Having to pay over $600.00 on extra luggage fees might not sound like an appealing proposition, but to Paul Giampuzzi, Rehman Merali, Brendan Wong, Merrick Zoubeiri, Arian Omidzohour and Soren Massoumi, it came with the win. 

The six University of Toronto engineering students, after weeks of trials and tribulations, had the opportunity to see their 120-pound robot, TSA Inspected, win gold at this year’s RoboGames in California. The annual competition, which provides an international arena for those seeking to claim world domination and fame with their handmade creations, hosts a series of matches between competing robots. That which knocks its competitor out of the fight, or simply inflicts the most damage and offensive assault is pronounced the winner. 

With their minds set on victory, the six-man team decided early on, that their robot’s construction would revolve around the concept that the majority of its weight would be geared towards creating the maximum amount of damage possible. So naturally, they used US Army steel. The element used to coat the TSA Inspected, was the same type of unyielding material that coated thousands of US Army vehicles protecting them from the effects of explosive devices. 

Although seemingly simple, the TSA Inspected, with its light battery, and scoop-like shape, simply scooped up its final competitor, The Mortician, whose choice of weapon was a razor-like spinning plate, and smashed it against the wall. Suffering a little hole, and a few dents later, the UofT production came out as the victor.

It was either ‘Go big, or go home’ for the six, and in a way they got what they came for. They’ll certainly be going home, with not only a winning title, but with a big bill as well.   

 

For centuries, human beings have been squeezing the life out of several things.
Fruits and vegetables are no exception.

Over the years, juicing has been viewed as a convenient method of obtaining the essential ingredients that fruits and vegetables compose of, and their positive benefits, in a short amount of time.

Research has shown that the phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, enzymes, and proteins, when taken in moderation, act cohesively to prevent a variety of diseases, by strengthening the body and its immune system. Statistics have also shown that populations with a higher consumption rate of fruits and vegetables have been known to have a lower incidence rate of cancer.

Although juicing allows for a wider variety of fruit/ vegetable intake, and requires less energy to be digested, it does have its drawbacks. Juicing can prove to be time consuming, messier, and when examined at an infinitesimal level, more expensive.

If you’ve caught on to the juicing craze, and have found yourself doing the Juice Jive, here are a couple of suggestions that may make you want to jiggy your way to the fruits and vegetables aisle at your local supermarket.

Healthy and tasty fruit suggestions include:

Peaches 
Peaches are a good source of lycopene and lutein, both of which have been known to be strong defences against macular degeneration, and heart disease.
Peaches are also rich in potassium, and have been known to possess a mild laxative action.
In other words: they keep you regular.

Cranberries 
Cranberries have been infamous for the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections, bladder infections, and kidney stones due to their proanthocyanidin and quinic acid levels.

Apples
Apples, due to their levels of flavonoids, insoluble fiber and pectin, have been known to prevent asthma, lower cholesterol levels, and promote bowel regularity respectively.

Grapes
Grapes are an excellent source of powerful antioxidants that have been known to reverse atherosclerosis, treat venous disorders, and lower the risk of heart disease. Keep in mind that the darker the colour of the grape, the higher the level of health promoting antioxidants.

Bananas
Bananas, due to their high potassium levels, have been known to regulate heart function, balance bodily fluid, and lower blood pressure.

Healthy and possibly tasty vegetable suggestions include:

Beets
Beets can do wonders for those with iron-deficiency anaemia due to the high levels of iron and potassium that they contain.

Avocados
Avocados, due to their vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acid content, have been renowned for their ability to improve skin texture and elasticity, and repair and reform damaged hair.

Carrots
Carrots have been known to promote good vision, protect the body against cardiovascular diseases, and decrease the likelihood of several types of cancer due to their antioxidant compounds.

Ginger
Ginger has been known to prevent and treat different forms of gastrointestinal distress such as nausea and vomiting, and is especially helpful to those with a case of food poisoning in the form of ginger ale.

Cucumbers
Cucumbers, as a result of their silica content, have been known to strengthen connective tissue within the body, and their acid levels have been known to prevent water retention. They prove to be quite useful for swelling underneath the eyes, burns, and dermatitis.

Fruits and vegetables, whether juiced or eaten as is, are an essential part of our diet. So what are you waiting for? Pull out that dusty juicer that’s been sitting in the kitchen cabinet for months, and give it a try!

Don’t forget to wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and then maybe you can decide…

A squeeze or a bite? What’s your style?

He asked her if she had a boyfriend. 
She said yes.

‘That’s okay. I have a wife, and we could be secret on this too’.

On Wednesday, April 21, Steve Ellis, a former immigration judge, was found guilty of attempting to coerce sex from Ji Hye Kim, a refugee claimant, in exchange for an affirmative ruling in her upcoming case.

The beginning of the bribery dated back to July of 2006, when Ellis was overseeing Ji Hye Kim’s refugee hearing, but decided to defer his judgment and withhold his decision. Kim found Ellis waiting for her at the restaurant at which she waitressed at, in order to ask her out for coffee, two months later.

Suspicious of the judge’s antics, and suspecting an intention of foul play, Kim’s then-boyfriend and now-husband, Brad Tripp, devised a plan. 

Kim: wired.
Brad: in a car across the street, video camera in hand.
Ellis: thinking he was on a date, and about to get lucky.

Ellis and Kim’s Strabucks patio date lasted a little longer than the 43-minutes of sound and video recordings that the couple had managed to acquire that night.

Upon playing of the evidence in the Crown’s case, a staggering amount of incriminatory evidence was found against Ellis. It showed the 51-year-old judge telling the young South Korean “I really like you, and I really want to be friends with you”, along with him repeatedly advising her to keep their meeting a secret from her boyfriend. Ellis also revealed to Kim that the love from his current marriage was gone, and that he was planning to dispose off his current Filipino mistress. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to be demanding. I’m not going to ask you to move in with me or anything like that. . . . I’m not going to fall in love with you.”

With both sides having presented their cases, Ontario Superior Court Justice Thea Herman found Steve Ellis guilty of ‘breach of trust and an Immigration and Refugee Protection Act charge of bribery’. A sentence hearing is due on June 4, 2010.

And what ever happened to Ji Hye Kim?
She remains happily married to Brad Tripp, and is now a landed immigrant.

For those souls who have lost their way in the bitter cold of the winter night, and have happened to stumble upon ‘Little India’, those souls have lived. 

Gerrard India Bazaar, located in downtown Toronto, is a scintillating South Asian cultural experience few are likely to forget. Host to over one hundred shops and restaurants specializing in South Asian culture, music, and food, the Bazaar provides an accurate miniature representation of what South Asia consists of. 

As a wanderer, one can’t help but be drawn to the shops’ windows to admire the rich luxurious colours, and the allure of the intricacies, of the latest South Asian fashions. Whether it be hand embroidered-pure imported silk saris, exquisite bridal lehengas adorned with sparkling gems, or royal sherwanis and jodhpuris, there’s something here for everyone. Being a wanderer, keep in mind that the more likely an outfit is going to make you go ‘ooh’, the more likely your money pouch is going to go ‘ouch’.

For centuries, South Asians have acquired quite a refined taste for high quality gold, and upon entering one of several jewellers’ stores, you’ll find that it is no different. Laid out for your pleasure will be an array of first-class 22KT gold and diamond jewellery, from countries renowned across the globe for their high standard gold such as Singapore, Dubai, Pakistan, and India itself. If you’re looking for something simpler, then available for you are also a range of styles composed of real precious/ semi-precious stones and gems.

All of this wandering is bound to have made one hungry… The smells of aloo paratha, chicken biryani, and tandoori platters waft through the air and tempt those on the fringes of the region to enter and have a taste. After having had the savoury and spicy, why not sweeten your mouth with some gulab jamun, ras malai, or kulfi?

With your hunger satisfied, and your body strong enough for you to be on your way, why not grab a paan, and a Bollywood movie as a souvenir, and head off?

Don’t worry, simple wanderer. You won’t have to do the trek alone. You’ll have the sights, sounds, and smells, of Little India lingering on your mind all the way home.  

 

Gerrard India Bazaar
1426 Gerrard Street East
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M4L 1Z6

When it comes to the concept of consequences, when direct reprimands, repercussions, and punishments are not implemented in a short amount of time, or shortly after the mistakes were made, results in these consequences to lose their degree of severity in our minds. The same cannot be applied to matters of religion.

Following are repercussions visible to the human eye, sensible by the human spirit, and most importantly, perceptible to the human mind, which occur as a result of missing Salat:

FAJR
It is said that when one fails to wake up and perform Fajr Salat, the noor, which has accumulated on their face as a result of steady worship and good doings, will gradually fade. No longer will the face seem as sweet as it were before.

ZUHR
It is said that when one chooses to neglect Zuhr Salat, as a result of placing a higher priority on the afternoon and the events/ situations that it brings, will notice that the barakah present in their home, life, and especially that of their income, will decline.

ASR
It is said that when one makes the decision to disregard the late afternoon Asr Salat, the strength and stamina from an individual’s body is taken away. Take notice that the strength in reference solely does not revolve around the physical realm.

MAGHRIB
It is said that when one fails to perform Maghrib Salat, one will find, that in the future, their children will not benefit them. The term ‘benefit’ in context refers to the provision of positive aid and assistance that children provide to their parents as a result of their love and gratitude towards them as they grow older.

ISHA
It is said that when one makes the conscious decision to look over Isha Salat and choose the warmth and comfort of their bed, one pays for their poor decision by losing the peacefulness of their night’s sleep.

So if the degree of severity of fulfilling the obligations has seemed to lessen in your mind, be it as a result of work, school, or life in general, keep in mind that you could be losing out on a lot.

What would be the sensible thing to do?  

‘And she grew, and grew, and grew!’.

With the federal government’s budget rising higher and higher, what many are wondering is why many aren’t questioning. Years and years over, millions of taxpayers’ dollars have been disappearing through the poorly monitored, and more so overlooked, cracks of the government system. Where exactly is the money going?

Upon questioning, tentative responses provided by the representatives may include: long term investments in medical research, upgrades in social security procedures and policies, and massive funding directed towards improving the current education system. Since these claims are proving to be fruitless, many have been led to believe otherwise.

Spendings have turned up unaccounted for, and a lot of it has disappeared for the personal gain of those hands that have been stained by the blood of corruption. In a way, it’s clean money, used for dirty deeds. Feel free to disagree. So whether it be Adam Giambrone using the money for getting a free cab ride to go see Kirsten Lucas, or simply the addition of a new pool in a politician’s multi million dollar house, the budget, like the lies seem to be getting larger and larger.

And unlike those in the story of Alice in Wonderland, there are no magic mushrooms to fix this one.  

READ AND FOLLOW THE INSERT. STORE BETWEEN 10*C – 27*C.

The insistent and seemingly essential instructions on a box of L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Colour hair dye. 

Rampant are technologies and procedures claiming to enhance and modify the amount of aesthetic appeal in today’s world. Millions of dollars are carefully slipped into the pockets of those, whose minds have been known to conjure up mass marketing business strategies, which aim to constantly inform, persuade, and later remind, the convenience and comfort that these products offer. Avoid contact of this product with eyes and skin, they state, for the risk of causing damage to such a fragile part of the human body. Even more fragile, are the complexities of the human mind.

That which one considers to be beautiful, whether it be the nature of the object or the object itself, is entirely dependent upon the character of our experience. Much is revealed about one’s faculty of taste through the judgement, interpretation, and understanding of the aesthetic character of objects of the natural environment, and those created by human beings. The human body, and all that it consists of, is a creation. A creation meant to entice, suffice, and one in which we should take delight. 

Altering our physical appearances for reasons other than health, whether it be changing the colour of your hair, eyes, or skin, is a product of the manifestation of clearly delineated sets of sociological and cultural ideas about what beauty compromises of. Although rarely ever personally mentioned or openly accepted, a blond hair, blue-eyed, bimbo bombshell seems to satisfy society’s definition of beauty these days. The lighter the colour, the better. 

Accompanying this reduction in shade is also one expected of our mores, beliefs and conducts. Loose morals, and an unnaturally heightened interest in one’s sexual appeal seem to concurrently be fostered and nurtured in a nefarious and petulant way. Devoid of any spiritual recognition, or basic appreciation, these definitions and standards have washed over us, and left unwanted residue. Thoroughly rinse after application.

We as individuals have to establish our own definition of beauty, one that includes ourselves in the context, instil it into the very core of our being, and genuinely abide by its criteria on a daily basis. Expand the definition due to experience when necessary, and have humility, indebtedness, and modesty following close behind. Make sure to make every shade shimmer. And we don’t have to keep this product out of the reach of children. 



No appointment with a master colourist is needed. Look inside of you. 

Read and follow the insert. Store somewhere close for periodic future reference. 

And simply be.   

So before the mobs start hiking up their dhotis, rolling up their sleeves, and lighting up their torches, about how I consciously and voluntarily allowed the juices from an 8 ounce piece of centre-cut top sirloin steak, seasoned and grilled to perfection, served over grilled onions and mushrooms, and topped with jumbo black tiger shrimp… let me tell you that the chef for the night was Chef Afzal Bhatti.

Affy’s Premium Grill is a pleasant little savoury surprise that some people have been fortunate enough to stumble upon, and then there are those that haven’t. Located in Pickering, Ontario, Affy’s is a halal grill and restaurant specializing in steaks, chicken, and seafood. For those of you who are tired of eating rabbit food, and whose stomachs’ have been demanding ‘Where’s the meat?!’, this hidden gem is surely a sight for sore eyes.

Upon entrance, the mahogany coloured walls and the plush maroon restaurant booths, accompanied by the dim suspended lightings, conjure up an atmosphere of comfortable complacency, celebration, and good cheer. Separated by a wall is the other seating component of the restaurant: white tablecloth laden casual dining tables and chairs reserved for larger groups. And for you guys who are worried about missing the hockey game: two large wall mounted flat screen TVs surrounded by black leather couches. Taking in the smells of roasting, grilling, sautéing, and deep-frying, all while watching Kessel shoot the winning goal… Nice.

Although the place gets quite busy during the evenings and weekends, taking your orders and serving to your needs are female waitresses of different ages and ethnicities, but all quite courteous and efficient. Moderately garbed in unpretentious black, their uniforms, like the food, are tasteful. And since the menu is moderately priced… you’ll have a smile on your face when she brings you the bill.

Cajun Fried Calamari, Filet Mignon au Poivre, and BBQ Beef Back Ribs, are some of the higher end items on the menu. Lighter fare such as salads, sandwiches, and pasta are also available. An aspect that many took a liking to, was the choice of sides that came with each item. The steaks, seafood, and chicken, for example, are served with your choice of any two of the following sides: French fries, baked potato, sautéed vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, garden salad, or Caesar salad. The portions are generous, and seem to satisfy the average man’s appetite. The gravies present with some of the sides, such as the mashed potato and the baked potato, were found to be a bit overpowering, and therefore not very appetizing. Items known as ‘Entrée Enhancers’ were also found on the menu, which were designed to add that special touch to their already authentic menu items, such as Shrimp Skewers, as well as Lobster Tail. With all of the food that you’ll be swallowing, you’ll need something cool and refreshing to wash it down. You can opt for the regular pop, juice, or shake, or if you’re feeling like experimenting a little, why not try their non alcoholic versions of alcoholic drinks such as Pina Coladas, Banana Banshees, Peach Balinis, or Margaritas.

So if you’re ever in the area, or even feel like trying something new, why not head over to Affy’s Premium Grill?
Make sure to bring along an empty stomach, your wallet, and a group of good friends, and it’ll make for a night that you won’t forget. Bon appetit!


AFFYS PREMIUM GRILL

2200 BROCK ROAD, UNIT C2
PICKERING, ONTARIO, L1X 2R2
PHONE: (905) 239-5415
FAX: (905) 239-5416

Website: http://www.affysgrill.com
E-mail: info@AFFYSGRILL.com  

“I did have intimate relationships for a period that lasted throughout most of last year with women other than my partner.”    - Adam Giambrone, 32, Toronto Transit Commission Chair 

These were the words of confession of a seemingly emotional and apologetic former mayoral candidate after the widespread public news emergence of his multiple affairs. Although Giambrone denied the allegations at first, the countless text messages and phone conversations that his famous former paramour, Kirsten Lucas, a 20 year old university student, could provide, were things which could not be overlooked.  Seeing that his primary pretences were being proven false in front of his very eyes, Giambrone confessed many days later. His live-in partner of many years, Sarah McQuarrie, had no comment. 

The manner in which one deals with the issues which arise in their personal life, be it a politician or not, speaks measures about their personality. Cheating and deceitful ways, whether in a position of power in the bedroom, or the courtroom, are easily transferred from one aspect of the person’s life to another. A high profile authority figure’s tampered reputation, especially that of a politician, undoubtedly raises concerns and questions about the future of the governed region as a whole. “If he could have hid this, then what else could he be hiding?”. 

The question here isn’t about the fact that one of his mistresses was twelve years his junior, or about the fact that numerous City Hall secrets were disclosed to her… The question here is about whether it’s any of our business. 

If we as human beings, began to care less about the faults and aberrations of others, and began to focus on our own thinking and behaviour, we’d actively become conscious of how much it is, that we have yet to learn. Acknowledging where we have blundered, and pinpointing where we have tripped, will allow for us to pave the path upon which we travel on, in a smoother direction. Picking out another’s miscalculations, misapplications, and missteps, in a condescending manner, concerning the cohesiveness of their conduct with that of their religion is an act of blasphemy. So the child has stolen, the woman has lied, and the man has cheated… How can we assume ourselves the right, or the God-like quality, to judge another’s actions and the intentions behind those actions? The answer: we can’t. 

So Adam Giambrone, age 32, Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission, had multiple affairs with women other than his partner throughout the course of last year. So it is so. What have you done?