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Showing posts with label Ontario. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ontario. Show all posts

Sunday 20 October 2019

Detritus

Nuit Blanche 2019 Detritus Inside A Toronto Salt Storage Dome.

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Address:  677 Wellington Road West
Date: October 2019
Website:  www.toronto.ca

    Salt both preserves and corrodes at the same time.  The city puts salt on the roads to melt ice, but it also does damage to boots and the roads themselves.  You are more likely to drown in salt water because the salt causes dehydration.  Nuit Blanche comes to Toronto once a year and one of the projects for 2019 was called Detritus by artist Jonathan Schipper.  Detritus means small particles broken away from a mass, much like the salt filling a City of Toronto storage dome.
 
Inside A City of Toronto Salt Storage Dome.

  One of the great things about Nuit Blanche is that you often get to explore places you would never be allowed on other evenings.  Toronto stores its salt for winter inside gigantic domes.  For Detritus we were allowed to venture in and it felt like we had entered another world.

Inside A City of Toronto Salt Storage Dome.

    Looking up at the dome in the middle of the night, it felt like a spacecraft was coming down on top of us.

Detritus At Nuit Blanche.

  The artist had a laptop computer set up at a little table and was using a 3D program to control equipment that was slowly building things out of layers of salt.  The creations would start to deteriorate as the night wore on.

Building Things Out Of Salt Nuit Blanche 2019.

  Most of the salty creations looked like a castle was slowly being built on a salt covered hillside.

Inside A City of Toronto Salt Storage Dome.

   A pathway leading upwards had been packed down into the huge mound of salt.  We double checked what shoes we were wearing and headed up.  We half expected we might slip away into the salt as if we had stepped into quicksand.

Inside A City of Toronto Salt Storage Dome.

   Some other people had already gone before us so we ventured to the top.

Detritus At Nuit Blanche.

   We made it up to the top and realized that we could start to taste the salt in the air.  We looked down as the artist continued to work below us.  We wondered how he could spend 12 hours inside this dome.  Some caution tape kept us back from the edge where we might cause a salty landslide that would destroy his creations.  It was time for us to move on to the next Nuit Blanche exhibit.  Goodbye salt! See you this winter on an icy road somewhere in the city.

Map of Our World
Detritus

Post # 266

Thursday 10 October 2019

Everyone Wants A Free Baby

Everyone Wants A Free Baby At Nuit Blanche Toronto 2019

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Address:  100 Garrison Road
Date: October 2019
Website:  www.toronto.ca

Who wants a free baby?  Everyone does apparently.  Nuit Blanche returned to Toronto on Oct 5th to 6th for another evening of artwork and performances.  Our favourite exhibit was the very entertaining Everyone Wants A Free Baby!  A cannon was fired about every 20 minutes.  Inside the cannon was a baby in a parachute.  Nuit Blanche runs from 7 pm until 7 am so that means around 36 babies were launched throughout the night.


  We arrived just as a baby was being launched.  The crowd shouted "Baby! Baby! Baby! "  The baby floated into the sea of people.  We then visited some other exhibits in the area and returned to fully experience the next launch.

Everyone Wants A Free Baby At Nuit Blanche Toronto 2019

  Dramatic music was played and a baby was brought out.  The baby was attached to its parachute and then the parachute was folded up carefully so it would deploy when needed.  Next, the baby was carried over to the cannon where it was inserted.  For some reason Pump Up The Jam by Technotronic was played while the cannon was cranked into position.  A man then came out and ranted. His rant included some French accomplishments that may or may not have been significant.  Finally he shouted,  "This is my amazing atifice.  I want to show you my genius!"  The cannon fired and the baby was launched into the crowd.


  We had chosen the perfect spot to stand.  The chute deployed and the baby slowly fell towards the ground.  It was right above us and we reached out to grab it.  As soon as we touched it, someone ran into us aand snatched the baby.  They then ran off into the night.  The word from other audience members was that the baby snatcher had been trying to get a baby for some time now and was growing more and more determined.  Finally success!  Adoption is usually a difficult process but tonight babies were falling from the sky much like how they are delivered by the stork.

A Free Baby At Nuit Blanche Toronto 2019

  The babies looked kind of like homemade Cabbage Patch Dolls.  This doll from an earlier launch also found a good home and the couple even posed for a few celebratory photos.  The only thing that would have made this show even better was if they had a little baby nursery set up so you could see all the babies waiting for their turn.  "We have to come back and see little 4:20 AM, look how cute he is."

Map of Our World
Everyone Wants A Free Baby

Post # 265

Monday 30 September 2019

Holodomor Memorial Project

Holodomor Memorial Project

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Address:  Canada Blvd.
Date: July 2019
Website:  https://www.explace.on.ca

  On the grounds of the National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide in the Ukraine is a statue of a small girl.  There is now also a copy of this statue in Toronto just steps from the Princes' Gates.  Other Canadian cities have a statue too, such as Winnipeg and Regina. The statue represents a horrible event where millions of Ukrainians starved to death in 1932 and 1933.  Canada believes that this genocide was caused by Soviet leader Joseph Stalin who created a man-made famine in the region.

Bittersweet Memory of Childhood

  When you see the face of this thin girl you can't help but feel for anyone affected by hunger.  The statue is called Bittersweet Memory of Childhood.  Millions more people continue to die of starvation all around the world.  Hopefully this memorial causes us not to forget what has happened and to see how we can help those in need right now.

Let's Not Forget The Effects of Hunger Worldwide.


Map of Our World
Holodomor Memorial

Post # 264

Friday 30 August 2019

Hornets Buzz At Canadian International Air Show

A CF-18 Hornet Takes To The Skies Over Lake Ontario.

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Address:  210 Princes' Blvd.
Date: September 2014
Website:  theex.com

  Each Labour Day weekend in Toronto thousands of people crane their necks and look to the sky.  They shield their eyes and squint as they stare into the sun.  They also jump when they see something shoot past followed by an almighty roar.  The Canadian International Air Show rips up the sky over Lake Ontario once again.  This post pays tribute to one of our favourites, the CF-18 Hornet which is the loudest thing at the lake this weekend.

The CF-18 Hornet

  The CF-18 is the Canadian Forces version of the American fighter aircraft the F/A-18 Hornet.  It can travel up to Mach 1.8  (1,814 km an hour).  Mach 1 is the speed of sound.  At that speed, if the performing hornet kept on going it would be traveling through Saskatchewan an hour from now.

Lakeshore Boulevard Traffic During The CNE
 
  If we left during the show and drove our car, we would probably still be stuck on Lakeshore Boulevard trying to merge onto the Gardiner Expressway an hour from now.

A CF-18 Horner Hovers Over Lake Ontario During The Canadian International Airshow.

  Now running at such high speeds and using afterburners uses a lot of fuel so running at Mach 1.8 the jet would probably be out of fuel in less than 20 minutes.  Afterburners are an exhaust system that increases thrust of the aircraft for takeoffs, increased speed and quick maneuvers.

A CF-18 Hornet Flies Upside Down

  Whatever the science is behind how these machines work, we like them because they are fast and they are loud. The CF-18 Hornet also likes to fly upside down, hover in place and point straight up and fly into the sun.

A CF-18 Hornet Dressed For Canada 150

  Sometimes they like to get all dressed up for a special occasion like Canada's 150th Birthday.  It is always a special occasion when the CF-18 Hornet flies overhead at the Canadian International Air Show.  It is sure to get your attention.  Watch some video highlights below.



Map of Our World
Canadian International Air Show

Post # 261

Saturday 10 August 2019

Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge

The Rockhound Gemboree.

Location: Campbellford, Ontario
Address:  Ferris Provincial Park
Date: Aug 2019
Website: www.visittrenthills.ca

    On the August long weekend we took a road trip to Bancroft, Ontario.   We went up in search of precious gems.  The Rockhound Gemboree was being held in Bancroft that weekend and we hoped to find something special.  We didn't find exactly what we were looking for but also didn't leave empty-handed.  We managed to get a few gifts from the show.

Rockhound Gemboree in Bancroft Ontario

     The Gemboree is the biggest gem and minerals show in Canada and Bancroft is often called the "Mineral Capital of Canada".   The Bancroft community centre, curling rink and hockey rink were filled with vendors.  A lot of the sparkling rocks had come from nearby areas. 

The Granite Restaurant in Bancroft Ontario.

  After attending the show we headed across the York River and stopped at The Granite for lunch.  We both had wraps and shared some truffle root fries which were delicious covered in parmesan cheese.  In a town known for minerals the restaurant was aptly named.

People Crossing Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge.

  Our journey continued south west towards Ferris Provincial Park.  Ranney Gorge suspension bridge is located on the western side of Ferris Provincial Park and offers some great views over the Trent River.

View South From Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge.
 View North From Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge.

  To the south you can see the river cutting through the gorge.  To the north is a small waterfall.

Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge.

  The metal bridge hangs 30 feet over the river and is 300 feet long.  As people walk on the bridge you can feel it moving beneath you.

An Osprey Flys Over Ranney Gorge Ontario

 After making it safely across the bridge we noticed several large birds circling above.  Closer inspection revealed the markings of an osprey.  The brown face mark that goes across their eyes and then curves up onto the back of their necks is the most obvious identifier. Osprey love to fish so the nearby river passing through the gorge is a great place to spot one.

Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge.

  We crossed back over the bridge once more to continue our trip home.  We had tried our luck hunting for precious minerals, enjoyed a nice meal and swung over a gorge.  All in all it was a beautiful day.


Map of Our World
Rockhound Gemboree
Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge
The Granite

Post # 259

Tuesday 30 July 2019

Safety Orange Swimmers

Safety Orange Swimmers In Lake Ontario.

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Address:  Harbour Square Park
Date: July 2019
Website: annhirschstudio.com

  S.O.S usually stands for Save Our Souls and is a cry for help.  In Boston, in the fall of 2016 it stood for Safety Orange Swimmers.  It is still a cry for help.  The art exhibit included 22 bright orange people holding onto inner tubes.  It was created by artists Ann Hirsch and Jeremy Angier.

Harbour Square Park Safety Orange Swimmers

  The art exhibit will be in Toronto until September 2019.  It now includes 25 orange swimmers.  Each person represents more than one million refugees.  There are estimated to be nearly 26 million refugees risking their lives crossing oceans and dangerous terrain to reach safety and freedom for their families.

Safety Orange Swimmers Lake Ontario

  The orange figures all look identical and are only torsos.  As they get caught in the wake of a boat you can clearly see that there is no mid section or legs attached.  The figures cling to their inner tubes but are anchored so they do not drift away further into Lake Ontario.

Safety Orange Swimmers In Toronto.

  The artwork represents people who are so desperate to flee their country that they leave everything behind and  risk death by drowning or dehydration as they cling to homemade rafts.  A boat approached and we imagined what these orange people would be thinking as they faced an uncertain future in a new land.

A Boat Approches Safety Orange Swimmers

Map of Our World
Safety Orange Swimmers

Post # 258

Wednesday 10 July 2019

Washed Ashore

Sebastian James The Puffin at Washed Ashore Toronto Zoo

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Address:  2000 Meadowvale Road
Date: May 2019
Website: washedashore.org

  Each year thousands of pounds of plastic wash ashore on one Oregon beach.  A group of volunteers have been cleaning this debris from the beach.  This plastic has been made into artwork that reminds us that we need to stop our plastic consumption.  We visited the Toronto Zoo to see the giant animal ambassadors created by Washed Ashore.  The exhibit runs until November 2019.

Angela Haseltine Pozzi talks about Washed Ashore at The Toronto Zoo.

  On the day we visited, Angela Haseltine Pozzi was there to talk about the organization.  She founded Washed Ashore in 2010 and is one of the main artists.  Since 2010 she has worked with volunteers to put in countless hours, collected over 40,000 pounds of plastic from the ocean and turned it into over 70 works of art.  There are eleven sculptures on display at the zoo.  Angela is standing beside Sebastian James the puffin.

Flash The Marlin at Washed Ashore Toronto Zoo

  This sculpture by the zoo entrance is Flash the marlin.  Marlin are one of the fastest swimming fish in the ocean and travel many miles through the water.  They need the water to be clean and free of plastic that gets in their way.

Water Bottle Jelly at Washed Ashore Toronto Zoo

  Sebastian James the puffin stands outside of the zoo's main gift shop.  Just inside the doors to the gift shops hangs a jellyfish made out of water bottles.

Australian Water Bottle Jelly at Washed Ashore Toronto Zoo

  Outside of the Australasia pavilion is another jellyfish.  This jellyfish is also made from plastic water bottles.  We should try to drink from reusable containers and at home drink Brita filtered water from glasses.  The large packs of bottled water are a huge plastic waste, not to mention breaking your back by lugging them home.  Sea turtles like to eat jellyfish and sadly cannot tell the difference between floating plastic and a swimming jelly.  They end up filling their bellies with plastic instead of food.

Grace the Humpback Whale at Washed Ashore Toronto Zoo.

  Just around the bend from the Australasia jellyfish is Grace the humpback whale.  Humans almost hunted humpback whales to extinction but today they can be found in all of the world's oceans.

Grace the Humpback Whale at Washed Ashore Toronto Zoo.

  A closer look at Grace shows some of the plastic from toys, umbrellas and other items.  Sadly, the real humpbacks are forced to swim through this garbage every day.

Poly The Polar Bear at Washed Ashore Toronto Zoo

  Poly the polar bear was made with the help of staff from the Toronto Zoo.  Poly's name comes from polyethylene, polystyrene and other names for plastic.  Poly is supporting the idea that we all try to reduce, reuse, recycle and refuse when dealing with plastics.  The best option is to refuse single use plastics.

Poly the Plastic Polar Bear at Washed Ashore Toronto Zoo.

  Poly is also made from plastic trays, containers and more garbage which came from the Rouge Valley surrounding the zoo.

Nora The Salmon at Washed Ashore Toronto Zoo

    Nora the salmon is found near the Kid's Zoo.  Salmon travel up streams to mate and spawn.  The new salmon swim back to the ocean.  Unfortunately, millions of pounds of plastic polution also head downstream into the ocean each year.

Octavia the Octopus at Washed Ashore Toronto Zoo

  Octavia the octopus was sitting outside the Americas pavilion.  One of her arms was around the neck of a plastic Canada goose, but it should be trying to shake some sense into people who don't realize the consequences of their actions.

Sylvia the Silvertip Shark at Washed Ashore Toronto Zoo

  In the African savannah you can find Sylvia the silvertip shark.  Sharks eat other small fish who eat plastic and this means the sharks end up eating the plastic too.

Rufus the Triggerfish at Washed Ashore Toronto Zoo

  Rufus the triggerfish is near the Indian rhino house.  He is made up of children's beach toys, flip flops and even parts of chairs.

Rufus the Triggerfish at Washed Ashore Toronto Zoo

  Triggerfish have sharp teeth and strong jaws that let them eat urchins and mollusks.  Plastic has been found with their bite marks, which means they are also eating this harmful human product.

Gertrude the Penguin at Washed Ashore Toronto Zoo.

   Oil pollution is the main threat to penguin populations.  Next to the black-footed penguin exhibit is Gertrude the penguin.

Gertrude the Penguin at Washed Ashore Toronto Zoo

  Gertrude looked down on us as if to say "You can do better!".  We all need to think about how we can help the animals.  Washed Ashore vows to keep on spreading their message as long as there is debris floating up on their beach.  They dream that they will one day run out of supplies for their art.
 

Click here to take a virtual tour and see our collection of Toronto Zoo animal photos.

Map of Our World
Toronto Zoo

Post # 256