TEDx Flint - Doug Knight

It is with much love that I say- this is a must watch video! I am honored to say that this is my brother Doug, speaking and inspiring at TedxFlint! If you have never heard of this, "TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 25 years ago, TED has grown to support those world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives. The annual TED Conference invites the world's leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Al Gore, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Isabel Allende and UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown". My brother is in good company- Wow! I am beaming and in awe watching this- so very proud of you DK! :)



Source: http://www.tedxflint.com/

Infinitus Music

Last week I was delighted to attend an assembly that featured some amazing musicians. The group is called Infinitus and features Alex Cheung, Anthony Cheung, and John “Adidam” Littlejohn who play cello, viola, and violin respectively. This string trio has the background of highly successful trained musicians but incorporate a style that is free to showcase their extreme raw talent. They can blend classical works with modern day pieces (such as Harry Potter, Mario Brothers, The Simpsons theme song, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, etc). When I saw them, they not only captured the attention of a room filled with young students, they featured a platform for musical education (which may inspire many blossoming musicians in the process).

Their high-energy performance showcased Classical works such as Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’ but with true Infinitus style infused it with some beatboxing that truly fascinated all in attendance. If you are an educator and want a fun interactive way to showcase string instruments and music appreciation, I would definitely check out their clip above for more information. If you’re the type of person that appreciates all music from classical to hip-hop (like me) these musicians really take it to the next level. Great job and I hope to see them sometime in the future!


Video Source: http://youtu.be/TA0eW7U47os

'Women Strut for Women'

If you are in the Toronto area this week you may just want to attend a special fundraising event that supports Fred Victor’s women shelters and services. The event is called the ‘Women Strut for Women’ and it's almost here! What is it you may ask?

'Women Strut for Women' is a food and fashion show that will be held Thursday, March 8 at the Glenn Gould Studio from 6:00-9:30pm. This event will feature Toronto designers from Frou Frou Vintage, Fresh Collective and more! The host of the event is Hilary Farr, most famous for being the strong minded and talented designer for “Love it or List it” on the “W” network. Per the website they also state that food is catered by Chef Fawzi of Veloute and wine provided by Barefoot Wine and Bubbly. All of the proceeds from the event and major silent auction go towards supporting Fred Victor Women’s Services- a “40-bed emergency shelter and day program which are safe havens, sources of information and referral, and access points for health services for women who are homeless or living below the poverty line in downtown Toronto”.

The event will be held on International Women’s Day- so it a great opportunity for all to get out there and show support toward a great cause!


Image Source: http://www.fredvictor.org/fundraising-events

Bloor-Yorkville IceFest

 

Photo by Pascal Arseneau

I just found out about an event that takes place tomorrow that sounds fun for all! I'm talking about the “Winter Wilderness” Bloor-Yorkville IceFest in the village of Yorkville Park! I just found out about this event and read that it will feature ice sculpture displays, events (such as competing against a northern Lumberjack) and ice carving demonstrations (and competitions) throughout the neighborhood. Per the website they state that they will be serving, “…hot drinks, soups, crepes, mac n’cheese and more hearty goodness for all visitors... These restaurants include: Carens Wine and Cheese, Crêpes à GoGo, Sassafraz, Jacques Bistro du Parc. There will also be desserts offered from Baker Street”. They even mention that they will have skating performances by “Glisse on Ice”!

I actually find ice sculpting a unique art and have never actually seen it done in person before- sounds fun! If interested make sure to go to the Bloor-Yorkville IceFest website for additional details.

Image Source: http://www.bloor-yorkville.com/icefest/

Family Day & Presidents Day

 Family Day

Yesterday marked a statutory holiday called Family Day here in Canada. It states, "Family Day is observed in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan on the third Monday of February. This holiday celebrates the importance of families and family life to people and their communities". I was able to spend a relaxing weekend in Grand Bend for the holiday- so it was quite a treat! I wish we had a family day in the US!

 Presidents Day

Yesterday was also, Presidents Day for everyone in the USA. This is a federal holiday that in honor of the first President of the United States, George Washington and his birthday.  In honor of Presidents Day- I have included a list of current female world leaders currently in power! Please click here to check it out! 



Source: http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/family-day

A Fantastic Birthday!

The group for B-Day dinner @ Terroni TO :)

Thank you to everyone who helped make my birthday the most special day for me here in Canada! After a surprise morning appointment spent with Raf at Sparks in Toronto- my hair was perfect and I was ready for an exciting night! (Raf you are awesome and thanks for letting me play some LTJ Bukem in the salon!)

Another big thank you to Terroni Italian Restaurant (on Queen) that accommodated our party of 14 in a cozy private room upstairs. The wine was flowing and the food was delicious! This is one of my favorite places to eat in Queen West and I loved that we were able to spend time there for my birthday! There were some friends who had never dined there before- and I was excited to see how much they loved the atmosphere and scrumptious cuisine.

After a fantastic evening at Terroni the group traveled to The Red Light on Dundas West. Out group just overtook the back room and we danced the night away as the dj spun old school hip-hop. This is my favorite bar on Queen and I was happy to spend the last hours of the night there. If you have never been there before they have a fantastic beer selection and the friendliest staff around. They also feature a great mix of chill beats and underground music from local djs in Toronto. Thank you to everyone at the Red Light who helped arrange our reserved area- we really took over the back room!

It was such a special birthday for me and I appreciate everyone who came out! The biggest thanks of all sent out to Brett L. who coordinated the entire night and got the group together for me! Much Love!

My Birthday!

 Aquarius

This weekend I will spend my birthday in Canada! This will mark the first time I will be celebrating in another Country and I am quite excited! (I should note- friends and family from the US- I will miss spending this weekend with you)! Plans have been set in Toronto- and I look forward to a great night out in the city!

To quote Bob Dylan, "...May you stay forever young"!







Image Source: http://paisleyspaperieboutique.blogspot.com/2011/05/oceans-26.html