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Summerlicious 2017: Mouth-watering meals at Toronto’s finest restaurants

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Summerlicious runs from July 7 to 23 at more than 200 Toronto restaurants

Summerlicious, presented by YP Dine and produced by the City of Toronto, returns July 7 to 23 with mouth-watering meals served at more than 200 of Toronto’s favourite restaurants. Three-course prix fixe lunch menus are priced at $18, $23 and $28 and dinner menus are priced at $28, $38 and $48. Reservations begin on June 22.

The 15th annual city-wide culinary event welcomes 22 new restaurants this year, including Cactus Club Cafe, Maple Leaf Tavern, Jamie’s Italian (Yorkdale), Mochica, Ricarda’s and TOCA (The Ritz-Carlton).

“Now in its 15th year, Summerlicious continues to offer incredible dining opportunities at some of Toronto’s best restaurants for exceptional value,” said Mayor John Tory. “I encourage Torontonians to get out and explore the diverse cuisine this city offers.”

“Summerlicious is great value for diners and a significant economic boost to the city,” said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic Development Committee. “Since its inception in 2003, participating restaurants have served 6.5 million meals, generating nearly $290 million in economic activity for the local restaurant industry.”

“We’re pleased to be the presenting sponsor and exclusive reservation partner for Summerlicious, an integral part of Toronto’s culinary dining scene,” said Jeff Novak, Brand Director at YP Dine, an award-winning restaurant and dining app. “YP Dine allows users to reserve a table and discover great food during Summerlicious and all year round. With its geo-localized features like the option to order in, make reservations, and access curated lists and reviews, YP Dine meets the needs of foodies and restaurateurs across Canada.” Continue reading “Summerlicious 2017: Mouth-watering meals at Toronto’s finest restaurants”

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Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi kickstarts Yoga Day celebrations at anganwadi centres across the country

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Takes part in yoga sessions with children and eye catching official mascot for IDY 2017

The Minister of Women and Child Development , Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi kickstarted the International Day of Yoga 2017 celebrations in Anganwadi Centres by taking part in a yoga session with Anganwadi children and the official Mascot Yogiraj of IDY 2017 at an Anganwadi Centre at Peeragarhi in New Delhi today morning. About 150 children participated in today’s Yoga awareness and celebration event at the Anganwadi centre . The officials of Ministry of Women and Child Development also participated in Yoga sessions enthusiastically .

Anganwadi centres across the country will be participating in the International Day of Yoga celebrations. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has taken up the initiative of imparting awareness about the benefits of yoga to about 100 million beneficiaries through 13.52 lakhs anganwadi centres nationwide. Not only this, the children at the Anganwadi centres will also be instructed to practice yoga on a regular basis to ensure a healthier future. All the CCIs in the States/UTs have also been instructed to observe this international day for stress free and healthy life.

The special feature of today’s function was the official life-size yoga mascot Yogiraj for International Day of Yoga 2017 who performed Yoga along with the WCD Minister and the children. The children were enthralled with the performances of the Yogiraj who also made the children do fun yoga asanas and did Yoga dance for them . Children from Dance Out Of Poverty (DOOP ) performed YOGMOB at the event .

Mascot Yogiraj , an initiative of Central Council of Research and Naturopathy of M/o AYUSH has given #IDY2017 a fresh appeal which is catering to all age groups, right from kids to senior citizens. The Mascot is eye-catching and showcases a young yet symbolic character leaving a great impact on audience and helps boost the awareness of International Day Of Yoga. He has been connecting with families by providing added entertainment and interactivity, especially at Malls, Public Places , Events & Recreational Tourist Areas in Delhi NCR & Lucknow. Continue reading “Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi kickstarts Yoga Day celebrations at anganwadi centres across the country”

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Frisian author Hylke Speerstra visits Canada to launch new book

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Hylke Speerstra has never been shortlisted for the Nobel Prize or the Man Booker. He writes in a minority language understood by about half a million people and read by only a fraction of that small number. But that does not mean his books don’t deserve your interest or attention. Hylke Speerstra is ‘world famous’ in Friesland (a province of the Netherlands) after all. He writes with conviction and emotion about the proud people of that tiny patch of northwestern Europe where they speak their own beautifully expressive language and hang on to their historic traditions.

Like all marginalized rural regions of Europe, Friesland has seen its fair share of migrants leave in search of a better life elsewhere. In 2005 Speerstra’s collection of oral history emigrant memoirs was published in English translation as Cruel Paradise. Now, twelve years later, Mokeham Publishing is proud to announce the release of The Comfort Bird, Speerstra’s second book to be translated from Frisian into English – by Prof. Henry Baron of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Comfort Bird follows the experiences of three generations of two families of farm laborers from a small town in Friesland. One family moves across the ocean and passes through Ellis Island in 1911 to seek their fortune on the American Prairies. Despite depression and dust bowl, with the perseverance typical of the migrant farmer they build a life for themselves in the USA. The way back to Europe for one of the family members goes through Utah Beach on D-Day as an enlisted soldier in the American Army.

The second family is too much rooted in the heavy soil of the old country to emigrate. They keep their head above water by performing seasonal work in Germany. Rebellious and always searching for social justice, they make decisions which will put them on the wrong side of history.  In a strange twist of fate World War II brings the families together again, on opposing sides of the conflict.

The Comfort Bird is based in fact and Speerstra, who lists John Steinbeck and Truman Capote as great examples, traveled extensively in the USA, Germany and the Netherlands to research original sources and interview descendants. Continue reading “Frisian author Hylke Speerstra visits Canada to launch new book”

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Living Inside Out: How NOT to Let Circumstances Affect You

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The Inside-Out Approach to Positivity: Five Ways to Face Challenges Without Giving Them the Power to Define You
We tend to believe that external forces have the power to shape our lives. Not true. When we choose to live from the inside-out, rather than the outside-in, we can face even the most daunting challenges without getting pulled into negativity and pessimism.

By Jon Gordon

In a world dominated by negativity, how do you build a life around optimism and hope? After all, pessimism comes at us from all angles, from social media to the news to “naysaying” colleagues, friends, and family members. It’s all too easy to get preoccupied with challenges involving work, health, family, and other problem areas. But no matter what outside forces seem to be shaping your fate, you have the ultimate control over your thoughts and actions—and realizing this simple fact can transform your life.

People think success and happiness descend on them from the outside, but that’s not true. Your circumstances don’t have the power to define you. The power is on the inside. You can create your life—a great life—from the inside-out, not the outside-in.

When Superman took off his cape, who was he? People say he was Clark Kent, but no—he was still Superman. He was Superman on the inside. That’s where his power was.

True, external challenges, events, and circumstances exist—and we all have to deal with them—but they don’t have to drag you down into negativity and pessimism.

Let’s take traffic, for example. One day traffic really bothers you. Another day you are listening to a great song or podcast, you’re in a great mood, and the traffic doesn’t bother you. Is it the circumstance—the traffic—or your state of mind that is producing how you feel? Continue reading “Living Inside Out: How NOT to Let Circumstances Affect You”

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The Cricket show launches “The Coaches Corner”

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The Cricket show live weekly (3 hours every Sunday 6 to 9 pm) long radio talk show launches “The Coaches Corner” with Jatin Patel Coach, Administrator & Presenter. For half hour (6:30 to 7 pm) every Sunday from June 18th 2017.

 The cricket show – Host Leon Francis and other panelists Ivor Henry, Audley Watson, Cardinal Mills enjoyed delightful live Interview with Jatin Patel on June 4th. During hour and half long live on air interview, Mr. Patel responded with the questions and queries about cricket coaching, education and game development with youth cricket in USA.
After inaugural live Interview (hour & half long on June 4th 2017) with Jatin Patel, Leon B Francis, President The Cricket Show Inc. invited coach Patel to join other hosts and become presenter for new initiative to promote coaches corner to help popularize cricket through coaching education and expert views on current cricket affairs to provide needed knowledge for the world wide Listeners.

We are delighted and are looking forward to being united with you, in order to help popularize cricket in our area and the world at large. We are all excited to have you on board and are looking forward to working with you to promote the sport we all love dearly. Said Leon B. Frances, The Cricket Show President.

It’s my pleasure to join the team & I am very much excited to Join The Cricket Show with opportunity to talk about cricket coaching. Coaching corner is new and unique program with primary goal is to provide knowledge about the game. True fans of cricket listen to the best Cricket Talk in the USA. Where they can Hear Ivor Henry, Leon Francis, Virgil Francis, James West and a host of other contributors from across the globe. Said Jatin Patel.

Continue reading “The Cricket show launches “The Coaches Corner””

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Up N Close with the 4 legged stars of Odysseo

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RED CARPET ARRIVAL & UNIQUE STABLE VISIT IN ADVANCE OF FIRST
PERFORMANCE JUNE 21; 
* Special appearance by Odysseo fan Michael “Pinball” Clemons*

It was a perfect day to meet n greet the superstars of the upcoming ‘Odysseo’, the epic adventure show which kicks off at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga on June 21st.

The beauties circled in perfect precision, with their well-groomed silky manes bouncing to the gallop at the media event this afternoon. These horses of different breeds from different parts of the world were presented in relatively free circumstances. It was a wonderful feeling to have come upon them in their natural setting, in a relaxed atmosphere. Everyone looks happy- the horses, the trainers, the acrobats- all ready and excited to perform.

Odysseo features 65 horses of 12 different breeds from around the world including the Appaloosa, Arabian, Canadian Horse, Holsteiner, Lusitano, Paint Horse and several others. They hail from different nationalities –Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, the United States and Canada. The average age of the horses is 9.

At the heart and soul of every Odysseo performance is the age-old bond between human and horse. The company fosters an environment where patience, trust and deep-seated respect for the four-legged stars come first. One of the trainers says “they need to feel happy and enthusiastic”; she believes that she has a bunch of excited kids and there’s a perfect understanding, bonding and a relationship of love. It was amazing to see the way they communicate with each other. Adorable is an understatement. Continue reading “Up N Close with the 4 legged stars of Odysseo”

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Mayor’s Annual Business Address Highlights greenMarkham

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Event Showcases Markham’s Environmental Research and Innovation

MARKHAM, ON – June 13, 2017 – Today, Mayor Frank Scarpitti joined businesses and thought leaders from across Markham at the Mayor’s Annual Business Address and Luncheon at the Hilton Suites. In his address, the Mayor highlighted an impressive list of sustainability firsts and initiatives underway to support the city’s vision for a greenMarkham.

“In Markham, we are addressing the challenges of sustainability in our planning, in our development, and in our social programs to create a healthier community for future generations,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “I am proud that Markham began its sustainable journey many years ago and our achievements to date in greening Markham position us well as a leader in addressing climate change.”

The Mayor’s Annual Business Address and Luncheon is the year’s most anticipated business luncheon, attracting more than 500 of Markham’s top business, political and community leaders.

Mayor Scarpitti’s address drew attention to the City of Markham’s innovative sustainability programs, including Trees for Tomorrow, Rouge National Urban Park partnership, the 22 kilometers of scenic pathways, the City’s monarch-friendly proclamation, the 81 per cent waste diversion rate, and the new textile recycling program. Energy conservation and reducing carbon emissions were also highlighted as part of greenMarkham, as Mayor Scarpitti spoke to the City of Markham’s solar portfolio, LED street lighting and LEED building standard.

Additionally, the Mayor’s business address featured a focus on local environmental research and innovation, including POND Technologies, General Motors’ Canadian Technology Centre Markham Campus, TD Insurance’s investment in Markham, ventureLab at IBM, AVIVA Canada headquarters, Honda Canada and the new campus for York University.

“It is always our pleasure to present the Annual Mayor’s Business Address and Luncheon”, says Richard Cunningham, President and CEO of the Markham Board of Trade.

Continue reading “Mayor’s Annual Business Address Highlights greenMarkham”

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Finding inner equilibrium through yoga

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By Dr. Gagan Bhalla

In the west, yoga has enjoyed an ever-rising popularity and acceptance for more than a century. It may appear mystifying to many that a tradition that traces its roots back to thousands of years and one that lays emphasis on spiritual rather than the material should find such tremendous resonance in a society that is quintessentially at the opposite end of the spiritual-material spectrum.

However, this seeming paradox has a simple and straightforward answer. In societies where materialism has held sway for hundreds of years, and scientific determinism has become a prevailing dogma, many fundamental answers about the individual’s mind, body and soul have, while over analysed, remained unanswered or unaddressed.

And that is where yoga, mindfulness and well being acquire importance. This is because material well being doesn’t automatically lead to mental equilibrium. As the adage goes, “Wealth is not happiness.” The extra bit that would satiate the mind and soul and enrich the body can be provided by yoga.

Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. It is an art and science for healthy living. The word ‘yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’ meaning to join. According to yogic scriptures, the practice of yoga leads to the union of an individual’s consciousness with the universal consciousness.

According to scientists, everything in the universe is a manifestation of the same quantum firmament. One who experiences this oneness of existence is said to be ‘in yoga’ and is termed as a yogi who has attained a state of freedom, referred to as mukti, nirvana, kaivalya or moksha.

Yoga refers to an inner science comprising of a variety of methods through which human beings can achieve union between the body and mind to attain self-realization. The aim of yoga practice is to overcome all kinds of sufferings that lead to a sense of freedom in every walk of life with holistic health, happiness and harmony.

Yoga expects two Ds from the practitioner – dedication and discipline, everything else can be self-taught. As the Indian Prime Minister Honourable Narendra Modi has said, “Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature and a holistic approach to health and well being. Yoga is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with ourselves, the world and Nature. By changing out lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us to deal with climate change.” Continue reading “Finding inner equilibrium through yoga”

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Little India: Village Of Dreams: A film by Nina Beveridge

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World Broadcast Premiere –TVO –9:00 PM ,July 1, 2017  Little India: Village of Dreams will be available across Canada day after broadcast on tvo.org

 A storied Toronto South-Asian ‘hood serves as a metaphor;For a New Canadian “next-generation” experience

 Once accurately described as “Little India,” the stretch of Gerrard Street in Toronto’s East End that sprung up around a now-defunct Bollywood cinema, has morphed over a half-century into a “little subcontinent.”

As depicted in Nina Beveridge’s intimate documentary Little India: Village Of Dreams, premiering on TVO July 1 at 9:00pm, the stresses of Old World conflicts and New World challenges have reshaped the neighbourhood. As a result, Little India is now pan-South Asian, with shops and restaurants representing Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepalese and Sri Lankan cultures (alongside gentrified Westernized coffee shops, galleries and health food stores).

Behind the storefronts, family dramas play out. Little India: Village Of Dreams introduces the patriarchs and matriarchs of Little India’s businesses, but focuses on the Millennials and Gen-Xers who feel the lure of Canadian life and conflicted loyalty to their parents’ legacies.

“I love it and I hate it,” says Ronak Diwan, of working in the Paan snack shop started by his father Raju. Henna artist Sumaiyah Shah edges away from her mother’s salon business to collaborate on an events company with her husband. Meanwhile, her athletically-inclined sister Aysha Khan makes plans to join the Toronto Police.

Others embrace their legacy – literally in the case of style-conscious Chandan Singh, whose very name was attached by his parents to the traditional wedding apparel store Chandan Fashion. Harleen Khorana’s red hair and pale complexion almost compels her to prove her “Indian-ness” by dedicating herself to her parents’ store Kala Kendar. And – still mourning the death of his father – Adam Sayani emerges in front of our eyes as a boyish community leader, sharing, with his mother Gulshan, the operation of the famous and popular Lahore Tikka House.

“While making this movie I developed a deep appreciation for the strength of the South Asian family unit,” says Director Beveridge. “I believe it helps their children spring forth with confidence into a new world of Canadian opportunity. They all live together, they work together, they reinforce each other. There’s a collective mindset at work.” Continue reading “Little India: Village Of Dreams: A film by Nina Beveridge”

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Seven Ways to Rise Above the Negativity in Social Media, Politics…and Your Own Head

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Is the cultural tsunami of negativity wearing down your ability to stay hopeful and optimistic? Here, I explain how to overpower these voices, change your circumstances for the better, and become a positive leader and influencer to those around you.

By Jon Gordon

You’ve probably noticed: Negativity has pervaded our culture and daily lives. Whether you love or hate the current political climate, it’s hard to deny that our nation has ever been as divided, fearful, and vocal as it is today. Add in the avalanche of complaining that dominates social media and it’s not easy to be positive or happy right now.

There is a solution. You absolutely can rise above the negativity all around you. It’s not easy but it can be done.

Throughout history, there have been times of extreme negativity, pessimism, and fear. Those who rose above it were able to change their circumstances for the better instead of allowing their circumstances to change them for the worse.

It turns out that positivity doesn’t just make you feel better in the moment; it makes you more successful too. Research conducted by Manju Puri and David Robinson, business professors at Duke University, shows that optimistic people work harder, get paid more, are elected to office more often, and win at sports more regularly (1. Puri, M. & Robinson, D. (2007). Optimism and economic choice. Journal of Financial Economics, 86, 71-99.). They also have stronger relationships. And not surprisingly, when positive energy is shared in the workplace, teams perform better.

Being positive doesn’t just make you better. It makes everyone around you better.

Former Ford CEO Alan Mulally is a shining example of a positive leader who rose above negativity to create a better world. When he stepped into the CEO role in 2006, Ford had just suffered an annual loss of $12.7 billion and was on the verge of bankruptcy. But he managed to put Ford back in the black in just a few short years, and then the Great Recession hit. In these dire circumstances, it seemed like his efforts had been in vain—and plenty of people doubted his ability to save the struggling company. But Mulally proceeded with optimism and saved Ford and thousands of jobs in the process, while positively impacting the American economy and country as a whole. Continue reading “Seven Ways to Rise Above the Negativity in Social Media, Politics…and Your Own Head”