Patriotic barn
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Saturday, September 16, 2006
A model for Toronto's waterfront
Sometimes we are unable to solve a problem (or to demand a solution from our governments) because we can't envision the solution. This article from today's Toronto Star might help us in the regard of planning our waterfront:
STOCKHOLM—To wander through this city's newly rebuilt waterfront is to have a glimpse of what Toronto could be.More here.
This new neighbourhood, Hammersby Sjostad (City on the Water) is energy self-sufficient, environmental, architecturally diverse, connected, vibrant and exactly where we should be headed in the years ahead. Whether or not we'll get there remains to be seen, but so far the signs are bad; lack of political leadership and an entrenched bureaucracy will make it extremely difficult.
Still, there's much to learn from Stockholm, a city of 1.5 million built on an archipelago of 14 islands. Certainly, the physical resemblance between the two waterfronts is striking. Both were once industrial harbours that fell into disuse. Both are also close to the heart of the city, easily reachable by public transit.
The big difference lies in the attitudes each city brings to the project. Planning in Stockholm began in 1990 and construction is well underway. Already 7,500 people live in these new areas. By 2015, when complete, there will be up to 25,000 residents and 10,000 workers.
"The key is integrated planning," explains Erik Freudentahl of the Hammersby communications department. "Our objective was to lower the environmental impact by one half. We built our own wastewater plant and district heating, which services 80,000 homes. Combustible waste from the area is recycled as heat and organic waste is used to produce biogas."
There are also solar panels on buildings to heat water, a new streetcar line, an Envac underground garbage collection system and high-efficiency fridges, stoves and dishwashers.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Men with hats
I know other men who like to dress up ... but they're all gay/transvestites.
I'm just saying ...
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Scariest mannequin ever
Scariest mannequin ever
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
On the Danforth.
Seriously. Freaks me out.
One great gay man photographing another
Kevin taking photos
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
This past Sunday, my friend Kevin and I took our Nikon D50s to the Danforth (Greektown) and had our own little photo safari. Here he's shooting a statue of Alexander the Great (you can see his photo in the post below).
Hanging out with Kev is wonderful. We can be so light and silly together ... and yet we can also talk seriously about a whole range of subjects that are meaningful to us.
And the man has impeccable taste! (of course)
Kevin's amazing photography
Alexander
Originally uploaded by Donnay.
This is just one of the amazing photos Kevin took on Sunday. His work wows and inspires me.
time is at a premium!
GAAAAHH! Not keeping up with blogging!!!!
So much going on lately, all of it good – spent time with many dear friends on the weekend, at a pub with the “Aussie posse”; over dessert with friend Aviva hearing about her travels to Europe; trolling the Cabbagetown Festival with friend Nicole; checking out the Danforth with my buddy and photography partner Kevin; catching up with gal-pal Leslie-Ann … also taking a couple of courses (photography, Photoshop) that are very informative.
Some photos below … I hope you enjoy them!
Eclecta
Monday, September 11, 2006
Now this is LOVE!
Now this is LOVE!
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
I was away for 13 hours today, and as soon as I came home and took off my shoes, Sabrina did this.
Disgruntled
DSC_0174
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
This little guy was wearing this expression when we were walking past him. I ended up stopping his dad and asking if I could take a photo. The thoroughly unimpressed expression did not change the entire time! It was priceless.
I think it's great because it's so utterly honest and real.
I love this photo for some reason
DSC_0095
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
This little girl was part of a group of children demonstrating some Filipino dancing.
Alison and Brendon at the Foggy Dew
DSC_00311
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
Australian pals at a pub last Friday night. Brendon was recently returned from a month-long hiking trip in Newfoundland! Great to catch up with everyone!
Monday, September 04, 2006
Long overdue update
Okay, the longer it takes for me to update this blog, the harder it gets Â… simply because itÂ’s been busy (mostly in very good ways) and it becomes very difficult to share all that I want to Â…
So whatÂ’s been up? In no particular order:
- I bought myself a nice new laptop. Mostly to keep myself from getting canned for installing non-business software on my work PC. But also because my ultra-lightweight work laptop had a very tiny monitor that made it difficult for me to edit and assess my photographs. Anyway, still working on my new laptop and getting data from my work PC.
- Last weekend a crew of us went to Everdale, an organic farm and environmental learning centre. IÂ’ll write more about it later, but if you happen to live in the area, I would highly recommend checking it out.
- IÂ’m signed up for a few photography courses this fall, which is exciting. I definitely could use additional skills and experience, so hereÂ’s hoping that theyÂ’re helpful!
- I bought a subscription to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra this past week. Yay!!! IÂ’m very excited about the music on the roster. I also see this as an opportunity to nurture the auditory part of my brain; ever since I got my camera, IÂ’ve noticed IÂ’m increasingly becoming a visual person. (I normally listen to rock/adult alternative, but in my experience music of those genres is generally so mixed that live music canÂ’t compare any more to the CD/MP3. Classical music, however, is the opposite.)
- Went to see “
- Going to see “Coriolanus” at the Stratford Festival this month! I’ve never been to the Festival, but this play (and Colm Feore) have had excellent reviews, so I’m really excited about this opportunity!
- Rented an amazing documentary: “Born into Brothels”. It’s the story of an American photographer’s relationship with 8 children in the red light district of Calcutta,
Just finishing a lovely long weekend. Lovely because I stayed home the entire time (except for when I went to the gym, which was every day – yay me!!!). Cooked, cleaned, generally took care of things so (hopefully) this upcoming hectic month will be manageable. Well, that’s it for now folks – a few more things to do before I sleep!
Acts of Kindness
The Toronto Star has a regular feature called "Acts of Kindness". These are stories sent in by readers documenting how kindness has brightened their lives. Here are two samples for your enjoyment:
Four years ago my was daughter was seriously injured, and her boyfriend killed in a car accident midway on a trip from B.C. to Ontario.
Her brothers and a sister-in-law from Alberta and B.C., and I from Ontario raced to her hospital in Regina. Close to the end of her 10-day stay one son noticed that the cafeteria staff had been giving us a staff discount.
We had been eating all our meals there and it was only 10 per cent but it meant 100 per cent to know they understood the cost and stress. On the flight from Calgary to Vancouver a West Jet ground staff gave my daughter a bouquet of flowers because she looked so sad.
They didn't know the story, but there had to be one for a girl in a wheelchair with stitches, cast, brace and crutches clutching her boyfriend's guitar.
These were only two of many acts of kindness across those three provinces that I will never forget. Margaret Green, Midland
I hardly ever read this column, but saw it today and though I should write.
My marriage is in trouble: past unresolved hurts led to infidelity leading to more hurt. I only found out about the infidelity yesterday. My husband and I went to a park to talk today; lots of crying and angry body language.
The park is huge and underused. Especially since it was a weekday, during office hours, there were few people around. However, one lady walked her dog towards us.
This annoyed me as we were clearly having a private moment and there was all kinds of room for her to stay out of earshot. But she came closer and closer, until she was right beside me, then she leaned down and gave me a hug.
She whispered to ask if I was okay and if I needed help and if she should stay with me. I know I don't need protection physically, but I was, and am, injured emotionally. Her kindness and noticing my pain, and going out of her way to offer help touched me.
When I look back at this day, which ever way my marriage goes, the kindness of that stranger will make it a bit less painful.
S.D., Hamilton
Sunday, September 03, 2006
me with some amazing survivors
me with some amazing survivors
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
'nuff said.
Another shade of Leslie
Another shade of Leslie
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
This one makes me smile. :)
Leslie the glamour-puss
Leslie the glamour-puss
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
Here Leslie is showing off the driving gloves she bought that day.
A cuddle moment - the best kind of moment!
A cuddle moment - the best kind of moment!
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
Easby and Christine
Leslie and I try to hold off the paparazzi
Leslie and I try to hold off the paparazzi
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
But who can resist our fabulousness???
Can you take another call, Christine?
Can you take another call, Christine?
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
Toronto Harbourfront in the evening
Toronto Harbourfront in the evening
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
Work Social
DSC_0029
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
The week before last, we had a social at work (with, as you can see, had a Hawaiian luau theme). It was on a rooftop patio in downtown Toronto. The weather was fairly cool, but in full sunlight on the rooftop it was sweltering!
Got some fairly good shots of people ...
Andrea gets lei'd
DSC_0014
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
I love this shot of Miss Andrea ... it shows her very fun, zany side, but also her warmth and beauty as person.
Nicole and Will
Nicole and Will
Originally uploaded by Noisypond.
Too cute! This at Ada's housewarming party.
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