Toronto Unlimited" & Sampling Toronto's Street Festival

I recently went to my first press conference in Toronto's hip, recently renovated Distillery District, where the new "brand" of Toronto was unveiled. Toronto's Brading Project was the culmination of a 13-month process with over 4,500 local survey responses and more than 230 in-depth interviews and roundtable discussions with leaders in the leisure and customer travel and convention business and other experts. 

The outcome of all these consultations is Toronto's new brand: Toronto Unlimited, which is intended to express Toronto's unlimited opportunities, whether they be in film, biotechnology, meetings, conventions or tourism. Our mayor, David Miller, announced that "Toronto is a financial and cultural leader" and competes with such international renowned cities as Chicago, Milan and Barcelona. I learned that upcoming major investments in arts and culture include a new home for the Toronto International Film Festival; renovations and additions to the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario; and construction of the Four Seasons Performing Arts Centre, the new home of the National Ballet of Canada and the Canadian Opera Company.

The creation of the new brand of Toronto went hand in hand with the development of a new set of logos, that also encompass stylized images of musical notes, a camera, balloons, a knife and fork, and a paintbrush, images that symbolize the great diversity of entertainment and culture Toronto has to offer.

The echo in the press, on talk radio and other interactive media has been mixed, I have heard comments that Toronto Unlimited is "too bland", "too corporate", and the logos are not everybody's cup of tea. But when I think about it, my own personal experience has been that Toronto is a city that provides a great deal of opportunity, both as far as entertainment and leisure is concerned, as well as business opportunities, and the opportunity to truly become oneself, given Toronto's open-minded, tolerant environment.

Toronto Festival (Keepcalmandwander.com)

Taking myself as an example, I came from a small rural town in Europe, barely at the age of 20, was able to complete 2 university degrees part-time in Toronto, build a full-time business with several employees that has now been in existence for 15 years, and as of last year, I have also ventured forth into the sphere of Internet publishing. 

So I would say, this Toronto environment has been very successful for me, and the implication of "unlimited opportunity" is really not that far-fetched. From my own experience, Toronto provides a great mix of entrepreneurial spirit combined with a strong social conscience, which in my opinion is a tough combination to achieve, particularly when you throw in the hundreds of ethnic groups and thousands of new immigrants that come to Toronto every year. Overall I'd say the city has managed these challenges fairly well and I am proud to be part of this multicultural mix in my new home town.

Of course Toronto is not only a good place for entrepreneurs and immigrants, it's also a pretty fun place. Take this weekend for example. This past weekend alone there were 9 major entertainment events going on:

• The Celebrate Toronto Street Festival - Toronto's outdoor festival with music, food, performing arts and audience participation that takes place on 4 major intersections along Yonge Street
• Afrofest, a festival of African music and dance
• Beats, Breaks & Culture: Toronto's Electronic Music Festival
• The Corso Italia Toronto Fiesta - Italian food and culture on St. Clair Avenue
• The Molson Indy, one of the most popular races with the Champ Car World Series
• The Ontario Place Canada Dry Festival of Fireworks - the Grand Finale
• The Taste of Lawrence Festival - food and entertainment for the whole family
• The Fringe of Toronto Theatre Festival - hosting over 750 artists from Canada and the world in 134 productions, and
• The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition - featuring established artists, undiscovered talents and innovative students in traditional and experimental art forms.

When I read the line-up of events this weekend I was astounded at the breadth of events offered on one weekend, and time is simply too short to sample them all. But my husband and I decided to hop on the bike and check out the Celebrate Toronto Street Festival. We got going around noon yesterday and checked out the Yonge and Eglinton location first. The festival had just started and the crowd was still a little thin. A band was playing on the Midtown Stage, there were a number of food stands, Mr. Bunk was entertaining the crowd with his clowning, marionettes and juggling and there was a midway with a number of rides, entertaining the crowd.

We then headed south to the St. Clair location of the Street Festival. Riding our bikes south on Yonge Street was great fun. There was very little traffic, people had seemed to heed the traffic warnings and refrained from bringing their cars into the downtown core. Since the terrain slopes noticeable downwards as you approach the lake, the ride was a breeze and with very little traffic we didn't have to worry about getting cut off by motorists. At St. Clair we stopped to watch the tango lessons that pulled in some keen participants from the crowd. 

On Dundas Square, at Yonge and Dundas, across from the Eaton Centre, there was another big stage and an African band Fojeba was playing hot African rhythms. Further south Professor Olaf Stevenson was using his chest of drawers, using everyday objects and even vegetables, to entertain the crowd. We headed further south, in search of some comfortable outdoor seating and some food and we ended up at Harbourfront, Toronto's waterfront entertainment district. We plunked ourselves down on an outside bench where we had a beautiful view of downtown Toronto's skyscrapers.

Once refreshed we started our trip home and headed eastwards. After the hustble and bustle of downtown I stopped off at one of my favourite places: Toronto's Eastern Beaches. A major beach volleyball tournament was going on and thousands of people were sunbathing, pick-nicking, swimming (the water quality of our beaches has improved substantially so people can swim in the water again), rollerblading, biking, walking their dogs. The Beaches are just a zoo on a beautiful Saturday or Sunday afternoon, and it's a perfect spot for people watching. One of the areas that often draws a crowd is a place where there are numerous large loose stones that people assemble into stone sculptures, or "inukshuks" as these sculptures are called by Native People. A young couple was going at it and they were balancing large odd-shaped stones precariously on top of one another, drawing an admiring crowd. 

The 2 young people later pulled out a sign saying that they were making a living from building the stone sculptures, and indeed a few appreciating members of the crowd made some monetary contributions. While I was watching them, people sat down beside me on the bench, and it's just a normal every-day occurrence in Toronto to hear French, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi or Russian right around you. After a snooze on the bench by the water I headed further eastwards to a much quieter area of the Beaches and I strengthened myself before having to ride up the steep hill from the Beaches to our neighbourhood. I briefly sat on another bench and admired all the activities on the beach and then got on my bike to go home. 

Although I sometimes still miss the mountains, (not surprising, coming from someone who's grown up in the Alps), I do love Toronto's waterfront, and it's fabulous being located on one of the Great Lakes. When I get to the Beaches, it's almost like being on an ocean, since you can't see the shoreline on the New York State side. It's such a relaxing, leisure-oriented place and it's perfect for people-watching. The whole neighbourhood has such a relaxed atmosphere to it, with the ecclectic shops and restaurants on Queen Street, that I call it "my little California". 

By the waterfront itself, on any given day you could be watching beach volleyball players, kite-flyers, tennis players at the Kew Gardens Tennis Club, Lacrosse or occasionally even championship rowers, practicing their strokes. Recently I did a 50 km ride on my bike and I went all the way west past Harbourfront, to the CNE grounds, admiring the sailboat harbours, going as far west as the Sunnyside Beach Pavillon on Toronto's Western Beaches. I find the waterfront is the perfect place to restore inner balance after a hectic work week. Although I was unable to catch all the entertainment events going over the past few days in Toronto, overall it was a great weekend.

The Legend Of The Stone Of Tears

Expression in the hills away from the village, in the area of Borneo, there lived a poor widow and a daughter.

Girl's widow very pretty dainty. But alas, he had a very bad behavior. The girl is verylazy, never helps his mother do housework. It works simply preen each day.

In addition to Slacker girl's child, his spoiled all. All request must be obeyed. Every time he asks for something to his mother should be granted, regardless of the circumstances of her mother's poor, the daily Drudge should seek sesuap rice.

One day the girl's mother brought the child down to the village for shopping. Location of the village was very much a market, so they have to walk a pretty exhausting. Childgirl goes pitch by wearing good clothes and preen in the way so that people who look at it later will admire her beauty. While his mother walked behind while carryingbasket with clothes so filthy. Because they live in remote, no one knowing that the twowomen who run it are mother and daughter.

When they entered the village, village people staring at them. They are so fascinatedto see the beauty of the girl's child, especially the youth of the village that is not puas-puasnya looked at the girl's face. However when looking at the people walking behindthe girl, it contrasts the situation. It makes one wonder.

Among those who saw it, a young man approached and asked the girl, "Hi, beautiful girl. Whether it's running behind your mother? "

However, what answer the girl's child?

"No," she says with a swagger. "He is my helper!"

Both mother and son were then continued the journey. Just how far, approachedagain and asked a young girl's child.

"Hi, sweetie. Whether running in full cry after you did your mother? "

"No, no," replied the girl with her head turned. "He is a slave!"

That's how every girl met someone along the way who asked about her mother, always answer it. His mother being treated as servants or his servants.

At first hearing the answers his daughter's rebellious people if asked, the mother can still resist. However, after he had heard the same answer repeatedly and very painfulliver, eventually the mother that the poor could not refrain. The mother pray.

"O Lord, the servant is not strongly resist this humiliation. Children of slaves soteganya treat yourself a servant in such a way. Yes, God grant this rebellious childpunishment! The law her. ... "

Of the powers of God Almighty, that perfidious girl body slowly turned to stone. That change begins from the feet. When that change has reached half the body of the girl'schild crying, begging forgiveness to his mother.

"Oh Mom ..." Mrs.. Please forgive me, forgive your disobedience during this time. The mother ... Mother ... forgive my son.. " The girl child continued to wail and cryappealed to her mother. 

However, it is too late. The girl's body was finally turned into a stone. Though into stone, but one can see that his eyes are still moved to tears, like he was crying. Therefore, the rock of coming from the girl who got her mother's cursewas called "stone of Tears".

So the story of this legend, which is shaped by local people believed that the story it really never happened. Anyone who disobeys the biological mother has given birth toand raised him, must act of contrition, it will get a punishment from God Almighty.

The Origin Of The Blue Lake

North Halmahera Earth handy precisely in the region are Galela village Lisawa, amidstthe tranquility of living and population rarity (only consists of a few houses or dadaru),Lisawa residents snapped up an uproar with the discovery of water suddenly came outfrom between the rocks the hot lava freezing results. Water inundated it then formeda telaga. The water is clear blue in colour and is under the lush Banyan trees. This incident made the confused residents. They wonder where is the origin of the water?Is this a blessing or indication that something bad will happen. What the hell makesthis phenomenon occur?

News about the formation of the Lake also gets around quickly. Especially in that areabelongs to hard water. Various ways to uncover a sense of curious residents.Ceremony held to reveal the mystery of the little lake. Search by custom ritual of the calling of the spirits of the ancestors to the worship of Jou Giki Moi or Jou maduhutu(the one true God, or God the creator) was done.

The customary ritual events generate answers "arising from Sininga irogi de itepiSidago dalulu de Congo i imadadi ake majobubu uhi" (arising from the result ofbroken hearts broken-mute, shed tears, flowing and flowing into the source of the springs).

Dolodolo (slit drum) are emitted as a gesture to all the inhabitants of the hamlet ofLisawa gathered. They are rushing to come and listen to the results to be delivered by the indigenous Elders. The atmosphere was transformed into silence. Only the sound of the wind and rumble interfere sigh a breath of sound.

With the full authority of the indigenous elders asks "who among you is not presentbut also are not at home". The inhabitants began to look at each other. Each busycounting the number of members of his family. That is not much of it is easy to note that there are two families who lost members. Because of the reluctance to mentionthe name of the second son, they just say hello with the common people are Galelacalls the Majojaru (Miss) and Magohiduuru (nyong). At first blush, they tell storiesabout the second child.

Majojaru is two days away from home and has not yet returned. Relatives and friendshave been contacted but have not also any news story. It can be said that the departure of Majojaru is still a mystery. News from Magohiduuru parents said thattheir children had six months left to wander into the land of people but has not yetany news when it will be back.

Majojaru and Magohiduuru are a pair of lovers. When Magohiduuru asked permissionto go abroad, they have promised to remain sehidup-semati. In fact, even though theseasons change, months and years have passed but the relationship and the love they will once and for all. If not it is better to die than live bear lie.

Six months since the departure of Magohiduuru, Majojaru remained faithful await.However, the storm apparently shattered ships anchored in the middle of the loveuntouched edged it.

News about Magohiduuru finally sounded in the hamlet of Lisawa. Like being struck by lightning disiang bolong Majojaru crashing and falling terjerembab. He seemedincredulous when hearing that Magohiduuru so balaeng deng nona full. A promise tosehidup-semati seems to backfire from death.

In a State that is not very excited Majojaru trying to find a shelter while soothing his heart. He also sat in the shade under the Banyan tree while lamenting her love story.

The unstoppable tears, like the dikes and levees that regardless, the water continues to flow through a detailed, sharp rocks and sank the inundated under the Banyan tree.Majojaru finally sunk by her own tears.

A small lake was formed. The water is clear and the color of tears sebiru pupil eyesMiss endo Lisawa. Residents of the hamlet of Lisawa any mourning. They promised tokeep and maintain a well from which they named Lake blue.

(North Halmahera Folk Legends retold by Theo s. Sosebeko)

5 Cities in Indonesia's Got Things At World Class Chinese

Confounded picking an occasion destination for Chinese New Year? Then again need to praise the Chinese New Year yet are drained of consuming rice cakes and watch Cap Go Meh Lion Dance exhibitions? 

A few urban areas in this nation has an alternate Chinese New Year festivals and extremely energizing. 

You can choose your destination city of 5 after urban areas: 

Surabaya 

The most established sanctuary that was assembled without nails 

In Surabaya, numerous structures with one of a kind structural planning is ordinary of Chinese vacationers went to when Chinese New Year. Hok A Kiong sanctuary is one of them. 

This sanctuary is exceptionally novel in light of the fact that the building did not utilize nails of metal, yet honed bamboo strips. Hok A Kiong sanctuary is additionally well known as the most seasoned sanctuary in Surabaya, implicit the nineteenth century. 

Solo 

Million Lantern in the Sky Sudiroprajan 

Solo has a yearly Chinese New Year occasion called Grebeg Sudiro. Interestingly, the mountains that paraded made of thousands cake crate. The parade that takes after behind any mix of Chinese and Javanese expressions. Grebeg will end when the lamps are hung over the door Pasar Gede lighted. 

Solo sky will likewise enthusiastic because of the a large number of paper lights mounted on the River Pepe. Yet in the event that a huge number of lamps is insufficient for you, come to Kampung Sudiroprajan in light of the fact that there are a thousand lights anticipate. 

Not long from now, Grebeg Sudiro held at 15 - February 18, 2015. 

Palembang 

Dangdut Mandarin and Taichi Mass 

Don't simply be an onlooker at the Lunar Festival 2015, yet partake in a piece of history! 

Not long from now is the first run through Palembang hold the Lunar Festival. You can join in through singing challenge dangdut Mandarin and Taichi mass vaulting. The celebration will be hung on February 28 to March 4 in the Chinatown zone of Dempo. 

Likewise do all recorded attractions in the town of Kapitan (old town with regular Chinese construction modeling building and the Netherlands), close to the waterway Musi. The primary fascination of the town of Kapitan is the three-dimensional pictures and compositions Kapitan tenth. 

Kapitan photographs will dependably look behind you to see it from any bearing. Eyes and shoes at Kapitan painting additionally seems, by all accounts, to be moving to take after your approach to see it. You can likewise talk with the thirteenth era relative of Kapitan who still possess the primary house. 

Barongsai at Chinese New Year

Semarang 

Market Culinary Center Longest Lunar Semawis 

Culinary visit with a karaoke tune Mandarin? You can get it in the Chinese market Semawis, Semarang. 

Night showcase in Chinatown region is known as the longest night vendor focus in Semarang. There, you can discover a mixture of sustenance going from spring moves, dumplings, satay, steamboat, ice puter, until pureed green beans. 

Undertaking would be additionally energizing in the event that it came a swarm. Book an alternate supper for every individual, and each thusly requested the tasting menu. 

After a fulfilling feast, remember to stop by the tent unique "karaoke road" to attempt Mandarin melodies. Yet, you need to hold up line before it can turn to sing. 

Singkawang 

Tatung Parade Trance 

What do Chinese and stupor? Pretty much no surely. However in Singkawang, West Kalimantan, the top occasion commended the Chinese New Year Parade Tatung. 

Many Tatung (stupor) will perform in the parade along the fundamental roads of the city Singkawang. Extraordinarily, the soul who is called to penetrate the soul Tatung not irregular, yet the spirits of legends in Chinese legend. 

Tatung parade drove and directed by the minister, so you don't have to apprehension no Tatung the assault. This festival was touted as the greatest occasion in South East Asia. 

Bull Race India Style

Bull Race not only in Madura, East Java. It turns out that in India too have it. The Bombay Negri call Maramadi festival.

This festival is held every year often. Usually held during the post-harvest season which is approximately August 15 in the village of Kerala in South India. The animals were used was the same as in Madura, the buffalo.

A pair of buffalo is used for paddy parading then to pemacunya then was given a pair of buffalo thick wooden beams mounted on a round metal necklace that has been installed in the neck buffalo, as reported Happytrips

Bull Race in Madura

So what's the difference with existing cow races in Madura, East Java? Apparently, there's the difference lies in the arena used. Where in India they use the new fields and fields that have been flooded. The rice fields will be used to plant food materials.

In addition, the male buffalo riders are two people but it depends on the agreement of the race. Usually before the start of the festival this Maramadi the entire village would gather in the arena that has been determined. Safe distance limits were also determined, though its function remains secure in the audience watching.

For a number that follows the festival are 30 pairs of buffalo. The festival is carried out during the day to the night ahead.

For riders are those who have been trained in the control of male buffalo. In fact, for the buffalo fed a special diet and trained before the game.

Bosara Dance

Bosara dance is a dance that is a portrait that Boogies if guest arrival bosara always serve as a sign of gratitude and honor.

In ancient times this dance is often danced to entertain the king, welcome guests, traditional parties, and weddings. The dance moves are very flexible so good to look at.

Bosara itself is a typical dish ethnic Bugis-Makassar in South Sulawesi. Bosara basic materials derived from iron and equipped with typical cover such a large finger bowl, wrapped in brightly colored fabrics, such as red, blue, green or yellow, which was given a golden flower ornaments around it. Bosara usually placed on a table in a particular series of events, especially events that are traditional and laden with cultural values.

Bosara Dance. Pict. Billtkj

Besides being used as one of the tools used by the dancers dance area, bosara also served as a dish of traditional cakes are placed on a table at the event as a government official custom symbol Sulawesi, especially on special occasions such as weddings sacred customs.

Bosara used as containers traditional cakes and dishes, dijejer neatly over the short-legged table, usually called Oshin table. To complete the dish in the bosara container, put a small tray on top coated with colored fabric similar to the color bosara and tables. At the top of the small tray, put the base and small-sized flat plate that is used to put the traditional cake taken from bosara, then to drink tea cup and lid, plus a glass of water.

Therefore, do not be surprised if any custom wedding party Bugis-Makassar very closely with bosara, even this tradition, until now.

Saman dance from Aceh

Saman dance is the result of reason and work creation Gayo society particularly from Lokop Serbejadi (East Aceh) and Gayo Lues simulated movements of the white elephant when herded by the Pang (Linge kingdom guards) of Gayo towards Aceh. Gayo people who live along the river Kala Jemer (East Aceh) already has a high civilization and culture at that time.

Saman already exist and live in the community long before Islam came Gayo (pre-Islamic period) and not invented in the 18th century by a scholar named Shaykh Saman used as a medium for the spread of Islam in Gayo Lues (Leuser region). This is similar to the system of customary law existing Sarakopat before Islam came into Gayo.

Before Islam came into Gayo customary law system is Saraktulu (Three Laws), which also comprises the elements; Reje, Petue and Rayat. When Islam came it turned into Sarakopat Saraktulu with increased Imem element (Priest / Cleric) into customary law system Gayo. The addition of elements Imem become elements of customary law in a receipt Gayo Gayo people voluntarily against the teachings of Islam.

 

Saman Dance

According to Islamic history records first entered into Gayo Lues compared to PASE. Introduction of Islam to the region, especially Lokop Serbejadi Gayo Gayo Lues and not in the 18th century along with the entry of the Order Sammaniyah (Posts Thayeb Loh Angen; Saman and Seudati, Two Twins Dance of PASE; 2010). Rather, in the 11th century long before the 18th century while the new Islamic entered Pase in the 13th century.

Islam has become a part of people's lives, especially in Lokop Serbejadi Gayo and Gayo Lues. This is evidenced by the construction of the Mosque Nampaan in the district. Blangkejeren in 1214. Nampaan Mosque is the oldest mosque in Aceh fact of historical evidence that it Gayo people who spread Islam to the area where one of the PASE native son Gayo real name Red Silu which is also a subsidiary Majesty King Linge Adi Genali became the country's first Islamic king Pase with the title of Sultan Malik al-Salih (Malikussaleh). This is further evidenced by the presence of several large kingdom in Gayo region that has long embraced Islam even symbols stamp these kingdoms nuances of Islam long before the 18th century, long before the congregation Sammaniyah came to Aceh.

As for some of the great empire in Gayo who had converted to Islam long before the 18th century, is; Abuk kingdom in Lokop Serbejadi (East Aceh), the Kingdom Linge, the Kingdom Patiamang in Blangkejeren (Gayo Lues), Kingdom of Shia i Nosar, Cik Empire and the Kingdom of the Mount. With the historical evidence is that Islam has entered into Gayo especially Lokop Serbejadi and Gayo Lues long before the 18th century it was virtually impossible if the Gayo especially in Gayo Lues embraced Islam along with the arrival of "Sych Saman" along with the congregation Sammaniyanya with a mission deployment Islam.

Saman dance is not derived from the name of a cleric named Shaykh Saman Pase, but the word is derived from the word Saman Gayo language, namely; "Peraman", which means the speech / title / nickname. Peraman dance was originally danced as an expression of gratitude to God for the birth of a child in a family Gayo. Gratitude to God that later manifested by youths Gayo into shape dance movements that imitated the movements of a white elephant running from Gayo to Aceh, these movements in which there are blessings to Rasulullah SAW, said word of advice, advice-advice, and praise to Allah for His mercy and grace that has provided additional family members.

Along with the development of dance Peraman changed its name to Saman, which is also often referred to as the dance Sahan Peraman e (Who panggilannnya name) show the child and the child's parents.

Islam entered the archipelago, especially Gayo in the 11th century brought by a Saudi cleric named Said Shaykh Ibrahim (Rakyat Aceh; case 1; 2010). The cleric went into Gayo Lues of Wih Ben (the area now called Bayen). In the area wih Ben was there an Islamic boarding school / boarding school named Zawiyah Cot Kala. Dayah is a first dayah standing in Aceh that produce a lot of Islamic preachers who later became the disseminator of Islam in Aceh.

Then the cleric Shaykh Ibrahim Said he headed Perlak, after which he headed Serbejadi Lokop and finally he came to a village of precisely in Gayo Lues Penampaan, Kec. Blangkejeren, Gayo Lues. Then the cleric build a mosque as a symbol that Islam has become a part of people's lives in the village Penampaan Gayo Lues, Kec.Blangkejeren, Gayo Lues. The mosque was built with the help of a handyman named Said Sych Mount Gerdung (Rakyat Aceh; case 1; 2010).

The mosque to this day is still standing strong and can be seen in its original form, so it is a real mistake delivered by Thayeb Loh Angen in writing and Seudati Saman Dance; Two Dances Twins of Pase, which says that Islam entered into Gayo Lues as propagated by a scholar named Pase Aceh origin Sych Saman carrying movements Sammaniyah congregation that later turned into Saman dance, while Islam itself has entered into Pase century 13, meaning that the Islamic advance into the Gayo Lues then developed and spread to regions Pase.

So how could a Pase ulemas origin named Shaykh Saman was spread Islam to the people Gayo Lues who already embrace Islam as compared to the area of origin of the clergy themselves are Pase ?.