Toronto Uncovered

Archive for the ‘Non-Category’ Category

I was super excited when Groupon opened their doors in Toronto. For those who haven’t yet heard about this service, Groupon offers its members daily discounts to different products and services within their defined city. This ranges from restaurants, to photography sessions, mani/pedis, drinks etc.

Groupon emails me deals  Monday through Friday, offering something new and exciting every day. The discounts are pretty great too – none of this 5-10% crap. Usually discounts are anywhere from 30-60% (sometimes even higher).

Groupon works based on the number of people who buy into the offer. As long as the minimum number of purchases are made, the deal stands. Its a pretty great system, which ensures high value and interesting deals – otherwise they don’t fly.

If you haven’t signed up yet, I’d highly recommend jumping on the Groupon train. You won’t be disappointed.

It was always my intention to eventually open up Toronto Uncovered to Torontonians.  One of my first forays into the world of social media and online publications was about four years ago, when a good friend and I started a journalistic community site called MyCitySpace.ca.  The idea of this site was to eventually have predominantly user-submitted, content featured alongside content of our core writers. Although we were successful in getting the site off the ground and running, we ultimately became too busy to keep it going – I also didn’t know half of what I do now (this was a time when Facebook was still largely unknown to most people).  I am really excited to be opening up Toronto Uncovered to you and your thoughts. If you have any feedback or ideas, I am always happy to discuss those as well.

To submit an article go to the “Submissions” tab at the top of this site, input as much info about yourself as wanted. Write your article, attaching any relevant content. Press submit and away we go. I will be moderating and posting.

Some guidelines to keep in mind when submitting:

First, have fun with it. This is definitely the most important piece of advice I can share with you. If you’re having fun, the readers probably will too.

Second, don’t concern yourself too much with stuffy language and grammar (but I beg of you, as the moderator, please use some grammar). If you’re feeling a good rant, and the f-bomb seems appropriate, throw it the fuck in there.

Third, make sure you’re not submitting a repeat post. You can double check this by using the “Uncover It” search option.

Fourth, add multimedia content. I’ve allowed for file uploads for multimedia – you can also include links to video to embed within the post.

Fifth, include links. This is the best way to prove a point,  give readers further info, and add depth and credibility to your post.

Last, distribute it through your channels. If you want your content to be read and have a good number of comments, post your published article on your Twitter or Facebook page, or send it to your friends.

I still remember the moment I realized my days of summer vacations were over. When I say ‘vacation’ I am not referring to  the  couple of weeks us working folk take off here and there. No, I am talking about two full months of uninhibited, do what you want when you want, FREEDOM. While I am working towards attaining this type of freedom again, I try and take some time during the summer (even just for a day or two) to remember what it was like. On these days, I shed all responsibility and return to my childhood.

I took one such day a couple of weeks ago. The weather forecast was sunny and hot, and every inch of me was begging for a day off.  Below are a list of activities in and around Toronto that will make you feel like a kid again, staycation or vacation -

1. Find a Pool: Toronto is littered with more pools than meet the eye. That’s because most of them are hidden on roof tops of private condo buildings. I am lucky enough to have found a few of these to sneak into this summer, however, for the sake of preserving their sanctitude I cannot disclose them here. The Radisson will let you pay to play in their pool, but it’s a hefty charge of $35.00 for the day so you’re better off Holmseing out a private one.

2. Go for a bike ride: If you live in Toronto and you don’t have a bike, you’re missing out. It took me nearly seven years of living here to realize how amazing biking in Toronto is. GET A BIKE!

3. Find some playmates: I have at least eight or nine playmates to call upon on any given day, who either quit their jobs or have been downsized and are living off their pensions. If all of your friends are still employed, planned staycation days are a safe bet.

4. Enjoy drinks on a patio. Caesars! The only drink that you can order before noon and no one bats an eye.

5. Read a good book. Some to consider: The Futurist, Neuromancer, Outliers, Great Expectations, Kane and Abel,   and To Kill a Mockingbird.

6. Wander the streets: Queen St., Kensington Market, The Distillery, The Beaches, The Annex – no matter what time of day, or which day of the week, these areas are always bustling.

7. Buy yourself a delicious frozen treat. Ice cream, freezies and popsicles are all acceptable choices.

8. Watch an outdoor movie. Both Dundas Square and Harbourfront offered outdoor movies this summer. Unfortunately, the season is already over so you’ll have to wait till next year to take part.

9. Most importantly, don’t embark on anything that even resembles responsible behaviour. No running errands, no calling into work, no checking your emails or voice mails. Honestly, it is the most liberating feeling to disconnect for a day and live each moment as it comes. Do what you want, when you want.

What is your favourite thing to do on a summer staycation in Toronto?