Disclaimer: I am feeling particularly miffed this morning. I'll save the personal details, but let's just say Valentine's Day is not on my priority list (not until someone says he's sorry for being a big jerk!). Moving along...

Yes, Valentine's Day is approaching (encroaching). You now have less than two weeks to come up with something that appears as though you've been planning for longer than you actually have. For those not into planning or who'd like to go over and beyond the call of duty (show-offs!), may I suggest: FADO Valentine-Oh-Grams.

The zany folks at FADO have schemed-up a brilliant concept for even the iciest of queens. For an affordable price you can hire a real-live performance artist to serenade your Valentine on V-Day wherever you choose (work, home, gym, church...). Best to avoid the 'singing vagina' package if you intend to surprise your sweetheart at church (though I'd pay to see that).

New kid on the block, Brayham Contemporary Art, is a commercial art gallery located in Leslieville. In less than a year of operation, the gallery has quickly gained recognition in the Toronto art scene, paving the way for a much anticipated gallery district along Queen St. East.

Read my profile of Brayham Contemporary Art in our art galleries section.

This is by far my favorite time for dance in the city. Once a year for one weekend only, The Harbourfront Centre crams a grab bag mix of local dance companies on one stage. For the measly price of $10 you can catch over 20 Toronto dance companies throughout the weekend; from cutting-edge contemporary choreography to classical ballet to hip-hop to traditional Spanish dance.

The format of the weekend is super casual. You can come and go as you please; skip out for coffee; miss a performance or two; whatever makes you happy.

Meet Loree Lawrence, community artist, educator and founder of a growing arts initiative called
The Gathering Space. Before November, Loree could be found scouring the Junction with other artists, snapping photos of its undiscovered niches, and collecting stories from the locals. Their objective: to use text, images, maps and visual art to create dialogue about life in the Junction.

What began as a mobile arts project has developed into a full-fledged community studio, now operating out of a local coffee gem on Dundas West, Cool Hand of a Girl. The Gathering Space is bursting with creative activity. There is so much going on, I'll let Loree bring you up to speed.

Read on for my Q & A with Loree

Mark Kingwell is harsh, and brutally so. If you're a "bobo" (i.e. bourgeoisie bohemian), or of the ilk, his latest essay in the Walrus may make you choke on that non-fat, no-water, tazo chai latté of yours.

Toronto: Justice Denied is an important read for any Torontonian, bobo or not. In his biting essay, Kingwell dismantles the "creative class" logic endorsed by Richard Florida.

Many may be familiar with Florida by now, the bobo-loving Cultural Economist whose best-selling books have found their way into our social consciousness, and more importantly, have given us the green light to pat ourselves on the backs for contributing to our cities urban transformation.

If Florida is saying, more creative types in a city = more economic growth = successful city. Then Kingwell is saying, more creative types in a city = more economic growth = so what?

When I was in grade three, I had this 'little miss saucy' thing going on. Like giving boys cut-eye and cussing in the playground for fun. Once, I ran away from home for two whole hours; packed a grocery bag of clothes with a pair of saucy rain boots; and left a note to my parents: "Dear Parents, I have joined the circus. Goodbye forever".

For anyone who has ever seriously considered joining the circus: Montreal's National Circus School will be hitting up Toronto this February in search of aspiring, young circus artists.

Running for 25 years now, the National Circus School provides complete professional training in circus arts, from preparatory training to high school and college-level programs. After their studies, most graduates are scooped up by leading circus companies around the world, including, of course, Cirque du Soleil

Don't worry if you've never actually done anything 'circusy' before. If you have experience in gymnastics, dance, acrosport, diving, figure skating, or martial arts, consider yourself in good running.

Auditions are by appointment only and the deadline to apply is January 18th. For those still living at home, please ask your parents' permission before applying. It is the responsible thing to do. Good luck!

For more info on Toronto auditions:
info@enc.qc.ca, or toll free 1-800-267-0859

Photo: Courtesy of National Circus School.