The Newly Renovated Paradise Theater, Bloor St, Toronto

Tonight I went to the Paradise Theatre to see the 1998 movie, Last Night, a fabulous, apocalyptic film with Sandra Oh, Don McKellar and Sarah Polly. Not only was I excited about seeing this movie, which I haven't seen for years, but also for being able to see this newly renovated theatre.

The Paradise originally opened in 1937. The venue had 643 seats with a smoking area in the balcony. In 1966, the theatre was sold to the Giacominis family who showed non-subtitled Italian movies direct from Italy. It was then sold in the 1980s to an owner who showed soft porn.

In the 1990s, the theatre became part of the Festival Cinemas chain, which included the Bloor Cinema (now the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema), The Revue, The Kingsway and The Fox Beaches. The chain closed in 2006 and the theatre was shut down.

For awhile it was in danger of becoming a drug store but was saved by Moray Tawse who purchased the theatre in 2013 and spent years and millions to restore.

The entrance has the old fashioned front entrance ticket booth.

Inside there is a nice oval snack bar area. Plans are in store to expand this area in the next year into the building next door. The bartender moves so fast behind the bar that he blurs the shot.

Popcorn comes from this old style popcorn maker.

The theatre reduced the seating to 183, all of which are leather fold up seats with drink holders and lots of leg room. The theatre will house movies, special events and live performances. I must say the inside is spectacular! Movies are shown through their high tech system. Tonight was the first showing of Last Night, having been restored to this format, of which I forget the term. The screen retracts for talks. The theatre will be showing films which have Q&As afterwards featuring directors and actors.

There seem to be theme months. For instance, January is Toronto Plays Itself, with all the films in the series having been shot in Toronto. Next month's theme will be Odd Couples: a slanted nod to the most romantic month of the year (and a leap one at that!), Paradise presents some of the movies’ most unexpected and quirky couplings, with a few other-worldly ones thrown in for good measure. Spanning decades and genres, we’ve assembled a motley season of cult favourites (Harold and Maude, Starman), modern hits (Lost in Translation, Out of Sight) and undiscovered classics (The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, A Special Day), plus many other improbable and moving love stories ripe for rediscovery.

Everything is so well-done and thought out. I'll be watching this theatre for more films and events in the future. When I do, hopefully the weather will be better for my outside shots.

The New Garrison Crossing

Today I went for a walk which took me over the new Garrison Crossing which opened on October 1 of this year. The crossing consists of two bridges with a park in the middle. The bridges allow access to the park at Garrison Common, outside of Fort York from Wellington St West, over the rail tracks which split just to the east of them. Below shows the original plans.

The park on the north side is not yet properly sodded. It will be in the spring. Both sides have this sign to welcome people.

The 52 meter long, northern bridge.

The view from the northern bridge looking west to Strachan and directly below is is the view from Strachan to the bridge.

Looking towards the city.

The park in the middle of the triangle. It's still being developed.

The view from the park.

The view to the city from the middle of the 49 meter long southern bridge.

The ramp to the park. There is also a lookout towards the city but was blocked as it was being worked on.

The view from Strachan to the southern bridge.

I'm looking forward to the parks in the north and middle being finished. It'll be a beautiful place to visit.

"Speaking of Democracy" Exhibit at Queens Park, Toronto

I read in this past weekend's paper that there is an exhibit on this week at Queens Park called Speaking of Democracy.

“Speaking of Democracy” features 28 quotations about the roots of, threats to, and promise of democracy. People quoted include Her Majesty the Queen, David Frum, George Orwell, Vandana Shiva, Jennifer Welsh, and Malala Yousafzai.

The exhibit was launched by The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, who also put on the exhibit. In her tweet about she launch, she states:

Thank you to all who joined us as we launched #SpeakingofDemocracy. Democracy is a gift that requires sustained commitment. We must not be complacent observers of the changes around us. May the words on the walls inspire all who see them to think, reflect, question and act."

The displays were on the walls of three gorgeous rooms in the Lieutenant Governors Wing.

Some quotes made me think.

There were beautiful old ornaments everywhere.

The quote below is quite true. These leaders have no idea of how their decisions affect the middle and lower classes ... no idea!

The quote below is from Malala Yousafzai. In 2012, she was shot in the head by the Taliban for speaking up for the rights of girls to receive an education. Fortunately, she survived and became the youngest at 17 to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Her words speak volumes.

Walking into the next room.

So true and our world's becoming a mess.

Churchill claims he was quoting somebody else but the world, rightfully so, attributes it to him. Whoever did say it, they said it well. It goes along with another quote I saw on the wall saying democracy is always a work in progress.

Are we seeing those weaknesses today?

Some more of the interior.

I saw a sword in one of the rooms and asked if it was the same sword as is in the two paintings on the right. It was!

The swords of Ontario's first two Sergeant-at-Arms.

I was thrilled to see this. It's the original mace of Upper Canada which was taken as a prize when the Americans attacked Toronto, then York, in 1813. It was finally returned in 1934.

It was a thoughtful display. I'm so glad I had the time to see it and wish it could be on display longer for others to see and think about.

A Visit to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Today Teena and I went early to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. This was our third trip to the aquarium and it is always interesting and breathtaking. I always find something new and incredible there.

You arrive above where you can look down at the "petting area".

A rare blue lobster. There also was a huge white one too that I had trouble getting a picture of it.

This aquarium with all the kelp simulates the flow of the ocean and a walkway comes down around it so you can view it from many angles.

These are fascinating!

Look at the size of this tank.

Teena puts her camera skills to use in front of it.

Where the sharks are. This tank is huge. A moving sidewalk takes you around it and there is also enough room to walk around or stand to watch or take pictures.

In other areas, there are places to go and view the fish from inside.

A seahorse. They are fun to watch swim and this one had just stopped for a rest.

A "ray" tank.

The jellyfish area is popular and there are places to sit and watch. These are sea nettles.

Moon jellyfish.

Another jellyfish.

This is the top of the huge tank. We were lucky and arrived at feeding time.

As always it was a fun trip and I look forward to visiting again.