KNARF IN THE CITY (a b&w photoblog)

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Singing Love Ballads?

Nasty Kensington Market punk band - the complete opposite of the incredible vibe in yesterday's post.

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

We had a great time at Car-Free Sunday in Toronto's Kensington Market, so in upcoming days you'll be seeing quite a few photos taken at that event.

On Dundas between Augusta and Denison one finds the African Drum Shop. We popped in to do some business and encountered some amazing sights and sounds, including an impromptu drum session that, shortly after this photo was taken, grew to be a small drumming circle. It's hard to describe the feeling of community and healing when the vibe gets going!

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Hector

Sunday was the last car-free day in Kensington Market until next summer, so it seemed a great day for us to go down there.

The Mexican Store (I don't know if that's it's real name, that's what we call it) is a compulsory stop, not just because they have the best prices on bulk foods in town, but because they have the most amazing churros. Hector, the storekeeper, offers one in this photo.

Always ready with smile and a good word, it's a pleasure to enter his shop.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Dusk Patrol, Ward's Island

This fellow seemed intent on making sure his territory was secure.

The residential area of Toronto's Islands currently occupies a tiny corner of Ward's Island. At one time there were many homes (along with a resort and an amusement park) on Hanlan's Point but decades ago the city razed them to put in the parkland that's there today. All of Toronto's harbour islands are owned by the city; residents rent the land, although they own the houses and improvements to the property.

They've tried to expropriate the hundred or so remaining Ward's Island houses and cottages on more than one occasion over the years, but the Islanders have now learned to band together and yell real loud. Several years ago they signed a ninety-nine year lease, so they're safe - for now.

No cars are allowed, hence sidewalks with no streets. Many houses have several bikes of various descriptions in their "driveways". The community is eclectic, artistic, non-conformist and very cool - a place I'd love to live in, were it not for the lack of amenities (not even a grocery store!) and isolation from the mainland. All access is by public ferry or private shuttle service.

The parkland (which comprises the vast majority of The Islands) is very popular with Torontonians so it should be teeming this coming long weekend, especially since the weather forecast is spectacular.

Here's hoping you have a great Labour Day Weekend!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Food Court Courting

Does he want her or what's in her cup? The lady on the left may know, but she's not saying...

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Rescue Boat

Lifeguards' boat, Ward's Island Beach, Toronto

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

To the Beach!

The Hanlan's Point Ferry brings mainlanders to several of the beaches at Toronto's Islands. Most are in an ebullient mood, but this fellow seemed to have other things on his mind

Monday, August 25, 2008

Better Than a Limo

Anyone can rent a limo for their wedding, but how many can say they took the ferry from the reception?

We were at Toronto's Islands on Saturday, and on the way home we came across this delightful couple and several dozen friends heading back to the mainland after their wedding and reception. To say that they "stuck out" from the other ferry passengers (most of whom were going home from the beach or picnics or other similar activities) would be an understatement, but I'm guessing their's was a wedding that won't soon be forgotten!

Friday, August 22, 2008

0-1-START

It's from a commercial Italian espresso grinder, and I think it looks kind of cool. I love simple, undecorated design.

Have a great weekend!!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

How Cute Is This?

It's a Fiat 500, and yes, it really is as small is it looks in this photo.

Maybe smaller. Makes the original Mini look positively maxi...

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Only a Cat...

...can make sleeping an artform!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Passing Stranger, Eglinton near Marlee

Monday, August 18, 2008

Something Here's Not Right!

Taken on the Boardwalk, Toronto's Kew Beach

Friday, August 15, 2008

Cup, Pencil and Plate

Thursday, August 14, 2008

China House at Night

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Cramming on Caffeine?

I don't know if he was studying for a course or just doing some personal research, but he was very intent on his travails!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Elektra Espresso

Do you suppose she loves her father and wants her mother dead?

Monday, August 11, 2008

Summertime Treat

Nothing helps beat the summer heat like an ice cream cone!

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Better Watch Where You're Going!

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Rapid Refrigeration

I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want slow refrigeration...

But seriously, I love chrome, and I love metal badges. They say "we're proud of what we make and we want you to know who we are." This one was found on what looks like an old (vintage 50's?) refrigerated counter in an Italian grocery store near Yonge and Eglinton here in Toronto. The badge looks much newer than the fridge, but they do look good together.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Angelic Apprehension

I don't blame him: Those "living statues" kind of freak me out a bit, too...

Friday, August 01, 2008

Just a Little Bit Scary

I couldn't make this one up, folks...

Long weekend coming up here in Ontario, Canada, so have a good one!

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Beaches Jazz Fest

A few images from last weekend's Beaches Jazz Festival here in Toronto.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Summer Stroll in Yorkville

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Dancing in the Street

I know the title's a cliche, but I couldn't resist. Sunday was Car Free Day in Kensington Market, and this couple seemed to be having lots of fun dancing to the Salsa music!