OK, so the romantic weepie starring Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling was pushed on us when we were terribly ill and couldn't fight back. But even if you believe it's a load of Hollywood hooey, the reunion of the movie's It Couple can make you believe, unlike Gena Rowlands, that love will find you again.
And with the Toronto Film Festival just a few weeks away, don't you want to be seduced in the dark?]]>
Must be something in the northern breezes: 2006 power couple Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams have gotten back together in Toronto, not far enough from the prying eyes of the fans.
The couple, who broke up sometime in 2007, were spotted together a few weeks ago when Gosling DJ'ed a club in Los Angeles, but they went on a romantic date to the "modern farmhouse" restaurant Grace and left holding hands. Maybe now that they're between movies, they can rekindle the romance!
Related Stories:
· Toronto Plays Chicago in SciFi Love Story [Jaunted]
· Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams--Back On! [US Magazine]
· Celeb Travel coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: JustJared]]]>
Online mapping programs have made traveling foolproof--for the most part. But there's always a time or two when you wish you could just type in a particular neighborhood instead of a specific venue. If you're planning a trip to Toronto anytime soon, you're all set.
BlogTO has gone the extra mile and offers maps and tips that offer directions as well as the vibe of the city's many neighborhoods. Available at hotels and other local establishments, the maps can also be ordered online and be shipped direct to you as long as you chip in for a small shipping cost.]]>
Fans of big-screen musicals like "Hairspray," "Sweeney Todd" and the forthcoming "Mamma Mia!" may be both delighted with and frustrated by the Bollywood style of movie-making. The films native to India, which produces more movies each year than Hollywood, often top three hours and feature extended musical numbers and singers unknown outside of Asia. But India plans to show off its innovations with a Bollywood world tour led by two of its biggest actors.
Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan may not be household names Stateside but they are giant stars--say, Martin and Charlie Sheen without the divorce drama--in their native India. Son Abhishek is married to former Miss World Aishwarya Rai, whom Westerners may have seen in the Jane Austen-meets-Bollywood flick "Bride and Prejudice." (She'll also be appearing in next year's "Pink Panther" sequel with Steve Martin.)
The trio, along with several other Bollywood stars, will hit Trinidad, Atlantic City, London and more with "The Unforgettable Tour," which kicks off July 18 in Toronto.
Related Stories:
· The Unforgettable Tour [Official Site]
· Movie Travel coverage [Jaunted]]]>
Looking to celebrate Pride Month out of town? Look into Pride Toronto, which is so much more than a march: Held June 20 to 29--that's right, over two weekends!--the citywide celebration includes such diverse events as a Mount Olympus-themed gala featuring comedian Sandra Bernhard, a party hosted by Limelight head honcho Peter Gatien and a ceremony to honor the Grand Marshal and co-chair of Jamaica's first LGBT organization.
As in many affairs of state, Canada has so far led the US as a whole in recognizing the rights of its gay and lesbian citizens, from a minister of justice's statement in 1969 that "the state has no place in the bedrooms of the nation" to legalizing same-sex marriage in 2005.
Toronto's first pride event was held in 1970, and the mayor himself will be in attendance this year.
Related Stories:
· Pride Toronto [Official Site]
· LGBT Travel coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo from Pride Toronto 2006: mangomargarita]]]>
You've seen the crazy bike messengers racing through your city ten times faster than cars, effortlessly dodging people, taxis and anything else that gets in their way. Now imagine them all getting together, meeting up with the daredevil messengers from every other city in the world and holding one giant, rules-free race. That's the concept behind the 16th Annual Cycle Messenger World Championships, taking off in Toronto June 13-16.
The three-hour, fast-paced road race replicates the route of an urban bike messenger, while additional events include bike polo (with wheels instead of horses), the bunnyhop (high-jumping with bikes), and skids (bikers race to high speeds, then lock their rear wheels to see how far they can skid). Hundreds of competitors are expected, and if watching isn't your thing, all events are open to anyone crazy enough to try.
The championships will be held on Toronto Island, the urban park near Toronto City Centre Airport, so if you get bored you can wander over to Hanlan's Point Beach to check out the local nudist colony. Oh and if you need to rent a bike, Toronto Island Bicycle Rental has you covered.
Related Stories:
· Cycle Messenger World Championships [Official Site]
· Mancations coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: Sailing Nomad]]]>
Ella's Uncle is a coffee shop on the west side of Toronto, serving up fine homemade pastries along with some of the best beverages in town. Not only does the place offer the usual fair trade and organic numbers, but it also has caffeinated concoctions such as the Red Mocha: the usual chocolate, espresso and steamed milk are blended with cayenne pepper to give your taste buds a little kick.
Also special is the OvalLatte. The marriage of latte and Ovaltine will provide you with your vitamins, chocolate and caffeine fix all in one.
Take your warm treat over a few blocks to Trinity Bellwoods Park, where you can enjoy watching the dogs and their owners roam about the leash free zone known as the "dog bowl." Take out that scone you got from Ella's, one of the best in the city, and enjoy it with a beautiful view of downtown and the CN tower.
Related Stories:
· Ella's Uncle [Official Site]
· Starbucks Alternatives coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: BlogTO]]]>