Urban Planner: August 11, 2008

LECTURE: United States presidential candidate Ralph Nader is in town. This evening, he'll be giving a lecture on the trading floor of the old Toronto Stock Exchange building, remarking on the upcoming election and discussing what's at stake for Canada. His lecture also includes a Q & A and clips from his new biographical documentary, An Unreasonable Man. Design Exchange (234 Bay Street), 7 p.m., $10.

BENEFIT: The second annual ONEXONE Redken Cut-A-Thon kicks off at noon in Yonge-Dundas Square. Over thirty stylists from professional hair franchise Redken will be offering haircuts and hairstyling at discounted rates (cuts range from $15–$35, and styles range from $5–$10). Proceeds go towards ONEXONE, a non-profit organization that aims to preserve and improve the lives of children around the world. Yonge-Dundas Square, 12 p.m., FREE.

SPORTS: The Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre is holding a one-evening course on canoeing. The workshop will teach eager canoers dock entries and exits, portaging, and how to perform rescues. If you'd like to register, call the centre at 416-203-2277. Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak School (283A Queens Quay West), 5:30 p.m., $79.

COMEDY: The Impatient Theatre Co. is having their weekly "Harold"-style improv performance tonight. "The Harold" refers to the comedic form created by Chicago improviser Del Close and boasts a more layered approach to long-form improvisational comedy (essentially, it's a multi-scene comedic game that lasts around half an hour). Tonight, two teams face off in a comedic battle: trio Trompe Le Monde, and the all-female troupe WDWMKR (pronounced "widowmaker"). The Savannah Room (294 College Street), 8 p.m., $5.

Photo of Ralph Nader by legalnonresident.