Friday Already? Better Get Ready!

Oh wow, sorry I dropped off the face of the bloggy world there.  I basically spent Monday-Thursday horizontal on the couch.  I hate being sick.  Worst part, is the total inability to taste anything.  Including beer.  I made pumpkin pie last night, and was like “Hmmmm, this is, sweet.  And possibly has pumpkin in it….” No fun.  But hey hey, it’s Friday; it’s time to party, and I’ve got the inside scoop!

Pick Up Garbage, Walk The Red Carpet

Tomorrow (Saturday the 24th), the Harbord Village Resident’s Association is hosting it’s 7th edition of what is possibly the most glamorous community clean-ups.  The concept is simple, get a group of hard working volunteers from the community to get together and pick up the detrius of a summer in the city.  But rather than just saying thanks, and maybe throwing some hotdogs on the grill, the HVRA adds a lovely twist.  This year, volunteers finishing their clean-up will be greeted at The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema, where they will be walking up a red carpet and treated like celebrities, as community volunteers really are.  There will be a crew of screaming fans and paparazzi on-hand (courtesy the NAGs Players), and then a gala inside, sponsored by — among others — Creemore Springs (which is why I’m involved).  The celebrities will have their thirst quenched by beverages from Creemore and The Wine Rack, and their hunger quelled with food from eighteen of the city’s finest restaurants.

In addition to all this, there is a competitive element this time around.  Last August Neil Stephenson, Director of HVRA Clean-ups met David Harrison, the Chairman of the Annex Resident’s Association.  As neighbouring neighbourhoods, they debated who’s hood was cleaner.  So, of course, a bet was struck, and for this edition of the event, the two communities will be competing with each other.  Marks will be given both for the number of volunteers, as well as the total amount of garbage collected.

Says Harrison, “With the pride of my fellow Annexians on the line, we are playing to win. Although our neighbours in Harbord Village are formidable adversaries, I am quite sure that the Annex will prevail and that we will take home the honours. We are mobilizing all our manpower and resources to meet this challenge.”

20 prizes will be handed out at the Gala by Councillor Adam Vaughan, MPP Rosario Marchese and MP Olivia Chow, as well as the Harbord Village cup being presented to the winning side.  While the teams are divided by two distinct communities, all environmentally conscious Torontotonians are welcome, just choose a team and turn up! Check out www.harbordvillage.com and www.theara.org for further information.

I’ll be there, tweeting and blogging live, so if you can’t make it, you can still follow along.

The Earl of Grey (Yes, there really is one).

The Earl of Grey has given us a spectacular tea, which bear’s his name.  It’s a black tea blended with the rind of Bergamot Orange, and it’s one hell of a tea.  His Lady has a nice one too.

The effects of various substances, cocaine vs earl grey tea.

But that is not what this post is about. It is about a trophy that was commissioned in 1909 by one Albert Henry George Grey, 4th Earl Grey. It too, bears his name. Yes, this weekend it’s time for the Grey Cup, and it’s the 100th anniversary of it.  Even a dude like me, who really couldn’t tell a Roughrider from a Roughrider this is somewhat exciting.  I mean, 100 years, right? And, of course, you want to know what beer you should drink.  This is a good question.  And while there are a variety of clever answers (based on geography, perceived traits of beers, etc), let me give you the best answer possible: Bellwoods beers.  Yes, in nearly perfect timing, Bellwoods is hosting one of their pop-up retail days. Stop by the brewery from 2-5pm on Saturday, and you’ll have the best beer at your tail-gate.  Plus, you know Rob Ford won’t poach from your cooler. Full deets here: http://bellwoodsbrewery.com/retail

Get Your Shopping Done Now

Okay, it’s Black Friday blah blah blah.  Some dude left his girlfriend’s 2 year old in a car at 1:30am in the states, apparently after he bought a 51″ flat-screen and was so excited he walked home.  This kind of insanity makes me despair.  So now that this craziness is past us, we can focus on actually doing something useful.  Get your shopping for the holidays done now.  Like, before December.  That Bellwoods Retail day could be a great start.  I wouldn’t say “no” to a Witch Shark IPA in my stocking. Plus, most of your local breweries have retail space, not just selling beer, but shirts, hats, glassware etc.  My friends Jordan and Mark wrote a book on making beer, there’s a link to it on the right of this page.  Could be the catalyst in the life of a would-be homebrewer in your life.  Plus, they’ll be so thankful, they’ll give you beer.  If they follow this book, you will probably enjoy drinking it.

Okay, not the best coming soon post, but I’m on the mend! Might even review some beers this weekend!

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