Every summer weekend – starting Saturday, July 4, and running until Sunday, August 30, 2009 – visitors can enjoy programming and events at Colborne Lodge, Fort York National Historic Site, Gibson House Museum, Mackenzie House, Montgomery*s Inn, Scarborough Historical Museum, Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens, and Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre.

Programming at the sites features music, drama, crafts for kids, heritage recipes to taste and other fun for the entire family. On summer weekends, visitors can expect the following features at the City*s historic sites:

* Colborne Lodge: A tour of the restored 19th-century home and gardens of John and Jemima Howard, the founders of Toronto’s best known park. Weekend tours begin at noon and run every half hour on the half hour (except for the last tour, which starts at 4:15 p.m.).

* Fort York: Highlights include the cannon firing at 12:30 p.m. and the music of the Fort York Drums (a fife and drum corps) as well as hourly demonstrations of military music, drill, musketry and artillery. The fort is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

* Gibson House presents: Summer on the Farm, where visitors will enjoy a tour of the historic house followed by samples of the day’s cooking in the historic kitchen.

* At Mackenzie house: the last home of Toronto*s first mayor, visitors can take part in Kids Krafts from noon until 4:30 p.m. They may also see the exhibit, *Toronto’s Tumultuous Year: William Lyon Mackenzie as Mayor,* which explores the ups and downs of that eventful
year in the life of the city.

* Montgomery*s Inn: visitors will enjoy traditional hospitality at this historic stone inn, engaging tours that bring history alive, fun crafts for kids, and a stunning exhibition of contemporary photography.

* At Scarborough Museum: visitors will experience what life was like in the 1800s with demonstrations, scavenger hunts and impromptu performances.

* Spadina Museum: At the end of the summer, the Austin family’s beautiful home will close to begin an exciting transformation. Come and take a special tour and be one of the first to find out what the changes are, the research behind them, and why they are happening.

* At Todmorden Mills, community and emerging artists* work will be on display in the Papermill Theatre and Gallery. Visitors can also enjoy the 9.2 hectare wildflower preserve with walking trails that explore natural habitats.

For more information about programming at the City*s historic sites, visit www.toronto.ca/freeweekends.

Need a pick-me-up from a long, hard work week? Just want to have a fun-filled Friday night with someone special? Yuk Yuk’s on Richmond Street West is a great place for this.

Many famous Canadian comics have tested out their material at Yuk Yuk’s before making it big. Some of these stars include Mike Bullard, Howie Mandel, Norm McDonald, and Jim Carrey.

 Just a few weeks ago, I attended my lovely friends’ birthday party at Yuk Yuk’s downtown. Having heard many excellent reviews about the place, I was not disappointed. Instead, I was blown away. The stand-up artists were hilarious. One of my favourites, John Doore, had the audience in tears from chuckling. As you may know, one of the many techniques stand-up comics often use to make their performances more enjoyable is interacting with the audience. The night I was there, one pair of friends was the subject of many interrogations by the comedians. As a reward for enduring being put on the spot numerous times, these two teens received a present at the end of the night – a gift certificate to a movie premiere. How considerate is that?

 Although I enjoy the amusement Yuk Yuk’s has to offer, there is one drawback to this place – the service. I found the staff to be mediocre in catering to customer needs. I was a bit dissatisfied when the waitress came by to collect dishes off our table and left behind many empty cups, after coming back repeatedly. The food here is scrumptious, although a bit on the pricy side. All in all, I would give Yuk Yuk’s a 3/5.

 Even though Yuk Yuk’s has average service and a costly – yet tasty – menu, the comedy here cannot be missed. The stand-up acts will have you roaring with laughter. Take your sweetie on a date here and you two will never forget it.

 Yuk Yuk’s is located at:

 224 Richmond Street West

Toronto, ON

Call (416) 967-6425 for reservations.

Please note that reservations are favored at Yuk Yuk’s. Make your reservation now if you want guaranteed seats!

For information, visit http://www.yukyuks.com/location.aspx?LocationID=11

For the months of July and August, enjoy free movies at Downsview Park outside on a huge movie theatre.  All the movies start at dusk and you’ll need to bring your blanket, lawn chairs and snacks!  So bring your hunny, get out to downsview park to enjoy the late afternoon with a walk around the park and then relax under the stars with a movie!  Below is a list of movies being played.

• July 3: Madagascar 2
• July 10: Hotel For Dogs
• July 17: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
• July 24: Kung Fu Panda
• July 31: City of Ember
• August 7: Space Chimps
• August 14: Horton Hears A Who
• August 21: Paul Blart: Mall Cop
• August 28: Meet Dave

Please check the Downsview Park website for more details:  http://downsviewpark.ca/en/events/calendar.cfm

Directions to the park:  http://downsviewpark.ca/en/contactus.cfm#map

Let’s be honest—that first date was awkward as hell.

The whole time, you were hoping to whoever you hope to that the last piece of salad wasn’t stuck to your teeth—and the movie after dinner wasn’t easy, either.

Who can focus on a movie when they’ve got her sitting shotgun, right?

I mean, every time she yawns or stretches or brushes against you, you’re reading into it
–hoping to whoever you hope to–
that you’re taking her home tonight.

Okay, playboy, let’s assume she’s a good girl; let’s assume your sorry ass went to bed alone and woke up wondering if right now is too soon to call her back.

Here’s my first tip for setting up that second date;

right now is too soon to call her back.

Just like everything else about dating, there are unspoken rules to setting up another dinner, another movie, another whatever.

Rules to keep you from looking desperate.

Rules to keep you from appearing aggressive.

Rules to keep you from blowing it.

You will eventually; you’re a guy, and blowing it is what we do. To keep you from blowing it right now, here’s some rules to remember before picking up the phone.

1.) Grab your cell; put her number in speed dial.
You’re going to be nervous when you dial; you don’t want to call ten different digits by accident. By the time you get her number right, you’ll be tired of being yelled at by Hungarian men with suspiciously similar voicemails.

2.) Don’t panic when you get her on the line.
Remember, Romeo, if your date went reasonably well, she wants to see you again—sound casual, but speak with confidence when you tell her—

3.)—You want to do something wild.
‘Wild’ is in italics because ‘wild’ is important. ‘Wild’ is spontaneous,
‘wild’ is adventurous. ‘Wild’ is fun. ‘Wild’ is safe. Wild is not taking her to a swingers party just to show her how ‘bad-ass’ you are.

4.) Incorporate elements you learned on Date Number One. This is where you should have been paying attention, boys; everyone knows first dates are job interviews (–the job just happens to be sleeping together, or, at the very least, building the foundation of a prospective future relationship–) so hopefully you used your question of the inevitable question-and-answer period to learn important things; places she’s never been, foods she’s never tried, etc.

5.) For God’s sake, show up on time.

Seriously, you’d be amazed how often we blow this one.

So, there you have it—a couple of fool-proof tips to engaging her interest in sitting across a table from you again.

If you need my help on dinner conversations, awkward pauses, or longing glances over candlelight—

–you may be better off alone.

Imagine this: an all-you-can-eat gourmet meal with your significant other surrounded by décor that transports you to exotic Italy. You have complete privacy and are able to converse with your date intimately, without having to speak up or plug your ears. Better yet, picture exquisite service – the waiters are always prompt and considerate, attending to your every need. Best of all, all this comes at a price you can afford. Imagine no longer. You can make this dream date a reality at Frankie Tomatto’s.

The first time I ate at Frankie Tomatto’s, I was quite impressed. The ambiance of the restaurant was so warm and alluring, it presented the perfect atmosphere for a date. One perk about Frankie Tomatto’s is that one can dress up or dress down without feeling out of place, so something black-tie or more casual will do. Another great thing about Frankie’s is that you don’t have to wait for your food. Always fresh, scrumptious dishes are served buffet-style.

The courteous waiters and waitresses at this fine eatery do not disappoint either. They are quick to clear tables of empty plates and fill empty glasses with your beverage of choice. All this sound like it’s going to cost you a fortune? Think again. You won’t believe your eyes when the bill rolls around.

Situated in Markham, Frankie Tomatto’s serves appetizing Italian cuisine and desserts at prices that range from $10.99 to $18.99 per person. This is a small charge, especially considering that nowadays a juicy steak dinner will cost you $30.00 per person. At Frankie Tomatto’s, you’ll get unlimited selection for a much lower price. Prices vary, depending on the day of the week and time of day. To check costs and special deals, visit http://www.frankietomatto.com.

Frankie Tomatto’s is located at:

7225 Woodbine Ave.

Markham, ON LER IA3

If you have any questions, you can reach Frankie Tomatto’s at (905) 940-1900

I’m making a couple of assumptions here.

I’m assuming you’ve been on a dinner date with somebody you want to get to know…a little better.
I’m assuming you’re doing the tried-and-true ‘dinner-and-a-movie’ thing (–I refuse to call it a cliché—it’s really more of a classic–) and I’m assuming you’re clever enough to realize the stresses of a multiplex can’t really compare to cuddling up on your (–or her–) favorite couch.

So, Romeo, you’ve done dinner, and you’re fortunate enough to spend the rest of the evening alone together.

Here’s how to NOT blow it.

-Rent something she’s going to like. Let’s face it—you don’t give a damn what you rent. I don’t care if you can get your hands on a bootlegged Transformers sequel—no matter how badly you’ve been waiting to see the latest release, you’ve been waiting to see her naked, even more.
(This isn’t likely going to happen on date number one—she’s a lady, remember—but you’re a hell of a lot closer if the rental is something she can stomach.)

-Be subtle in inviting her home. You’re going to suffer through The Terms of Endearment; the least she can do is let you suffer on your ottoman.
I’m with you; but be tactful, fellas. Don’t come across as creepy—no maniacal grin with the invitation—throw it out gently, one of those Hey,-I’ve-got-an-idea ideas.

-It’s called a loveseat, fool. Use it.

-Nothing is sexier—nothing in the whole wide world—than a bottle of red wine. The trick, again, is to make it seem subtle. If she walks in, and you’ve got rose petals all over the loveseat, and a bottle on chill on the table, then I’m afraid you’re walking the ‘creepy’ line.
Some girls might appreciate the attention to detail, but the ‘spontaneity’ of the evening is part of the appeal.

-Let her watch the damn movie. This is the part that sucks, but you knew you’d be on the frontlines when you signed up for the war. There won’t be a moment of the god-awful romantic comedy that you wouldn’t rather be diving down her neck, but you’re a gentleman. So you watch.
So you suffer.

-That said, if she makes the first move—and yes, she’s still a lady if she does—then all bets are off.
-If the movie ends, however, and her (being a lady) and you (being a gentleman) has not led to ravaging one another, don’t worry. You’re still in, and you’re earning points for your chivalry. So walk her to the door, or drive her home, and then…

-Read her.
I’m serious; this is the important part. Unless you’re a complete write-off, you should have some indication of whether or not the goodnight kiss is going to happen.
You do NOT want to read this wrong. If you go in for the kill and she pulls away, whatever magic you might have made (suffering through God-awful movies) is dead.

Close your eyes, do that sexy mouth thing you’ve been working on, and, Lord willing, let her have it.

But please, please, please don’t mess it up.

The ground you’ve gained tonight—be it an inch or a mile—is invaluable.

Who knows–

–next time you might even get to pick the movie.

Just as Bike Month by the city of Toronto opens, the city opens up a new bicycle parking lot conveninent for those parking at the Union station.  Monthly and quarterly passes are available through the city as well as daily passes at $2 per bicycle.

The Toronto Bicycle Station is an indoor, secure bicycle parking facility. It is located in the York West Teamway section of Union Station (an enclosed pedestrian walkway on the west side of York Street, south of Front Street) and will have capacity for 180 bicycles.

Future plans call for the construction of another bicycle station as part of the revitalization of Nathan Phillips Square.

Check out the city’s website for more details about passes, location and rules:  http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/bicycle-station/index.htm

Hundreds of events highlight Bike Month 2009

Bike Month 2009, featuring more than 150 events and activities that promote cycling in the community, will take place in Toronto from May 25 to June 25. Whether it*s a bike tour, an art exhibit or the thrilling Toronto Criterium bike races, Bike Month offers something for everyone.

For more information, check out the official website:  http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/bikemonth/index.htm

The calendar of events for bike month can be found here:  http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/bikemonth/calendar-events.htm

So you’ve blown it.  Again.  Take a day to mourn the loss of the best thing you’ve ever had—take ten—and then get your ass off the couch, put down the tissue box, and use these tips to get her back in your life.

-Let her go.  The warning signs were there, Romeo; she needs space.  This is why she moved out on your ass in the first place.

-Give her time.  Not too much—you don’t want her to get over the relationship—but you need to respect her wishes, and you need to give her a chance to miss you.  A week of absolutely no contact—especially if you lived together, or saw each other every day—is plenty.

-Call.  Sure, you want to show her how strong you are; how you’re not like the other ex-boyfriends who called out of the blue, using some lame melodramatic excuse for picking up the phone.  And yeah, you want to prove you can get by just fine without her, but let’s be honest—you’re a goddamned mess.

-Don’t call.  Yeah, this contradicts the previous point, but bear with me.  You should call her, sure, but you need to be very conscious of when you’re doing it.  Three-thirty in the morning, after spending hundreds of dollars (and crying on shoulders that would prefer you weren’t crying at all) at some club is not the time to be pouring your heart out over the phone.

It will make you look like an asshole.

You probably are an asshole, which is why you’re alone right now. 

If you’re trying to win her back, though, you really don’t need to remind her of this fact.

-Text.  I think the point I’m establishing here, is that the most important step you can take (after burning your relationship all the way down) is to take the first step.  Don’t wait for her, trying to be stubborn and foolish and proud; those are traits that landed you loneliness in the first place.

Now, by texting, I don’t mean writing a book; keep it sweet. 

Keep it simple.

‘Miss you’ will do just fine.

(If you have some cute pet name, or some saying that was strictly between the both of you, now is the time to dust if off.)

-Arrange a meeting.  This, boys, is tricky; you don’t want to seem overbearing, or lead her to believe that by meeting, you in fact want to sleep with her again.

You do.

She knows, and you know.

Better to leave it unsaid.

The trick to meeting her is location.  Make it neutral, make it public; make it non-threatening.  Somewhere she knows you won’t have the balls to get into a screaming match about how ‘unfair’ she was to you in the break-up. 

-Pull out all the stops.  It’s time, provided she agrees to meet with you, to remind her why she fell in love with you in the first place.

If your name is Tim, then you’d damn well better be ‘First-date-Tim.’

If your name is Ed, then you’d damn well better be ‘First-date-Ed.’

And so on.

-Earn your time with her.  From here, guys, you’re on your own.  You were the one in the relationship; you know what works—and, by now—what clearly doesn’t.

Take it easy.

Take it slow.

Trust me; if she was worth the trouble in the first place, then she’s worth the trouble of winning back.

Sex and the City is a movie that allows its viewers to escape the boundaries of the rule-oriented dating scene that has become dominant in recent times. It helps one to think outside the box, coming up with all sorts of possibilities, rather than jumping to conclusions. Instead of thinking, “Because s/he’s not doing x, it must mean y,” the plot of Sex and the City causes us to think, “S/he could not be doing x for a lot of reasons. I won’t rush to assumptions; I will find out why.” I feel this film promotes healthy thought in adults who are involved in the dating scene. This optimistic film will come as a refreshing release to the cynical few out there who think negatively about their love lives.

Sex and the City tells the story of a woman who thought she’d never fall in love. She ends up surprising herself by getting wed to her boyfriend of 10 years – and being thrilled at the anticipation of married life. Sex and the City follows the lives of the commitment-phobic, the happily wed, the dysfunctional family, and the skeptical, so everyone can relate. It teaches us about forgiveness and understanding and asks us to challenge our opinions on cheating. The viewer steps outside the black-and-white perspective she sees through the lenses placed on her by North American society. She realizes there are gray areas that exist. Is cheating acceptable if one has been physically and emotionally distant in a relationship for months? Is it forgivable if you feel your partner is genuinely a good person and a trustworthy mate?

That’s not all that we can learn from Sex and the City. This movie is great to see on a date, because it demonstrates effective ways of problem solving with a partner. Not only does it challenge common opinion, but is humorous as well. Certain outrageous scenes will make it impossible for you not to laugh your pants off. You will cry, chuckle, and gasp throughout this movie.

I highly recommend that couples rent this motion picture and curl up to watch it. Even though it may be considered a chick flick, the most macho of men will appreciate its comedy and in-your-face moments. Have your tissues ready! Sex and the City is the perfect romantic comedy. It deserves a 10/10.