Above is a photo of one many posters that TCHC and Toronto Fire have posted around the Regent Park community.  I wonder how much they cost and if they can get their money back.  

To begin with, the press conference (held on September 16th, 2019 at the 325 Fire Hall on Dundas Street East) announcing this new joint venture fire safety campaign involving TCHC and Toronto Fire was headlined by two older white men (TCHC CEO - Kevin Marshman & Toronto Fire - Deputy Fire Chief Jim Jessop.)   Now, I'm not sure about many things but last time I checked the majority of kitchen fires were reported to have been in units where there were young adults on the lease.  Many of whom would be people of colour.   

Then I'm left wondering with all the many consultation processes over the last several years if TCHC conducted any type of market research or focus groups to assist with the creation of this message.  Specifically, to ensure that it would appeal to the particular age demographic in this particular community. (Sidebar - I loved the TCHC "Don't Be A Flicking Idiot" campaign posters.  Just sayin')  Maybe in the future the Fire Safety Ambassadors they mentioned at the press conference could be drawn from the demographic that is most likely at risk of leaving food unattended on the stove.  

In other words, the message needs to be from someone that they would be able to identify with and in their language (lingo).   Meanwhile, this poster reads like a challenge.  Fires Happen Fast. I have more questions from seeing it than answers.  Maybe the next Fire Safety Awareness Campaign could have a photo of the silicone oven mitt and a pot lid. #PutALidOnIt As I have said before this is the issue at TCHC.  They are more problem focussed than they are solution oriented.  

Furthermore, as a little extra promotion of my proposed Fire Safety Awareness Campaign at TCHC they are welcome to raffle off some of those pricey silicone oven mitts at community events.  I have a cheap pair of dollar store oven mitts that burn me every time I grab a cookie sheet or bread pan out of the oven.  Never mind expecting it to hold up against a pot on fire.  

On Friday the 13th, with the Harvest Full Moon, I thought the most appropriate place to be was with Here Come The Mummies at Lee's Palace.  Well, maybe that was a bit of a stretch, to use the word "appropriate".

I left after the third song which was let your "Freak Flag" fly.  To be perfectly honest with you I can appreciate their musicianship.  The way the band handles their instruments is quite an accomplishment.   Almost as if they were simply an extension of themselves.  . 

I think the lyrics they chose take away from all that talent.  Turning this into a classic sideshow instead of a Class A act.  At first I was curious as to who may be hiding behind those costumes.  Now I can appreciate the mystery of not knowing.  I would be really disappointed if any of them were one of my long time favourites.  

Here Come The Mummies stage presence was undeniable.  It was a mutual admiration society at Lee's Palace on Friday the 13th of September.  Here Come The Mummies were lovin' the crowd and they were getting plenty of lovin' right back.  They want to let their "Freak Flag" fly ...  Who am I to judge?    

Eric Ethridge should be up for "Gentleman of the Year" at this years Canadian Country Music Awards.  Seeing as they don't have that particular award available I'm glad that he has been nominated for the CCMA's Rising Star category.

As for the qualifications for a Gentleman of the Year award I would like to highlight my experience at Toronto's Union Station.  First of all, I showed up at the tail end of his sound check.  When he was finished Eric allowed me a moment to take the first pic in the series that I have posted here..

Then, after a break between soundcheck and main performance, as people drifted by on their way to elsewhere, Eric played as if he was on stage at a packed concert venue. He wasn't chintzy with his time either.  Two hours of free music would be difficult for other musicians just starting out.  

There were a couple of diehard fans in attendance. Both seemed more than capable of designing and manufacturing merchandise for Eric Ethridge.   One of whom was wearing one of her creations.  A t-shirt with the Eric Ethridge logo in metallic blue.  She said she could produce them in glitter too.

So, to this point most musicians would be happy to pose for random pics, perform sets that are full of energy, and have fans that deck themselves out in branded gear.  You are probably wondering what makes Eric Ethridge so special.  Deserving of the "Gentleman of the Year" award.

Well let me tell you.  After Eric's soundcheck I had mentioned that my Mom was upset that she couldn't make the show.  Then after sticking around for three hours (an hour between soundcheck and the main two hour performance) I reiterated that I knew my mom was going to be disappointed that she couldn't make it. 

He asks me "Do you have a cell phone?"  Then immediately follows that up with "We can record a message for her."  I fumbled through my backpack and produced my phone to record Eric's message.  I stayed behind the camera.  This was a communication between those two.  It made Mom's day, week, and month.  Eric did that in under a minute.  The little things truly do count.   

Needless to say my mom is tickled pink that she gets to play a special video message from Eric Ethridge any time she wants.  He has gained two more fans for life.  We wish Eric the best of luck at this Sunday's Canadian Country Music Awards in the Rising Star category.  This will most certainly not be his last nomination or win.  

Mayor John Tory, Parliamentary Secretary Adam Vaughan, MP James Maloney, MP Salma Zahid, and Deputy Mayor & TCHC board member Ana Bailao at August 30th, 2019 public announcement about $116 million federal commitment to funding for capital repairs within Toronto Community Housing Corporation.

Once upon a time I took a few psychology classes. One of the theorists that really made a great deal of sense to me was Maslow.  At the base of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs are the concepts involving Physiological Needs: food, water, warmth. and rest, as well as, Safety Needs which seem pretty transparent.    They can easily be summed up as access to safe and affordable housing.  

(You may think food is a bit of a stretch.  Let me assure you if I had to make a choice between food and rent I know that I never would have had the opportunity to take those psychology classes.)

My problem with Maslow's theory, specifically the motivational model of human need, is that not enough politicians are even aware of it.  Too many politicians have studied how to manipulate large segments of the population to achieve their political goals.  Not enough have studied what is necessary for each member of society to achieve their individual goals.    

The Parliamentary Secretary Adam Vaughan seems to have a clue if not the full grasp.  He stated that "the outcomes for our city are much more than just shelter being better.  It's about the social outcomes, health outcomes, education outcomes, economic outcomes.  Everything improves when the housing improves."        

In other words, it is about time that money has been contributed to the Capital Repairs at TCHC.  It's important when it comes to ensuring that none of the subsidized units get boarded up.  It's important when it comes to upgrading housing stock with respect to accessibility and energy efficiency.  It's also vitally important to the tenants living in these units as they will be able to ascend to Maslow's other categories of need including Belonging, Esteem, and Self-Actualization.  

One other note before I wrap up.  Adam Vaughan ended his public announcement saying "Spend this money quickly.  Spend it wisely."  I'm certain that TCHC will spend it quickly.  I'm not so certain they will spend it wisely.  Why don't the different levels of government ask for receipts when doling out huge amounts of money to Toronto Community Housing Corporation?  At least pretend that there is a degree of transparency and accountability for the *illions of taxpayers dollars TCHC inhales.   

There is always plenty of magic at the EX.  But, they hosted a very powerful MAGIC! potion on the Bandshell stage on August 30th, 2019.    

Am I the only one that thinks the pre-show DJ was both too loud and playing inappropriate material for a family event?  Maybe. Maybe not.  

Anyone else out there think they want to go to the CNE to royally pig out? The absolute wealth of choice was astounding.  This years selection included the additions of Beyond, Dorito'd, and pickled anything, Even still they don't necessarily warrant those prices. Unless you are mortgaging your condo, or, are otherwise independently wealthy, you might want to just nod at the items that are too pricey.  Acknowledge their existence.  Add the particular items or restaurants to your to do list.  Then throughout the coming year treat yourself once a month without having to shatter your piggy bank.  

The Coca-Cola Coliseum was home to the Legends of the Silk Road exhibit for the full run of the Canadian National Exhibition.  This was the main reason I attended the EX.  I saw some really BAD photos published on another site and thought this collection of Chinese lantern art pieces deserved better. 

First of all, the Coco-Cola Coliseum was the ONLY place I found a refill station for my water bottle.  Despite the CNE's website claiming their would be plenty of refill stations.
 
Second, it totally boggles my mind that with all the walking guests are likely to do at the EX in a day the main access point for the exhibit, was somewhere other than the main entrance of the Coca-Cola Coliseum. Following the red carpet around the perimeter of the interior of the building simply solidified the notion that I was seeing red.  I was not a happy camper.  Hugging the wall of my slow lane as everyone else sped past towards the entrance.

Third, final, and arguably, most important … I LOVED this exhibit!  I believe that is evident in my photos.  I took my time lining up the angles during my walk through.  Then I couldn't wait to edit them as I was literally up all night cropping and 'painting'. 

When I posted these very same pictures to my Instagram someone mentioned they were "Beautiful!"  I fully appreciate the fact that I am merely providing a representation of these Chinese lanterns.  The actual kudos go to the 90 artists that create these art works out of steel and synthetic silk.  I just thought I would share my appreciation.