By Nathaniel G. Moore Grunt of the Minotaur is described by its author Robin Richardson as having “all the naked women, natural disasters, talking hogs, cannibals, and crooked cowboys you need to make your holidays bright … with just a touch of baffling.” ’Tis the season of chocolate, stuffing, and gravy stains, of holiday work-party […]

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By Karen Bliss The Bloody Five frontman Kevin “KD” DeFreitas, a former Annex resident who is now a high school teacher living in suburban Toronto, is lining up a giveaway for his band’s show at Lee’s Palace (529 Bloor St. W.) on Nov. 26. KD is happy to be playing in his former ’hood. “I […]

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By Nathaniel G. Moore The fall is a maelstrom of literary frenzy: the International Festival of Authors, Giller and Governor General Award nominations, Word on the Street, and a flood of book launches. But where in this vast city do publishers tend to roll the dice with their new heady wares? The Gladstone Hotel, Supermarket, Garrison, […]

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By Jonathan Lee Annex painter and art instructor Deb Wiles had been looking at photos of a lake out in rural Nova Scotia, taken by her friend Tim Young, when she drew in her breath in response to the beauty in front of her. From that moment, the Trident International Artists’ Retreat in Nova Scotia […]

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By Katie O’Connor Chris Alexander had just settled in for one of his last screenings at the Bloor Cinema when he spotted something, or rather someone, who didn’t belong. Alexander, editor-in-chief of Fangoria magazine, hosts a monthly film series titled ‘Film School Confidential’ where he showcases cult, horror and sci-fi films. Invasion of the Body […]

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By Karen Bliss Francophone indie rock act Karkwa had little presence outside its native Quebec when its fourth album, Les Chemins de Verre, was selected as winner of the 2010 Polaris Music Prize—a $20,000 cheque that went to the year’s Best Album, as determined by media from across the country. The award landed the band immediate attention in […]

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By Julia Manoukian 287 Brunswick Ave. 287 Brunswick Ave. was once home to one of the area’s wealthiest real estate owners. Anne Racz, better known as Annie of the Annex, invested in a great deal of real estate in and around Toronto with her husband, Leslie Racz. Her entire estate, which is rumoured to be […]

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By Síle Cleary They may be new in town, but Daycare Records are showing just how feisty they are by utilizing the tag line “babysitting your stupid band.” The record label is the brainchild of music journalist Karen Bliss (whose work is published in numerous publications, including the Gleaner, Billboard, RollingStone.com and MSN) and musician/producer […]

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By Perry King The Wynn Group is moving forward with its plans of developing a 29-storey hotel and condominium on a strip of Dupont. An application to amend the Toronto Official Plan, that will change the designation of six Dupont properties from an employment to a mixed-use site, was submitted by the Wynn Group in May, but was […]

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