Writing and photo by guest contributor Robert Near.

Smart!Centres has been trying to build a big box development on Eastern Avenue for years, and community organizers have been opposing them just as long. Finally, things come to a head on May 20th, 2008: the date of the first Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing, where the controversial, often-hated board decides if the residents of Leslieville will get a giant strip mall of their own. 1900 parking spaces, 18 acres, a destination commercial centre.

"We see [the area] as a gateway to our community," says Kelly Carmichael, an organizer for the East Toronto Community Coalition. "It's time the community gets something a bit different. It feels like everything gets dumped here."

Contributed by Jessica McGann

Like many an alternative news weekly reader across Canada, I got a jolt and a giggle this morning when I flipped through Now Magazine and came across a full-page ad for Lululemon's new men's workout outfit called The Mansy.

An aptly named onesy for men, the red leotard rides high up on the hips and leaves only a thin strip of undercarriage fabric to hammock the banana in. The model - Derrick Belcham - Men's Naked Yoga Guru - is striking a blissfully suggestive Warrior 1 on Vancouver's Kitsilano Beach, while presumably mooning swimmers in the water behind him in this only mildly more respectable version of Borat's famous bathing suit.

Not once did it occur to me that this might be a joke. I scoffed at the Mansy's impractical fit - the abundance of material covering the torso, combined with the not-so-inconspicuous budgie-smuggling going on down below - and reflected on how the unrelenting market demand for lifestyle clothing, with its attendant statements about the wearer's beliefs and social class, had truly reached an absurb fever pitch.

"Looking out for lurking lions" (Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania on Toronto skyline)

Photos and writing by guest contributor Robert Stirrett.

In 1995 I visited the Toronto Islands for the first time. It was late June and I quickly fell in love with its natural beauty, inspirational mood, and dramatic view of the Toronto skyline. I am simply amazed that more Torontonians don't take advantage of this world class urban island retreat.

That day, I took a shot of a swan with the skyline as a background. When I developed the roll, I did a simple cut and paste to create an enhanced image.

My beach shots from around the world added to the diversity of my efforts and with Niagara so close, my PhotoFusion concept was born.

Continue reading for more Toronto skyline meets South Africa, Mexico, California, and more PhotoFusion works...

Photos and writing by guest contributor Jon Currie.

Earlier today, Tibetan Canadians gathered in front of the Chinese Consulate in Toronto to begin a hunger strike in support of their family, friends and others native to Tibet. Recent civil dissent in Tibet has refocused the international spotlight on the region.

Continue reading for slideshow...

Contributed by Robert Near.

The Guvernment hosted "Decadence" last night, March 20th, an after hours rave featuring the likes of Team Canada DJs, MSTRKFRT, DJ AM, and Infected Mushroom. The colossal venue is a nightclubbing stalwart, hosting a special guest almost every week. But tonight was of extra importance, for one reason: it was the first big rave after police raided another scene icon, Comfort Zone, on Sunday March 16th. What, would it mean for the party, if anything, and where would people go afterwards?

The effect on the party itself, seemed to be positive. The crowd was definitely up for it. Hoots, hollering, and smiling were the order of the day from the mixed bag of participants - hipsters, muscle Maries, hip hoppers, long time ravers, etc. Friends and random passers by, all commented that it was one of the best Toronto vibes they witnessed in awhile.

Writing and photos by John Hargraft.

The Horseshoe. Friday night. Lots of leather and tattoos. A serious hard rock show was about to happen. The shoe was pretty busy even at 9:30 and four bands where on the line up for the night.