Brandan’s Eye Research Fund 6th Annual Fundraising Dinner Event

On Nov. 12, 2010, La Primavera Banquet Hall hosted the sixth annual Brandan’s Eye Research Fund Gala, a delightfully sold-out affair. Live performances from incredibly talented performers and silent Read more

Falling Whistles: Democratic Republic of Congo Exposed

Rich orange flames dance across a striking African savannah in the continent’s heart. Serge Kaptegaine is trapped inside a burning house. The doors are locked, windows bolted shut. The only thing he’s certain of is that there is no escape. His fate lies miles away in the hands of the Western world, but no one can hear his cries. He clings to his only hope that someone, somewhere, is calling 911. “This is a small picture or idea that I can give you about the war,” says Kaptegaine of his psychological experience in the resource-rich, conflict-ravished Democratic Republic of Congo. “When I’m talking about fire, I’m talking about realities where you are tortured. I am talking about realities where for days you don’t even think about war, you don’t think about food. The only thing on your mind is ‘how am I going to be tomorrow or the next five minutes?’” Murder, rape and young children being used as human shields are ongoing impunities of a crisis that’s been deemed Africa’s World War. Read more

The Great Dane Cook

Dane Cook is staring at cover art for his Greatest Hits album. He’s narrowed the title choices down from 15 to three and his deadline is today. The creative process has caused the sandy haired star comedian to take a scenic route down Memory Lane – long before his Forbes list fortune and arena-filling fame. He’s spent the last few weeks listening to grassroots routines and discovering edits of CDs that he didn’t even know existed. “It’s interesting – watching and listening to the evolution of myself. It’s very, very strange.” He pauses. In that brief silence you can hear the deafening authenticity behind Cook’s quiet confidence.

Ankle-deep in conversation, it becomes refreshingly apparent that one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People hasn’t let sold-out stadiums and Hollywood movie roles alongside Kevin Costner, Kate Hudson and Steve Carell Read more

The Genesis of Guizzetti Developments Inc.

Over the past 50 years, Giovanni Guizzetti has worked to build the future he always wanted: an empire based on honesty and respect. Competing only against one person – himself – Giovanni’s labour has paved the way to a conglomeration of success, a legacy he has now passed on to his son Stefano.

Today, Guizzetti Developments Inc., which has revolutionized the Yonge Street Corridor with high-density, mid-sized commercial and residential projects, is a testament to the fortified bond between father and son. “I’ve never been afraid to make sacrifices,” says Giovanni, who left his hometown in Bergamo, Italy when he was 26. Arriving in Halifax on his birthday in 1956, he travelled to Montreal for work where he humbly accepted pay of 80 cents an hour. Patient and inquisitive for opportunities, Giovanni landed a job cutting wood in Timmins, Ont., which Read more

Mazda3

All it takes is a drive around the parking lot to know that the Mazda3 is not your usual compact econobox. The car in question is the 2.5-litre sedan with six-speed manual transmission. The snug driver’s seat, sporty controls and direct steering give out clues that the Mazda3’s chassis is more substantial. Well, a quick banzai run through some twisty roads reveals the true nature of the Mazda3: it’s a driver’s car and it enjoys an enthusiastic drive.

The steering has just the right amount of feel and feedback from the front tires and combined with the taut suspension, allows the chassis to be entertaining and fun in the corners. There’s very good body control, which gives lots of confidence to the driver. Even the brakes have a nice feel for easy modulation when driven hard. Equally enjoyable is the smooth-revving 2.5-L four-cylinder that makes a nice racy growl at high revs. The throttle pedal Read more

Naughty or Nice: Gift Guide 2010

Cottonfield
For a modern and handsome look, check out the latest winter-wear from Danish designer, Cottonfield. A classic lambswool pullover covers a cotton plaid shirt, completed with an attractive blazer and a soft wool, acrylic scarf. Have him looking sharp for those brisk winter walks in these traditionally-styled outfits.

Keurig Coffeemaker
Small and stylish, this modern coffeemaker quickly brews your favourite blend in just minutes. Utilizing the patented K-Cup system, you can be sure the perfect amount of any rich and delicious beverage is brewed every time.

Hostess Gift Bag
A hostess gift bag is a thoughtful and personal way Read more

Organ Donation: You Decide Where Your Organs Go

In Ontario, someone on a waiting list for a vital organ dies every 72 hours. A tragic figure, especially when one organ donor can save up to eight lives and enhance up to 75 more. Right now, there are more than 1,500 desperate individuals on waiting lists in Ontario. These are mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, and maybe, you. And guess what? There aren’t nearly enough donors.

When someone requires an organ transplant for a second chance at life, a whirlwind of medical tests and procedures sends families on an emotional roller coaster ride of despair and often enough, tragedy. At the age of 19, Eddie Sabat was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition where the muscle of the heart thickens and enlarges, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood. Sabat desperately needed a heart transplant to live a life he barely started. “There’s anger, frustration, nervousness. But when Read more

LG Fashion Week

Toronto was buzzing with designers, journalists and fashionistas for LG Fashion Week in October. Several prominent designers included Rachel Mara, Brandon R. Dwyer and Evan Biddell. CitylifeTV.ca host Madeline Stephenson scooped several of the top designers at the prestigious event.

One of those talented designers is Canada’s own Wesley Badanjak. Using his alchemic abilities, Badanjak melds classic essentials of women’s wear with the natural colour of the elements, producing his stunning 2011 spring/summer line, Elemental. “I was trying to take basic elements of the wardrobe and modernize them and infusing them with this theme and this colour story,” comments Badanjak.

Also making a splash is Vancouver native and world-renowned designer Angela Chen. Inspired by the film Read more

City Life Realty

CountryWide Homes
Surrounded by the splendour of nature, the communities fostered by CountryWide Homes feature striking, classically styled homes in warm and welcoming neighbourhoods. Using the highest quality materials for kitchen counters and cabinets; the finest flooring, including stunning imported European tiles; cathedral skylights; and gorgeous master bathrooms incorporating separate shower stalls and oak or maple cabinetry, CountryWide provides gorgeous modern housing. Escape the rush of the hectic city in these quaint yet elegant neighbourhoods.
www.countrywidehomes.ca 905.907.1500

Nicholas Residences
Designed by award-winning Core Architects, the 29-storey Nicholas Residences bring the past and present together, Read more

Hospice Vaughan’s Giving Thanks Gala

Hospice Vaughan’s 2011 programs have a lot to be thankful for after a successful evening at Le Parc on Oct. 1, 2010. The sanctity of life was honoured with a delicious meal and celebrated with guests Read more

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