Organizer: TOFU
Cost: free (drinks extra)
Pre-event estimate: 2 out of 5
Post-event rating: 1 out of 5 (Chris) / 2 out of 5 (Jade) -- first disagreement in rating!
From Chris:
I got to leave when they dimmed the light and cranked up the music. Man, I feel old...
From Jade:
...or too young?! To be fair, I met people from all walks of life and learned a few things that I otherwise would not have known.
For those who are curious, you can find out how old you really are (and your life expectancy) here: http://www.embedtube.com/uploads/33101407Realage.swf
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Doors Open Toronto (May 24-25, 2008)
Post-event estimate: 4 out of 5
I went to some new places this year. Here's my list of recommendations after participating in 3 Doors Open events (not in particular order):
1. TD tower--the view
2. Metropolitan Church--the carillon
3. St. James Cathedral--the changing bells
4. The Four Seasons Centre (The opera house)--the architectural details
5. The Elgin Theatre and Winter Garden--the history
6. The Royal Alexander Theatre--the ghost stories
Let me know any other interesting places you have been to. = )
I went to some new places this year. Here's my list of recommendations after participating in 3 Doors Open events (not in particular order):
1. TD tower--the view
2. Metropolitan Church--the carillon
3. St. James Cathedral--the changing bells
4. The Four Seasons Centre (The opera house)--the architectural details
5. The Elgin Theatre and Winter Garden--the history
6. The Royal Alexander Theatre--the ghost stories
Let me know any other interesting places you have been to. = )
Doors Open Toronto kick-off party (May 23, 2008)
@ Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park)
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: at least 3 out of 5--There will be performances by Tafelmusik and the Toronto Consort., and museum galleries will be open for free from 4:30 – 9:30 pm
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
I especially like the Shanghai Kaleidoscope. The artworks from various Chinese artists gives me a glimpse on how they view Shanghai--a traditional city going through changes in light-years. There is a group of pictures showing the many high-rises in Shanghai (The descriptions said there are over 4000!). There is also an artwork with a man balancing an inverted Shanghai city at his fingertip. If I were the artist, I would add a few things falling off from the new city to represent the loss as the city goes through massive changes. I don't know how old the artists showcased in the exhibit are. I think it will be interesting to see how artists of different generations view today's Shanghai.
If you miss the free event, admissions are half-priced on Fridays after 430pm.
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: at least 3 out of 5--There will be performances by Tafelmusik and the Toronto Consort., and museum galleries will be open for free from 4:30 – 9:30 pm
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
I especially like the Shanghai Kaleidoscope. The artworks from various Chinese artists gives me a glimpse on how they view Shanghai--a traditional city going through changes in light-years. There is a group of pictures showing the many high-rises in Shanghai (The descriptions said there are over 4000!). There is also an artwork with a man balancing an inverted Shanghai city at his fingertip. If I were the artist, I would add a few things falling off from the new city to represent the loss as the city goes through massive changes. I don't know how old the artists showcased in the exhibit are. I think it will be interesting to see how artists of different generations view today's Shanghai.
If you miss the free event, admissions are half-priced on Fridays after 430pm.
Seminar on ins and outs of buying a condo (May 21, 2008)
Organizer: Gramercy Park Presentation Centre
Venue: 525 Wilson Ave (near Wilson subway)
Cost: Free! (RSVP at 416.703.2202)
Pre-event estimate: don't know--hopefully informative and not just promoting the developer's condo.
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
I learn so much from this event--It should actually be called "Condo-buying 101"! I know you can easily get the meaning of "declaration", "free-holding condominium," or "open mortgage" from the Internet or a book. But the three speakers are very knowledgeable and they present the material in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. Knowledge is power! I highly encourage young professionals planning to buy a condo to attend events like this!
Venue: 525 Wilson Ave (near Wilson subway)
Cost: Free! (RSVP at 416.703.2202)
Pre-event estimate: don't know--hopefully informative and not just promoting the developer's condo.
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
I learn so much from this event--It should actually be called "Condo-buying 101"! I know you can easily get the meaning of "declaration", "free-holding condominium," or "open mortgage" from the Internet or a book. But the three speakers are very knowledgeable and they present the material in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. Knowledge is power! I highly encourage young professionals planning to buy a condo to attend events like this!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Movie: After Life (May 16, 2008)
Organizer: The Canada Japan Society
Cost: $15 for non-members (incl. reception)
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
"If you could only take one memory with you for the rest of eternity, which would you choose?"
This question is on my mind since I watched the movie on Friday. Graduation? Winning an important award? Reaching a milestone in my career? Then it hits me that I value personal achievement highly. Perhaps too high? In the movie, people choose to remember everyday events such as an afternoon spent with her head on her mother's lap, a conversation with his wife in a park, a dance in her favourite red dress. Perhaps I need to learn to appreciate small things in life?
The pace of this movie is a bit slow but it is definitely a thought-provoking one. No wonder it won the 1998 FIPRESCI Prize at the San Sebastián International Film Festival and best film at the Beunos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema.
Cost: $15 for non-members (incl. reception)
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
"If you could only take one memory with you for the rest of eternity, which would you choose?"
This question is on my mind since I watched the movie on Friday. Graduation? Winning an important award? Reaching a milestone in my career? Then it hits me that I value personal achievement highly. Perhaps too high? In the movie, people choose to remember everyday events such as an afternoon spent with her head on her mother's lap, a conversation with his wife in a park, a dance in her favourite red dress. Perhaps I need to learn to appreciate small things in life?
The pace of this movie is a bit slow but it is definitely a thought-provoking one. No wonder it won the 1998 FIPRESCI Prize at the San Sebastián International Film Festival and best film at the Beunos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema.
Advanced Screening: American Teen (May 14, 2008)
Organizer: Cinema Studies Student Union
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: hard to say! Sounds like an interesting topic though.
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
I know it is not fair to compare The Forgotten Women (a documentary on abandoned widows in India; see April 24, 2008 entry) to The American Teen, but I enjoy the latter much more because of its strong storyline.
The American Teen follows four teenagers as they go through their last year of high school: There are Megan, the drama queen who seems to have it all; Collin, the star basketball player desperate for a scholarship to attend college; Jake, the "geek" who does not give up on finding a girlfriend; and Hannah, a girl who knows what she wants in life and who is not afraid of being different. They go through breakups, conflicts, confusions, as well as pleasant surprises!
I think everyone can identify with at least one of the teenagers: Their challenges in life may seem insignificant to the ones we face now, but the emotional roller-coaster is similar. I find myself wanting to hold Hannah's hands to tell her there is much more in life when she almost loses a school term because of a breakup. Sometimes we are so caught up with the present status that only time can pull us away to see the big picture. Many laugh at Jake's attempts in finding a girlfriend. On the contrary, I find his experience reaffirms my belief that success is the product of determination despite numerous rejections. I think we do not stop having growing pain until the end of our life. I highly recommend this movie to everyone, whether you are 18 or 80!
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: hard to say! Sounds like an interesting topic though.
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
I know it is not fair to compare The Forgotten Women (a documentary on abandoned widows in India; see April 24, 2008 entry) to The American Teen, but I enjoy the latter much more because of its strong storyline.
The American Teen follows four teenagers as they go through their last year of high school: There are Megan, the drama queen who seems to have it all; Collin, the star basketball player desperate for a scholarship to attend college; Jake, the "geek" who does not give up on finding a girlfriend; and Hannah, a girl who knows what she wants in life and who is not afraid of being different. They go through breakups, conflicts, confusions, as well as pleasant surprises!
I think everyone can identify with at least one of the teenagers: Their challenges in life may seem insignificant to the ones we face now, but the emotional roller-coaster is similar. I find myself wanting to hold Hannah's hands to tell her there is much more in life when she almost loses a school term because of a breakup. Sometimes we are so caught up with the present status that only time can pull us away to see the big picture. Many laugh at Jake's attempts in finding a girlfriend. On the contrary, I find his experience reaffirms my belief that success is the product of determination despite numerous rejections. I think we do not stop having growing pain until the end of our life. I highly recommend this movie to everyone, whether you are 18 or 80!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
FUHNatics Coffeehouse (May 13, 2008)
Organizer: UHN dragon boat team
Cost: $10 (incl. lucky draw)
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5--live music performance and much more!
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
I love all kinds of music but the highlight was definitely the poetry competition! A talented guy turned dragon boat and water into a soul-searching experience!
Cost: $10 (incl. lucky draw)
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5--live music performance and much more!
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
I love all kinds of music but the highlight was definitely the poetry competition! A talented guy turned dragon boat and water into a soul-searching experience!
OCAD's Annual Graduate Exhibition (May9-11, 2008)
Event: OCAD's Annual Graduate Exhibition
Organizer: Ontario College of Arts & Design
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
From Chris:
Just like the past two years, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of human mind and left with a headache happily. - )
From Jade:
One exhibition tells the story of an evil princess turning those unfortunate suitors into gemstones on her necklace. The story represents how some people sacrifice others in return for their selfish gains. This reminds me a conversation I had with a friend last week: The subtle difference of networking and befriending with your boss for career advancement. It is a tricky business!
Organizer: Ontario College of Arts & Design
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
From Chris:
Just like the past two years, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of human mind and left with a headache happily. - )
From Jade:
One exhibition tells the story of an evil princess turning those unfortunate suitors into gemstones on her necklace. The story represents how some people sacrifice others in return for their selfish gains. This reminds me a conversation I had with a friend last week: The subtle difference of networking and befriending with your boss for career advancement. It is a tricky business!
Opera: Pelleas & Melisande (May 9, 2008)
Organizer: The Canadian Opera Company
Cost: $20 (new age ticket)
Pre-event estimate: 3 to 4 out of 5
Post-event estimate: 2 out of 5
I guess I still see the world in black and white in the sense that people earn their achievement and pay for their mistakes. This may explain why I have difficulty identifying with the three main characters in this opera. This is a story of a love triangle: Golaud married a mysterious girl, Melisande, he met in a deserted island, but Melisande was seen kissing Golaud's half brother Pelleas. I disagree that Golaud is portrayed as a jealous and unreasonable person. Why is he the one who is left in the world with a broken heart and the guilt? How can I sympathize with Pelleas and Melisande for their forbidden love and tragic death? This world is too complicated for me!
Cost: $20 (new age ticket)
Pre-event estimate: 3 to 4 out of 5
Post-event estimate: 2 out of 5
I guess I still see the world in black and white in the sense that people earn their achievement and pay for their mistakes. This may explain why I have difficulty identifying with the three main characters in this opera. This is a story of a love triangle: Golaud married a mysterious girl, Melisande, he met in a deserted island, but Melisande was seen kissing Golaud's half brother Pelleas. I disagree that Golaud is portrayed as a jealous and unreasonable person. Why is he the one who is left in the world with a broken heart and the guilt? How can I sympathize with Pelleas and Melisande for their forbidden love and tragic death? This world is too complicated for me!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Book Talk: Naomi's Tree (May 8, 2008)
Event: Book Talk: Naomi's Tree by Joy Kogawa, Illustrated by Ruth Ohi
Organizer: The Japan Foundation & Fitzhenry & Whiteside
Cost: Free! (RSVP required)
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5
Post-event estimate: 4 out of 5
I love children's book for the simple and logical message and the happy ending! Kogawa turned a sad event for Japanese Canadians in the past into a ppositive message on friendship for everyone in the world. I also enjoyed the brief but enthusiastic drawing demonstration by the illustrator. Read the book and spread the love to others, like the cherry blossoms!
Organizer: The Japan Foundation & Fitzhenry & Whiteside
Cost: Free! (RSVP required)
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5
Post-event estimate: 4 out of 5
I love children's book for the simple and logical message and the happy ending! Kogawa turned a sad event for Japanese Canadians in the past into a ppositive message on friendship for everyone in the world. I also enjoyed the brief but enthusiastic drawing demonstration by the illustrator. Read the book and spread the love to others, like the cherry blossoms!
Opera 101 (May 7, 2008)
Organizer: Canadian Opera Company
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: don't know yet--sounds like an exciting one coz there will be food for your brain... and your stomach too!
Post-event rating: 2 out of 5
The COC got the right idea. They need to get young professional like us to develop a taste for operas. And it was a great party that attracted young people with complimentary drinks, yummy appetizers and backstage stories and jokes. But for an event billed as Opera 101, I would expert some introduction on the features and the history of opera. Otherwise, I am afraid others, like Jade and I, would leave the event feeling stuffed from the salmon sushi but unsatisfied.
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: don't know yet--sounds like an exciting one coz there will be food for your brain... and your stomach too!
Post-event rating: 2 out of 5
The COC got the right idea. They need to get young professional like us to develop a taste for operas. And it was a great party that attracted young people with complimentary drinks, yummy appetizers and backstage stories and jokes. But for an event billed as Opera 101, I would expert some introduction on the features and the history of opera. Otherwise, I am afraid others, like Jade and I, would leave the event feeling stuffed from the salmon sushi but unsatisfied.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
In interview: Dr. John Ratey (Author of "Spark") (May 5, 2008)
Organizer: Indigo Bay & Bloor
Pre-event estimate: 2 to 3 out of 5 (depends on the speaker)
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
From CHRIS:
Dr. Ratey shared the five secret ingredients to become "smarter" in his new book Spark. One that surprises me (a little) is how physical activity affects your mental ability as well. Otherwise, they are quite common sense to me. It is nice that they are now backed up by research and medical findings. I totally agree with his recommendations. Unfortunately, like Dan Heath said in the last Indigo book talk, it takes more than a good idea to keep it afloat.
From Jade:
Dr. Ratey stressed the role of exercises, mental and physical form of it, in enhancing our intelligence and memory. He also explained that a little bit of "good stress" is actually beneficial to us. However, judged by the questions raised in the Q & A, it seems to me that people would rather take a magic pill or food product than spending time in the gym or doing sudoku.
To me, the most important message from Dr. Ratey's talk was do not underestimate the plasticity of our brain. I finally found the biological basis that I can become smarter every day!
Pre-event estimate: 2 to 3 out of 5 (depends on the speaker)
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
From CHRIS:
Dr. Ratey shared the five secret ingredients to become "smarter" in his new book Spark. One that surprises me (a little) is how physical activity affects your mental ability as well. Otherwise, they are quite common sense to me. It is nice that they are now backed up by research and medical findings. I totally agree with his recommendations. Unfortunately, like Dan Heath said in the last Indigo book talk, it takes more than a good idea to keep it afloat.
From Jade:
Dr. Ratey stressed the role of exercises, mental and physical form of it, in enhancing our intelligence and memory. He also explained that a little bit of "good stress" is actually beneficial to us. However, judged by the questions raised in the Q & A, it seems to me that people would rather take a magic pill or food product than spending time in the gym or doing sudoku.
To me, the most important message from Dr. Ratey's talk was do not underestimate the plasticity of our brain. I finally found the biological basis that I can become smarter every day!
Friday, May 2, 2008
The Bata Shoe Museum (May 1, 2008)
On Exhibition: Chronicles of Riches; Beauty, Identify, Pride: Native North American Footwear; and On Pointe: The Rise of the Ballet Shoe
Cost: Regular admission $12, Free admission every Thursday 5-8pm (Jade is the best bargain hunter!)
Pre-event estimate: 1 out of 5
Post-event rating: 2 out of 5
What strikes me the most is the variety of designs and materials used in footwear in different countries and cultures. But, where are the moccasins and other traditional footwear nowadays? Is this why McDonald's and other big fast food chains become the staples for children and teenagers around the world? Is this the price we pay for building a global village?
Cost: Regular admission $12, Free admission every Thursday 5-8pm (Jade is the best bargain hunter!)
Pre-event estimate: 1 out of 5
Post-event rating: 2 out of 5
What strikes me the most is the variety of designs and materials used in footwear in different countries and cultures. But, where are the moccasins and other traditional footwear nowadays? Is this why McDonald's and other big fast food chains become the staples for children and teenagers around the world? Is this the price we pay for building a global village?
In interview: Dan Heath (Author of "Made to Stick") (May 1, 2008)
Organizer: Indigo Bay & Bloor
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: 2 to 3 out of 5 (depends on the speaker)
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
From CHRIS:
I keep a copy of The Secret on my bedside table. After Thursday night, Made to Stick joined the pile. Both books advocate a method that is simple, applicable to young professionals' life, and effective! Three cheers to "S-U-C-C-E-S"!!
P.S. Yes, I truly believe in this. You haven't read either book, have you?!
From Jade:
This is the best book talk I have been to so far! Dan Heath is a great author and speaker. I was mesmerized by Heath's 6 qualities of successful ideas. Whether you are Obama's publicist or an employee presenting a new project to your boss, you will find this book useful!
However, the best advice I got out from the talk was not his "S-U-C-C-E-S" message: Heath commented on the importance of teaching people how to organize their thoughts and communicate their ideas effectively. In a society where image and style take the front seat, this is indeed a bright concept--one that sticks in my mind!
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: 2 to 3 out of 5 (depends on the speaker)
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
From CHRIS:
I keep a copy of The Secret on my bedside table. After Thursday night, Made to Stick joined the pile. Both books advocate a method that is simple, applicable to young professionals' life, and effective! Three cheers to "S-U-C-C-E-S"!!
P.S. Yes, I truly believe in this. You haven't read either book, have you?!
From Jade:
This is the best book talk I have been to so far! Dan Heath is a great author and speaker. I was mesmerized by Heath's 6 qualities of successful ideas. Whether you are Obama's publicist or an employee presenting a new project to your boss, you will find this book useful!
However, the best advice I got out from the talk was not his "S-U-C-C-E-S" message: Heath commented on the importance of teaching people how to organize their thoughts and communicate their ideas effectively. In a society where image and style take the front seat, this is indeed a bright concept--one that sticks in my mind!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Shakespeare lectures, Manga exhibition (April 29, 2008)
Event #1: The Marriage of Mars and Venus: All's Well that Ends Well as a problem play by Professor Brian Parker
Event #2: From Hanga to Manga: The Graphic Art of Japanese Storytelling exhibition
Organizer: Toronto Reference Library
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: To be assessed
Post-event rating: 2 out of 5
It was an interesting night for us: We discussed how relationship was portrayed in art as we "travelled" from England to Japan. Professor Parker gave an in-depth talk on the complicated relationship between Bertrum and Helena. Neither of us have read the play; otherwise, we would enjoy the talk better. However, we did not quite understand or agree with the the fact that the "happy" ending was based on a deceptive act. Incidentally, there was a set of Manga (Japanese comics) showing how a royal member in ancient Japan courted a number of women in his time. Unlike the play by Shakespeare, the Japanese artist left us with an unsatisfying ending. Is this a reflection of the passiveness in Asians?
from Jade and CHRIS
Event #2: From Hanga to Manga: The Graphic Art of Japanese Storytelling exhibition
Organizer: Toronto Reference Library
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: To be assessed
Post-event rating: 2 out of 5
It was an interesting night for us: We discussed how relationship was portrayed in art as we "travelled" from England to Japan. Professor Parker gave an in-depth talk on the complicated relationship between Bertrum and Helena. Neither of us have read the play; otherwise, we would enjoy the talk better. However, we did not quite understand or agree with the the fact that the "happy" ending was based on a deceptive act. Incidentally, there was a set of Manga (Japanese comics) showing how a royal member in ancient Japan courted a number of women in his time. Unlike the play by Shakespeare, the Japanese artist left us with an unsatisfying ending. Is this a reflection of the passiveness in Asians?
from Jade and CHRIS
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