Or, my head iz pasted on yayz!

City Hall has recently published a new Fun Guide for its residents. This bi-annual publication is a directory of sorts, illustrating all the fun activities that people of all ages can go out and try, like: sports clubs, museums, arts & crafts, day camps, etc.

Now I hope you’ll say yes right from the beginning, but do you see anything wrong with this picture?

No?! Okay, well how about when it’s compared to this one?

I know a photoshop college instructor who would have had a field day marking up this “enhancement” on all the wrong ways to paste on someone’s head (ie. lighting, saturation, crop marks, etc), but that’s not the point.

WHY in what has been reputed (mostly by Mayor Miller and City Hall) as the most diverse city in the world would we have to resort to photoshopping a man’s head onto another body to make us look diverse? What kind of fake sentimentality are we trying to play at?

I’ve got wedding photos taken in Toronto that would clearly show a diverse culture, and I know I’m not the only one. I would just have to look at my facebook profile to find many more.

And you know what? I know that you’re all saying, “Me too!”

I’m wondering if they ever saw this photo during their momentous quest in search of the illusive diversity…

It’s not like Toronto is short of photographers either! Look up Craig’s List and you’ll find hundreds of photography listings. In fact, I got a few on Twitter and another on Facebook who probably already have what you’re looking for in their portfolio.

And you know what? I know that you’re all saying, “Me too!”

Is it just a Fun Guide? Should we not be all worked up over such a stunt?

I’m going to say no, because this “Fun Guide” is used by our residents of Toronto (new and old), so what kind of message are you trying to portray here?

• That even though your city is too lazy to do the “hard” work, go out there and exercise!
• Toronto *swears* the city is diverse, *honest*!
• City Hall is just so busy, they couldn’t find the right image of the best looking Toronto family having fun in time of printing!

I could go on…

And here’s another question, WHY did it have to look diverse in the first place? The Original Daddy looked like he was having fun, so what was wrong with him?

Alright, weigh in with your thoughts!

Some would say, “Are you all that shocked?” And I guess I would be one of those some.

This past Saturday, under the Luminato Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity umbrella, the city grandly attempted to beat a Guinness World Record for most guitarists playing one song together. And for not much more than word-of-mouth promotion, the TdOt didn’t do too badly.

Toronto had wound up filling Yonge-Dundas Square with 1623 guitarists of all ages, but unfortunately Germany remains as the reigning champion for the Guinness title with 1802 guitarists playing “Smoke on the Water” together in 2007.

As a consolation, we did create a national record if not world.

Call it a believer in superstition if you will, but honestly, having a band called The Heartbroken playing a song called Helpless and hoping for a great outcome was a little bit of Canadiana Irony. It’s right up there with Canada’s darling Morissette and her ironically misjudged song “Ironic”.

Not that The Heartbroken did a bad job; I enjoyed their time on stage and am interested in hearing more from them, but…

Where Did We Go Wrong?
Word-of-mouth is great an’ all, but try a couple of commercials or ad boards sometime. I personally hadn’t heard about the event until a couple days beforehand; and although I did my part in promoting, it just wasn’t enough time to prepare.

I’m pretty sure I’ve seen random Luminato commercials on TV, but promoting some specific events instead of merely the L’Oreal sponsorship would be a great way to get people interested.

For instance, did you know that Cirque de Soleil will be performing by the waterfront next weekend? Wouldn’t that be an incredible sight to see? Or that top chefs in Toronto are running an outdoor Bar-b-Q lunch at $5 an item during the same time? Well, now you know about it, go!

Baby, One More Time
Hopefully, this wasn’t a one-off. With enough promotion, I believe next year we could pull together the right amount of string to break this record. And I vote for Taking Care of Business, ‘cause that’s what the villagers of the TdOt do.

And if they choose to switch the instrument to bongos, I’m so there!

A Little Less Conversation a Little More Action
Alright, listen up peeps! I want to know what events you’ve seen or are planning to attend this coming week as part of the Luminato festival.

And what’s your favourite bit of Canadiana Irony; we’re a funny group of peeps, so you’ve gotta have something!

Dove Spa opened their doors on April 29th in Toronto, their second location in North America with 40 additional locations across the UK. A spa for “Real Women”, their mandate is to help every woman feel good about themselves; and they just might have found the key to do so!

I dropped in for the Grand Opening first thing that morning, and was not disappointed with what I saw. Nearly every surface was a calming pure white (I don’t want to imagine what the cleaning crew has to do to upkeep this look!), with lush white leather seating and stainless steel, you’re easily encouraged to drop all that mental baggage and to-do lists at the door and head straight for their jasmine green tea made with a real blooming flower.

And the spa specialists have the room to work! We were introduced to room after room of ways in which women (and men!) can register to better themselves, from teeth whitening and spray tanning, eye treatments and hair removal techniques, to facial and body treatments and Holistic Therapy; you could even bring your guy-friend with you for a Gentlemen’s Hand and Nail Treatments and/or Couples Facials. Their list is extensive, and honestly the hardest thing for me right now is to decide what to try next, because everything is priced right for the everyday woman.

So with goodie bag in hand (you should know by now, I *love* goodie bags), I had signed up for the free half hour personalized spa facial for the next day.

It had all the right chemistry…

When I got there for my facial, it turned out the appointment wasn’t scheduled for until the day after; but since I was assured of the date and time at the open house, the manager did all she could to “squeeze me in”.

I was shown the change room with free lockers, plush robes and slippers, and after changing I met up with Kayla, who was the tour guide from the day before. One difference to other spas, Dove Spa does a complimentary seasonal skin diagnostic with interesting high-tech equipment to figure out what exactly is up with your skin. Kayla was able to map out how much oil and hydration was being produced (or lacking) at different areas of my face. With this info in hand, she selected products that were specific for my skin type and stressed that I should be using UV protection with at least SPF 40 everyday since my skin pigmentation is pretty light (I checked at home immediately after, I’ve got a 45! Whew!)

Once the diagnostic was over, I was brought to a very soothing room: darkened, yellow lighting, favourite music choice playing, and heated reclining bed, where I was invited and left to get comfortable, and boy did I! It had all the right chemistry to help you forget your daily planner even if just for a little while.

With moisturizers, toner and mask in hand, Kayla produced a wonderful 30 minute relaxing facial treatment, I nearly fell asleep when she threw in a head massage.

At the end of the session, I was treated to a really comfortable leather chair and cranberry water while Kayla discussed what products she used and which ones she’d recommend I’d take home to use on a more daily basis. I forgot my 15% off coupon for first purchase at home, so I’ll have to go back soon to pick up the Polish Off satisfying wash & scrub for $30 and *maybe* stick around for an eyebrow shape and tint!

Current Deals That You Should Take Advantage Of

• Register on their site today, and get your own free 30 minute personalised treatment. It is so *worth it*! If you’re asked if you want to upgrade with $20 for the 1 hour treatment, do it; I promise you won’t be disappointed.
• Purchase a $75 giftcard (which you know you’ll eventually use if not gift), and get a free 1 hour personalized facial treat. Again, *worth it*!
• Mom & Me Facials – buy one for your mom and get your’s free!
• $20 Spray Tan Promo (regularly priced at $50) Hmmm, never done a spray tan before, but I might just try this.

Toronto’s Weekend Shopping Event!

During the first three days of May, make time to visit The Clothing Show at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place to find a great selection of vintage and independent designer spring/summer fashion; items range from $5 to $2000 (ie. something for every budget).

What’s in Store?
With over 300 vendors, a collection of Boutiques, Accessories, Vintage, and Sample Sales, there is no doubt you will find something for every taste.

With over thirty years of experience under their belt, the Clothing Show has delivered a strong assemblage of local apparel and accessories. Don’t miss the newer additions to the show, including their Menswear and Eco segments, runway shows and gallery featuring local artists.

Purchase tickets online for $8 ($2 off price at door); visitors will receive a goody bag tote full of product samples while quantities last. The art on their eco-conscious tote-bag was created by Dan, a graphic artist based in Montreal, founding member of Heavyweight Art Installation.

For more information, go to The Clothing Show Website.

And be sure to bring cash in hand, not all vendors accept debit/credit cards.

Here’s the third of three vids I took while attending Earth Hour 2009 at City Hall in Toronto.

Join WWF this year for Earth Hour on March 28th, 2009 at 8:30pm. 

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