Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Radioactive Bluefin tuna

http://thecitizenscolumn.com/general-ed/2013/10/2/all-bluefin-tuna-caught-in-california-are-radioactive-stay-away-from-sushi

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Toronto Photographers

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2499677/Torontos-notorious-rooftopper-survives-death-defying-encounter-skyscrapers-captures-city-1-000ft-up.html

Really interesting article about young photographers and thrill seekers climbing skyscrapers to capture breathtaking images of the "urban jungle" we call Toronto. I enjoy how the photographer(s) juxtapose the people in the frame and the cityscape itself. The pictures are an intriguing way of viewing the city from a vantage point not native to most urban dwellers. Most of these shots are taken illegally, with the photographer and thrill seekers avoiding security guards. This relates to the idea of the contested city, being that these people are defying the norms and legal system imposed on the system to provide themselves enjoyment and capture their view of Toronto with the use of a lens. These photographs contest the city's legal framework by defying private property rights, something that is instrumental to the neoliberal system. This is even related to this upcoming weeks readings... food for thought! I don't want to delve too deep into my perceptions, I hope you all can produce your own conclusions given the knowledge provided in lecture and in the readings. Enjoy!

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

Urban planning: Past and Present.

These interactive photographs put together by CBC of past and present day Toronto really captures the essence of urban planning and how it has changed and shaped the beautiful city.

http://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/before-after/toronto-condos/iframed.html

The pictures clearly shows the distinct changes to Toronto's skyline and landscape. Through the interaction photographs of past and present, it's pretty amazing to see where Toronto has changed.


Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Toronto and the Figure of the Hoser

An interesting piece by John Doyle about the figure of the hoser in Canadian culture from Bob and Doug Mackenzie to Rob and Doug Ford. The two key points: the hoser has morphed from a loveable figure into an angry and aggressive one; and it's now acceptable for hosers to be rich businessmen and media figures (Don Cherry) despite their appeals to 'blue collar' values.

Exciting new technologies for urban planning

AMAZING Ted Talk which addresses the problems with mainstream urban planning theory and presents a technology that has the potential to change the way homes and cities are built all over the world. Check'er out! http://www.ted.com/talks/alastair_parvin_architecture_for_the_people_by_the_people.html