Thursday, April 30, 2009

"NEW LAWS PUTS THE BRAKES ON CELLPHONES"

If you're a wireless wonder behind the wheel your talking, texting and e-mailing days are coming to an abrupt end this fall. Yes folks, Queen's Park passed Bill 118 on April 21 that will make your guilty pleasures on the open road a thing of the past.

The ban, while long overdue, won't come into effect until the fall. But cell phones won't be the only hand-held devices to get a bad wrap by this new law. Portable DVD players, video games and MP3 players will also be affected. However, the use of Bluetooths or 911 calls are not. Another exception are GPS (Global positioning systems) but they must be properly fastened to the dashboard.

So don't worry too much if you're caught with one hand on the blackberry and the other on the steering wheel. It may cost you upwards of a $500 fine, but won't result in any demerit points just yet. For those that still don't get the message and put others at risk can be charged with careless driving.

A wide variety of hands-free devices are available for those that want to continue to gab free of this new law.

Ontario now joins Quebec, Newfoundland, Labrador and Nova Scotia in their fight against 'banning electronic devices' to deter further distractions while driving.

Remember keep your hands off the cell and on the wheel! Safe driving everyone!
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"THE ELIMINATOR: WEEDS BEWARE!"

Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive and capable of overrunning my lawn each spring....They're WEEDS!

Yes folks, it's that season again when those pesky garden nuisances come back for a repeat performance to make my lawn (and me) miserable. Oh I know they're out there waiting for the opportune moment to strike while rearing their ugly heads amongst my would be luxurious lawn.

But in the flick of a sprinkler, my lush garden paradise begins to sprout these yellow pollen pushing beauties. First randomly, one by one giving me a taste of things to come. Then rapidly multiplying as a field of dandelions wrecks havoc on its poor unsuspecting prey. My grass.

They psychologically taunt me with their deafening laughter as they get increasingly louder in my head it feels like it's about to explode. The situation begins to look bleak. But wait what's that I see in the distance, help is on the way. Yes, the cavalry (a.k.a. 'The Weedman') arrives to save my lawn and (more importantly) my sanity....Ahhhh....My hero!

The Weedman barrels down over the unwanted flowering beacons of light now deeply embedded amongst the helpless new blades of grass. While the tiny organic beads of rejuvenation generously being spread all over my lawn is sure way to let the weeds know that this lawn ain't big enough for the both of us. There's a new Sheriff in town and I aim to clean up this here lawn even if it means watching ya'll shrivel up and die in the sun. I said, "dance dandelions, dance!"

It's been a few days and all traces of the dreaded chicory hostage taking becomes a thing of the past. Yes, happy days are here again and I like it. Now if I can only stop the neighbours kitty from using my rose bed as a personal toilet all would be right in the world. Well, at least in my world.
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Tuesday, April 7, 2009

"SWEET RIGATONI DREAMS & TANTALIZING BRUSHETTA WISHES"

Amidst the towering buildings and architecture of busy downtown Toronto there it was. It had been enticing me from afar for years. Now it's softly whispering my name in the wind as if were to suddenly whisk me through its glass doors and gently draw me to sit down and stay for awhile.

No, no, I must adhere to the temptation. But I can't help it, I find myself scanning the menu looking for just the right dish to satisfy my hunger pains. As I feast my weary eyes upon a delicious array of classic and modern italian dishes I feel something happening. The edges of my mouth begin to curl in the most wonderful way. These are the makings of a smile pleased at the words that are staring back at me. Ahhh there it is in black and white...Rigatoni Alla Vodka...and now my mouth begins to water in anticipation at the very thought of this tantalizing rose sauce coming face to face with my taste buds, each of which has now begun to stand at attention.

Finally, I have found the perfect place to soothe the italian beast in me. Alas, it's 'Vagabondo Italian Ristorante & Lounge'! Yes, Vagabondo (translation means 'vagabond' in english) has it all, casual atmosphere, ambiance and amore (for the food that is! Oh you are you ever going to fall in love with their food!) and most importantly it's reasonably priced too. I have only positive things to say about my experience here. The staff was warm, friendly and knowledgeable. The appetizers were in a word, incredible, and had me wanting to try everything on the menu.

The Calamari Fritti served with a zesty seafood sauce were melt in your mouth (literally!) and the Pizza Bianca (white pizza, lightly brushed with extra virgin oil and topped with thinly sliced potatoes, bacon, mozzarella and diced tomatoes) was the perfect opener to the piece-de-resistance main dish, Rigatoni Alla Vodka. What can I say? I'm just wild about rose sauce. Definitely bread scooping worthy sauce which you bet I did! Oh btw they have a catering menu and they do have take-out, so if you can't go to them, they'll come to you.

They have private and semi-private dining spaces for larger parties as well. Also don't forget to experience their 'Hot Lunch Express Table' open daily for your convenience. During the summer months you've got to check out the outdoor patio (complete with graceful water fountain) because it's the place to be and be seen as it faces busy Wellington Street with the Flatiron building as a stunning backdrop. This just adds a rich flavour to its already Mediterranean feel.

There the crowds can be seen comfortably nestled in their chairs, listening to smooth jazz (complete with in house DJ spinning down tempo beats every Thursday thru Saturday) while enjoying a glass of Pino Grigio and indulge in favourites like brushetta and Pizza Margherita to name a few. For your convenience, validated, underground and street parking are always available.

So ask yourself this. Why wait? Check out their website below. Just don't forget to make reservations (yes, they're needed!) and let your taste buds experience a flavourful explosion of the old country Toronto style all year round! Salute!

VAGABONDO ITALIAN RISTORANTE & LOUNGE
32 Wellington Street East (between Yonge & Church Streets)
Toronto, Ontario
M5E-1C6
416-862-1999

http://www.dine.to/profile_features.php?feature=website&id=4563
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