Downtown was once a very mystical place

When I was little, I used to think  downtown Toronto was a very mystical place.  I lived in Scarborough.  And while that is still considered Toronto, there was never much of a reason to go downtown.

But when I did go, it was always so magical. Especially during the Christmas season. I loved going to the Eaton Centre to look at the huge diamond Christmas tree and I always loved looking at the beautiful Christmas lights.  Once a year, I would go down to watch a Ross Petty production at the Elgin and Winter Theatre.

But the real treat was always the Santa Claus Parade.  There is only one or two other times I remember attending.  Maybe I attended when I was a little baby, but I don't recall any of it.  However, I got to relive that magic this weekend.  Seeing all the floats and Christmas cheer was amazing.  Even if it was cold, it was nice seeing everyone's face light up when Santa's float came sliding by.

I'm not going to lie though.  I thought the wait was quite long, especially since the temperatures were steadily dropping and getting colder.  I really could have used a nice hot drink at the moment.  But overall, I quite enjoyed myself.  It reminded me of old memories and the floats were quite nice!!

Besides, the buy one get one free holiday drinks at Starbucks afterwards was a treat!!  Because I had no one to share with, I ended up stocking up on caffeine.  WHOOPZ.

Even if I'm familiar with downtown Toronto now, it will still somewhat be that magical place I once thought it was.

But perhaps, London, England is that place for me now.

 Toronto Rock, our city's lacrosse team. 

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford throwing candy canes. I didn't get any by the way. 

 Creepy looking monkeys

 Extremely small-waisted Barbies.

 Mrs. Claus!!! Her first time at the parade!!!

 SANTA!!!!!!!!

Can you spot us?? 

Flaws in Toronto's Shark Fin Ban

The banning of shark fin today in Toronto has been met with mixed reviews.  Toronto city council has voted to ban the sale of shark fin on a proposal that passed  by 38 to 4.

If some of you are unaware of the delicacy of shark fins, they are often used in a thick, gooey soup often served at Chinese weddings.   If you don't live in the Greater Toronto Area or was just unaware of the issue, the banning of shark fins have been an ongoing debate between Torontonians because while the soup is a traditional dish, supporters of the ban say sharks are killed inhumanely and often thrown into the ocean alive after their fins are cut off.

As a Chinese Canadian, I would first of all like to say that I am not a big fan of shark meat.  I've tried shark fin soup a couple of times at weddings and celebrations, but it is honestly nothing special to me.  In fact, I have choosen to refuse the soup at risk of supporting the way sharks are slaughtered in the process.

  While I do not support the inhumane killing of sharks, I see some flaws in this new ban. According to news sources such as CBC, Toronto Star and Globe & Mail, they all clearly state that shark fin is banned.

However, there is no word on shark meat being banned.  So does this mean eating shark is still allowed?

On another note, I'd like to make it clear that only Toronto's city council voted for a ban on shark fins.  What about other parts of the GTA?

 As a resident living on the border of Scarborough and Markham, it's no secret that that area is filled with Chinese immigrants.  If not Richmond Hill (which is also in the GTA), Markham probably has the biggest population of Chinese people in Ontario.

Considering this fact, it won't make a HUGE difference to Chinese people living in Toronto as they'll just flock to Markham and Richmond Hill for shark fin anyway.

So, what's the point now?

Now I know it may sound contradictory for saying that I am happy the ban is officially passed in my city, I still  feel there should be clearer guidelines with this law.

Here's the way I see it.  If such a ban is proposed, there should probably be a ban on shark meat as a whole to prevent people from killing sharks.

And in terms of accessibility, people are still going to find ways to eat shark fin soup.  If there's only a ban in Toronto and not other regions in the GTA, why not make this a provincial or national issue?

What do you think?  Are there flaws in this issue or not?  Discuss.

Images taken from: here, and here.  

Toronto Track and Field Meet

Okay. So...I've been totally slacking on this blog but I have a legitimate excuse!! The past month has been incredibly busy.  I was working full time and was doing a lot of family stuff.  Therefore, I haven't had the time to update the blog very often.

So you know...this is like three weeks late.

Anyone who knows me knows that track is a sport I love and am passionate about.  On July 13, 2011, I got to volunteer at the Toronto International Track and Field Meet at Varsity Stadium.  Competitors included the likes of hurdlers Perdita Felicien, Phylicia George (a Mary Ward alumni!), sprinter Walter Dix, Shot putter Dylan Armstrong and several other talented runners from the United States, Kenya, and Jamaica. 

At the meet, my duty was to hand out results to the reporters.  Being a journalism student, I made this my opportunity to be a part of the media scrum so I could see how it would be like to work at big sporting events as a journalist. I even did a little networking with a recent Rye Journalism grad!!

And boy, did I run a lot that day!!  However, I felt the meet took in too many volunteers.  So many slackers GEEZ.

Nonetheless, it was a good experience. I even got to meet last year's World No. 1 hurdler Priscilla Lopes-Schliep!! She didn't compete that day because she's pregnant. She's super nice!!

Fun fact:  I ran my first and only OFSAA at this stadium!! *bittersweet*

 

All the boys here have the same outfit!! SO CUTE!!!! :') 

Living Life in the City.

After months complaining about waking up early, inconvenient TTC buses and long rides dry-humping complete strangers on the subway, my parents decided it was finally time to invest in an apartment downtown.

Needless to say, getting an apartment for school has a lot of benefits for me.

Yes, a pricey investment, but perhaps worth it in the end as the opportunities are endless. We live around Yonge and Bloor-just steps away from the luxurious Yorkville area where designer clothes and accessories, celebrities and fancy cars are not uncommon.

Not that I can afford anything from Yorkville, living in the area has proved to be not only convenient for all of us, but also quite an adventure. And with that, I cannot thank my parents enough.  I am truly blessed.

While I love outdoor adventures like climbing, biking and jogging, I am a city girl at heart.  I love the rush Toronto brings and all the good things it has to offer.

But that is not to say that I can't imagine myself not living in the suburbs.  Growing up in a suburban Scarborough neighbourhood, that's all I really knew. While downtown is a great area to live, I still can't imagine myself not being part of a suburb with a nice house, backyard, park, car, friends and family nearby.

Though at the end of the day, journalism and the city do make a great match.

But that is the future.  And the future is quite a long time from now.

For now, I should just live for the moment.

JUNO FanFare

School has been superbly hectic.
With my first year of university drawing to a close, I have been rushing to finish assignments so I haven't been able to update very often. 

But, don't fret! I am back with oodles of good stuff. For one thing, last week was the 40th Annual Juno Awards.  This year it took place in my hometown of Toronto with T.dot's own Drake!!

For those of you who don't know what the JUNOs are, think the Grammy's but, the Canadian version.  

Unfortunately I couldn't attend the event because of homework and student budgets. However, I did get a chance to attend some of the free events.  If you look at the post below, you may have already browsed some of the pictures I took at the JUNO Cup.  

I did attend the JUNO FanFare the next day...unfortunately by myself like a loser.  I only wanted to meet Down With Webster, which I did. I even managed to get some pictures with them! Actually now that I think about it, I feel like a big dork!!

So as for autograph signings, I think this may be the last one in a while before someone is willing to go with me.  I've decided that I'm not a big fan of meet and greets because celebs probably won't even remember me anyways. I mean lining up for two hours to speak with a star for two minutes? They better be well worth the wait!

This is why I hope to use my future career as a journalist as a chance to speak with interesting individuals. Not just celebrities, but people who are inspiring, who have brilliant ideas and amazing lives! 

Then maybe... they will have a better chance at knowing who I am. Just maybe.

Anyways, enjoy the pictures!! I would make a video blog out of this, but I didn't get a lot of footage and the two girls in front of me were giving me super strange looks.  Oh well, they didn't know I was trying to get a story out of the event...fail.

 Marty and Kyle!

 Bucky Buck!!

Faber Drive

 Danny Fernandes!

  These Kids Wear Crowns

 Jacob Hoggard of Hedley

 Me and Cam!

 Taking a picture with Bucky Buck!

 With Pat and Dave!

And with one of my favourite former VJs from Much, who also currently holds my dream job as a CP24 correspondent...Devon Soltendieck!!

JUNO CUP

Hello all.

What an eventful week it has been! Toronto is hosting the annual Juno Awards this year, and Drake is hosting!  Unfortunately, I don't have the money to afford tickets but I attended two of the Juno Events which were both free for me.  Yesterday I attended the JUNO Cup with Stephanie, Jan and Iriss because Steph was lucky to have won tickets!  It was such a mission to get there because we weren't paying attention the first time and went on the wrong streetcar. Turns out we ended up at ChinaTown. The second time, we got onto the right streetcar, but it was going to the garage!! So, we had to be dropped off and we ended up walking to the Ricoh Coliseum...

Nevertheless, we finally arrived and thus the game started!! What a great way to bring hockey and music together! So Canadian! 

Some of the artists who attended include Tyler Armes from Down With Webster, Sarah Harmer, Kathleen Edwards and Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo.  These "Rockers" faced the "Alumni" team, which consisted of former and current NHL players such as Gary Roberts, Brad Dalgarno, and Gary Leeman. 

 I don't usually watch hockey...which is a bit of a shame...because I don't know which team to follow!! I only watch the World Championships. Everything amateur sports is what I will watch :)

I was cheering for the Rockers the whole time. Unfortunately, they lost 10-13.  But from what I've heard, they haven't won in a while!


Too bad we weren't able to meet some of the artists or players. But, it was a good thing I ended up going to the JUNO FanFare!!


But, that will be left for another post because I have a ton of pictures from there as well.

But on another note, remember the interview I had with Paralympian Paul Rosen?? Well it's published for The Ryersonian now and you can read it here.

I've also written an opinion piece about how 1/4 women don't enjoy their wedding proposals.  According to a comment from a girl, it is "condescending" and "poor journalism." I wouldn't call it journalism per say, but if the editors thought it was okay to publish, then it would be appropriate right?  First of all, I would never lie about my statistics. If you were really curious about it, there are plenty of articles published on the matter that can be found on Google.

Either way, I never meant it to be condescending, because I do not feel highly about myself. I did however, mean to sound a bit harsh as to give these women a reality check. It is true that 75% of women are content with their proposals but to know that the other 25% aren't happy with their proposals...? That's unfortunate. Being proposed to is a tough task on its own. What I'm saying is, women should just stop playing these fantasies in their heads to save themselves from a future letdown...But hey, if 13 people liked the article, then at least some would agree with me!

But since I do not want to end on a sour note, tonight is Earth Hour so turn off your lights!  Stay tuned for more on the JUNO FanFare!!

Stop the Meter Rally (meeting Jack Layton!)

Today I attended the Stop the Meter Rally that took place at Yonge and Dundas Square. The protest was organized because Internet Service Providers are planning to add more to online billing costs by charging per byte. Protesters are now trying to get the CRTC to reconsider their plans.

I interviewed some of the protesters on why this cause is so important to them. Watch the video below!




I also got the chance to speak with NDP leader Jack Layton. For those of you who don't live in Canada, Jack Layton is a federal political leader, well known all around the country.

Technical glitches later, my whole interview was not recorded. I was lucky enough to encounter two men who happened to film some of it. So, thank you very much. I appreciate it a lot!!



Better than nothing right?

For more information on Stop the Meter, please visit: http://openmedia.ca/meter

Just another Canadian Winter...

I'll probably get a lot of comments for speaking about this matter for the umpteenth time, but I DID NOT feel that today was a snow day.

Perhaps it was a lot worse uptown in Scarborough, but downtown Toronto did not seem to have a lot of snow.  Everywhere I turned, snowplows, salt-throwers and shovelers were at hand to keep the sidewalks and roads clear for drivers and walkers to travel safely and efficiently.

So my question is:  if this was possible for many downtown university students, why couldn't uptown students do the same...considering that there isn't much of a difference distance-wise?    

Yes we were expected to receive around 20 cm of snow, but there were years where many of us have endured worse.  I remember around two to three years ago, my high school was still open despite the super, heavy blizzard taking place outside.  Not to mention, I actually braved that storm to make it to school.  (Well, I actually lived across the street from my high school...so it doesn't give me an excuse...)  But today, both the TCDSB AND the TDSB were closed?  I couldn't believe it.  To me, it didn't SEEM that bad...

But really, I'm only complaining because I wanted a snow day.  I really shouldn't because there are several homeless people outside braving the snow without shelter, food...or even a blanket.  Why can't we just stop complaining...or stop rejoicing about this said "snow storm" and think about all the people outside who are freezing?! 

How's that for ya'?

On another note about snow...I seem to attract a lot of people who want ME to take their photos.  I don't know if it was the snow or Downtown Toronto, but a couple and two friends asked me to take photos of them.  Nevertheless, I helped them.

In return, I asked the couple to take a photo for me!  I'm not sure if I like the photos, but I appreciate the effort!

They had very funny dialogue.

Man:  My picture is better because you can SEE EVERYTHINGG.
Woman: NOO.  Look at my picture! It's better, because you are the center of attention!!

 

 

I don't know... :P

By the way, my winter boots broke, and I'm looking for new ones! Suggestions?? 

Josh Groban...please come back to Toronto...

I got to meet Josh Groban two weeks ago at the First Canadian Place. This is so late, but I finally had the time to comment on my fun experience! Absolutely worth it!! And if you are patient enough to watch the video, you will get to see a beautiful Josh Groban speak to me toward the camera!!!

TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!!!

And here are a couple of pictures my cousin helped take for me. 

 What a sweet guy!

 Speaking to me!!!

LUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Come back to Toronto Josh!

Large Outpouring of Support for Fallen Officer

To family, colleagues, friends and people who didn’t even know him, Toronto Sgt. Ryan Russell will always be remembered for the sacrifice he made as a police officer.

From as far as the United States to the province of Ontario, officers, members of the RCMP, emergency service employees and civilians filled the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to attend Russell’s funeral in a hall that seated 10,000 people.

Russell, 35, was killed last Wednesday trying to stop a stolen snowplow while he was on duty in the Avenue Road and Dupont Street area.

In tributes delivered by Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair, Supt. Hugh Ferguson and Russell’s wife Christine, the 11-year veteran was praised for being a great role model and friend to his colleagues and family members.

“Ryan always put himself before anyone else,” Russell said. “On January 12, this cost him his life.”

Fighting back tears, she thanked her husband’s father Glenn, a former officer in the Toronto police office, for being Russell’s hero and inspiration.

Blair said that while the day was a sad one for the police service, it was also a day of celebration to remember a fallen hero.

“Ryan Russell was truly a hero not because of the tragic circumstances that took him from us, but because of the decision that he made to answer the call of duty. He was determined to make a difference in his community. He chose to dedicate himself to the service of others,” Blair said.

Supt. Hugh Ferguson, recognized Russell for not only his loyalty to his job, but described him as a dedicated family man.

“Ryan showed he was a great leader. He was a proud father, loving husband and a very proud police officer,” Ferguson said. “Rest in peace, my friend. You are truly a hero in life, not death.”

Seeing the outpour of support for Russell’s family, Sgt. Darcy Moore is grateful for the number of officers from the police community and the number of regular citizens who have showed up to pay their respects.

“I’d like to thank not only the community but all the officers across the province and throughout Canada [for their support]. These times are very difficult times for our service and especially for the family.”

Reta Salin, who immigrated to Toronto from Iraq in 1983, said she attended the service because she greatly depends on the Toronto Police Service to keep her safe.

“His death is painful because he helped those in need. It is a blessing to have police people to take the initiative knowing that [people’s] lives are on their shoulders.”

Ted Wieclawek, an assistant deputy fire marshal with Toronto’s Fire Protection Services, was there to show his support for the Russell family and the Toronto Police Service.

Wieclawek, who has worked with the Fire Protection Services for 20 years, said he was amazed at the number of people who gathered to remember the fallen officer.

“As a member of the broader emergency services, I think it’s a phenomenal and genuine outpouring of support for Ryan Russell and as well, for the family and members of the Toronto Police Service,” he said.

Iris Macdonald was in attendance because she recognizes that police officers take many risks in order to shield citizens from harm.

“Being a policeman can be a very dangerous job,” said Macdonald, 75. “You never know when you’re going out in the morning that you will come back at night.”

Knowing that police officers risk their lives every day to protect the community, Wieclawek is appreciative.

“We rely on them to keep our community safe and it’s a tremendously important function faced with a lot of dangers and I’m just grateful that we have a phenomenal police force in the province of Ontario,” he said.

Officers march and fill the streets of Downtown Toronto commemorating Sgt. Ryan Russell, who was murdered on the line of duty. (Photo from the Ottawa Citizen)

Funeral: A celebration of life.

Today I attended my first funeral since Grade One. Perhaps I was too young at the time, but I remember being absolutely terrified when the casket came in.

It was my friend's father's funeral. God bless her and her family, but I'm sorry if I was disrespectful in any way.  Maybe it was a lack of knowledge and understanding, but knowing that there was a body laying inside gave my six-year-old self the skeevies.

But today, I attended the funeral of fallen Toronto officer Sgt. Ryan Russell, who was killed in the line of duty from a stolen snowplow.

Covering a solemn and serious event such as this gave me new found respect and understanding of the purpose of funerals.  Coming from as far as the United States, officers, RCMP members, public service members and citizens gathered in the Metro Convention Centre, which seated 10,000 people.

Although I didn't know the man, my heart went out to all of Russell's family, friends and colleagues. Hearing the tributes given by Vaughn MP Julian Fantino, Police Chief Bill Blair and Russell's wife Christine opened a little bit of who Sgt. Ryan Russell was as not only a police officer, but as a human being.

Seeing the amount of support from people all over North America, I realized that they had all come together not just to mourn the loss of an officer, but to celebrate his life. 

Now that I'm 18 (soon to be 19) I finally understand that. I hope we all cherish our loved ones, because one will never know what will happen.

New Semester, Life Downtown.

I haven't yet started school because I have Mondays off. Yet, I am already excited to start off the semester because I got the latest from Josh Groban!

Aside from my love of figure skater Patrick Chan (Toronto representttt), those of you following me on Twitter may have also noticed that I have a growing fascination (obsession would only sound creepy) with Josh Groban, the man with the wonderful voice and lovely sense of humour.

See here, if you haven't. 



I've liked Josh Groban since Grade Eight, aside from my embarrassing "poseurr rock, punk girl" faze. (Did you know that my idol used to be Benji Madden of Good Charlotte??)

AND, I had the hots for Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day? (Even though he's 20 years older than me?)

But as we all do, we have moved on.

But this is getting unrelated.

The point is, the week is starting off quite smoothly, as I not only got Josh's new CD, I also got a pass to meet Josh and get his autograph!! Awesome or what? I'm so excited because he has a beautiful voice, and he is just so damn cute! *FANGIRL CRUSHHH.*

I will update more on Josh Groban's Toronto appearance (he will be at the First Canadian Place this Wednesday!).  And other than that, I will speak more about his album Illuminations, which is amazing.

I feel a video blog coming soon!

Alas, I will leave you with this photo of me looking extremely excited.

J-skool adventures

I feel like I haven't posted in ages. Though if you click here, it is my interview with Rocco Rossi in which I have posted last night.

On Monday, I exercised my right as a Canadian citizen and voted for the first time.  I'm glad to say that I knew who I wanted to vote for, but unfortunately I am upset with the results.

I did not vote for Ford, and I will tell you why in a later vblog.

Tuesday classes have become my favourite. I know, everyone should dread going to an eight-hour class, but I find it quite fun. I have met several interesting people downtown, and I really enjoy networking.

I woke up super early yesterday to go downtown to interview people around the city on what they felt about the election. I probably arrived TOO early, but I headed down to City Hall anyways. I kind of regret going up to the first person, because he kind of scared me.

He called himself 'THE CAT' and he told me some pretty frightening things. I don't know if I should be revealing them here, so I won't. All I can say is that he kept me there for 10 minutes accusing City Hall of things that I don't even know if they are accurate or not. I was so glad that my friend Arti came along afterwards, to save me from talking with him. (When you're doing Streeters you have to be really careful!!)

I'm so glad I had someone to venture around downtown with. Arti and I ended up walking a huge square around the downtown core. We headed to Queen St. W., but there weren't a lot of people so we went to the Ontario College of Art and Design.  I didn't think students would really have a lot to say about the election, but it turns out they really did.

They were not pleased with Rob Ford being Toronto's new mayor, especially because he did not support funding for the arts. I really enjoyed their opinions and it was very nice to add their input.

Realizing that I finally had a focus to this story, my friend and I ventured to art scenes all around downtown. AND I HAD AN EPIPHANY. I LOVE ART AND I LOVE ARTISTS. They are some of the nicest people in Toronto.

I even went into Vtape, where our film class went last year.  I need to go to these indie film places more often, let alone the NFB... I think I should make that a priority no?

Another cool place I walked into was Next Models agency, where I met Glen, who is a booker. It was super awesome to walk into the studio as he has met such big names like Coco Rocha and Stacey McKenzie which is really exciting. MAN, I LOVE FASHION.

But of course, the highlight my day was when my friend and I met Matte Babel!!! Not only is he incredibly gorgeous, but he is also really chill and cool. I was taken aback for a little bit when Matte told us to get out of J-skool because we won't make much of a difference locally, which nearly crushed us of our dreams.

He told us that if we really wanted to make a difference, we needed to go big, and apply for overseas places as well as top news networks such as CNN.  That, I will try and do.

Alas, the wondering meet-and-greet had to end, and we had to go back to school to write an article.  Too bad I couldn't write about how awesome it was, but here's to hoping for a good mark to that article. (AND I REALLY HOPE I DID OKAY *crosses fingers*)

Matte Babel and I!!! <3 <3 <3