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Over the last five years, the Los Angeles-based Getty Museum has developed a program to share more than three hundred books in its Virtual Library. Each unabridged volume, drawn from the Getty Publications Archive, has been cleared for copyright issues and is available for free download. Greg Albers, Digital Publications Manager for Getty Publications, shared with Hyperallergic that books in the Virtual Library have been downloaded 398,058 times to date. The initiative is a way to keep compelling and historically important books available even if they have, literally, gone out of print. Topics in the Virtual Library collection range from fine and decorative art genres to features on specific artists. Dive into diverse titles including “Art and Eternity: The Nefertari Wall Paintings Conservation Project 1986 – 1992” and “Julia Margaret Cameron: The Complete Photographs”—among dozens and dozens of others on the Virtual Library Website. (via Hyperallergic)

Italian artist Michele Volpi tattoos highly detailed conceptual pieces using black ink and the negative space of her clients’ skin. With a surrealist style and a monochromatic palette, Volpi inks diagrams of insects, plants, and human anatomy that resemble vintage illustrations borrowed from science textbooks. With precise lines and controlled dotwork, each tattoo looks as if it were printed rather than done by hand.

Born in Sant’Elpidio a Mare, Italy in 1991, Volpi tells Colossal that he discovered the art tattooing 5 years ago and fell in love. While attending technical school, he also practiced various art styles to fulfill a desire to have his “fingers in many pies.” A friend recommended buying a tattooing starter kit, and Volpi said that it changed his life. After learning the basics and experimenting with techniques, the young tattoo artist found that line and dotwork were among his favorites. “My style was influenced by geometries, nature, surrealism, and the sciences,” Volpi says. “I like to push my self every day finding inspiration from all around me and trying to go beyond the shallow in what I see. The world of art is endless and I can’t wait to discover it with my passion.”

Volpi also translates sketches to paper to create handmade works of art. To see more tattoos and for appointment booking information, follow the artist on Instagram. To browse and buy his watercolor bookmarks, head over to his Etsy store.

An initiative to help increase road safety for seniors is sparking outrage across Toronto as many are saying the move unfairly blames pedestrians for the recklessness of drivers. 

Toronto Police held a pedestrian safety session at Woodside Square Mall in Scarborough this past weekend to educate seniors — who are considered extremely vulnerable road users — about the importance of road safety. 

During the session, which was initiated by City Councillor Cynthia Lai, officers gave safety tips and handed out reflective orange arm bands to those in attendance. 

A great turnout to learn about @VisionZeroTO and #pedestrian safety @WoodsideSquare1 where reflective armbands were handed out to #seniors. Thank you to @TPS_CPEU @TPS42Div @TrafficServices @42DAuxSSgt @DeputyPeterYuen @TPS42DivAux @42DCPLC for an amazing joint effort. #ScarbTO pic.twitter.com/VIuVvoFYPt

— Councillor Cynthia Lai (@cynthiaToronto) November 23, 2019

According to police, 1100 pedestrians have been struck in Toronto so far this year. Thirty-one pedestrians have been killed, nine of them seniors. 

Happening now: Toronto police are handing out arm bands at a pedestrian safety event geared towards seniors in Scarborough, the day after two seniors were hit in the city. So far this year:
-1100 pedestrians have been struck in Toronto
- 31 pedestrians killed
- 9 of them seniors pic.twitter.com/OR2BR0crvK

— Tina Yazdani (@TinaYazdani) November 23, 2019

And on Friday, the day before the safety event, two seniors were struck by vehicles and sent to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

In light of the many pedestrian fatalities reported already this year, many have criticized Toronto police for failing to enforce traffic rules — something they've admitted has contributed to the amount of collisions across the city. 

Now many are saying the arm band initiative effectively blames pedestrians for collisions rather than actually doing anything concrete about the issue. 

If a driver can hit a police cruiser WHILE ITS LIGHTS ARE FLASHING, what chance do pedestrians have no matter how bright their clothing is?

Terrible and aggressive driving need to be addressed. Constantly finger-wagging at pedestrians won't solve the problem. https://t.co/z48NecrsHM

— Dan Jelly (@KingAndJames) November 24, 2019

This is the second time in less than a week that Toronto police have been accused of pedestrian victim-blaming, after Police Chief Mark Saunders cited people wearing AirPods as a safety concern during a meeting of the Toronto Police Services Board last Thursday.

Advocate Jessica Spieker of Friends and Families for Safe Streets told CBC News that evidence shows initiatives like the arm bands do nothing to help prevent pedestrian fatalities. 

"They're out there doing something that the evidence shows us does not work and is in fact a form a victim blaming," she said.

One Toronto resident also said the arm bands are patronizing to seniors. 

Patronizing to #seniors! anyone ask if persons being given these arm bands want them? Infantalizing seniors is not going to solve the larger traffic issues which @TorontoPolice and @marksaunderstps are happily ignoring. @picardonhealth #topoli #TorontoTraffic @JohnTory https://t.co/gDYykLFqOa

— renuka mendis (@renukamendiss) November 23, 2019

"It’s hard not getting furious that in the past week, Toronto Police have admitted their lack of traffic enforcement has led to more injury and accidents, but those impacted by this are told to wear arm bands and chided for air pods," one Twitter user said. "We should be furious"

In a statement issued Sunday, Toronto's deputy police chief Peter Yuen said the arm bands are being made available because "visibility is a key contributing factor in many pedestrian and traffic incidents."

Yuen also said a dedicated Traffic Enforcement Team will be targeting high-collision areas, and that police have issued 177,000 tickets to drivers already this year.

"The Mayor has repeatedly stressed everyone must do their part to stop these preventable deaths and injuries but that the primary onus rests with drivers in powerful steel vehicles," reads a statement from Mayor John Tory's office on the issue. 

"Mayor Tory wants to see any and all effective measures taken to eliminate preventable deaths and injuries on our roadways."

Pedestrians continue to be killed on the streets of Toronto at an alarming rate, despite the efforts of city officials who've spent tens of millions of dollars in recent years on "Vision Zero" road safety plans.

A record-breaking 66 cyclists and pedestrians were killed by cars on Toronto streets last year alone. This year, 48 people have lost their lives in traffic collisions so far — 73 per cent of them "vulnerable road users," according to Toronto Police.

The subject of how to reduce and eventually eliminate such fatalities came up once again during a meeting of the Toronto Police Services Board on Thursday afternoon, where Police Chief Mark Saunders presented a proposed set of actions that could be taken by police in support of the City's new Vision Zero 2.0 program.

Overall, his recommendations were applauded. A comment made directly after the meeting to reporters, however, is being panned as "clueless," "embarrassing," and "dismissive of public safety."

This from the police chief is nothing short of insulting and frankly, dismissive of public safety. Drivers aren’t mounting sidewalks, smashing transit stops, knocking down utility poles, and driving into homes because people are wearing AirPods. #toronto #topoli https://t.co/fqq6p86C4F

— Asif Hossain (@asifintoronto) November 21, 2019

"In scrum after police board meeting, talking about increasing complexity of keeping streets safe for pedestrians, Police Chief Mark Saunders includes 'the fact that we have people wearing AirPods,'" wrote Toronto Star journalist David Rider in a tweet that's generating much debate this morning.

Sales of Apple AirPods — those wireless white mini-speakers seen on every other TTC commuter right now — have indeed surged astronomically over the past year or so.

It's no secret that more people are wearing them than ever, but it's not as if pedestrians can hear things any differently while wearing headphones with cords, as they've already been doing for decades.

By blaming AirPods, even in part, for an increase in pedestrian deaths on Toronto streets, ​​​​​​Saunders has unwittingly waded into what some are calling "victim blaming" territory.

Just wondering, @marksaunderstps, what percentage of Toronto's road-violence victims in recent years are dead or maimed because they were "wearing airpods"?
I ask you directly because if I asked the people under you, I'd be told to go through the Freedom of Information process.

— Stephen Wickens (@StephenWickens1) November 22, 2019

Putting the onus on pedestrians to keep themselves alive is a controversial stance to take in the "war" between cars and everyone else, and it shows in the replies to Rider's tweet.

First off, many on Twitter are pointing out that the majority of pedestrians killed by drivers in the city this year have been seniors.

"Not to stereotype, 'cause all ages enjoy music in their ears, but the huge preponderance of elder pedestrians killed trying to cross vast Scarborough thoroughfares in 'crossing deserts' were likely not wearing earbuds," noted one Toronto resident.

Others are calling the chief's comments ableist, noting that people with hearing impairments are every bit as vulnerable and deserve to be protected.

I am so massively sick of the ableism this implies. Deaf people, blind people, people on walkers, people with cognitive deficits all have the absolute right to cross the street. There is no excuse for a driver hitting a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

— John G Spragge (@JohnSpragge) November 21, 2019

The good news is that, based on what he proposed at last night's Board meeting, Saunders does actually wants to crack down on bad drivers to improve pedestrian safety, significantly.

The police chief is recommending the creation of a new team of officers who would be dedicated solely to enforcing traffic rules in areas where the public is most at risk — something that isn't being done right now due to budgetary constraints.

The enforcement team, staffed by Toronto Traffic Services officers "on a call-back overtime basis," would focus on busting motorists engaging in what they call the "BIG 4" driving offences: Speeding, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and impaired driving.

Officers on the team would be "deployed strategically throughout the city to effect change in driver behaviour," and are intended to be both highly visible and proactive.

WTF do headphones have to do with drivers making rights turns without looking while people.are crossing. What do pedestrians wearing headphones have to do with drivers speeding.?!?!?!

— Michael (@mnetooo) November 22, 2019

"There is a strong relationship between speeding, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and impaired driving in respect to collision probability and severity of injury," wrote Saunders in the report he presented last night.

"Aggressive driving includes following too closely, running red lights, speeding, street racing, driving too fast for road conditions and passing improperly."

TPS found that between 2013 and 2017, 52 per cent of all "killed or seriously injured" collisions within Toronto could be attributed, at least in part, to aggressive or distracted driving alone.

This backs a lot of what road safety advocates have been saying for years: That motorists need to take more responsibility for preventing road deaths. Not Apple.

Washington-based artist and researcher Heidi Gustafson forages, processes, and catalogs natural mineral samples for the Early Futures Ocher Archive. Ranging in color based on its elemental structure, ochre is crushed into a powder and used in various applications from art to medicine. With over 550 samples, Gustafson’s ever-growing archive has become a collaborative project with contributions from archaeologists, scientists, and creatives from around the world.

As each sample enters the collection, it is labeled with a corresponding number. In a notebook, Gustafson records where the ochre is from, who sourced or collected it, any historic or contemporary uses, and other relevant information. Gustafson grinds the iron-rich ochre into pigments, which she sells to artists and also uses for her own work. Processed samples are added to glass vials and organized by region or dominate mineral type. Gustafson also considers the material for its artistic, spiritual, and scientific properties. “More importantly, I build a relationship to the materials,” she tells Colossal. “I’m trying to understand their unique behaviors, the microbial communities they host and support, their tonal ranges, their historical uses and many other diverse features.”

The archive was officially formed in 2017 when Gustafson relocated to the Pacific Northwest, but working with the material is more than a hobby or intellectual pursuit—it is a calling. After having a dream about ochre, she initially wrote it off. Other experiences and anxieties about climate change inspired her to research exactly what ochre was and what it was used for. “I realized that ochre and pigments were at the heart of art and aesthetic experience,” Gustafson tells Colossal, adding that the mineral has been linked to complex mental processing in modern homo sapiens. “Protecting ochre’s vast capacities and impact on human creativity, feels like Earth’s mandate to me,” Gustafson continued. “I didn’t ‘come up’ with the idea for this project, it came to me and I felt responsible to do my best to understand and listen to that call.”

To tag along on foraging trips and for updates on the archive, follow Heidi Gustafson on Instagram. To shop for pigment sets and other products from the project or to contribute samples of your own, visit the Early Futures website.

Today in 'incredibly reckless moves by Toronto drivers,' a Twitter video shows just how dangerous the city's roads truly are. 

Toronto resident Matthew Slutsky posted a video earlier today of a car driving directly onto the sidewalk — on the wrong side of the street — to avoid having to wait behind a lineup of cars. 

"This is a very common occurrence in front of my house," Slutsky wrote. "Kids are going to get killed. This is so unsafe."

This is a very common occurrence in front of my house. My Councillor @ColleMike doesn’t seem to care. @Metrolinx doesn’t seem to care. @JohnTory, do you care? Kids are going to get killed. This is so unsafe. #VisionZero pic.twitter.com/b3zb4ArQ9t

— Matthew Slutsky (@iSlutsky) October 31, 2019

Slutsky also wrote that he's almost been hit three times already this year while walking with his kids on the sidewalk. The last time, he said, the car only missed them by about six inches.

The Twitter video has already been viewed more than 4,000 times and is sparking outrage among Toronto residents who say this is a common occurrence. 

I live across the street from @iSlutsky and the traffic stands still some days from 2:30-7:00pm. This driver was captured on video, but there are major infractions like this every weekday.

— Michael Betel (@betelm) October 31, 2019

"It is a common occurrence," Slutsky wrote on Twitter. "Due to the Crosstown construction on Eglinton, the side streets can become a mess and cause about 30 minute backups on the sidestreets and around West Prep school. So dangerous."

I had a driver honk her horn repeatedly at me because I wouldn't drive on a sidewalk around a garbage truck on a one way. Then she walked up to my window and yelled "Learn how to drive."

— Brent Cehan (@bjcehan) October 31, 2019

Globe and Mail reporter Oliver Moore also tweeted about a similar situation just days ago. 

Since waiting is clearly not an option, driver after driver goes up on the sidewalk, and against the #bikeTO contraflow lane, on Simcoe. #visionzero pic.twitter.com/dQbCqgO5Cq

— Oliver Moore (@moore_oliver) October 18, 2019

"Few things infuriate me more as both a driver/pedestrian than our incessant honking, lane-changing, aggressive-manoeuvring car culture," CBC reporter Lauren Pelley replied.

Slutsky said he filed a police report about the incident captured on video, but so far nothing has been done. 

In response to the tweet, city councillor Mike Colle told Slutsky to contact him, to which he said he would be doing so immediately. 

According to a motion from Councillor Michael Thompson presented at city hall yesterday, there have been 33 pedestrian fatalities in Toronto so far this year. 

And in 2018, a total of 41 pedestrians and five cyclists died on Toronto's roads, which was a new all-time high for Toronto.

The city is currently in the process of testing new technologies to help detect and protect pedestrians, but many are saying as long as cars continue to drive recklessly without consequence, nothing will change.

The first therapeutic uses of light (so called light therapy) date back to the end of the twentieth century, when a Danish researcher, Niels Ryberg Finsen, showed that light stimulates the immune defenses and enables the fight against infections. The treatment had two branches: heliotherapy (natural sun therapy) and phototherapy (artificial light therapy). These progressive […]

The post The photographic history of Light Therapy, 1900-1950 appeared first on Rare Historical Photos.

https://m.hammacher.com/search/default. ... er%20craft

Statistics: Posted by HalfTrack — Nov 7th, 2019 1:36 am

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Patio season is when Toronto is at its best. There's really nothing like some sun, a few cold beers and celebrating the fact that you and your friends somehow collectively survived the preceding months of frigid misery.

If you're a dog owner (and a beer-drinker) in the city, next summer may be the best patio season yet, because Ontario is planning to make patios — and even restaurants' indoor spaces — more dog-friendly.

Thank gawd someone's finally tackling the big and important issues in Ontario.

— Barney Panofsky's Best Intentions (@mynamesnotgordy) November 3, 2019

Starting January 1, restaurant and bar patrons across the province will be able to bring their dogs into areas where "low-risk" foods such as fruit, pre-packaged food items, and "most snacks" are served alongside alcohol. The proposed regulation change aims to cut unnecessary red tape for small business (and pet) owners.

As it stands now, dogs aren't allowed anywhere where food is prepared or served. Though establishments have found a way around this by not serving food in certain areas, or at all, they've still faced challenges.

Uxbridge staple The Second Wedge Brewing Co. is one of many Ontario breweries that have formally petitioned the province to allow dogs on their premises after their dog-friendly tasting room was called into question.

Great. Let me know when and where you are dining and I will bring my 200lb Dane mastiff to join you. He’s a puppy with limited table manners. What a totally stupid idea.

— Andrea (@abuckley101) November 4, 2019

Breweries have seemed to be at the forefront of the fight to permit pups in food service areas, with Toronto spots like Left Field Brewery, Second Wedge and Black Lab Brewing cutting food offerings to be able to offer dog-friendly spaces.

You know what goes better? The security of being able to afford to go out to enjoy a pint without fearing the loss your home, or losing your job, or wondering how you’re going to afford to eat this month, or feed that dog. #PCpriorities #fordisfailing #breadandcircuses

— AJ (@MacGirl2002) November 3, 2019

Though there is evidently demand for more restaurants that Ontarians can tote their pooches to (and people, like myself, who would much prefer to eat next to a cute furry friend than, say, a crying baby) not everyone seems to think that this new proposal is a good idea — or an appropriate allocation of the government's time and energy.

To balance out his working life as a graphic designer focused on 2-D digital projects, Greg Olijnyk creates cardboard sculptures  in his free time. The remarkably refined artworks are made with packaging-grade cardboard and tracing paper, and finishing touches added with LED lighting and glass accessories.

Cardboard’s affordability and malleability, as well as its surprisingly pleasing surface texture and color, have made it the medium of choice for Olijnyk. The designer tells Colossal that each piece comes together organically, and he draws inspiration from sci-fi books and things he finds on Pinterest as he evolves each concept. “Every piece has the limitations and advantages of the cardboard material in mind, how it bends, how strong it will be, etc.,” Olijnyk explains. “The sailing boat sculpture started with the desire to use a pleated, folding effect to simulate water and the rest of the form evolved over the course of a few months.”

As part of his engineering efforts, Olijnyk incorporates movement and articulation. His robot limbs are movable, and wheels rotate. In some of his works, the designer even incorporates solar panels and small motors to activate various components. “Even if, once behind glass, they remain frozen in a pose, I like to know that the capacity is there to bring them to life,” Olijnyk tells Colossal.

Olijnyk notes that he admires fellow Melbourne-based sculptor Daniel Agdag, who creates similarly fanciful worlds using precisely manipulated cardboard. See more from Olijnyk’s studio as he starts new projects and shares the process on Instagram.

This summer, while traveling in Vienna, Dutch photographer Dick van Duijn captured an indelible moment of natural connection between a ground squirrel and a yellow flower. The photographer was in Vienna specifically to document ground squirrels. In an interview with PetaPixel van Duijn explained, “On the first day we observed them and their behavior. On the second day, we photographed them the whole day. In the evening just before sunset, when the light became soft and nice, one of the many ground squirrels walked towards the yellow flower and began to hold it and sniff it.” You can purchase prints of this and other flower-enamored squirrel’s in van Duijn’s online store, and see more of his work and travels on Instagram. (via PetaPixel)

Slippery roads and continued heavy snowfall have contributed to a number of collisions on Calgary roadways, police say, but the reported figure is fairly typical after a major snowfall.

Have you ever wanted to somehow combine eating lasagna with doing yoga? Me neither, but just because you haven't thought of something doesn't mean you shouldn't try it.

And for those of you who like to try new (and weird) things, LasagnaYoga is coming to Oblong Yoga House on October 18. 

The event "will combine calming breathwork, a slow flow, partner massage and mindful eating," according to its description. 

"Have you ever been in a yoga class dreaming that you could wake up out of your savasana to a steaming hot plate of melty drippy lasagna?," it asks. 

No, I can't say that I have. But I'm open to it.

And lasagna isn't the only food this yoga studio uses: their calendar also lists Chocolate Yoga as a regular event. 

"Cacao is an ancient herb that helps open the heart and get the blood flowing. This a great way to start our warm heart and chest opening yoga class. Help unblock emotions and become more in tune with your body and mind," it states. 

A ticket for LasagnaYoga will cost you $33, and it includes a full yoga class and a piping hot plate of lasagna. 

Plus the lasagna is vegan and gluten-free, so you won't have to feel too guilty about indulging immediately after exercising. 

Space in the class is limited to 10 people, so be sure to reserve your spot (and your plate) ASAP.

If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to download free high resolution images of 435 bird illustrations, you’re finally in the right place. The National Audubon Society has recently made John James Audubon’s seminal Birds of America available to the public in a downloadable digital library (signing up for their email list is a prerequisite).

Birds of America was printed between 1827 and 1838, and was filled prints created from hand-engraved plates based on Audubon’s original watercolor paintings. In addition to the prints, each bird’s page also includes a recording of the animal’s call, plus extensive written texts from the period of the book’s printing.

Audubon is widely lauded as the individual who brought an awareness and appreciation of birds’ beauty and fragility; the National Audubon Society has been active since 1905. Explore more of the Society’s current conservation efforts, as well as ways to get involved, on their website. (via Open Culture)

The intersection at Yonge and Eglinton has been an absolute nightmare for pretty much anyone trying to navigate the construction for quite some time now, but it looks like the area is finally making some progress.

After years of misplaced and temporary crosswalks in an (at times failed) attempt to allow pedestrians to cross safely, all crosswalks are now open and in their original position. 

#ICYMI all of the pedestrian crosswalks are now open at Yonge and Eglinton! pic.twitter.com/tQdfwCp5QK

— Crosstown (@CrosstownTO) October 21, 2019

The Crosstown LRT, which will consist of 25 stops stretching across 19 kilometres of Eglinton Avenue, has been wreaking havoc at Yonge and Eglinton for a while. 

About a month ago, city councillor Mike Colle called for a halt in construction after a 54-year-old woman named Evangeline Lauroza died from being hit by a cement truck at Yonge St. and Erskine Ave., north of Eglinton Ave.

And back in January, a 40-year-old male pedestrian was killed by a dump truck driver while crossing Lawrence Ave. West, at the Allen Rd. exit, and both deaths pushed city officials to call for a Construction Traffic Safety Strategy for the Yonge-Eglinton Area. 

Thankfully, the reopening of the crosswalks means pedestrians will be safer and more protected from construction and everyday vehicles. 

The entirety of the construction isn't set to finish up until September of 2021, but Toronto residents are saying it's about time the crosswalks are reopened. 

About time!

— Tony Gregory (@justthefactsson) October 19, 2019

Some are saying they've been waiting years for this to happen. 

It was a long haul. Glad order has been restored

— Russell Sutherland (@quist) October 18, 2019

And others simply can't believe the time has finally come. 

never thought we'd see the day!! 👏👏

— JK (@SeeJanie_tweet) October 18, 2019

And though the work is far from finished, the reopening of the crosswalks will hopefully prevent any further accidents in the construction-plagued area. 

Canada's most-feared feathered friends have been up to their usual tricks, interfering with Toronto residents' weekend plans by stopping traffic at a Brampton intersection the weekend before last.

View this post on Instagram

Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success. #brampton #gta #geese

A post shared by Kaby (@kaby90) on Oct 6, 2019 at 1:33pm PDT

The geese can be seen in an Instagram video standing across an intersection like an unintended wall, preventing traffic at the light from proceeding.

Apparently the brave birds have quite the habit of traipsing into roads in the area.

Almost saw some geese get taken out today. #Brampton #jaywalkchallenge pic.twitter.com/wSDmrbnIRN

— Mike Dancy (@MikeDancy) June 8, 2019

And in the downtown core, too.

A baby goose fell into the sewer while crossing the road in #Toronto - 📹 Mohammed Shoblaq pic.twitter.com/nlu13Jhh6i

— blogTO (@blogTO) May 1, 2019

Also, they tend to have a habit of annoying people in general, both at home and abroad.

3am this morning and a few hundred Canada Geese sounding like a GodDamned MAGA rally (but smarter),
fly over my house and I haven't slept since.

So how's your day going??

— Jason (@sparky347v) October 13, 2019

Because the protected birds' notoriously-disruptive behaviour is most often attributed to the instinct to protect their eggs during spring nesting season, we can only assume that these particular geese just wanted to make a dramatic statement before they fly south for the winter.

Though they can't be forgotten, they surely won't be missed.

Drop by St. Lawrence Market on a Saturday and you'll find a bustling mecca of  vendors. But, head there on a Sunday and it's dead quiet. 

That's because Toronto's favourite public market is only open five days a week—Sundays and Mondays not included—which is tough for anyone who works a 9 to 5 during the week and only has one day to visit Front Street. 

That might soon change, depending on how consultations with the City and the public go next week. 

The City is holding a review of St. Lawrence Market South's hours of operation "with the objective of optimizing the hours to better support the Toronto and Market community".

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by St. Lawrence Market (@stlawrencemarket) on Sep 19, 2019 at 12:22pm PDT

Technically, that could mean either extending or shortening the hours, but let's be real—what better Sunday activity is there than browsing cheese? 

The South Market is the area that holds more than 120 vendors, many which are family-owned, and have been around since the 1970s. 

Right now, its hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday. On Saturdays, it opens alongside the Farmers' Market from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The only thing open on Sunday is the antique market, which runs from dawn until 5 p.m. 

 The public consultation will take place on October 2, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Temporary North Market.

After traveling to 15 cities in 7 countries and taking over 15,000 photographs, Christopher Herwig (previously) has compiled a new book that showcases the diverse architecture of every underground metro station in the former U.S.S.R. Soviet Metro Stations provides rare look at mansion-quality chandeliers, ornate columns, and patterned ceilings that surround millions of commuters every day.

With a background in travel photography and documentary work for UNICEF and other United Nations agencies, Herwig was first introduced to the region while traveling through Russia via train. He later lived in Kazakhstan and most recently Jordan, where he continued to work professionally as a photographer.

Herwig explains that he became interested in the underground architecture of the stations while visiting Moscow and Tashkent. Because many of the metro stations were used as nuclear bomb shelters, they were considered military sites and photographing them was prohibited. “Although I likely could have gotten away with a few images I really wanted to do the series properly and cover all the cities in the former USSR with metro lines not just a few flashy ones in Moscow,” he told Colossal. “With restriction being lifted in many of the cities it meant I could have a go at it.”

Herwig’s images take viewers on a journey through the architectural and political influences of decades pasts. Soviet-era symbols, relief sculptures of significant events and figures, and displays of opulence cover every square meter of the well-maintained subterranean spaces. Often making early morning and late night trips into the stations, Herwig says that many of the otherwise busy hubs appear to be abandoned because of his goal to “use people with purpose and not to distract from the space and design of the stations.”

Soviet Metro Stations, published by FUEL, lands on September 24 and is available for pre-order today via Amazon. To see more of Christopher Herwig’s photography, follow along with his travels on Instagram.

Graffiti artist Vile leaves his mark on the walls of occupied and abandoned buildings around Europe, using masterful techniques to create the illusion of depth in his painted interventions. The Portuguese artist has simulated letter-shaped gaps in crumbling bricks, galaxies pulsating behind concrete walls, and even entire imagined buildings. Vile, who lives in his hometown of Vila Franca de Xira, started writing graffiti at the age of 14, and studied cartooning and animation for films as well as drawing and illustration. Follow Vile’s illusory exploits on Instagram. (via Laughing Squid)

Weekend events in Toronto hope you're ready to fill up on all the perogies on as the Roncesvalles Polish Festival returns alongside the Ukrainian Festival. There's a few ways to celebrate this year's spectacular harvest moon and it's the last weekend for TIFF.

Events you might want to check out:

Cirque du Soleil (September 12 - November 24 @ Ontario Place)
Cirque du Soleil is back with Alegría, which tells the story of a monarchy that has lost its king through spandex-wearing acrobats flying through the air.
Ukrainian Festival (September 13-15 @ Bloor West Village)
One of the biggest cultural celebrations of the year is back with all-things Ukrainian culture and a weekend of music, dance, food and a huge midway.
Toronto Beer Week (September 13-22 @ Multiple Venues)
Beer Week is back and ready to celebrate 10 years of showcasing tasty and interesting beers from all over at spots across the city.
Canzine (September 14 @ Art Gallery of Ontario)
Canada’s biggest zine festival is back with over 200 artists, writers and vendors on hand to showcase these tokens of underground culture.
Roncesvalles Polish Festival (September 14-15 @ Roncesvalles)
Get ready to polka your heart out as Roncesvalles shuts down for a huge street festival in celebration of Polish culture with performances, food and music.
Open Streets TO (September 15 @ Multiple Venues)
Open Streets is back for a pedestrian takeover of part of Bloor and Yonge Streets for a day of activities, games, workshops and performances in the street.
Garlic Festival (September 15 @ Artscape Wychwood Barns)
Stinky hands and smelly breath are all part of the fun at this festival dedicated to all-things related to the pungent and tasty herb known as garlic.
Climate First Tour (September 14 @ Convocation Hall at University of Toronto)
What can Canadians do about climate change? David Suzuki, Stephen Lewis, and Buffy Sainte-Marie are dropping by to chat about this very topic.
Moon Merge (September 14 @ The Bentway)
A harvest moon celebration is on under the Gardiner with Pondercast Host Laurie Brown and local musicians dropping by to honour the occasion.
Danforth East Arts Fair (September 14-15 @ East Lynn Park)
East Lynn Park is getting a splash of colour as this big art fair returns with hundreds of works and handmade items by artists and makers from all over.
Taste the Gold Craft Beer Festival (September 13 @ Berkeley Church)
Only Gold medal winners in beer are on at this tasting session with the best of the 2019 Ontario Brewing Awards being served up all evening long.
The Famous Canadian Beer Run (September 14 @ Ontario Place)
Lace up and hit the pavement, walk, or do some yoga, all followed by a big beer festival in the new Trillium Park that includes food and music.
Wooli (September 13 @ Revival)
Hit the floor with the hardcore EDM beats of Antartica's Wooli and their pulsating sound played alongside Trivecta and Computa.
Crooked Colours (September 13 @ Velvet Underground)
Put on your dancing shoes because the smooth grooves of Australia's Crooked Colours are here with hot electro beats to get you moving.
Kensington Market Jazz Festival (September 13-15 @ Kensington Market)
Three days of music are set to fill Kensington Market in spaces inside and out, with musicians from all over the country dropping by to play.
Toronto Indie Film Festival (September 11-14 @ Carlton Cinema)
There's still time left to check out a selection of independent films with little to no budget at this film festival featuring local and international directors.
Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool (September 13-26 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
Horn player, bandleader, force of nature. Miles Davis was a legend who didn't take sh*t from anyone, and this new documentary unpacks the man and myth.
Buddies Season Launch Party (September 13 @ Buddies in Bad Times)
Buddies is ready to launch a new season of queer performances and theatre, and they're kicking things off with a big party, featuring local DJs and drag.
Beam Me Up! (September 13 @ The Baby G)
Glitter hearts are shining bright as Toronto's premiere disco dance party celebrates seven years of gospel, funk, soul, boogie, house and jazz.
Funhouse Fridays (September 13 @ The Funhouse Toronto)
It's back-to-school season and you can relive all the fun and awkwardness of prom at this party inside of the Funhouse art maze.
Planet Gazing Party (September 14 @ University of Toronto)
The harvest moon is rising bright over the city and you can catch all the action at this planet-gazing party with telescopes to best view the galaxy.
Surfers Market (September 14 @ Surf the Greats)
Surf season is just around the corner and this market is stacked with new and used gear being sold and traded by the city's surfing community.
Three Fates Garden Market (September 14 @ Three Fates)
Three Fates' unique brand of chic vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories is on sale at this backyard market.
Nu Ave Nails (September 14 @ The Florist Loft)
Toronto's first pop-up salon to feature all-black technicians is already totally full-up, but there's still a big afterparty with music, networking and drinks.
The Citizens Collective Fall Market (September 15 @ The Annex Hotel)
The Citizens Collective is back with 15 vendors setting up inside the Annex Hotel to sell handmade items like jewellery, clothing, skincare and more.
Flamingo Market (September 15 @ Buddies In Bad Times)
Dedicated to queer makers, this market is filled with vibrant and cool handmade items like food, art, clothing, pins, gifts, household and beauty items.
Legends Vintage Fashion Market (September 15 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Rare and vintage finds are on at this market with local emerging and seasoned collectors selling a curated selection of items.
Toronto Artisan Market (September 15 @ Christie Pits Park)
Take a stroll through Christie Pits as artists from all over display and sell their works ranging from photography, illustration, sculpture and more.
TIFF (September 5-15 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
TIFF wraps up this weekend with plenty of screenings throughout the day, special programming, events, special guests and talks.
Museum of the Moon (September 10-15 @ The Bentway)
It's not too late to catch artist Luke Jerram's big moon sculpture under the Gardiner while listening to come ambient tunes or doing some meditation.

Yonge and Eglinton has been a total nightmare since major construction began at the intersection. 

Between work on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT and the E Condos on the northeast corner, it's been a pure nightmare for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike. 

But beyond inconvenience, the construction has actually become dangerous and led to multiple fatalities, which is why some are now calling for the work to be stopped or at the very least, paused. 

On Tuesday, a 54-year-old woman named Evangeline Lauroza died after being hit by a cement truck at Yonge Street and Erskine Ave., north of Eglinton Ave.

In January, a 40-year-old male pedestrian was killed by a dump truck driver while crossing Lawrence Ave. W., at the Allen Rd. exit.

Now, city councillors and Toronto residents are saying it's enough. 

In the aftermath of Tuesday’s tragic incident at Yonge & Erskine, I joined Councillors @ColleMike & @JoshMatlow at a press conference at Yonge-Eglinton. I am just as frustrated as the residents of this area. We don’t need more plans or more studies - we need action, now. pic.twitter.com/X6OCrC42zC

— Jaye Robinson (@JayeRobinson) September 11, 2019

Yesterday, Councillors Mike Colle, Jaye Robinson and Josh Matlow held a press conference calling for a Construction Traffic Safety Strategy for the Yonge-Eglinton Area. 

"That's the second death by a construction truck since January in my area. It is time for a pause in Development in the Yonge-Eglinton area which is being overwhelmed by heavy construction vehicles. We need a pause," Colle said. 

In light of the multiple tragedies, Colle is asking council for a traffic and pedestrian safety plan for major construction sites before city development approvals, and to provide immediate "safe city" driving training for all heavy construction truck drivers.

Second resident killed by a dump truck in my Ward in six months .We need a construction development time out.

— Mike Colle (@ColleMike) September 10, 2019

He's also asking that they hire full-time pedestrian crossing guards on the site of all major construction projects paid for by developers, and install full-time crossing personnel at all intersections on Yonge St. from Castlefield Ave. to the Kay Gardiner Beltline, paid for by developers.

On top of all that, he's requesting the immediate implementation of a construction traffic safety management plan for the Yonge-Eglinton area.

Colle said there must be an immediate pause in granting new approvals for new development projects until all the necessary safety measures have been implemented. 

If you were hoping to be able to afford a decent-sized house in Toronto anytime soon, unless you've got millions stashed away, you're probably out of luck because a literal garage is selling for almost $600,000.

Yes, you read that right. A garage near The Danforth on a 20-by-100-foot lot is currently up for sale for $599,000.

The property is described as a "Rare Opportunity For Someone Looking To Build In Desirable Danforth Village. 20 Ft. X 100 Ft. Lot With Parking. Excellent Location Close To Subway, Schools, Shops, Restaurants. Not To Be Missed," on the online listing. 

The back of the garage. Image courtesy of Jordan Prussky for The Print Market. 

The garage has been up for sale online for about four days now, and real estate broker Nima Khadem told CBC News it's a "really interesting" property. 

He said because properties in Toronto have gotten so expensive, it actually puts lots like this in high demand. 

The backyard of the property. Image courtesy of Jordan Prussky for The Print Market. 

Khadem said the garage was once part of a larger lot, but was separated years ago. The owner of the original house as well as the garage has since passed away, and now the lot is being sold by their estate. 

He said there would be room for a 1,500 to 2,000 square feet two-storey house on the lot once the garage is demolished, and he also told CBC he thinks the asking price is totally reasonable. 

The left side of the property. Image courtesy of Jordan Prussky for The Print Market. 

According to a recent report by Zoocasa, the average price for a home in Toronto is $832,703, so $600K for a garage might (sadly) not be so ridiculous after all. 

It's no wonder everyone loves online shopping. It's easier, more convenient and less time-consuming than going to the store.

But there is one downside, and that downside is porch theft. 

It's a phenomenon that happens all the time across Toronto, and in the rest of Canada too. Residents order a product and it appears to never arrive.

Except it does arrive, but someone, colloquially-known as a porch pirate, steals it straight off the porch before they ever have a chance to get their hands on it. 

On July 10, Leslieville resident Joe Rossi posted in the I am a Leslievillian Facebook group about an incident of porch theft in his neighbourhood. 

"I observed someone walk towards my front door, up the stairs and onto my porch," Rossi confirmed to blogTO.

"Once I got closer to home, a lady walked down from my porch with a number of bags and a parcel. I immediately noticed the parcel under her arm. The company logo on the package, from whom I expected a delivery that day, indicated to me that she had taken a package belonging to me."

Rossi said he managed to retrieve the parcel, call the police and stay with the woman until she was arrested. 

"Within minutes, a number of additional police officers arrived," he said. "I was surprised at how grateful they were, they acknowledged that it's a common problem in the area and thanked me for persevering."

Rossi added that it seems as though package theft is not just common, it's increasing. 

Hey @Amazon, thanks for leaving my packages out in plain sight (on a busy street in downtown Toronto) where they were stolen shortly after. Not the kind of customer service I was expecting when I joined Prime. 🤔 @AmazonHelp pic.twitter.com/Pmf3s3Hapg

— Jeff (@omgclassic) August 5, 2018

 "I’ve noticed many people post in our neighborhood group, and some even have video of the suspects."

He also pointed out that these incidents point to a much larger problem.

"Poverty and drug addiction create an environment and circumstances from which the majority cannot escape," Rossi said. 

"As much as we need to support our local police, be vigilant, and lookout for our neighbors, this problem will not go away without proactive support and services to assist those in poverty and Torontonians with a drug addiction."

Porch theft in Toronto is undoubtedly a side effect of wealth disparity and poverty. There is no question that major institutional and societal changes are necessary to curb the issue. 

But in the meantime, how can residents ensure their belongings aren't being stolen from right under their noses?

Well, there are a few solutions that seem to work. 

In December 2018, Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook with the Toronto Police Service told CTV News that video doorbells are a great way to increase home security and avoid thefts. 

She also said lock-boxes or door attachments, which are essentially bags or boxes that delivery people can place the package inside and then lock, are great ways to avoid porch theft. 

Customizable delivery services, such as Penguin Pickup, are also a great way to solve the problem. They allow you to use their delivery address when you order online. They notify you when your package arrives and keep it safe until you pick it up. 

While these band-aid solutions might work for a while, Rossi said it's essential that we don't lose sight of the larger issue. 

"Citizens will report, police will enforce, but without rehabilitation and services dealing with the root cause, it will be a losing battle." 

As a follow-up to last year’s wildly successful woodblock-printed matchboxes featuring the questionable decisions of tipsy cats, Ravi Zupa has just released a set of canine designs. Comprised of ten designs, the set includes a Boston Terrier with a high opinion of himself, a loyal hound, and an endearingly self-deprecating pug.

“These are the people in our lives with complicated dispositions and attitudes who never fail to bring
us joy, even when they’re jerks,” Zupa explained in an artist statement. “This new set of matchboxes is an effort to give the overly expressive, stubborn, supportive, unpredictable, confused and self important beings in our lives the recognition they deserve.”

Zupa used oil-based intaglio ink to create the three-color prints, and each one includes a pint-sized certificate of authenticity. The matchboxes can be ordered in the artist’s online shop, along with pre-orders for larger prints of the same designs. You can see more of Zupa’s vintage-inspired and humorous works, ranging from prints to paintings and sculptures, on Instagram.

Toronto remains the most expensive city in Canada to rent an apartment — and by a long shot — according to a coast-to-coast analysis of real estate trends for July.

Rentals.ca and Bullpen Research revealed in their latest monthly rent report that the average rent on a one-bedroom unit within the City of Toronto has gone up roughly 1.6 per cent since June, to $2,266.

The median rent for Toronto now sits at $2,350, up from $2,300 in the first quarter of 2019, putting the city well ahead of all others in the province and across the country.

This, based on figures for all types of rentals listed through Rentals.ca as of this month: Basement apartments, rental apartments, condos, townhouses, semi-detached houses and single-detached houses included.

"As affordability continues to be a concern, the average size of units offered for rent is shrinking nationally, from over 1,000 square feet in October 2018 to 933 square feet in June 2019," reads the report.

"In Toronto, affordability concerns are resulting not only in tenants settling for smaller spaces, but also choosing to share small suites with one or more roommates much later in life than witnessed in more affordable municipalities."

And it's not only Toronto-proper experiencing this phenomenon: Mississauga, North York and Etobicoke are currently higher on the list of median rent prices even than Vancouver at $2,300, $2,250 and $2,200 respectively.

Vancouver isn't far behind with a median rent of $2,092 as of the second quarter of 2019, followed by Brampton, Scarborough and Ottawa.

Here's the full breakdown courtesy of Rentals.ca and Bullpen Research:

Sup, Quebec City? 

UK based-brothers JP and Mike Andrews began taking aerial photographs of the Earth after a year-long trip experiencing the incredible landscapes found in the Australian Outback. Using a drone, the pair have continued to capture natural and manmade scenes across the world, stumbling upon unique patterns that can only be discerned from above. JP and Mike are attracted to sights that exemplify how “weird and wonderful the world can look from above,” such as the shadow from a cargo ship imitating the shape of a city skyline, or a loaded parking lot creating a dense fabric of interlocking lines.

The pair publish their photographs under the name Abstract Aerial Art. You can view more of their work on Instagram, and purchase prints of their images on their website.

Spain and Scotland-based collage artist Lola Dupre (previously) continues to surprise and delight with her unusual composite images. Rather than incorporating unique individual collage elements that contrast with each other, Dupre works with repetition and duplication to build bizarrely proportioned pets, buildings, and human figures. By layering and off-setting shards of the same photo in a sort of visual syncopation, Dupre stretches and bends otherwise familiar subjects into surreal images.

The artist recently exhibited work in the show “The Age of Collage 2” at Feinkunst Krueger gallery in Hamburg, Germany, and currently has a piece in “Lunacy” at Prescription Art in Brighton, U.K. You can see more of Dupre’s collages on Instagram and tumblr, and peruse originals and prints in her online store.

 

U.S. border protection has barred a young Canadian woman from crossing the border after cannabidiol (CBD) oil was found in her backpack — a non-psychoactive product of the cannabis plant she uses to treat the painful side effects of scoliosis.

The Conference Board of Canada predicts that Alberta's economy will shrink by 0.8 per cent this year, in large part due to uncertainty regarding pipelines.