Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

Speaking at two We Day events in Montreal, flying across the continent for a speaking engagement in Seattle the following morning and readying for another in San Francisco that same afternoon, Spencer West’s campaigning for his Redefine Possible initiative has been quite the journey. But it’s nothing compared to the challenge that awaits him at the end: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
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Day Tripping

In today’s fast-paced, highly connected world, it’s not uncommon to suffer from sensory overload. This weekend, turn off the smartphone, hit the highway and escape the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life at these relaxing rustic retreats.
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Master the Cards

According to recent data released by Moneris Solutions, Canada’s largest debit and credit card processor, spending through its debit and credit card machines in last year’s fourth quarter rose 5.8 per cent compared to 2010’s. It seems Canadians loosened up a bit for the holidays. It’s ok to splurge from time to time, but with the uncertain economic times, living within your means is not only wise, but essential. That means finding the right credit card for your lifestyle. Depending on your qualifications, you may have a beefy buffet of plastic to pick through, or, your selection may be as lean as a vegan menu. So how do you decide? We’ve asked three credit card connoisseurs to track down the perfect pieces of plastic to help you live within your means.
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Between a Rock and a High Place

It’s Wednesday afternoon and Sonnie Trotter has made his way to an Internet café in El Paso, Texas. Not that he was dodging the interview, but it took some effort to get the Canadian alpinist on the phone. Trotter is a professional adventure rock climber, and when your job is hunting down the world’s most challenging lines, it means immersing yourself in some fairly remote locations.

“It’s like a killer instinct. It’s a really raw, beautiful thing that comes out of you,” says Trotter, one of the most prolific climbers of the past decade, as he describes his body’s response to an especially challenging route. “I feel like I’m lighter, I’m strong, I’m sharper – all those kinds of things occur. It’s a very fleeting moment, but it’s a very addicting feeling. It’s almost drug-like.”
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Crossing Over: Dodge Durango and Chevrolet Orlando

Practical transportation is essential for modern urbanites. Sure, that desire for a sexy sports car may hang like a painting in your mental rear-view mirror, but for those morning car pools, after-school soccer practices and weekly grocery runs, you’ll need something more pragmatic. Depending on your taste and lifestyle, these two crossovers provide plenty of utility.
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Yael Cohen

Don’t let Yael Cohen’s clean image and faultless features fool you. The founder of F*** Cancer is as poised and self-assured as a heavyweight champion. And when your non-profit’s name is that direct and controversial, you would certainly have to be.

“I’m very proud of what we do,” says Cohen. “We’ve been successful because of our authenticity, our rawness and because of our name. It’s memorable. You see it once and you won’t forget it.”

While some may feel that employing such a racy, candid title is brash and immature, for Cohen, there was no better way to sum up the confusion, anxiety and anger she felt when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Read more

City Life Holiday Gift Guide

Bells are ringing, lights are glowing and the snow is falling – the holiday season is upon us once again. As the city transforms into a winter wonderland, filling your heart with that holiday cheer, it’s also time to dive into those crowded malls in search of smile-inducing gifts.

No doubt you’ve probably already embarked on several of these adventures, crossing friends and family members off your list; but there always seems to be that one person you can’t find the right gift for – that finicky friend or special someone who needs the perfect present.

Finding those final gifts can be a challenge, but not to worry. We’ve explored the city to put together our yearly Holiday Wish List to help you wrap your way through the Holidays! Read more

Chevrolet Volt

A shocking revelation in eco-friendly driving has made its way to the Great White North, and its name is the Chevrolet Volt. After the buzz about its marathon battery life, the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year is now modestly cruising Canadian streets, and for the environmentally conscious driver, this car is a hit.

When GM released the EV1, the first mass-produced electric vehicle (EV) of the modern era 15 years ago, it was received with much content, even though it was available only through lease. In a controversial fashion, however, GM killed off the EV1, citing unprofitability as its demise. Because public perception shifted towards eco-friendly transportation, major automotive manufacturers have changed course. Read more

Cake Boss: Bartolo “Buddy” Valastro Jr.

If there’s one thing fans of the hit reality TV show Cake Boss will attest to, it’s that there are cakes, and then there are Cake Boss cakes. The difference? A Cake Boss cake is layered, shaped and coloured with such whimsical novelty they’re almost too pretty to cut – but too delicious to resist.

It’s the artistic hand of Bartolo “Buddy” Valastro Jr. – a man who speaks with such Joe Pesci-like bravado that he may seem more street tough than master baker – that produces this lip-smacking beauty. “We really enjoy using our creativity to design custom cakes,” says Valastro, a fourth generation baker who heads the kitchen at Carlo’s Bake Shop, his family’s bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey. “It’s a merger of traditional methods of decorating and using new technologies to do things like make them spin or light up.” Read more

Suite Escapes, Toronto Real Estate Hot Spots

1. Lago
Next to the Etobicoke shoreline, the 49-storey waterfront high-rise provides luxurious features, such as marble flooring, walk-in closets and spacious balconies. www.monarchgroup.net

2. Minto WaterGarden
Inspired by the tranquility of nature, the Minto WaterGarden’s six-storey building wraps around a serene garden, creating an inspired esthetic. Located in Old Thornhill, residents enjoy contemporary one-and two-bedroom suites. www.minto.com

3. Beach club lofts
Embracing an open, modern concept, Beach Club Lofts put residences within walking distance of Toronto’s historic The Beach community. Ceiling-to-floor windows afford a spectacular Read more

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