Halloween Bonanza!

My people today is Halloween. The only official day of the whole year when you can dress like an ass and look normal. So with my ASS-suit on @ my office I have been asked where am I going tonight? You can check out the events at TOFLO.com (yes shameless plug and so what?) or if you're too damn lazy read below.

Our Halloween Favorites

Happy FREAKING!

T.I. Put On The Spot in Talk Show Interview

Damn... as if going to jail for 366 days wasn't pressure. This chick got all the jokes in the world and if I was T.I. would have slapped the bitch... but hey that's just me. If anything, it's a good laugh!

SALE: Parasuco with up to 80% off!

Yes that's right kids, Parasuco warehouse sale at the International Centre - Hall 4 (6900 Airport Road). Sale continues until Sunday November 9th. Happpy early Christmas shopping (for all those that care!).

Yes, YOU CAN!

With the American election drawing near, I think it's important as Canadians that we take notice that we are indeed witnessing history in the making. Will.I.Am has put together a pro-OBAMA video that seeks to inspire at the very least. To our American counterparts "Get off your ass and vote please!"

NEW! Q-Tip feat. Eve "Gettin' Up" remix

This just in... Q-Tip feat. Eve in the "Gettin' Up" remix. Ummm not a big fan. And since when was Eve back in the game? Sorta sounds like a real bad Diddy sample, listen for yourself. Now back to work!

NEW! "NOTORIOUS" Movie Trailer

Check out the new "NOTORIOUS" movie trailer. Not one of them low-budget, rap-chasing dream movies. Can't wait to see this one in theatres.

WE [heart] Family & Friends

So Christmas has come early for some... depending on where you shop. Here is a coupon for Family & Friends day at FootLocker. A full 30% off everything for the entire weekend. Shop hard and know that we love you!

If you can't print off the coupon up top, view the original.

Try Something Different: "A Raisin in the Sun"

And no I am not talking about the Diddy movie.

I just finished having lunch with a friend who happened to mention that I should check out "A Raisin in the Sun" [live theatre] play. Outside of the hoopla of Fashion Week and other celebrity-stricken events around the city... I thought to myself why not try something new and DIFFERENT.

I will be going to check it out next week and I hope all you other people will take the time to experience something outside of the box. Check back for the review.

Sidenote: thanks Addis for the insight!

Want More?

Visit soulpepper's official website
Buy tickets to "A Raisin in the Sun"
See what others had to say about the play

What the f&%^?

As if this shit weren't strange enough, you got the kiddies running around the place AND it's a damn baby shower for god's sakes.

WWW's Literary Journey

This weekend was the first ever sold-out What Women Want "Literary Journey" event. And for someone who doesn't enjoying reading, much to my surprise the book "Something Borrowed" by Emily Giffin was a real page-turner and the follow-up book discussion / lunch-on was a huge success.

The Rundown

The venue 1 King West was very classy and made for a very intimate and cozy experience.

The food was decadent, starting with a fresh garden salad to a healthy and satisfying serving of baked chicken breast with potatoes and vegetables. Then to end off they served a not-too-sweet apple crumble (that could have used a side of vanilla ice cream) but you know was delicious nonetheless.

The guests made for a very interesting discussion of the book which was lead by Shannae Ingleton, Yvonne Kai, Rachel Hale, Christa Jea and Catriona Smart. At one point it got a little heated with one guest telling another "to cool it down..." and "how about you take it down a notch..." in regards to a disagreement in the way the novel's characters were behaving. Jerry Springer like? Not so much, but did add a little excitement to the afternoon.

View pics from Sunday's event below:

Concert Announcement: JOHN LEGEND

Alright, you know John Legend is my husband and as a faithful wife does, she tells all her friends when he's coming to visit.

In anticipation for his 3rd studio album release "Evolver" he will be performing in Toronto at ROY THOMPSON HALL on Friday November 28th.

Don't sleep tickets go on sale tomorrow!

Have you seen "So You Think You Can Dance Canada"?

If you didn't know, Canada has jumped on the "So You Think You Can Dance" band wagon, now in it's 2nd installment - I have to say it is sooo much better then it's American counterpart.

Yeah you have the salsa, the contemporary and hip hop numbers - that's a given. But one thing the US doesn't have that we do is the wide range of dance professionals and eclectic styles.

Last night for the FIRST time ever they had Dance Hall. DANCE HALL bitches! Where on national television have you ever seen a multi-million dollar broadcasting company showcase a dance style only known in the deep boroughs of a small island known as Jamaica... ok fine and Eglinton West? N-E-V-E-R!


Kaitlyn & Izaak definitely put on their best dressed and ripped up the choreography. Ok not so much Izaak but Kaitlyn threw it down. And as hard as it might have been for her to adapt to a dance-style that she probably had no experience with she made it hers and showed her talent ranges far beyond just contemporary. Luther Brown was a bit harsh and that may very well be because that's "him" per se - but credit is definitely due.

Go head Kaitlyn with your wig and your black, shiny tights!

P.S. I am searching for the clip on YouTube and once I find it you damn well know I will post it.

If you missed it, it re-airs on MuchMusic Saturdays @ 2:00pm.

Want more?

Check out the SYTYCD Canada official website
Watch what the contestants had to say about their performances

Peep the Sneaks

Ok I am not one to brag and boast about my own shit but I came across this blog and wouldn't you know it look who it is. The damn Dora sneakers made it into thisisu.com. Peep the pics!

Super Heroes Unite Do Flora the Explorer

While at the Toronto ManifesTO Art Festival way back in September, we ran into a couple fine fellows [Mark & Joe] selling customized super hero t-shirts - known as "Super Heroes Unite!". The thing is, instead of just cutting your head out of a picture and pasting it on to a super-buff animated figure, they actually do a custom drawing of you and incorporate the country / countries you represent.

So being the globe trotter (a la AH) that I am I decided that I would do one for myself. Check it out!

For more information on "Super Heroes Unite!" and to order your own customized super hero visit their website at superheroesunite.com.

Don't Call Me Anymore...

Tired of having those blasted telemarketers call your house while enjoying the season finale of "America's Next Top Model". Better yet getting calls while at work on your cell phone thinking it's some kind of *&^% emergency and then answering it only to have someone trying to sign you up for %^&*@# credit card insurance? Yeah you know what I am talking about.

Check out the "National Do Not Call List" - a new service the Canadian government has set up to register your number for them stupid ass people to stop calling your number. FINALLY my tax dollars going to something useful! Check back in a few months to see exactly how effective it is.

While we are on the topic - today is VOTING DAY! Get off your ass and vote, no more excuses it only happens once every 2 - 4 years. You can go to a party to jam up, you can go to a polling station and voice your CHOICE! For more information about voting in Canada visit elections.ca.

DRU "The One" Give-A-Way!

Canadian R&B sensation, Dru, is establishing himself as a solo artist. After being at the forefront of In Essence, and winning a Juno and a MuchMusic award in 2004, Dru is ready to make his mark in the industry by releasing his debut album, The One. Kicking off his September promo tour, Dru will stop at 14 different venues across Canada.

TOFLO.com is giving away exclusive DRU prize packs that includes "The One" CD and a gift bag filled with cool goodies. For your chance to win email us the name of DRU's first single off his debut album.

Want More?

Visit DRU's MySpace page
Watch DRU's first release "The One" video on YouTube

Weekend Run Down

Alright so there was a hundred and one things going on this past long weekend.

The first Love & Lust at EMPIRE for Original Concept's James' birthday celebration. Great concept that was followed through to the "T", music was on point but I have to wonder where the crowd was. I mean - the ones that can appreciate good music. The place was well attended and there was still enough room to dance around comfortably. I just don't understand how people show up to this type of party and not shake one leg to Stevie Wonder??? It's Stevie come on man! *Plus the 6-month pregnant woman didn't make for a pretty scene. Birthday or no birthday, it's NO place for a momsie-to-be.

Next up Maxwell concert. The ticket link didn't come through, so I have no real concert review for y'all (I am so sorry!). And I was really looking forward to that show. If anyone has details, please feel free to comment.

Last but not least, making its reappearance on the party scene everybody's favorite 90's jam Nostalgia played host to being the unofficial Maxwell after party who made an appearance in the VIP. Good looking Duane et al. - I heard the party was off-the-hook! I also heard that at 11:30 they had to lock down the doors - and there was about 1,000 people standing outside. Eeeks!

Happy thanksgiving? I think so! Here's to being thankful for everything!

You Are Noone...

Until someone else (outside of the GTA) blogs about you, right? Well that seems to be the mind state of people in Toronto. But hey we fall victim to that scenario oh so many times (right haters?) and what do we do, as my good friend Ak would say we K.I.M (keep it movin').

TOFLO's own stylist collab-0 Janielle and Sheronna have been spotted making moves in the NYC area and have been featured in Eighty81.com blog about their steez. Check it out!

Q-Tip Back In Your Ear

Our TCQ favorite Q-Tip is back in the mix with his new single "Gettin Up". First thoughts? It's a really dope track. Jiggy and upbeat but still with the cool and fresh undertones that we have all come to know and love. New album "The Renaissance" dropping Tuesday November 4, 2008.

Update

Kory C. gave us a link to another track "Move" off Q's anticipated album. Thanks K!

Maxwell in Toronto

Alright peeps, I know last minute right. Anyway I come bearing good news, Maxwell will be coming to Toronto Sunday October 12, 2008 at the ever-so-intimate MASSEY HALL for one night only.

While we all sit hear and wait patiently for his next anticipated album (almost 7 years later), we WILL be taking in the lovely sights and sounds of Mr. Maxwell (even if he is an old man!) come Sunday night.

Don't sleep on this one people, check back for full review on Monday.

Want More?

Buy tickets at TicketMaster.com

Visit Maxwell's MySpace page

Read Maxwell's Wikipedia biography

Robin Thicke Toronto Run Down

So Manifest and I headed down to the Kool Haus last night to see Robin Thicke, doing the new CD release gig.

Going in I was expecting a lot from Mr. Thicke. Coming out I felt a bit slighted. Now see, I am not being a hater because as we all know I am a BIG fan... BUT the show was a bit of a disappointment.

He did the usuals, "Magic", "Cocaine", "Teach You a Lesson" and of course "Lost Without You" - which were all done very well. However, I am not sure if it was the venue or him but his voice couldn't be heard all the way to the back of the room. So as I weaseled my way to the front, RT was gone.

Not without an encore though, where he sang D'Angelo's "Brown Sugar" and Al Green's "Let's Stay Together"... umm the last time I checked when you do an encore it's not to sing someone elses' songs. Nonetheless, I stuck around and looked on in disbelief.

And to add insult to injury... at the end of the show he started doing his own version of Lil' Wayne's "A Milli"??? What the hell is this a karaoke bar?

So yeah, not really the best concert I've been to in ages!

Swagger Like the F!

Shit... here we go, Swagger Like the F the remix featuring Rochester, Jahvon, Mhedikc and Lincoln. Toronto's finest all on one track!

Peep it below:

Spike Lee's "Miracle at St. Anna" Absolutely Amazing!

I know in the time where bootlegs and burnt DVDs are a dime a dozen and the idea of sitting in a theatre for a couple hours isn't helping you get that money, Spike Lee's "Miracle at St. Anna" is damn near worth the time-out.

With a cast that isn't headlined with Al Pacino and Robert Deniro, Laz Alonso and Michael Ealy et al do the movie justice for that $11.95.

Go see the damn film!

Want more?

View the trailer
Visit the official website