IndyCar - Looking at new car designs

The IZOD IndyCar Series is looking at redesigning their racecars and are getting some public input into their proposals and because they valued my opinion (thanks guys) I got a chance to review some of the models. One of the new concept vehicles (pictured above) reminds me of an F22 Raptor - it would be interesting to see these cars screaming around the CNE in Toronto's annual Honda Indy races.

The following pictures are some of the race cars at the 2009 Toronto Honda Indy.




This is why they are thinking of changes "The Indy Racing League recently announced objectives for its next generation of the IZOD IndyCar Series chassis - safe, raceable, cost-effective, domestically-built, less mass/more efficient, relevant technology, modern look, and green. We believe these attributes define the sanctioning body's goals in developing the next iconic car as part of the bright future of our sport."

Enjoying the weather around Toronto

The warm sunny weekend got a lot of people out on bikes and walking around their favourite areas around Toronto. I checked out Cherry Beach and it was full of dogs playing in the surf and sand as well as a few wind surfers braving the chilly waters of Lake Ontario.


Meanwhile downtown along Queen Street West the bars and patios were full of people soaking up the rays while enjoying some tasty beverages.

And Cameron House was still being attacked by ants as people walked by, unaware of the horror just above their heads.

Toronto International Bicycle Show

The bike show (bicycles not motorcycles) came into Toronto just in time for the weather that makes you think of getting the bikes out of the garage. The Better Living Centre Building in the CNE was crammed full of bikes and bikers. It really was a big bike sales event with a few exciting BMX riding events going on at a few locations. The riders, both male and female, really go all out and there were quite a few hard landings.







In addition to the bikes there was plenty of bike clothing wear - you know about those tight bicycle shorts? Now you can get a full body outfit of the stuff. And you thought bikers wearing assless chaps and body paint was a little risque. Looking at some of the high prices and futuristic designs you forget about the humble kids bike with a banana seat, big handle bars and a hockey card in the spokes.



Parking was full as their was another big show going on in the Direct Energy Centre Building and their was a bizarre and crazy bathroom monitor in the east side men's bathroom in the Better Living Centre.

Photo Vault - Brookfield Place Art

Every time I walk by Brookfield Place on Bay Street I look in their long arched gallery and check to see if they have any art installations hanging from the ceiling. They are big supporters of Luminato and other Toronto events.

I wish they could squeeze in some of the New York Macy's Day Parade giant balloons into the space as I would love to see some of those characters like Spider-Man and Snoopy in Toronto.

You can click on the Brookfield label below to see some of my pictures of their other art installations.

Sunny days are here again

Sunshine has broken out of the gloom of winter and the temperatures have been climbing above freezing. It has been easy to think that spring is here but this is Canada so we have more of the white stuff to come.

I checked out some creeks and ponds to see how much ice was left on the water and to catch some rays. What a nice weekend.

It's time to remember what the city looks like in the warmth of summer, when the patios are full and the events are happening. Speaking of remembrance here is a parade marching down Queen Street at Bay Street in front of old City Hall for a past Nov 11 Remembrance Day ceremony.

Photo Vault - Toronto Zoo

Every couple of years I get a hankering to visit the Toronto Zoo. I missed the Polar Bears the last time as the zoo was rebuilding their pool and they moved them to some other town during construction. The Toronto Zoo is open every day except for Christmas so check out their hours and drop by. During March Break you can see the new baby Gorilla.

A visit to the zoo is a full day experience as the property is immense - it is one of the largest zoos in the world, and it is a good idea to get tickets to their shuttle the zoomobile, it makes the journey a little easier. During the hot summer days a lot of the animals hide away from the sun and get some serious sleep time so spring and fall are some of the best times to visit.

It costs $21 for the entrance fee, $10 for parking, $7 for the zoomobile and a small mortgage if you take the family.






And don't forget the zoo right in the heart of Toronto - the High Park Zoo. You can see some more of my pictures in a previous post.

Take your pants off

Hilarious, Take your pants off for Prostate Cancer. I was about to run around town naked when I found out that it is for a special event fundraiser on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at Trevor Kitchen and Bar @ 38 Wellington Street East in Toronto. I had a flashback thinking about the Underwear Affair.

From their website "Pants Off for Prostate will raise funds for prostate cancer research, as well as important awareness for this disease affecting many men and their families. Corporate sponsorships, silent auction proceeds, and a major portion of ticket and drink sales will go directly to Prostate Cancer Canada."

Unzip your pants and buy some tickets.

Olympic GM vehicles for sale

You might not be able to win an Olympic medal but you could buy one of the vehicles that GM, the official vehicle supplier to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, used to support the games.

GM says "Canadian customers across the country are encouraged to contact their local dealer for details. All fleet vehicles will be specially-priced and permanently marked with a commemorative Vancouver 2010 medallion adorned with the iconic inukshuk symbol and Olympic rings." The car maker also offered a $1000 credit to the 46 000 Olympic volunteers towards the purchase of one of the vehicles.

It's also great to see that GM of Canada is also helping with the Paralympic games "As the Official Vehicle Partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, GM of Canada is proudly providing 1,500 vehicles for the Paralympic Winter Games. The Paralympic vehicles will be made available to Canadians in April."

Photo Vault - Silver Elvis

It's almost time for the streets of Toronto to fill with buskers. Sometimes you have to push your way through hordes of buskers. Busking, that's what they are doing, practicing for Buskerfest.

Some of the usual buskers that hang around downtown TO include Copper Cowboy and Silver Elvis. You see Elvis (Peter Jarvis) around quite a few places and I believe I just saw him in a commercial.

Okay Blue Jays, Let's Play Ball

Now that the Winter Olympics have finished there are some people that are wishing that the round the clock CTV coverage of sports could go on. Ball fans know that the Toronto Blue Jays begin their spring training matches on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 in Dunedin Florida and in just a short time they will be back in their regular season schedule. Woo hoo, take me out to the ball game - tickets are on sale starting March 3.



Monday, April 5 will see the Blue Jays at Texas in their first game. Then the next Monday they are back in hogtown for their first home game.



I like the big turtle now called the Rogers Centre sitting near the lake. It is an impressive, hulking structure with a cool retractable roof - perfect for a nice summer day of watching baseball. Besides the cost of parking and beer and snacks the actual tickets to the games are very reasonable and it can be a nice family event. Even the nosebleeds provide good views of the field for a cost of $14.



Don't forget about other pro sports teams: Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies (hockey), Toronto Raptors (NBA basketball), Toronto FC (soccer), Toronto Argonauts (football), Toronto Rock and Toronto Nationals (lacrosse).

Another cute puppy

Another friend has got a new puppy. This one is a combination Golden Retriever and Newfoundland. It is very cute and I think it will grow up to be a giant of a dog. I mean, look at the size of his paws!

Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics closing

The February Blahs have been kicked to the curb as Canadians have been watching the Olympic athletes competing and winning against the best of the world (we are in third place and have the most golds right now). Crowds of screaming, red jersey wearing fans have filled the stands watching the games. These aren't athletes, these are rock stars.

The Canadian Hockey team is getting ready to go toe to toe with the Americans and hopefully Canada will do better this time. After leading the Americans through the game the US pressed hard and in the last seconds of the game scored a goal and forced an overtime period. Luckily for Canada Sidney Crosby scores the winning goal in overtime and we take the silver medal. Fans of all ages and all over Canada head outside and stand alongside roads with flags as cars honk in celebration of the victory. Yonge Street in Toronto was closed as people piled into the street for a little party.

The Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics closing ceremony will take place tonite. I will miss the excitement and cheering for Canada.

During the CTV Olympic Celebration down at Nathan Phillips Square the place was full of fans and also a couple of wedding parties. That's right, wedding parties. Many people choose to get married at Toronto City Hall. This couple were holding hands as the wedding party wandered through the crowds, she held onto a bouquet of flowers and his hand.

Photo Vault - Hit the beaches

Winter has been very kind to us here in Ontario but even still it's time for Summer. Toronto is fortunate to be situated along Lake Ontario so there are a number of sandy beaches (see the following list) where Toronto goes to fly a kite or relax, put on their thongs to get some rays and then hit the water.



Bluffer's Park Beach with a great view of the Scarborough Bluffs.
Toronto Island:Centre Island Beach and the islands are a great place to spend a day.
Cherry Beach is also a favourite with dog owners.
Toronto Island:Gibraltar Point Beach
Toronto Island:Hanlan's Point Beach Toronto's clothing optional beach.
The Beaches:Kew - Balmy Beach
Marie Curtis Park East Beach
Rouge Beach
Sunnyside Beach
Toronto Island: Ward's Island Beach
The Beaches:Woodbine Beache home of the boardwalk and beach volleyball in Ashbridges Bay Park.




You can check out Toronto beach water quality here. You can also walk, bike or rollerblade on the waterfront trail.

Cute little puppy

My friend dropped by and brought along his Golden Retriever puppy and it was pretty darn cute. It reminded me of a website called Cute Overload - try it when you need to look at something syrupy sweet.

CTV Olympic Celebration - Toronto

CTV threw a party down at City Hall to celebrate the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. From 1pm to 6pm in Nathan Phillips Square musical guests Justin Hines, Fefe Dobson and the Barenaked Ladies performed for the large crowd. The weather was perfect for the event and the sun came out for most of the show.



Here is Fefe Dobson rocking the crowd. She had a loud band and a booming voice. Then when she finished a song she let out a thank you in a little voice.




The famous Barenaked Ladies wrapped up the concert with some old and new songs. They do a great show with plenty of fun interaction with the audience. They made up songs about waking up the hotel when they did an early sound check at 8am. Here are Tyler Stewart on drums, Jim Creeggan on bass and Ed Robertson on guitar. I miss Steven Page and wish he was still with the band.





CTV news personalities were on hand to announce and to report on the events held during the celebration. Here is a very serious reporter Alicia Markson and also News Anchor Ken Shaw.




Coca-Cola and Red Bull were giving out some free samples.




Member of Parliament Olivia Chow and husband Jack Layton, Member of Parliament and leader of the Federal NDP Party dropped by for the celebration.



Some of the Activities:
Canadian Olympic Team Winter Gaming Zone
The Globe and Mail Front Page Photo Area
MuchMusic Celebration Theatre
RBC Olympic Ice Hockey Shoot-out
Curling Experience
Leave Your Mark, Canada!
Olympic and Paralympic Athlete Celebration Tent
CTV Aerial Show
Beer & Wine Garden