Like the rest of us in Toronto and around the world, I too still am trying to come to terms with Monday’s tragic events. While tragedy may have crippled our City, our bond, compassion and love for Toronto ultimately will prevail through crisis and I saw it in some of the makeshift memorials put together by the Community in Willowdale.
Mourners gathered at Olive Square Park (just south of Yonge x Finch) and at Mel Lastman Square (North York City Centre) with flowers, candles, ornaments and signs as we heal together in what surely will be a long, painful process. Our hearts are with the family, friends and Victims themselves: Ji Hun Kim, So He Chung, Geraldine Brady, Chul Min Kang, Anne Marie D’Amico, Mary Elizabeth Forsyth, Munir Abdo Habib Najjar, Dorothy Sewell, Andrea Bradden and Beutis Renuka Amarasingha.
A piece of my heart always will belong to that strip from Yonge x Finch through Yonge x Sheppard, an area I have frequented since my early 20s whether it be changing buses on my way to the races at Woodbine Racetrack, having a cheap and cheerful, hearty Korean meal, some of the amazing grocers, bakeries and cafés or the good old days doing Karaoke with friends at Twister till the wee hours of the morning. I am saddened that all that happiness now is marred by darkness.
In the event you haven’t caught wind of it, a Vigil in honour of Monday’s victims will be held Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Mel Lastman Square (at North York City Centre station), 7 PM.
See some of the beautiful things Torontonians have done for Toronto in light of this tragedy:
We will make it through this together. #TORONTOSTRONG
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
And the Race heats up. Toronto Mayoral Candidate Doug Ford continues to do the rounds in the City and this morning he stopped off at City‘s Breakfast Television to speak to Dina Pugliese and Kevin Frankish. Ford made the headlines this week clashing with fellow Candidate John Tory over funding for the $90-million expansion of BMO Field. In his words, “One of the wealthiest Corporations in the World should not be asking the City for $10 million”.
Another highlight in Ford‘s Campaign is his promise to reduce Land Transfer Taxes by 60% and also helping the City save $90 million by outsourcing garbage collection east of Yonge Street.
Ford stopped to stay “hello” and shake hands with Torontonians outside of City‘s Breakfast Television Studio following his appearance. He tells me he loves animals v. much after spotting Billy, telling me his house is full of Pets!
See our Snap:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Although up to 250k Torontonians are without power from this debilitating Ice Storm which has taken over the City, it would be a waste not in the least to appreciate the beauty of it all.
With Christmas Shopping done and wrapped and little more to do today, Billy and I went out for a stroll in Yorkville. Seeing gleaming tree branches and stems ensconced in crystalline ice is a thing of beauty and one of the pleasures those of you in warmer temperatures might not have the delight of witnessing.
If you’re stuck without power, sending positive thoughts that it returns soon in time for the Holidays.
From Billy and I, Happy Holidays to you Wongsters! Sending love and warmth to you and your Loved Ones!
xMr. Will & billy
The face of R&B is changing completely and at the forefront of the Movement of Singing/Songwriting Sensation Miguel. Don’t call him an instant success though as the 27-year-old has long been at his Craft and after a false start back in 2010 under Jive Records, he now is tasting sweet success with current label RCA Records (Sony Music). Earlier this year Miguel‘s Adorn was awarded Best R&B Song at The GRAMMYs, also receiving a nomination in the prestigious Song of the Year Category.
After arriving in Toronto yesterday, the Crooner whose Music can best be described as Rock/Electronica-infused R&B, is spending a day to promote his latest Disc, Kaleidoscope Dream. He might even have had some fun with the Rabbit-Dog Sculptures outside of Metro Hall! Among his appearances today were an early morning visit to CityTV’s Breakfast Television arriving before 7:00 AM for Soundcheck, where Staff including Host Dina Pugliese were mesmerized by his smoldering, smooth Vocals and limitless upper-Range. Miguel performed a two-song Acoustic Set which included Adorn and The Thrill interspersed throughout the Show, which be watched right here.
Following his Appearance, Miguel was extremely gracious, generously stopping for Photos and Autographs with Fans in heavy winds, with his Handler assisting kindly.
Watch Miguel with Fans below:
In the meantime, let’s get to know some of Miguel‘s amazing Work below:
Adorn
With up to 25 cm of Snow expected to fall in Toronto by this evening, the journey to this Winter’s first major Snowstorm was a long haul, teasing us occasionally with some mild Spring-like Weather. I was out and about snapping-up some of the delightful sights of the City as a little bit of Snowfall won’t stop me from enjoying a rare free Friday!
As is the case with Snow Storms, Commuters are smart to avoid the Traffic and slippery conditions. A normally bustling Yorkville was quiet today.
Some are taking today’s Storm into stride, making the best of it. See this cute little greeting for those entering Manulife Centre:
Billy of course always is happy to be outside – rain or shine – and although he struggled a bit navigating through some snow piles, wouldn’t you agree the little Snowstache suits him just well?
Lady Gaga, who’s in-town till tomorrow for her Born this Way Ball at Air Canada Centre, normally draws a big crowd outside her Hotel, but even her Monsters have enough sanity to put safety first. Many of them instead of have queued under the covered tunnel at Air Canada Centre‘s Bay Street entrance for days for a chance to get into her Fan Pit. Some will even be lucky enough to meet her tonight following the Show! Watch Video here at the Toronto Star.
In true Bi-Polar form surely enough, we’re expecting Rain and temperatures of up to 5°C on Monday. Only in Toronto.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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