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Urban Planner: January 27, 2009
FILM: The three-year compulsory service in the army for all Israeli citizens needs to be part of any dialogue about the war in Gaza—as it was recently in the exceptional film Waltz With Bashir. Flipping Out is a documentary film that follows the story of thousands of young discharged Israeli soldiers and their drug-induced break-downs in India. After the recent flattening of civilian targets in Gaza, it may be tempting not to sympathize with the film’s subject, but the film serves as a reminder that both sides of the conflict are losing. The film screens tonight and Thursday, with a panel discussion following Thursday’s showing. NFB Mediateque (150 John Street), 7 p.m., $6.
WORDS: This Is Not A Reading Series, Tuesday edition, invites everyone to come down for some board-game activities. Quill and Quire editor Nathan Whitlock interviews author-of-the-evening Shaun Smith about his new young adult novel Snakes & Ladders while the two of them play a giant version of the novel’s namesake. Afterwards, everyone joins the fun over chips and dip. Games on the menu include Twister, Scrabble, and Clue, plus some new crazily-named games like Blokus, Qwirkle, and Wacky Stacky provided by Scooter Girl Toys. Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West), 7 p.m., $5.
FOOD: There’s nothing as much fun as being walked through a wine-tasting with the vintner themselves (okay, we admit that there might be, but for the sake of this listing, humour us). Arthur Harder of Calamus Estate Wines is hosting a wine-tasting event tonight to preview the vineyard’s upcoming vintage. There is limited seating, so call ahead to register at 416-536-7748 (There is the possibility of a second seating at 8 p.m. if demand is high.) Appetizers will be served. Café Taste (1330 Queen Street West), 6 p.m., $15.
FILM: Toxic Trespass is a documentary about the pervasiveness of toxins in the everyday lives of our children, and how that affects their health. The film is screening as part of the Toronto the Better film series, and there will be a discussion with one of the film’s producers Dorothy Goldin-Rosenberg and environmentalist Leo Petrilli following the screening. Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (252 Bloor Street West, Room 5-260), 8:30 p.m., pay-what-you-can.