Summer of Superheroes: The experts explain our fixation on fictional characters

If you make yourself more than just a man, if you devote yourself to an ideal and they can’t stop you, then you become something else entirely. A legend, Mr. Wayne. – Ra’s al Ghul, Batman Begins, 2005.

This line, so eloquently delivered by Liam Neeson in Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins, the 2005 reboot of the Batman film franchise, is the existential nudge directing a once lost and disillusioned Bruce Wayne down the path towards dark knighthood — a storyline that wrapped up this July in the highly anticipated blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises.

It was the simple yet powerful push Wayne needed. Like a forest being born again in the aftermath of wildfire, this counsel guided his gaze to the set of ideals that could, if embraced, grow from tragedy. Principles that are put to the test when al Ghul places a blade in the young billionaire’s hand, ordering him to execute an alleged murder. Read more

Lexus IS 350C: Take a ride in this luxury compact convertible

There’s always been a stigma riding shotgun with Lexus. You’ve probably heard about the slights. “They’re just dressed-up Toyotas;” “They have no personality.” But those who like this Japanese luxury brand tenaciously stand behind it, and it’s hard to belittle their loyalty. Each Lexus, after all, is exceptionally well built. But can the 2012 IS 350 C serve up some flavour and break free from the flak?

When first examining the IS 350 C, you may feel like you’ve seen this luxury convertible coupe before. That’s because you have. Not much has changed stylistically since this two-door, hardtop convertible was released alongside the redesigned 2009 IS. Lexus apparently decided to skip the standard coupe altogether, but that’s another story. This isn’t necessarily detrimental, though. The same sharp, assertive eyes and sleek front-end give the IS 350 C a sporty look. Read more

Q & A with Jeff Rubin

The former chief economist of CIBC World Markets talks about his new book The End of Growth.

Q: What compelled you to write The End of Growth?

A: I ended up in my last book arguing that triple-digit oil prices were no accident. It wasn’t the result of financial market speculations; it’s basically where the demand and supply for oil now rested, and that we would see a return of these prices very early into an economic recovery. And low and behold, that’s pretty well what happened. As of, say, January 2011, Brent, which is the world oil price, crossed into triple-digit range, got as high as $127 a barrel, and it’s even still today in the triple-digit range. So, what are the consequences of that? I think the basic dilemma is this: we need those kinds of prices to get millions of barrels out of things like tar sands, deep water, oil shale, Brazilian sub-salt, but unfortunately, the very prices that we need to lift oil out of the reserves that it now comes from translates into the same prices that basically kill our economies. Read more

Mazda CX-5 Automotive Review

It seems like every automotive maker is racing towards the compact SUV segment as of late. It’s become a crowded party, but arguably not the most exciting. Mazda is looking to change all that by tossing some “zoom zoom” into the mix with its brand new CX-5.

This compact SUV is Mazda’s attempt at breathing life back into the tired Tribute, and the Japanese are giving it their all. It’s the first Mazda fitted with the entire range of the automaker’s new SkyActiv Technology, which includes new engine, transmission, body and chassis designs that are meant to increase fuel efficiency while strengthening safety and maintaining a dynamic, fun-to-drive feel.

Under the hood, the SkyActiv-G, 2-Litre engine powering the CX-5 delivers a modest 155-horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. But what really cranks heads is the engine’s impressive 13:1 compression Read more

King Brewery – Bottoms-Up

Nothing beats a cold beer on a hot summer day. The thin layer of foam capping a frosty mug; the refreshing, hoppy taste kissing your lips and fighting off the relentless heat – it’s a welcome relief from the sweltering midday sun. Indeed, beer is the go-to drink for many Canadians, especially when the summer hits. But while we’re quick to grab a two-four from the big -name brands, a little exploration cracks open a world of novel beers and rarely experienced flavours, courtesy of local craft breweries.

Phil DiFonzo, brew master at Nobelton’s King Brewery, feels the palate of Canadian beer drinkers is evolving towards flavour-forward blends that deliver more than just inebriation. “There’s a beer drinker out there that thinks the best beer is the cheapest beer,” he says, explaining how many shop with an as-many-beer-for-as-cheap-as-possible attitude. However, that breed is dying. “We’re now getting
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Butcher Shop – A Job Well Done

John Zagaria nods towards a black and white photo hanging by the register in his Vaughan butcher shop, Dolce Lucano. “That’s my father, Rocco,” he says, pointing to a youthful face standing behind a slain cow. He’s surrounded by a handful of beaming family members posing in a dilapidated, old-world setting – conditions that simply wouldn’t cut it by today’s strict sanitation standards. “That’s as crude as it gets,” Zagaria adds as he gazes fondly at the roots of his craft.

Much has certainly changed since Zagaria’s father first learned how to wield the weighty cleaver that was once a standard tool of the butcher’s trade. That cumbersome blade – one only the brawny, dexterous hands of a master could brandish – is proudly displayed as Zagaria’s business logo. It’s both a nostalgic mark of the art’s evolution, and the time-honoured traditions that made butchers such integral parts of the community.
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Toronto Condo Law – The Condo Uprise

The condominium scene has exploded: There are roughly 525,000 units housing over one million residents in Ontario, and that number is on the rise. The concrete jungle grows thick with these popular homes, reshaping the city skyline and how urbanites experience the metropolitan milieu. This chain reaction has also sparked here in Vaughan, where new developments are breaking ground across the city.

But while projects rush upwards, and eager townies flock, complications emerge. “Right now, there are few consumer protections in place for condominiums, especially when it comes to preconstruction,” says Todd Hofley, a condo owner and president of the Liberty Village Residents’ Association. He explains how many residents are forced to move into buildings with unfinished corridors, accept substituted features of equivalent value and wait years for Read more

The Little Fiat that Could

Anticipation hovers over the crowd at Maranello Fiat’s grand opening celebration. Guests mingle, sip spirits and ogle the new 500s occupying the showroom floor. But it’s not a car this party is waiting for – it’s the man who saved Fiat, who reintroduced the beloved 500 to the world, that’s on their minds. And as he’s ushered through the doors of Fiat’s Canadian flagship dealer, the crowd’s response says it all: Sergio Marchionne has arrived.
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The Gen-Y CEO

Chris Bryson, CEO and founder of Unata Inc., pulls a fresh Ping-Pong ball out of his pocket and casually serves it across the table, the conversation hot on its tail. With each swing of the paddle, Bryson explains to his opponent, a potential hire, the direction he’s aiming his technology company and the vision for his brand. Between backhands and an accelerating rally, the two discuss the speed of the constantly advancing industry, the fundamental shifts required to keep a company relevant and the strategies Bryson implements.
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Live By Design

There are opportunities to experience unique design in every facet of your life. Discover the possibilities with the distinct products fashioned by these cooks, designers, artists and events from across the city. Add some flavour to your world.
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