Are You Ready To RUUUUUMBLLLEEEE

April 7, 2012 was fight nite around the world, but this was not the violent battle you would think, as it ws pillow fight nite!
Every year Newmindspace comes up with some crazy ideas throughout the City, and this was no different. Although they used to hold it at Yonge-Eglinton, the construction there made it necessary to relocate to Yonge Dundas Square. Unfortunately, its held at 8 in the evening, which makes it tougher to get photos, but there were still lots of cameras around to record the action!
The theme for the nite was easter (well, it was easter!,



so there were lots of ears around!



Now, some come prepared for the battle,





but that usually just brings you even more attention from the other fighters!



Others used their own superpowers to ward off the pillows!



With the big crowd on hand,



the hour arrived, and the battle really began!













It dragged on for over two hours, but I have to say that after the first, it really became a bit rougher than it should have. Some people take it a little too serious! But in the end, it was a great event!

toys toys toys

Well, took a trip down the 407 to Richmond Hill, where the 80's Toy Expo was being held. Driving though a winter storm that included rain and hail!, I was happy to head underground in the hotels free (when does that ever happen - thanks Sheraton Hotel!) parking lot.

After paying my 10 bucks, I headed into the large room to a sea of toys!

The majority of the show was dedicated to Transformers, with nearly everyone having some item that related to the toy/tvshow/movie jugernaut!





A close second was the sci fi land of Star Wars and Star Trek.



Some of the other varity toys (or Hobbies as Arthur Carlson would say) included Marvel Action Figures;



The famous Stay Puff Marshmallow Man from Ghost Busters;



He-Man, Masters of the Universe (Cringer the battle cat!);



WWE wrestling figures;



"ordinary" toys like this collection of motorcycles;



and various Super Heroes!



One guy even did these hand made statues which were pretty impressive.



And what toy show would be compete without an appearance from the 501st(CDN) Legion. A good collection of stormtroopers, bike scouts and Tie Fighter pilots.
My personal favourite was the Shadow Trooper, who was receiving a holographic message from the Emporer!



A couple of the stormtroopers were forced to deal with a Ninja who was on hand. A quick blaster shot would have taken care of him!



And one of those attending the show brought these 2/3 scale version of Star Wars characters!

National Motorcycle and Tattoo Show

This past weekend was the 31st annual National Motorcycle and Tattoo Show, which was held at the Better Living Center in the CNE grounds.
It started as a cloudy day, but soon the sun was out, which was perfect for a motorcycle show!

And what show would be complete without some motorcycle chicks, brought to you by the local Hooters!



There were lots of bikes on display at the show, including an Interstate Batteries bike,



And this red fire bike!



and a very cool looking copper bike.



One big badass trike was also on display!



And Spartucus was also on display.



The guys that build these bikes do some amazing things with either the shape of the bike,



or the amazing paint jobs they can do!



And with these amazing projection lights, the fronts of these bikes take on a certain life of their own!





The show also had lots of items for sale, from the bottom of the bike,



to the very top of the bike!



Also on hand were the Chrome Diva's, who along with members of the Toronto Roller Derby, did a charity calendar to raise money for Prostate Cancer charity.



One of my favourite bikes was the First Special Services, or the Devils Brigade. The block bike was accented with the shoulder patch of these special forces members, made up of both Canadian and American troops, in battle during WWII.

anime and greyhounds

The Metro Convention Centre also played host to an Anime Con, where lots of costumed fans were on hand. It was cramed into a small room, and apparently the main star of the show was unable to attend. But, everyone still appeared to be in a good mood!









Some of the fans headed out of the building for a "battle" on the lawn!





Just down the street from the parking lot was the Harbourfront centre, where the Pawsway is located. We decided to check on the event, and found a GINA presentation.
GINA stands for Greyhounds in Need of Adoption, which is a rescue group for greyhound dogs. The dogs come from a life of running, mostly from the states, and are treated well, and have great personalities, even around other dogs.

Once in Canada, foster owners "retrain" the dogs for home life, including teaching them how to climb stairs and that there is such a thing as windows, as with their life of running, they simply see a window as not existing, and want to run outside!

GINA arranges meetings with dogs and potential owners, to give the greyhounds a life after racing.

I was really impressed at how calm these dogs are, and how friendly they are. Here is my brother James, with a dog who was content to simply stand beside him while he pet the dogs head.



Another dog was just tuckered out after a long day, and just wanted to sleep!



You will of course notice the muzzle. I asked why, and it was explained that the dog has such thin skin, that it's easy for the dogs through normal interaction with each other to cut the skin. So its not because they are "mean" dogs, its just to protect them from simple nips.

Its probably not a dog you would think of for adoption, but after visiting them, I would really recommend that people consider them, as they seem like a wonderful animal. And no, they don't require you to take them for fast, long runs!