Infiniti QX56
In today’s quest of lessening one’s carbon footprint on the automotive landscape, most manufacturers tend to shy away from the full-size SUVs and offer instead downsized and improved fuel-efficient vehicles. Infiniti on the other hand, continues to play in the premium full-size body on-frame SUV segment with its second generation QX SUV. Larger and more imposing than before, the all-new QX56 boasts loud styling, big power, lots of bright work and high-end equipment to satisfy the most discerning buyers. This niche segment is made up of players from Cadillac with its Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX570 and the luxuriously appointed military grade-style Mercedes G-Wagon. There’s other large SUVs, like the Mercedes GL and Audi Q7, which are more car-like thanks to their unibody type construction. Read more
The Refined Elegance of Regency Estates – Beaverhall Homes
February 10, 2011 by City Life Staff
Filed under Home Decor
Resting in glorious country settings, an emerging neighbourhood gives way to elegant estate living. Drawing on architectural grandeur and exquisite amenities, the manors of Regency Estates incorporate luxurious achievement with the finest quality materials. An impressive feat developed by builder-extraordinaire Ami Tamam of Beaverhall Homes, Regency Estates boasts an inimitable collection of 34 customized manors built to surpass every shade and gradation of perfection.
Recognizing the hardship of finding the perfect home, Risi guarantees that Regency Estates delivers fine estate living in a coveted community. “The workmanship and care given to Beaverhall Homes’ Regency Estates is like getting your custom-built home without the stress.” Read more
Alzheimer’s Disease
February 10, 2011 by Simona Panetta
Filed under Health
Every once in a while, our minds dip into the past, sifting through the vast files of our temporal lobes for the memories and moments that shaped our early days. When I think of my grandmother, I think of a hot summer afternoon, the air so thick the kitchen walls seemed to melt onto the linoleum floor. I remember the crackling noise eggs make in a frying pan, the red of ripe tomatoes perspiring against fresh basil. She stared emptily at the vacant wall before her, glancing at her plate and eating reflexively, her tight white curls matted to her head. Midday came and went. Rimmed red, her glistening green eyes pleaded for help. A flurry of words escaped her mouth, her arms flailed about. She had not eaten, she said, she was left to starve. I didn’t know then not to feel a ripple of burning hurt freezing my insides. I didn’t know then that the woman who stood before me was dying while living, her brain being ravaged by synaptic failure. All I knew was that a strong woman who had borne Read more
Top New Restaurants in the GTA
February 10, 2011 by Michael Hill
Filed under Food
Neapolitan cuisine, metres of pizza and North American classics are just a few of the many surprises you’ll find around the GTA.
Sorrento Ristorante North
Born and raised in the world-famous Italian destination Sorrento in Naples, Nino Cioffi brings his superb cooking prowess to Vaughan, opening Sorrento Ristorante North. This classically styled dining establishment exudes an authentic Italian feel and serves traditional Neapolitan cuisine that will give you a little slice of the renowned town. 647.351.0761 www.sorrentoristorante.ca
E11even Restaurant
Sparing no expense for food or service, e11even’s menu takes North American classics and ignites them with modern passion. Housed in the Maple Leaf Square just beside the Air Canada Read more
Northern Karate Schools: Dare to be Disciplined
February 10, 2011 by Michael Hill
Filed under Health
Looking for a great physical workout that also develops discipline and mental focus? Do you want an activity ideal for the whole family? Then Northern Karate Schools has the answer.
Established in 1972 by internationally renowned martial arts champion Cezar Borkowski, Northern Karate maintains a traditional philosophy of respect for others, and a practice of self-discovery and positive change. “It’s not just about punching and kicking. We’re about personal development. Once they start, our students are far more focused and tend to do better in school,” explains instructor and sixth-degree black belt Kyoshi Cos Vona. “I’ve had many, many families tell me they see a huge difference in their kids after just six months of karate.” Read more
Fashion and Style: Things to Love for 2011
February 10, 2011 by Melissa Teodoro
Filed under lifestyle
From cosy pillows to unique accents for your home and wardrobe, enjoy life’s simple pleasures this year. Comfort, style and class are key.
1. SULTRY STYLE
Spruce up your current style. IC Companys brings forth a selection of fashion-forward brands to cherish. www.iccompanys.com
2. BLUSH PLUSH
Lipstick-red, and oh-so-cuddly, the perfect pillow from Pier 1 cushions your head after a long day. www.pier1.com
3. SECRET GARDEN
Inspired by crystal tear catchers from 19th century Europe, this richly scented floral garden scent will have your pulse Read more
Animal Deaths, Natural Disasters and Climate Change
February 10, 2011 by Michael Hill
Filed under lifestyle
I’m bemused by North American’s attitude when it comes to the environment. All this selfish, narrow-minded and ignorant garbage about new cars, big screen TVs and steak on the barbeque is deplorable. When are we going to wake up, take responsibility and recognize the problems we cause?
This past year, the Earth was rocked by a wave of natural disasters that were greatly intensified by climate change. These included mass heat waves across the globe, droughts in Russia and flooding in Pakistan, China and Australia – the list goes on. There were 950 natural disasters recorded, well over the decade’s average of 785, and the second-worst year since 1980. Of course, disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis are out of our hands, but with our planet’s rising temperature, other disasters are being amplified and wildlife is at risk. Who cares, right? Read more
Reach For The Rainbow’s Crystal Ball
February 10, 2011 by City Life Staff
Filed under People & Places
On Nov. 13th, 2010, the 24th annual Crystal Ball was celebrated in grand style and black-tie sophistication at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Staying true to its advocacy roots and message of inclusion Read more
City Girl, Tré Armstrong
February 10, 2011 by Vito La Giorgia
Filed under Celebrity
Tracey (Tré) Armstrong was born in Toronto and raised in Mississauga. On So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Armstrong is the judge who exudes rational cognition, which transfers into eloquent speech, and she is never more communicative than when she is on the dance floor choreographing for the hit show.
Five years ago, she was living in Toronto community housing, barely able to pay her rent. Now she is an internationally acclaimed dancer, actress and choreographer. She credits the development of her dancing gene to her mom, who she refers to as her “sexy mamacita.”
“I feel sometimes when you pass a certain plateau, or even a notoriety, some people get protective of their past, but personally I am very open with it because I’m normal. I went through debt, homelessness; I’ve been through an abusive family Read more
Michael Kaeshammer: Brightening up the Blues
February 10, 2011 by Vito La Giorgia
Filed under lifestyle
A sleek black Yamaha grand piano is positioned in the centre of Michael Kaeshammer’s Toronto loft: a fitting location for a young man who has built his life around this musical instrument. “I’ve never had a different job in my life,” says Kaeshammer, who is set to debut his seventh album Kaeshammer in April 2011.
“My dad was a huge jazz fan and when I was a kid that’s all I knew … without him I wouldn’t be playing the piano.”
The charismatic pianist ended last year successfully. He performed with sultry vibrato Jill Barber, and was the under card in Anne Murray’s tour across Canada last year. “I was so impressed that [Murray] would go out and have so much fun performing and it was all sincere.” Read more
