cities in Quebec. Once you go there, you will notice a different life style than Toronto. You cannot ignore the fact that people will start to speak to you in French instead of English. The lifestyle of Montreal is good for those who like the nightlife. Montreal is famous for its nightclubs so do not forget to check one out before you go back to Toronto. Other beautiful things about this city are its coffee shops and its architecture. Most of the buildings there are old.

In general, this trip is suitable for those who want to relax, enjoy the day by walking around the city and enjoying the beautiful views of the old buildings there. Oh, and don’t forget the nightlife!

Why Tuesday is Movie Day

2011-07-04T10:07:00.001-04:00

Why Tuesday is Movie Day

By Amelia Fayad
More than 100 years ago, two brothers in France began to create moving pictures and now that invention is known all around the world. Almost every country has a special day to go to the movies; Lady's Day, Popular Monday, Family Sunday, etc.
In Toronto, Tuesday is Movie Day: everybody can enjoy a film for half the usual price of the ticket.

"Let's go to the movies" is a popular phrase that we have said at least once in our lives, but here we are: new city, new language, new everything. If you want to go with your ILSC friends to the movies, it is a good opportunity to practice your English and learn new vocabulary. This city has a lot of cinemas to choose from and if you are like me, always getting lost without a map, here is a list of the cinemas closest to ILSC Toronto.

Cumberland Four - Alliance Cinemas
159 Cumberland Street
Toronto
ON, M5R 1A2
TELUS TUE 1/2 Price Movie Combo: $11.99 (ticket + popcorn and regular fountain drink)

Rainbow Cinemas Market Square
80 Front Street E. at Jarvis
Toronto
ON, M5E 1T4

Tuesday: $5.00
Carlton Cinema
20 Carlton Street at Yonge
Toronto
ON, M5B 2H5
Tuesday: $5.00

Bloor Cinema*
506 Bloor Street West
Toronto
ON, M5S 1Y3
Tuesday: $7.00

Cineplex Odeon Varsity and VIP Cinemas
55 Bloor Street West
Toronto
ON, M4W 1A5
Tuesday: $12.75

Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
259 Richmond Street West
Toronto
ON, M5V 3M6
Tuesday: $8.50
Tuesday 3D: $11.50
Tuesday IMAX: $14.50

For more information, visit www.cineplex.com
*Bloor Cinema closing June 30th for renovations

ILSC's One-language Policy: How Do You Feel about It?

2011-07-04T10:07:00.000-04:00

Contributed by Shaikhah Alyalak & Preeyaphat Sriamontham, Journalism students, ILSC-Toronto.

สวัสดี สบายดีมั้ย. السلام عليكم. كيف الحال؟ Bonjour! Ça va? Hola. ¿Cómo estás?
こんにちは、お元気ですか？안녕하세요, 잘 지내? Oi, como vai você?

STOP!!!

English Only, please!

Students from all over the world come to ILSC to learn English as a second language. Roughly every month, a variety of nationalities arrive for this same purpose. They are different in every possible way: in the way they dress, express themselves, and interact with each other, yet they are the same in one thing only, which is speaking the English language. The policy of speaking English only is of great value to ILSC students, although some students may feel restricted or frustrated by this rule.

But surely, being put in this language-restricted environment is absolutely helpful. Not only does it make them improve their English, but it also takes advantage of being exposed to different cultures. By communicating with each other, students will have improved both their verbal abilities as well as knowledge of different cultures.

Here are some of the students’ responses about the English-only policy; we interviewed a range of nationalities, representative of students at ILSC (Toronto):

A young man from Japan proclaimed that he speaks English almost all the time and thinks that the policy is very good and helpful. It helps improve his English as he thinks that speaking English inside the classroom is as important as it is outside it.

A Korean speaker said that she speaks English all the time and she loves the policy and says that she has paid money to improve her English, and the policy has made it easier for her to be in a language-oriented environment.

Another student from Switzerland, who speaks Swiss French, told us that she has spent a lot of money to take classes at ILSC though she sometimes uses her own language. Because she doesn’t know how to express herself exactly using specific vocabulary in English, she sometimes uses words from her own language.

Another girl from Thailand (obviously everyone is afraid to have their name posted even though we promised not to report them!) said that she is so sad because she sometimes uses her own language when talking with friends from the same country. She does think that the policy pushes her to improve her English and also said that she hasn’t been caught speaking her own language. “I hope I won’t be caught,” she admits, “but I’m trying my best to keep using English only all the time with my friends from either my country or other countries for the sake of improving my English.”

A Spanish speaker confessed that she doesn’t follow the policy all the time, and she has been given a yellow card once for breaking it. Yet, she thinks that the policy is helpful as it pushes her and other students to practice English at school. She tries her best now not to be given another card for breaking the policy as she hopes her English will be improved by “being forced” to practice.

One student from Saudi Arabia (Arabic language speaker) said that he used to follow the rule when he first arrived, and he used to feel frustrated when hearing a language other than English. After spending one year at ILSC, he stopped speaking English with students who speak the same language as him though he hasn’t been given a yellow or a red card yet. He claimed that he used to feel guilty when speaking Arabic with Arabic-speaking students just for the sake of other students who always wish to hear English.

Last but not least, a Portuguese speaker said that 90% of his time at ILSC is spent speaking English. Although he sometimes uses his own language with friends from the same country, he thinks that the rule is perfect as he always needs to improve his English language. He also applies this outside the school. By doing so, he thinks that his English has already improved.

ILSC Toronto intends to step up its enforcement of the English-only Policy, so look out! If you’re caught speaking a language other than English on ILSC premises, you will get a yellow card, which is entered into the computer system as a warning. Subsequent cards are red and will cost you time from classes: the more you get, the more classes you will be excluded from.

White cards, on the other hand, are issued to students who consistently observe the policy. If you get one, you will be entered into a lottery to win a prize.

iDollar$: Globalization vs Culture on your MP3 player

2011-06-16T13:59:00.000-04:00

By/Shaikhah Alyalak, Journalism student, ILSC-Toronto.

What kind of music do you like to listen to? Are you a fan of singers of your own country? Do you listen to Western music? Do you care about the lyrics or the rhythm and melody? What are some famous singers of your own country? Do some of these singers adopt a Western style of music or singing?

When Justin ran his fingers through his bangs, brushed them off his face and sang some magical words, “I know you love me, I know you care, you say whenever, and I’ll be there!” teenagers from all over the world went CRAZY.

Although people listen to music from their own country, they seem more attached to the modern western music. BIG TIME! Some of these songs are undeniably amazing. Some songs from the sixties till the eighties are immortal: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Michael Jackson, and many others created some great songs.

The classical music of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and others are considered tasteful, and are undoubtedly memorable and timeless. But, why do we like to listen to songs that have degenerated to clichés and still give them increasing attention?! Besides, what happened to every country’s traditional songs?

Music used to reflect each country’s culture and identity; the sense of having a distinct individuality in music is lost if people stop listening to their own culture’s music. Useless and meaningless songs are preferred over meaningful cultural songs that reflect their societies’ situations. What happened to the lyrics? Why are they sabotaged to be meaningless ones that urge their listeners to care more about the melody?

Some of the students I interviewed proclaimed that sometimes songs’ lyrics run through their heads and that they are only moved by good music. It seems that if the lyrics are lousy, but the music rocks then the songs are perfect! What makes a lousy song anyway?!

I was glad when Naoko, a girl from Japan, told me that pure Japanese music is her favorite. She said that some Japanese singers adopt a modern style in singing and that western music is popular in her country. Globalization in music has no doubt spread widely. And that is because people are fond of modern western music and constantly like to listen to it. In Turkey, some singers also adopt a modern style in singing, and many western singers such as Lady Gaga are widely listened to.

This also applies to Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia? Where horrible stereotypes and references to camels and deserts exist? YES! Some singers of Saudi Arabia adopt an utterly western style.

Singers like Qusai, SlowMoe, Tim Granite and many others are known for singing in English. I have to say that some of their songs are informative, and morally elevate their listeners’ ways of thinking, but why do they have to be westernized? Why not sing the same words in Arabic and why not add that Arabic sense to them?

It is noticeable that the youth in every country are becoming “addicted” to the modern western style. It simply appeals to them, and the new generation is becoming fonder of them over time. For this reason, singers want to emulate it to earn more money, and singing these kinds of music can do this.

This seems to be unavoidable. So, turn on the radio, wherever you are now, I bet that you’ll get an English song or a modern westernized one!

Here is a sample of music that people I interviewed listen to, both modern and traditional:

Colombia: Modern | Traditional

Korea (South): Modern | Traditional

Saudi Arabia: Modern | Traditional

Thailand: Modern | Traditional

Venezuela: Modern | Traditional

What music from your country do you listen to?

Grrr 20, Reasons to be Angry

2010-06-17T10:22:00.007-04:00

By Natalia Pizarro

Probably everyone has seen one or two of these posters and flyers in the streets, but most people don't know what they really mean. These groups and communities have a lot of reasons to be angry, and they have a long list of demands. We searched for some information about it, and we found four main reasons why these people are protesting.

1. The G20 Summit costs lots of money: This is the best known reason. In just two days, the controversial summit will spend around 2 billion dollars, drawn directly from Canada's bank account.

2. The G20 Summit makes decisions about military issues: The Canadian Peace Alliance said that G20 countries are responsible for more than 85% of global military spending and 95% of global arms production. That's why protesters say that the G20 proliferates war.

3. The G20 decides the policies of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund: Many are angry because these institutions provide loans to the Global South with conditions attached that force these countries to limit spending on health and education and produce cheap export goods for the Global North.

4. The G20 leaders make important decisions without asking people, although participation in the meetings is reserved for members only. The public will be informed about what was discussed, but they won't be able to participate.

These are the main ideas why people are protest, and there are a lots of demands that born from these points: housing for all, justice for migrants and stopping the militarization of communities are some examples. Sumarizing, protesters are demanding everything from global economic policies to local issues, like having free and accesible transit in Toronto.

What is the G20?

2010-06-16T10:40:00.005-04:00

by Hae In Kim

The G20 (The Group of Twenty) is the forum for international economic development that promotes open and constructive discussion between countries on important issues related to global economic stability. It helps to support growth and development across the globe. The G20 was created as a response to the financial crises of the late 1990s. Many world leaders felt that they were not being included in economic discussions. The 20 countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Republic of Korea, Turkey, The United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

We interviewed some students from ILSC about what they knew of the G20, and they gave a variety of answers. Some people don't know what it was, and one person knew about it in detail. Here are a couple of interviews showing very different levels of awareness.

Q:    Do you know what the G20 is?
A:    No. I don't know.
Q:    Please, guess what it is!
A:    Is it a Canadian holiday? A store? A street?

Q:    Do you know what the G20 is?
A:   Yes, but not in detail. The G20 is when [the leaders of] 20 countries gather in one place and they talk about a how to lead the world.
Q:    Do you know where it is being held this summer?
A:    Toronto.
Q:    How do you feel about that?
A:    My country Korea is part of the G20. It's very exciting.

Some agreed with the G20, but others disagreed. Those who agreed with it thought that the leaders would discuss improving world economics. However, the people who disagreed with the summit thought that it would only focus on economics, and have no interest in developing countries and the environment, and that the G20 considers economics and business as the most important things.

Discussing the world's economics is very important, but we have to consider other things like the environment or welfare. At the fifth summit, which will be held in South Korea, they will extend to topics such as climate change, energy security, and food support.

The history of The G20

The first summit / 11.15. 2008

Washington D.C , The United States

The second summit / 4.2. 2009

London, The United Kingdom

The third summit / 9.24~25. 2009

Pittsburgh, The United States

The fourth summit / 6.26~27. 2010

Toronto, Canada

The fifth summit / 11.11~12. 2010

Seoul, Korea

Summer movies 2010 preview: We recommend, you decide!

2010-06-15T12:41:00.003-04:00

By Carolina Gonzalez

What it is exactly that will keep movie fans’ attention throughout the long summer months is anyone’s guess. All we can say is that Hollywood is planning to show us all the movies that we have been waiting for:

Toy Story 3, 3-D (June 18, 2010)

Toy Story 3 Official Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_FfHA5whXc

Andy’s toys face new trials when they’re dumped in a daycare centre. According to the New York Times, Toy Story 3 is “such a good film. It has the laughs, magic and best of all the entertainment”…”that this is one of the best trilogies of all time. Number 1 is The Lord of the Rings”.

Twilight 3 Eclipse (June 30, 2010)

Twilight 3 Eclipse Official Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CScK6D3KROM

Barely 7 months later comes this next installment that sees Bella choosing between her love for Edward and friendship for Jacob. Again! He also decides whether or not to become a vampire. Again! The only curiosity is that it’s directed by the not-at-all sappy David Slade (30 Days Of Night, Hard Candy).

Jonah Hex (June 18, 2010) Megan Fox fans get ready!

Jonah Hex Official Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyBWgI5TW4U

Jonah Hex (Megan Fox), a scarred bounty hunter in the Wild West, first appeared in DC comics back in the 70s and a movie version has been talked about for just as long. The U.S. military makes a scarred bounty hunter with warrants on his own head an offer he cannot refuse: in exchange for his freedom, he must stop a terrorist who is ready to unleash Hell on Earth.

Karate Kid (June 11, 2010)

Karate Kid Official Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpHEBZSrFws

A single mother moves to China with her young son, where he embraces karate, taught to him by a master of the martial art. The new Karate Kid is a lot younger (11 years old vs. 23 years old). This’ll be a chance for Jackie Chan to show another side of himself on screen.

The A-Team (June 11, 2010)

The A-Team Official Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xay-wurHPA

The A-Team “remake” can be as disappointing as all the sequels. If you want to see this film, it will be at your own risk.

Grown ups (June 25, 2010)

Grown ups Official Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZB44Ea1A0k

"Grown Ups" is about five men who were best friends when they were young kids and now are getting together for the Fourth of July weekend to meet each other’s families for the first time. Picking up where they left off, they discover why growing older doesn't mean growing up.

Last Airbender (July 2, 2010)

Last Airbender Official Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxbHooiZRGE

Air, Water, Earth, Fire. Four nations tied by destiny when the Fire Nation launches a brutal war against the others. A century has passed with no hope in sight to change the path of this destruction.

Salt (July 23, 2010)

Salt Official Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ40WlshNwU

Centers on a CIA officer who is fingered as a Russian spy. She eludes capture by superiors who are convinced she is out to kill the president. While trying to reunite with her family, she struggles to prove someone else is the traitor.

I Love you Phillip Morris (July 30, 2010)

I love you Phillip Morris Official Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoFANivV44g

Steven Russell, a member of the local police force, is happily married to Debbie when a car accident provokes a dramatic reassessment of his life. Steven realizes he's gay and decides to live life to the fullest - even if it means breaking the law. Steven's new, extravagant lifestyle involves cons, fraud and, eventually, a stay in the State Penitentiary where he meets sensitive, soft-spoken Phillip Morris. His devotion to freeing Phillip from jail and building the perfect life together prompts Steven to attempt and often succeed at one impossible con after another.

Little Fockers (July 30, 2010)

Little Fockers Official Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-21YY8e_Fk

Gaylord Focker is now struggling to raise five-year old twins with his wife, the daughter of a retired CIA agent. The screenwriter says it’ll also deal with “themes of death and divorce and all these real things that, as we get older, we start to think about, but in a really comical way.”

Step Up 3D (August 3, 2010)

Step Up Official Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89TLbK6o-og

If “you think you can dance”, you should see this movie. A tight-knit group of New York City street dancers team up with a NYU freshman and find themselves pitted against the world's best hip hop dancers in a high-stakes showdown that will change their lives forever.

Priest (August 13, 2010)

Priest Official Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Od2DgRIbns

If you like comics, this movie will be perfect for you. Based on the comic book by Min-Woo Hyung, Priest centers on a warrior priest who disobeys church law by teaming up with a young sheriff (Gigandet), who is part vampire, and a priestess to track down a band of renegade vampires who have kidnapped the priest's niece.

Toronto’s Summer Film Festivals

A lot of film festivals are coming to Toronto next summer. Please check them out and get your tickets as soon as you can!.

NXNE - North By Northeast

Price: $99

NXNE is showcasing the best new music and film by predominantly independent creators and producers. NXNE has been recognized world-wide as a working festival for musicians, as well as an essential gathering in the music industry. The NXNE Music Festival takes place at more than 30 live music venues in Toronto.

Doc Now

Jun. 7, 2010 to Jun. 26, 2010

Luminato

Jun. 11, 2010 to Jun. 20, 2010

CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival (WSFF)

The CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival (WSFF) promotes short films from all over North America. The WSFF is a celebration of creativity and excellence in the short film industry and happens in downtown Toronto.

Festival venues include Cumberland Cinemas, Bloor Cinema, the AGO, Art Square Gallery and The Annex Live. The shorts feature different genres like live action, documentary, experimental films and animation. There are 210 premieres, and most of the films are being screened in Toronto for the first time.

For a full schedule of events, click on CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival (WSFF).

Toronto After Dark Film Festival

Price: TBA (To Be Arranged)

With horror and blood-curdling films, the Toronto After Dark Film Festival has drawn thousands of thrill seekers to celebrate the adrenaline rush of fear.

All Toronto After Dark screenings this year will be at the city’s legendary Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor Street West, (just east of Bathurst Street and Bathurst Subway Station). As well as public transit, the theatre is conveniently close to public parking.

FILM LINEUP & SCHEDULE

The Toronto After Dark Film Festival runs eights nights, Friday to Friday, AUGUST 13-20.

Free Summer Screenings at Yonge-Dundas Square
Safecracker cinema presents a summer film series

Price: Free

Yonge-Dundas Square presents Safecracker Cinema, a series of free films to be shown every Tuesday over the summer. The series focuses on heist films, and will show a selection of originals, as well as their newer remakes.

.

The schedule is as follows:

July 6:

8:30 p.m. The Hot Rock (1972)

July 15:

8:30 p.m. A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

July 20:

8:30 p.m. Out of Sight (1998)

July 27:

6 p.m. The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)

9 p.m. The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)

August 3:

6 p.m. Ocean's Eleven (1960)

9 p.m. Ocean's Eleven (2001)

August 10:

8:30 p.m. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

August 17:

8:30 p.m. Inside Man (2006)

August 24:

8:30 p.m. The Bank Job (2008)

August 31:

6 p.m. The Italian Job (1969)

9 p.m. The Italian Job (2003)

Review: Luminato Bollywood Divas

2010-06-15T11:57:00.041-04:00

Light On Your Feet

by Ji Mi Kim

Hi, everyone!

Are you enjoying your summertime in Toronto?

If you want to enjoy night time downtown, why don't you go to Younge-Dundas Square.

I went there on Monday night.There were special events and festivals which were part of 'Luminato: Toronto Festival Of Arts + Creativity'.

It was a Bollywood Divas theme on Monday.

There was an open-air dance floor and a night concert.
Performers from DIYAS Arts & Entertainment were on stage and they were trying to teach the audience to dance. People learned and enjoyed the music!

Here are some photographs I took of the event. Click on a picture to see the large version.

DIYAS Arts& Entertainment explain every single movement.
The audience try to learn how to dance.

G20 Summit Costs: Where is the Money?

2010-06-15T11:29:00.015-04:00

Money is always a dificult topic, especially when you are talking about the country's money, and more so when we talk about more than 1.1 billion dollars. The most part of this kingsized number will be spent on security, all to protect forgein leaders.

But the most controversial point is different now.

Everyone can understand that the security will be something very important, especially because of the demostrations, but people become angry when they know that the goverment is spending, for example, 57,000 dollars on a temporary fake lake.

Other interesting details are $1.2 million to ensure the food served is safe and healthy (for two days!) and $22,000 in floral arrangements! Check our infographic below for more details.

Links:
G8 and G20 preparations costy (Toronto Sun)

Summit costs hit $1.1B (CBC)

G8/G20 summit fake lake to cost $57K (CBC)

Words of Protest Open a Can of Worms for Pride Toronto XXX

2010-06-15T10:01:00.012-04:00

The directors of Toronto’s Gay Pride Parade announced that they’ve decided to prohibit the phrase “Israeli Apartheid” from this year’s parade.

The decision was aimed at the group, Queers Against Israeli Apartheid (QuAIA) who have taken part in the annual event since 2007. Members of QuAIA can still participate; they are just not allowed to use the phrase “Israeli Apartheid”.

Toronto Pride board members say they made their decision after hearing "overwhelming" responses that most participants felt "unsafe" with the term.

In response to the organization banning the phrase, this year’s grand marshal of the parade has resigned, and this year’s 'honoured dyke' recipient, Jane Farrow, and 18 other recipients of awards over the past 10 years have returned them.

Apartheid was a political system in

South Africa

in which people were divided into racial groups and kept apart by law.

Some people think Israeli government action is similar. For example, the Israeli West Bank barrier, which separates Israelis from Palestinians, has been constructed by the State of Israel.

Some people call this barrier “"jidar al-fasl al-'unsuri", which roughly translated, means “Apartheid Wall”. It has become a cause for many protestors.

What do you think? Post your comments below!

G20 Summit: Toronto Gets Ready for the Big Weekend

2010-06-14T10:01:00.009-04:00

Last Monday (June 7) the streets started to change in Toronto. Furniture in the area around the Metro Convention Centre disappeared from the streets: newspaper boxes, litter bins and transit shelters are being removed in the name of security.

But this is just a part of the big security plan. A 3-metre-high fence and five levels of security screening will be protecting the “Security Zone” with controlled access until June 28. The traffic will be restricted from Yonge street west to Spadina and King Street west south to Queen’s quay. And that weekend, June 26 -27, the underground PATH System and all exits to Front street at union station will be closed.

As you can see, everyday life is changing in that area. We went to the Security Zone to get to know the opinions of the people who work there, and we got differing responses.

Veronica works just a few streets from the Metro Convention Centre, and she told us: “They put in security, they took away the garbage cans, and they’ve also put in cameras”. She is a little bit worried about the protests, but she trusts in the security system. “We don’t know what to expect, but, you know, we can’t only expect the worst”.

For Sebastian, who works in the International News Store, located in the Security Zone, there’s nothing to be worried about if the police do they work. “The police should be enough here”, he says.

Bu there are other people that are very angry with this situation. Nima, an immigrant store clerk, said he will close his food store located beside the Metro Convention Centre, when the G20 summit starts, and that be might be in the protests. “I have never seen anything like this, but my store will be closed, because I’m one of the people that are angry about what is happening”.

Gen, the owner of Convenience Store, is also very angry and worried. His store, located at the intersection of University Avenue and Wellington Street, has steel shutters, but he thinks that it might not be enough. His biggest fear is that the Canadian Government has refused to pay any damage that might occur. “We pay our taxes and the police have to protect us. If the protesters damage my store, what can I do? They [The police] will come and say ok, don’t pay, go to the insurance company, and maybe the insurance company will pay, but what about next year’s insurance? If I pay myself, it’s not fair”.

Links:

City removing newspaper boxes, street furniture for G20 (The Star)
Toronto G20 restricted areas unveiled (CBC)
Outer zone restricted to traffic (CBC)

South Africa: A Brief Introduction

2010-06-14T09:54:00.032-04:00

By MinHwan Kim

Chile 2 : 1 Brazil

Côte d'Ivoire 2 : 3 South Africa

No, they are not scores; they are the numbers of capital cities each country has, and South Africa has more than any other in the world.

Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you’ll know the 2010 World Cup will be held in South Africa. It is the very first time that the international tournament will be hosted on the African continent. Even though South Africa may not attract as many visitors as the World Cups in Germany or Korea & Japan, it may interest you to take a look at some facts about the nation.

Known officially as the Republic of South Africa, it is at the southern tip of the continent. Pretoria is the administrative capital, Bloemfontein, the judicial capital, and Cape Town, the legislative capital. Bad boy Jacob Zuma makes other Presidents look boring. He has criminal charges attached to his name, including corruption and rape.South Africans are made up of approximately 80% black, 9% white, 9% mixed-race and 2% Asians.

The climate is the most crucial factor in the games. South Africa has a generally temperate climate, due to being surrounded by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.In early June, the temperature of Johannesburg in the morning is between 6 and 7°C, and during the daytime, it fluctuates around 20°C

Since the start of the first World Cup in 1930, there have been huge economic effects on the host countries. Therefore, it would be valuable to refer to the impact that this event is having on South Africa.

As South Africa prepares to host the World Cup, the government has poured money into complementing infrastructure and improving security. Although most people are optimistic, there are two differing views on the effect of the World Cup in South Africa.

Optimistic people say the World Cup is a significant event to make South Africa being an advanced country. They believe it will create new 695,000 jobs and give gross $1.3billion(Canadian) to South African economy. It's a really huge figure, comparing to the last data about economic effects of the World Cup games. However, they say it is possible due to the 400,000 tourists each will be spending $4,000(Canadian) on average during the World cup period. Furthermore, the improved security will help prevent crime, reducing the notorious crime rate.

On the other hand, opposers concern about these wonderful predictions. South Africa is still suffering from serious disparity between the rich and the poor. And the cost of infrastructure and other improvement projects would unavoidably increase while they are pouring the money at there. As a result, it will make the poorest people poorer and the richest richer. Ironically, even though World cup ticket sales have hit 97%, domestic demend has been reduced because households felt the pinch1).

1) feel the pinch : be under pressure because they do not have as much money as you had before.

World Cup History

2010-06-14T09:52:00.004-04:00

Soccer is claimed by many to be the most popular sport in the World, and the World Cup Soccer Tournament is brilliant in bringing all of this World excitement together at once, every four years.

FIFA estimates that 240 million people play soccer regularly in more than 200 countries and billions of people around the world watch soccer on TV. The World Cup is the most widely-viewed sporting event in the world, where an estimated 715.1 million people watched the final match of the 2006 World Cup held in Germany.

The championship has been awarded every four years since the first tournament in 1930 held in Uruguay, except in 1942 and 1946 when it was not contested because of World War II.

The current format of the tournament involves 32 teams competing for the title over a period of about a month. During the 18 tournaments that have been held, seven nations have won the title. Brazil have won the World Cup a record five times, and they are the only team to have played in every tournament. Italy, the current champions, have won four World Cups, and Germany are next with three. The other former champions are Uruguay, winners of the first tournament, and Argentina, with two titles each, and England and France, with one each.

However, the FIFA World Cup Trophy isn't the only award of this tournament. The players can receive The Golden Ball for the best player, determined by a vote of media members and The Golden Shoe (sometimes called The Golden Boot) for the top goalscorer.

What country do you think will be the champion of this World Cup?

Vote for your favorite and look for the soccer ball to kick and participate in our contest.

LGBT lexicon:some words you sould know

2010-06-14T09:16:00.007-04:00

By Naoki Abe

What is LGBT?
LGBT or GLBT is an initialism referring collectively to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. However, the terms LGBT or GLBT are not agreeable to everyone that they literally encompass. For example, transgender and transsexual are about gender identity or a person's understanding of being male or female and does not depend upon whether they like men or women. LGB issues can be seen as a matter of sexual orientation or attraction.

What are the differences between “trans-gender” & “trans-sexual”?
Transgender is the state of one's "gender identity" (self-identification as woman, man, neither or both) not matching one's "assigned sex" (identification by others as male, female or intersex based on physical/genetic sex). "Transgender" does not imply any specific form of sexual orientation; transgender people may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, polysexual, or asexual; some may consider conventional sexual orientation labels inadequate or inapplicable to them.
Transgender people desire to live and be accepted as a member of the sex opposite to that assigned at birth.
However they don’t want to change their physical features.

Transsexual people, on the other hand, desire to live and be accepted as a member of the sex opposite to that assigned at birth, and they have a wish to alter their bodies.

LGBT VOCABULARY

Vocabulary

Bisexual
in human sexuality, describes a man or woman that is sexually or romantically attracted to persons of both sexes

Pansexual
Sexually attracted or open to all people regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Polysexual
Polysexuality refers to people who are attracted to more than one gender or sex but do not wish to identify as bisexual because it implies that there are only two binary genders or sexes.

Asexual
Asexuality (also known as nonsexuality) in its broadest sense, describes lack of sexual attraction or interest in or desire for sex. Sometimes, it is considered a lack of a sexual orientation.

Heterosexual
Heterosexuality consists of sexual behavior, practices, and identity predicated on a primary preference or desire for the opposite sex.

Homosexual
Homosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior among members of the same sex.

Fag hag
a woman who is closely related to, or feels a strong connection to, gay men

Breeder
a derogatory term used to describe straight people in light of their ability to reproduce

Cruise
to move around in order to look for a possible sexual partner

Two-spirit
Aboriginals who have emotional and sexual relationships with the same gender, who only identify as Two Spirit (having the attributes and spirit of both male and female)

Gaydar/Gadar
This word is formed from, "gay and radar" to describe the ability of one gay person to recognize or find another gay person. synonyms radar

Drag queen
a gay man who dresses as a woman for pleasure and/or performance.

Come out
to become an acknowledged homosexual.

Out
to expose or reveal oneself as homosexual; openly avowing homosexuality.

Shemale
Shemale (also she-male) is a pejorative term frequently referring to trans women with male genitalia and augmented female breasts from breast augmentation and/or use of hormones. The term is considered derogatory by most trans women.

Transfag
a person who is both gay and female-to-male (f-t-m) transsexual.

Tryke
a person who is a male-to-female (m-t-f) transsexual and is also a lesbian.

m4m/w4w
man for man / woman for woman; used in the search for a sexual partner online

Pride Toronto XXX

2010-06-11T11:30:00.000-04:00

by Dong Young Kim

Pride Toronto’s 30th Anniversary will be held from June 25th to July 4th.

Gay Pride, first started in San Francisco, is a festival worth seeing and is held in many cities around the world.
In

Canada

, Pride festivals are held in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec and other big cities.

Canada

is one of the few countries that recognize same-sex marriage. Not only this, but

Canada

has little prejudice and discrimination by comparison with many other nations, and they can make their voices heard with all kinds of events and festivals.
In Quebec, same-sex married couples have had the same legal rights as heterosexual couples since 1999. Same-sex marriage was legalized in

Canada

in 2005, the third country to do so.

This kind of the policy has helped the Canadian economy. The number of homosexual visitors from the

is higher than before. Also, the number of visitors to Montreal’s Pride festivities averages several hundred thousand. Nobody ignores tourist income generated by Gay Pride celebrations.

Pride Week in Toronto is not just a festival for homosexuals. Anyone who wants to go along can. It is also an event to show your support for a truly free society blurring the distinction between the majority and diverse minorities.

There are parents who want to attend to show their support for their homosexual sons and daughters. Their purpose is to deliver a message about human rights and to broaden awareness of AIDS prevention.

The rainbow flag is, to quote Wikipedia, “a sign of diversity and inclusiveness, of hope and of yearning”. You can find it everywhere during Pride week, and you can enjoy real culture as varied as the colours in the flag.

If you want to know more details, see http://www.pridetoronto.com/

Summer Festivals in Toronto 2010

2010-06-11T11:04:00.005-04:00

by Ji Mi Kim

Concerts

Virgin Mobile Presents the Monster Ball Tour Starring Lady Gaga

newest phenom bringing the raucous to Toronto

With her pop and dance beats, Lady Gaga is fast rising as a must-see LIVE performer.

With hits like “Just Dance,” "Paparazzi," and “Poker Face,” Lady Gaga is ready to thrill a stage near you!

Sun, Jul 11, 2010 08:00 PM

Black Eyed Peas

When it comes to funky hip-hop, “Let's Get it Started” by the Black Eyed Peas, with apl.de.ap, Fergie, Taboo, and will.i.am leading the charge, is sure to light up stages nationwide! Other songs like "Where is the Love?" and "My Humps" are fan favourites!
Toronto, On Tue, Jul 27, 2010 07:30 PM

Aerosmith

Aerosmith exploded into the rock world in the ’70s and have never looked back. The Bad Boys from Boston combine clean pop with dirty blues in a style all their own. Steven Tyler's vocals, Joe Perry's guitar riffs, and an excellent rhythm section make every concert memorable. Go and see these living legends in person.

Tue, Aug 17 2010 7:30 PM
Air Canada Centre - Toronto, ON

TSO(Toronto Symphony Orchestra)

TSO Goes Late Night: Beethoven 9

Brand new to the TSO is a special one-night-only performance of Beethoven Symphony No. 9 at 11:00pm. Stay after the concert for an audience-wide party with TSO musicians, guest artists, and live music!

Music Director Peter Oundjian conducts the Orchestra in Beethoven’s monumental 9th Symphony featuring an all-Canadian cast and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.

Sat. Jun. 19, 2010 at 11:00 PM Roy Thomson Hall

All about tickets & Location - http://www.ticketmaster.com

Festivals at Harbourfront Centre

Canada

Day | July 1, 2010

It's

Canada

's 143rd birthday! We'll be celebrating the many cultures and artistic genres that form our Canadian identity with programming for all ages. You'll come join us, eh?

Canadian Citizens Swearing-In Ceremony
July 1, 2010

With Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Harbour front Centre welcomes

Canada

's newest citizens with a swearing-in ceremony.
FREE

Thursday, July 1, 2010
1:00PM - 2:00PM Lakeside Terrace
York Quay Centre, 235 Queens Quay West

Sarah Slean

Nominated three times for the Juno Award and twice for the Gemini Award. She embodies a musical style all her own and has collected a devoted, global fan-base following. Her two popular independent releases are Universe EP and Blue Parade, and four major label releases, Sarah Slean EP, Night Bugs, Day One and Orphan Music.

FREE

Thursday, July 1, 20108:00PM - 9:00 pm :SIRIUS STAGE235 Queens Quay West

Pop, Lock & Load Break Dance Competition July 10-11, 2010

The Pop, Lock & Load break dance competition returns for its seventh year with dancers from all over the world competing for $1,000 in the battle of all battles! The competition is hosted and organized by Benzo, one of the founders of the legendary Canadian Bag of Trix and judged by a panel of outstanding artists and whoever comes to watch.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

2:30 pm : REDPATH STAGE

Sunday, July 11, 2010

3:00 pm: SIRIUS STAGE

235 Queens Quay West

Expression of Brazil

July 16-18

Escola de Samba July 16, 2010

The Escola de Samba de Toronto is a steadily growing group of drummers, instrumentalists, singers and dancers who share a collective passion for Brazilian music. Drawing on both the talents of Toronto’s Brazilian community and the musical resources of a small army of honorary Brazilians, the Escola de Samba is widely recognized as one of the most important cultural links between Toronto and

Brazil

, and certainly one of the most entertaining!

FREE

Friday, July 16, 2010

9:00PM : REDPATH STAGE

235 Queens Quay West

All about events & Location –http:// www.harbourfrontcentre.com

Festivals at Yonge-Dundas Square

Event: 'Luminato: Toronto Festival of Arts + Creativity'

Luminato First Night

An annual adventure in art and creativity begins with a fabulous Friday-night celebration in Yonge-Dundas Square, the hub of activity for the Festival’s first six days.

R&B star Melanie Fiona and rocker Sass Jordan headline a celebration of Canadian divas for Luminato First Night, Luminato’s free opening-night concert in Yonge-Dundas Square .Juno Award-winning rocker Jordan shares the bill with Toronto-born singer-songwriter Fiona, a 2010 Juno Award nominee for her single “Give it to Me Right”. Fiona’s other chart-topping song “It Kills Me” recently earned her a 2010 Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

Date: Friday, June 11, 2010 at 07:00pm, Duration 4 hours

Wish Come True Family Dance Party

Come to a magical dance party, produced in associations with Bunch Family and inspired by Friends With You, where kids can celebrate their wishes and dreams. Make creatures from your imagination come to life in artist-led workshops and dance to the beats of DJ Fase.

Date: Saturday, June 12, 2010 At 11:00 AM

Duration: 3 Hours

Light on Your Feet

It’s your chance to make all your best moves under the night sky as Luminato’s downtown hub becomes a giant open-air dance floor, pulsing to the live sounds of some of today’s hottest bands. Luminato’s series of nightly concerts in Yonge -Dundas Square encourages festival-goers to discover their inner divas.

Each night there is a different take on the diva theme that runs through several Luminato events this year – Latin, Drag, Bollywood, ’80s Girl Night, and J-Pop (Japanese Pop) – so feel free to go crazy. The performers for these shows will be announced in the coming weeks.

Saturday June 12 7:00 - 11:00 pm

LATIN DIVAS
Produced in association with: Salsa Film Festival Group

Major Media Partner: TLN

Sunday, June 13 7:00 - 11:00 pm
DRAG DIVAS

Monday June 14 7:00 - 11:00 pm

BOLLYWOOD DIVAS
Produced in association with: Masala! Mehndi! Masti!

Marketing Partner: ATN

Tuesday, June 15 7:00 - 11:00 pm
'80s GIRLS NIGHT

Wednesday, June 16 7:00 - 11:00 pm
J-POP

All information - http:// www.ydsquare.ca

Other Events

Expressions of BrazilCelebrating Brazil's culture in Canada

Price: Free

As part of the World Routes Summer Festivals at the Harbour front, Expressions of Brazil is three days of Brazilian music, food, arts and culture. Performers direct from Brazil come to Canada to display their talents, and local Brazilian acts are set to perform as well.

Harbourfront Centre

Fri., July 16
Sat., July 17
Sun., July 18

Beaches International Jazz FestivalToronto's most eclectic jazz festivalFree

The annual Beaches International Jazz Festival showcases jazz, blues, big band, vocalists, African, Caribbean, reggae, hip-hop, South American, Latin, rhythm and blues and more.

The festival is spread out over three venues in the Beaches and features varied collection of musicians. The Woodbine Park venue has three stages from July 16 to July 18. Street fest takes over Queen Street East on July 22 to July 24. The festival ends at Kew Gardens on July 24 and July 25.

The 2010 Beaches International Jazz Festival calendar of eventsgo to http://www.beachesjazz.com/

Toronto's Festival of Beer

A celebration of Canada’s rich beer brewing history

Price: $40 - $50 Tip: This is a 19+ event, no children and no pets. No exceptions.

Canada’s premier beer festival is back to celebrate Canada’s favourite beverage - beer! A summer tradition in downtown Toronto at Band shell Park, located at Exhibition Place. Around 30,000 people drink, sample and socialize at this four-day celebration of suds known as Toronto’s Festival of Beer.

Thu, August 05, From: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Fri., August 06, From: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Sat., August 07, From: 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Canadian National Exhibition

Let's go to The Ex

As one of North America's largest annual fairs, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) offers something for everyone. Parents, bring the kids because this event has amusement rides, a parade and shows. And if you're an airplane enthusiast, the Canadian International Air Show drops jaws every summer when their pilots perform dare-devil loop-de-loops and synchronized manoeuvres on the last weekend of the summer. Alongside the rides, games and food, the CNE boast loads of concerts, performances and special events.

Fri., August 20, 10:00 AM
Sat., August 21, 10:00 AM
Sun., August 22, 10:00 AM

ALL about Festival & Events - http://www.toronto.com

The 2010 World Cup and where to watch it

2010-06-10T11:51:00.017-04:00

We conducted an interview with Ali to find out his thoughts about the World Cup.

He told us he would be following the World Cup and that his favourite team is Brazil.

If Ali shows only the games with Brazil, we’ll know that to be true, but we trust him not to do that.

In fact, the main purpose of the interview was to find out whether he has an intention to show the games here at school.

“We are thinking about it,” he replied hesitantly, “but there are technical difficulties to solve before we make a decision.”

The more observant of you will have noticed that TV screens have been put up around the building. However, right now, “We don’t have cable service, but we will go ahead and show the matches [as soon as we can].”

We might not be able to see the first few matches at school, so if you don’t want to miss any of the early games, we have found some places near the school that will be showing them.

Sin & Redemption, 136 McCaul Street SEE MAP

Showing all games: 7:30am, 10:00am, 2:30pm

www.sinandredemption.com

Wolf & Firkin, 43 Elm Street SEE MAP

Showing the 2:30pm games and quarter finals

Breakfast + Mug of beer costs $12.

416-971-6264

Queen & Beaver Public House, 35 Elm Street SEE MAP

Showing the games at 7:30am, 9:45am, 2:15pm

jamieson@queenandbeaverpub.ca

Duke of Richmond, 20 Queen Street West SEE MAP

Showing the games at 10:00am, 2:30pm

www.thedukepubs.ca

416-340-7887

St. Louis Bar and Grill, 595 Bay Street, (Atrium on Bay, Edward St. entrance) SEE MAP

Showing the games at 10:00am, 2:30pm

647-435-9464

www.stlouiswings.com

English through Journalism Blog Summer Update

2010-06-04T12:28:00.003-04:00

Welcome, visitor!

This season's blog update will include articles and interviews about...

The 2010 Toronto G20 summit and how it will affect you and the people who live and work in this city,

The 2010 FIFA World Cup and who are this year's favourites to win, what South Africans can expect from hosting it, and where you can go to watch those all-important games!

Toronto's 30th Annual Pride Week: Things you should know and places you should go, whether you're straight, gay or bi-curious!

Plus: Upcoming Summer Events, Concerts, Expos, Festivals and more.

To be automatically informed when we add an item to it, you can FOLLOW us!
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Mark Dallas
Editor

Chinatown

2010-01-28T12:22:00.000-05:00

Made in China

Chinatown - Toronto on PhotoPeach

2010-01-28T12:07:00.003-05:00

Koreatown

2010-01-27T16:56:00.009-05:00

Video Credits: Editing - Francisco Habeyche Sieczkowski; Cameras - Marcell Urataki Moraes;
Interviewer - Renata Cicero Mendonca; Voiceovers - Marcell Urataki Moraes, Stephanie Klinger

More than Parks, Kims and Kimchi in Koreatown
Article by Stephanie Klinger

Koreatown or Korea Business Area is located along Bloor Street between Christie and Bathurst Street. There you can find karaoke bars for the singers or really good restaurants with pork-bone soup, a popular Korean dish in Toronto, for the ones that love to eat.

Besides that you can also find bakeries, gift shops, grocery stores, and travel agencies catering to the Korean-Canadian community. Today, although many Koreans work in the region, very few Koreans actually live in Koreatown.

In addition to that, Toronto has a new Koreatown that emerged in North York along Yonge Street between Sheppard Avenue and just north of Steeles Avenue. It began to grow in the early 1990s and is also a good place like the other.

Little Portugal

2010-01-27T11:28:00.027-05:00

Video Credits: Editing - Francisco Habeyche Sieczkowski; Cameras - Marcell Urataki Moraes;
Interviewer - Renata Cicero Mendonca; Voiceovers - Marcell Urataki Moraes, Stephanie Klinger

Portuguese Own This Place
Article by Renata Mendonça

If you live in Toronto, you meet Portuguese people every day. They are everywhere, but ironically, not so much in Little Portugal. It seems like a common Canadian place, since common Canadian places have a lot of Portuguese, but there are many delicacies you can get from there.

Obviously, the bread is one of them. Nothing is like traditional bread. You can get it in the most famous Portuguese bakeries in Toronto: Nova Era and Caldense. They’ve been here a long time, offering the best typical food. Pasteis de Nata (a kind of sweet egg tart) for example, is one of the most popular Portuguese desserts in Canada.

If you want to have lunch, a good choice would be cod fish (bacalhau) or chicken. Usually, these are the specialities of the restaurants in Little Portugal. They also have rice and beans, the favorite food for Brazilians that are always around there.

Walking in the streets, you won’t be surprised if you hear some fado, the typical Portuguese music. Otherwise, maybe you would get a little bit confused with the language, because in Little Portugal, it’s not that common to speak English.

Actually, every place in Toronto has something of Little Portugal, like Portuguese people or bakeries or even grocery stores. However, when you go there you can enjoy all of these things together in just one street.

Toronto Cultural Area Map

2010-01-27T10:16:00.017-05:00

2010-01-26T11:15:00.008-05:00

Little Italy

Far Beyond Pasta and Pizza
Article by Renata Mendonça

Little Italy is a classic green, white and red place in Toronto. Every corner has a plaque drawn with the Italian flag to remind you where you are. However, you probably won’t have any difficulty recognizing the area. And it’s not only about pizzas and pasta. Actually, you’ll be surprised by all the things that you will find there.

In the summer, the streets are usually crowded, and you can find all kinds of people there. In the winter, people are still there as well, but inside the restaurants, bars and cafes. If you are tired of common Canadian places, you might like to visit Little Italy.

Of course you can find pizza anywhere in Toronto, but the real Italian pizza, only Little Italy can offer you as well as all kinds of pasta and typical wines. There are traditional places—like Café Diplomatico, which has been there since 1968—where you can have a great Italian meal and a classic Italian coffee.

But, like we already said, it’s not only about food. Little Italy has a special movie theatre with some different attractions in the evening. The Royal Repertory Cinema usually plays independent films and documentaries, pretty different from the big theatres that we are used to. The sessions are always in the evening and you don’t need to pay much money to watch a movie there.

Obviously, a few words can not capture everything it has to offer; Little Italy goes far beyond that. You just have to go there and check it out!

Greektown

2010-01-25T11:55:00.018-05:00

Sounds like Europe

Article by Renata Mendonça
A classic and calm place in the midst of this big crowded city; this is Greek Town. It’s impressive because of the early 20th-century architecture there, and it looks like a European street. One of the safest and cleanest areas in Toronto, you can find everything there.

The place used to welcome movie stars some time ago. Today, there are no celebrities there, but you’ll definitely find friendly people, especially from Greece. Since the 70s, this typical community offers restaurants, shops, boutiques, specialty stores and professional services. You will probably like something there.

And it’s not just about Greek things. There are multi-ethnic establishments where you can find many kinds of food. Otherwise, the Greek restaurants have typical and traditional food and it won’t break the bank. You can also find special places to buy clothes or modern accessories.

During the summertime, Greek Town usually hosts one of Toronto’s signature events called Pilaros: Taste of the Danforth. It happens in August, and it’s like a festival with a lot of activities, even for kids, showcasing the multicultural mix of Toronto, but especially Hellenic food and culture.

Greek Town is a unique place in Toronto that offers you many kinds of attractions. You must go and check it out!

Interview: From Fumbling to Fluent: Masahiro's Story (so far)

2009-10-09T13:32:00.012-04:00

Introduction by Mark Dallas

Masahiro "Masa" Tani is a former student of ILSC Toronto and is well known by students and teachers alike, not just because of his gregarious personality, but also because of his perseverance and impressive rise from absolute beginner to fluent speaker of English after only a few years.

I assigned Gema Villela to interview him at ILSC.

By Gema Villela

Five years ago, Masahiro was a language student. Now he wants to get Canadian citizenship.

Raised in Japan, Masa is tall, skinny and has long hair tied back into a ponytail. On his hands you can see the marks of his work. He is modest and patient.

When Masa came to Toronto for the first time, he was 18 years old. His sister gave him the idea to study English in Canada, and when he did the test in the school, he was put into beginner level because he had never studied English in Japan.

“I never understood a word in the first few days, but I was happy because everybody was nice to me.

“In those days, I studied for 3 months and went back to Japan before Christmas, where I worked in a company for 3 months to make money to pay for another 5 months at ILSC. After that, I went back again to Japan.”

But then something changed inside his head. He said he became more ‘open minded’ and went on a backpacking trip around Korea, Thailand and India.

"On my journey, I started to write a journal in English. I wrote about my travels and the dreams I had for the future: coming back to Canada, for example."

He then joined the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and saved the money to return to Canada. In 2008 he came back to Toronto and he started to think about different ways to get a visa.

"First, I thought about getting married to a Canadian, but that would cost too much money. The second way would be to go to Alberta and work there for two years, but my Hapkido instructor told me not to go to Alberta and that I’d be better off working for him. So, I started to work in his Hapkido School, and I eventually got the visa."

Masa has his own concept of Toronto.

“This city is a small version of the world because of the mix of cultures.”

For that reason he likes living here.

Everybody has different plans, but his story can be an example for all students, because he didn't know any words in English.

I asked him what advice he would give to students learning English.

“Beginners should speak and listen as much as possible. Don’t be shy about making mistakes. Don’t speak your own language!

“Intermediates should try to think in English.”

I wondered how that was possible. He offered:

"All the time, we are thinking, and you must think in English. For example, say to yourself, ‘tomorrow I want to wake up earlier. I want to go with my friends.’ Try to read and write. Write a journal and schedule. That will help a lot.

“Advanced learners should try to make Canadian friends. Read and write in English. Everything can you read, even when you look stupid, but everything in English is good for you.

“All students have to be friendly and open-minded to speak with many people, and don't speak in your own language!”

He also recommended some places where you can meet Canadian people, such as East West Hapkido at 183 Geary Avenue and The Embassy British Pub in Kensington Market.

Winter is Coming: Cover Up!

2009-10-07T09:20:00.014-04:00

The nights are getting longer and the days are getting colder. If you are furry and feral, you might want to think about hibernating! Otherwise, you'd better start buying the kind of clothes you might wear on an expedition to the Antarctic.

But seriously, winter is no laughing matter. If you think the fall is cold now, you will have quite a shock when it gets really cold.

According to Wikipedia, "The average January maximum is −1 °C [Yes, that's a minus sign!] (30 °F) in the city. There are usually a few cold snaps where temperatures remain below −10 °C (14 °F) and less frequently below −20 °C (−4 °F), with windchills making it feel like -30 (-22). The coldest temperature recorded was −31.3 °C (−24.3 °F) on January 4, 1981, and the coldest windchill recorded was -44.7 (-48.5) on the same day."

Most students don't want to spend a fortune on clothes they are only going to need in Canada (and probably never again). So, here are some options.

WHAT TO BUY
Click here to see a video we made in English through Journalism in 2007 about what to wear in winter. It gives you advice on different options for how to stay warm/alive.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Buy quality

Mountain Equipment Co-op (400 King Street West) is a is a consumers' cooperative, which sells outdoor clothing and is notable for its commitment to environmental protection and other causes. As a co-op, MEC sells only to customers who hold a lifetime membership, which you can buy for $5.

Buy cheap

Value Village (Click here for locations near you) is a thrift store, selling used clothes (and other items) at very low prices. You are bound to find winter clothing at a cost that won't bankrupt you.

Walk/Don't Walk: The Rules of the Road around the World

2009-10-05T22:53:00.001-04:00

Many people who come to Canada are surprised by how different the rules of the road are compared to back home. So our English through Journalism team decided to focus on certain aspects of pedestrian and vehicular traffic and how the rules differ from several other countries around the world.

Who has right of way, the vehicle or the pedestrian?

Gema first tells us about Mexico: “Pedestrians don´t have the right of way, because they have their own signals: the man walking and the hand for stop.”

Juliana said, “Colombian pedestrian rules aren’t so organized as here in Canada. Pedestrians never have the right of the way, and usually car drivers never respect them. As here and in many places around the world, cars are allowed to turn right when the light is red, but only if they have the chance, when there's no-one there or any cars.”

Marcelo explained, “in Brazil, the cars have the right of way. They only stop for pedestrians to cross the road where there is a light telling them to do so. Otherwise, the pedestrians need to stay alert and wait for the vehicles to pass by to cross the road.”

Marianna agrees, “Take care if you are a pedestrian [in Brazil]. The cars must stop at the red line and the pedestrian crossing, but sometimes it doesn’t happen. If you don’t obey the signals you aren’t fined, but I recommend you be careful and respect these rules!”

The situation isn’t much different in Taiwan. Shu-yu told me, “Pedestrians don´t have the right of way because they have their own signals: the man walking and the hand for stop. They sometimes need to be careful with car drivers when they don´t have an arrow to turn right on a red light. Everything changes for pedestrians in small towns or touristy places where the car drivers stop to give precedence to pedestrians, who sometimes thank the drivers for this.”

What about catching a bus? Juliana declared, “Buses in Canada have designated stops, whereas in Colombia they stop wherever passengers want to get on or off. To catch a bus you usually put out your hand to make it stop.”

While Marianna describes that in Brazil, “You must put your hand out when you see your bus. If you don’t, the driver won’t stop.”

In Taiwan, however, “At a bus stop in a main area, you don't need to put out your hand out to stop a bus,” said Shu-yu, ”because there will be many people in the same place as you. Then the bus driver must stop.”

What about thanking the driver? It happens quite often her e in Canada, but in Brazil, “It's not common to thank the bus driver when you alight,” explains Marcelo, “Just in some cases people do it, generally, after asking him for some information.”

“Traffic jams are usual in rush hour,” said Shu-yu of Taiwan, “so bus drivers are busy driving buses and maybe they're in a bad mood. If you want to thank them, you can. If not, it doesn't matter. In general, getting on and off the bus without saying thanks is fine.”

Gema told me, “Depending on the passengers, they either thank him or swear at him!”

That’s quite a contrast to Mayuka’s Japan where, “when you get off the bus, the driver may thank you because the customer is a god in Japan. But most customers thank the driver back. If you do it, they think you are polite. Thanking people is very important in Japan!”

And finally, do people on the subway escalators stand on the left or the right side?
Marcelo told me, “In Brazilian subways, there are no specific side to be on an escalator. If you want to walk on, it is highly recommended to use the regular stairs.”

Marianna went on to say, “you don’t need to stay on the right on the escalator. People stay everywhere, and you need to say, “excuse me” (in Portuguese: ’com licença’).”

The situation in Japan, however, is a little more complicated: “When we use an escalator, we stand on the left and make room on the right for people who want to hurry by. But,” Mayuka elaborated, ”if you go to Kansai, you will stand on the right and people move on the left.

Before you go to any other countries (or even to another province!) make sure you familiarize yourself with the rules of the road and the pedestrian etiquette that goes with it.

Restaurant Review: Joons - A Taste of Korea

2009-10-02T10:19:00.004-04:00

By Shu-yu Hsieh

Last Saturday afternoon, I visited my friend's house near Christie subway station. We walked around Korea Town and were getting hungry, so we decided to have dinner there as there are many Korean restaurants. It was chilly and raining a little bit, so both of us needed a warm meal.

When we passed Joons west of Bloor & Bathurst, we saw there were a lot of people having dinner with a variety of dishes. It looked so warm inside, so we made a snap decision to go in.

The server kindly recommended a real speciality, called the Dak Gal Bee (Chicken and Cabbage with a hot sauce in a pan). You can add mozzarella cheese so that it that looked like a pizza. We added seafood, rice cakes and noodles (no mozzarella - I don't like pizza very much).

The Kamja Tan (Pork bone soup) has about 3 or 4 pork bones and bean sprouts with extremely hot soup. It looked so delicious.

The Bibimbob has beef, vegetables, egg and rice with hot sauce in a hot stone bowl. It looked pretty colourful and tasty. I didn’t have enough room for dumplings, but maybe I'll order those next time.

The rice cakes were so soft, with chicken and seafood mixed with hot sauce and the taste was so unforgettable.

There wasn’t much conversation, we were too busy eating! There were 3 sidedishes: a potato ball, seaweed (or sometimes bean sprouts) and kimchi.

Finally, the pan was empty. We didn't waste any food or sauce because it tasted so scrumptious.

Business hours are Monday to Saturday, noon to 11:00pm, but they are closed on Sunday. I like this restaurant because the price is very reasonable (about $10 or less, cash only) and there are usually three servers that are so kind and helpful.

Shu-yu is an Information Technology employee from Taiwan.

Restaurant Review: Pita Village

2009-10-01T12:07:00.005-04:00

By Juliana Chemás

Although the Village food court, located very near ILSC, has many fast food restaurants, there are lots of many good restaurants where people can eat really healthily. I was so bored of eating fast food such as hot dogs or even pizza slices, and that’s why I was very happy to discover Pita Village. I never imagined how delicious the food from a place in a small food court could be.

It’s a very clean and organized place in my opinion. It’s not very big, but you’ll see pretty soon that it has very good food, and the best thing of all is that they have very good prices. The dishes don’t go over $7, so if you don’t have much money you can go there and eat really well.

You can buy a chicken or beef kebob and a soft drink for only $6.85 in combo or $6.35 for just the wrap. Also you can get a ‘Super-duper’ falafel and a soft drink for only $6.50 in combo or $5.99 for the wrap only, or even a hummus pita and a soft drink also for only $5.99 in combo.

There are other items on the menu such as a hot cauliflower pita for only $5.50, or you can also have a mixed kebob for only $6.35. The most interesting thing about this is that it’s a very good portion, enough to fill you up and you can create your wrap with whatever extra ingredients to make it taste better. There are additional ingredients such as onions, lettuce, tomatoes, spicy sauces, mayonnaise, tabouli, falafel and many more. The great part of all this is that these wraps are quite healthy and not the kind of fast food that will give you a stomach ache.

I like this place most of all for the attention given to the customer. It also has a wide variety of food at a good quality. One important thing is that it’s only 2 blocks from school, so anyone studying in ILSC can go there, eat and come back to class with enough time to spare.

The service is fast, and they make your wrap as you wish it to taste. The presentation is very clean, and you have the chance to have a hot or cold wrap that is well prepared. Furthermore, the atmosphere there is very good: you have enough space to eat, light to see and time to talk without having to worry about being late for your afternoon class.

So, if you are searching for somewhere to eat delicious wraps, the perfect place is this one, Pita Village. Don’t worry if you don’t have much money because, in this place, there isn’t any expensive food, just delicious and inexpensive meals.

Juliana is a budding business student from Cali, Colombia.

Restaurant Review: Coconut Grove, a Taste of the Caribbean

2009-10-01T09:59:00.007-04:00

By Gema Villela

It is time for lunch, and your stomach is starting to rumble, but you are tired of eating sandwiches every day. You are lucky because I have a suggestion for you!

Located at 183 Dundas St. West (near ILSC) you will see a small restaurant called Coconut Grove, where they serve food Caribbean style. On the menu you can find chicken, beef, goat, fish and vegetarian dishes.

One of the characteristics of West Indian cuisine is the roti, which is a traditional bread. It's normally eaten with curries or cooked vegetables and is made most often from wheat flour cooked on a flat concave iron griddle. Just for comparison, if you are familiar with Mexican food, the roti is similar to a flour tortilla in appearance.

The cost of the cheapest dishes is $1.99, and the most expensive is $6.99. You can choose between small or large portions of fish and rice dishes, each at a different price. The service is friendly, and they are patient with people who don't speak English very well.

If you are Muslim and follow halal food standards, Coconut Grove is a good option for you. For everybody else, the place is clean and hygienic. The food is spicy and tasty.

Gema is a journalist and a photographer from Mexico.

We think you lied...

2009-10-01T00:12:00.015-04:00

Here are some pretty pie charts based on the feedback you gave us. 154 people took part in the survey, from classes at Intermediate Level I2 and above.

We think you lied about the porn!

Restaurant Review: Lunch Market Lottery

2009-09-30T11:54:00.009-04:00

By Marcelo Koizumi

Located at 177 Dundas Street West, just 2 blocks away from ILSC, the Asian restaurant Lunch Market, has a good cheap menu.

This small place is decorated to look like a village and sometimes it's so crowded that you can't find a table, especially if you are not alone.

You can choose meat (pork, chicken, beef, fish, ribs) with a small portion of salad, rice and one sauce for between $5.95 and $8.95 plus taxes, and the beverages are around $2.
(Personally, I recommend the sweet & sour chicken —Ed.)

Usually, I eat in this restaurant once or twice a week with some friends, although my last experience there was not so good.

I was the second person of my group to make the order (I ordered a chicken katsu) but only got my food when most of the rest of the table were finishing their meal, and before that, they tried to serve me a fish katsu plate!

It was not the first time that they got confused with a not-so-large group of people. Usually the service is fast and friendly, and the food tastes pretty good.

You can order your food in English but the employees talk to each other in their own language and maybe they have some kind of communication problem with the chef and the cashier, where you make the orders.

Because of that episode, I got a free drink for my next time there and I got lots of apologies.

They only accept cash, but they do have an ATM on the premises.

So, if you want decent food at a reasonable price, you should try this place, but make sure they get your order right!

Marcelo is a journalism graduate from São Paulo.

Restaurant Review: Oodles of Noodles, Ramen!

2009-09-30T11:10:00.010-04:00

By Mayuka Fukuwa

Do you know which dish Japanese are really crazy about? Teriyaki? No way! Sushi? Well…not really. The food that Japanese queue for is RAMEN!

Ramen is a kind of thin noodle which is served with some toppings and a special soup. Ramen is originally from China, but the Japanese have been changing it for a long time, so it is different from the Chinese one now. You might have eaten instant ramen, but I can tell you, it's different! Once you eat ramen made by hand, you will know what real Japanese ramen is.
You can find such interesting food near our school. Kenzo Ra-men at 138 Dundas Street West sells several kinds of ramen and you can enjoy a meal from as little as $7.

As with many Japanese restaurants, this one is owned and run by Korean owners, but the ramen is just like the real Japanese kind! The cheapest is Shi-o Ramen at $5.95 before tax, and the most expensive is Sapporo miso ramen, a speciality of the city after which it is named and famous all over Japan at $8.95.

If you like spicy food, they have some spicy ramen as well! The shop is not so huge, but it is clean and comfortable. You can enjoy many kinds of food in Toronto, so how about trying Japanese food, not only sushi but Ramen!

Mayuka is an Economics student from Nara, Japan. She is crazy about ramen.

Movie Review: A New Proposal to You

2009-09-30T09:42:00.015-04:00

By Marianna Pedrozo

If you didn’t see The Proposal at the cinema, now you will have another chance. On October 13th the Walt Disney comedy with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds will be available at movie rental stores.

Sandra Bullock, who appeared in Premonition (2007), Crash (2004) and another films, is the protagonist of this movie directed by Ana Fletcher. She plays Margaret Tate, a Canadian immigrant that lives in the U.S. and works as a book publisher.

When she realizes that she could be deported and lose her great job, she decides to get married. The perfect and submissive husband for her can only be her young assistant Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds, who apperead in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Amityville Horror, among others) who’ll do anything to get a promotion. But to prove to the U.S. Government that they are a real couple, they go to Alaska and meet Andrew`s family.

The unusual couple have a lot of things to learn and to prove. Although the character of Ryan Reynolds agrees with the lie, he always wants to tell the truth, but when they get to Alaska, the smart assistant has some problems with his parents and need to carry on with the plan.

On first thought, the story doesn’t look like so original, but throughout the film the actors make jokes and keep your attention in the plot with the humour and love scenes. Now it is your turn to discover why this couple is so funny and what happens in the surprising ending.

Mariana is a journalist in São Paulo. She has written for fashion, gastronomic, tourism and economic publications.

Welcome to ILSC English through Journalism's First Blog!

2009-09-29T09:01:00.011-04:00

Hi, there! I'm Mark Dallas, the Editor of this blog and teacher of English through Journalism.

It's finally here. As I speak, my team of hacks are writing their first drafts. This month's contributors are Juliana Chemás (Colombia), Marcelo Koizumi (Brazil), Mayuka Fukuwa (Japan), Nat Wattanamongkolsiri (Thailand), and Shu-Yu Hsieh (Taiwan).

This is the first ever blog created in EtJ, so I'm quite excited about it!

I'm sure most of you have some experience with blogs, but for the newbies out there, here are some pointers:

Each of my journos will be researching and then writing articles which (hopefully) will be of interest to you. After I go through and help them correct the inevitable typos, I'll post each article.

You will then have the opportunity to read it and then add a comment on it. For example, you could add your experiences about a featured café or restaurant. You might have a different opinion regarding a reviewed movie or album. Whatever it is, please keep it clean and constructive. Otherwise, you'll just be wasting your time as flames will not be posted.

Each time we post a new blog, we will announce it on Twitter and Facebook.

So, enjoy! And, don't forget, if you have any ideas for what we should cover in future, you can just send me an email!