Can’t get to Florida for Spring Break this year? Don’t fret, for with a few accessories, you can enjoy a Florida vacation in the comfort of your Toronto home. Sun, sea and surf are the essential elements. Add some Jimmy Buffet and break out the Coors Light—you’re on vacation! Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

Get your wellies ready because March is here and the end of winter is just around the corner. Puddles will be plentiful as Toronto defrosts after what may be a record-breaking season for snowfall. Hang in there folks—the first day of spring is March 20th. Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

There’s an eerie similarity between images of last week's Queen West fire and The Great Fire of 1904. The largest fire in Toronto history consumed one hundred and four buildings—leaving in its wake skeletal brick facades and mounds of rubble. Incredibly, neither fire claimed any lives. Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

In what may be the most surreal chase in Toronto history, a snowplow driver slowly pursued a stolen backhoe through the snowy streets early Wednesday morning. The thief, later apprehended, had used the backhoe to remove a change machine fastened to the wall in a local car wash. This unusual sight attracted the interest of the plow operator, who notified police and gave chase. Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

The winter sport of slush puddle vaulting is a game we’ve all played before. As an alternative to leaping over the slush filled gutters at Queen and Victoria last week, some inventive soul placed two shipping skids to bridge the puddle. Thank you mystery innovator, as many soakers were certainly avoided. Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

Wee Willie of Wiarton, Ontario can sure cast a long shadow. Not this year though—yesterday was Groundhog Day and Willie says we’re in for an early spring. While the weather predictions of an albino groundhog may not be entirely accurate, an early end to Toronto’s gray, slushy winter is certainly welcome. Thanks, Willie! Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

Deep in a Toronto basement is the former office of budget dentist, Dr. Jimmy Connolly. Though he claims to have been a dentist in Kosovo, Connolly, whose real name is Gzim Bytyqi, isn’t licensed to practice in Canada. License be damned—Jimmy has been practicing in Toronto, Ottawa, and Quebec for at least a year. Soon, his only clients may be fellow fraudsters in the joint. Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

What could be better on a cold winter day than a hotdog and fries, straight from one of the chip wagons lining Queen Street at Nathan Phillips Square? There are plenty of chilled condiments to choose from and some of the trucks offer free gravy. So take a break from those ice skates and load up on some carbs—this snack will keep you going for hours. Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

The owner of a Coffee Time franchise at Queen and Sherbourne was arrested this week for allegedly selling marijuana, crack, and illegal cigarettes out of the store. The news won’t surprise those familiar with the neighbourhood, but it will bring new meaning to the question "Will that be one lump or two today, sir?" Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

It’s a well-known fact that tobogganing kicks ass. Sadly, the mild weather we’re experiencing is not suited for snow-related activities. What begins as tobogganing quickly becomes slush-bogganing. As conditions deteriorate, you may wind up mud-bogganing, and possibly even mud wrestling. Fear not, for it’s only January, and winter is certain to provide more snow. Until the flurries fly again, why not prepare by readying your snowsuit and waxing your sled? Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

Torontoist is ending the year by naming our Heroes and Villains of 2007––the people, places, and things that we've either fallen head over heels in love with or developed uncontrollable rage towards over the past twelve months. Get your dose, starting Boxing Day and running into the new year, three times a day––sunrise, noon, and sunset. Walnut Hall was 2007's victim of demolition by neglect. The noble Georgian townhomes stood for over 150 years at......

As the crowds descend on the Eaton Centre and Queen West for last minute shopping, the Queen streetcar becomes the hottest spot in town. With shoppers in down jackets squeezing into the car, the experience most resembles warm sardines packed in a tin, and it smells equally appealing. Hey! Anybody got a can opener? Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

Though Old Man Winter may be a cruel master, we here at Torontoist enjoy a good snowstorm every once in a while. When visiting the corner store becomes a Herculean task, wading through thigh-high drifts, it’s a good day to stay indoors. Let’s just hope we don’t have to call in the army, as Mel did during the Blizzard of 1999. That was like, so totally embarrassing. Until the storm breaks, there’s not much......

Are you looking to avoid the obligatory office holiday outing, or perhaps the family singalong? Look no further, because Toronto’s 2007 edition of Santarchy is happening this Saturday. In what has become a yearly tradition for cities around the world, groups of Santas gather to spread a little of ye old Christmas cheer. They may begin the night entertaining shopping families at the local mall, but after the festive bar hop, it's like an......

Last week, we were told off a bit in the comments for being "down" on everything. We thought we’d do our best to be really positive this week, and then we realised how lame it is to force it, you know? The great news is we don’t actually have to force it, as this week sees the release of King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters—one of the most entertaining films we’ve seen in......

Though Torontoist wasn’t there on the big day, Evel Knievel’s motorcycle jump over thirteen Mack trucks at the 1974 CNE is the stuff of legend. Throughout his career, he broke a record forty bones in numerous crashes, and thrilled audiences around the world. After a life spent cheating death, the legendary daredevil passed away this week. Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

Torontoist remembers Lite-Brite like we were playing with it only yesterday. This year’s Cavalcade of Lights brings to mind pointillist masterpieces from the plastic peg-and-lightbox genre. This here’s a Lite-Brite-esque interpretation of the festivities––or what you may have seen if you forgot your glasses! Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

The status quo for cell phone-using motorists in Toronto won’t be changing in the near future. Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty has decided not to follow Quebec’s lead in banning the use of cellular phones while driving. This despite warnings that driving-and-dialing is a dangerous distraction. Whether you’re walking, biking, driving, or taking the TTC, be warned, Toronto. There’s a cell phone driver out there with your number! Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

Torontoist spotted this bit of loveliness in St. George Station on Monday. Unlike most fugly marker graffiti, this is an elegant and playful addition to the station’s signage. It looks like the floral flourish on a crown, or possibly a fleur-de-lis. What compelled someone to draw this on the station wall? Is it a political statement, or is it simply meant to elicit a smile? Whatever the intention may have been, this piece of......

If you found yourself an hour early for brunch today, there’s a good reason. Daylight Savings has ended, and your clocks should have been turned back one hour last night. The sun will set at 6:06 today, meaning that the trip home from the office/gym/school may well be in darkness this week. To avoid future confusion with daylight savings, just remember this mantra—spring forward, fall back. Or is that spring back and fall forward?......

'Tis the season for costumes, and this year, the boxy look is in. The inventive modus operandi of the recently arrested "Cardboard Box" Gang has given Torontoist this last-minute costume idea. Thief-In-The-Box is perfect for Halloween, or it will make a truly unique gift for the upcoming holiday season. Don’t hesitate, call and order your Thief-In-The-Box today! Operators are standing by to take your call. If cardboard isn't your style, try this vending machine......

During TIFF we said, "if you’re as big a fan of Joy Division as Torontoist is, you’ll quickly come to terms with the fact that Control is simply one man’s interpretation of Deborah Curtis’s book Touching from a Distance, and your overall feelings will (probably) lie on how you feel about that interpretation," and we stand by that even now—despite the gorgeous cinematography, which remains the film’s strongest point, we still like 24 Hour......

Torontoist has noticed that a few cats have made headlines recently. First was Lucky, who ran a campaign for MPP in the Davenport riding, but failed to get on the ballot. In a sadder story, a Mississauga couple are left with fond memories of their beloved Krinkles. While the pet owners were on vacation, their cat was picked up by Mississauga Animal Services. Krinkles had a tag and microchip, and while some efforts were......

Welcome to Sponsoronto. This week, MasterCard offered the city money to reopen outdoor ice rinks in December, which were to be closed as part of budget cuts. Though Torontoist will be glad to see the rinks open, accepting corporate donations/sponsorship can be a slippery slope. What’s next—Home Depot Public Housing? Pepsi Public Schools? Photo illustration by Kevin McBride.......

Here’s hoping you bagged yourself a nice turkey for this Thanksgiving weekend. While we’re talkin’ turkey here, Torontoist is already savouring this hearty holiday meal. Turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, assorted veggies. Just remember to save room for dessert: a slice of pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream. Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

We’ve heard of skeletons in the closet before, but skeletons at Toronto’s Old Don Jail? Recent excavations uncovered three skeletons, likely former prisoners buried in the prison cemetery. Before the 1976 abolition of the death penalty in Canada, seventy executions by hanging took place at the jail. Please remind us not to go trick or treating at the Don Jail this Halloween, as we have an acute case of phasmophobia. Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

For the first time in 31 years, our loonie has overtaken the American dollar in value. Symbolically speaking, Torontoist feels this does not make any sense. Think about it—our diving aquatic bird versus their cherry tree-chopping George Washington? It must be something in our water, unless there are secret numerological powers inherent in hendecagons and hendecagrams. Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

Photo by Shari Kasman. Despite the less-than-ideal weather this weekend, the Queen West Art Crawl was a hit. Torontoist contributors Soloman Lam, Kevin McBride, Shari Kasman, and Miles Storey wandered the "Art and Design District" equipped with cameras, just in case you missed the action.......

Torontoist has had it up to here with tripping over the damn red carpets! You may have heard a thing or two about TIFF, a little film festival that's been happening in town over the past few weeks. The festival has ended, which means no more being hassled for our autograph, blinded by paparazzi, and losing our stretch SUV in the line of limos. At least until 2008. Illustration by Kevin McBride.......

Babies will be kissed and photo ops staged as these party leaders compete for our votes to become the next Premier of Ontario. The campaign officially kicks off this week and continues until the October 10 election. Though we may not be in unison about which platforms and promises to support, one thing we can agree on is the often vicious nature of the campaigns. Ontarians, stay tuned to your radio and television. The......