Berlin-based DJ duo M.A.N.D.Y. are leading the pack right now in the melodic techno/tech house genre. They have massive cross-over appeal as DJs because their minimal sets are filled with crisp beats and bass, but the tracks they like (and produce themselves) usually contain simple melodies that creep into ears from out of nowhere. That's what sets them apart for me, and I can't wait to see them at Randomland this Friday.

Photo: StarbuckGuy's photostream

Last night's storm brought the City closer to a new record high summer rainfall. We're now certain to surge past the 28-year old record of 1980 with rain in the forecast through to the weekend.

The previous record for the months of June and July was 271.5 mm. Surpassing this level, we are well above average rainfall levels for the region (last year over the whole summer we had 88 mm). Interestingly, back in 1980 a good chunk of the rainfall was in the last week of July!

Contributed by Randy Gladman

When it comes to the topic of Contemporary Art, it often seems there are only two kinds of Torontonians. There are the culture-junky downtowners who try to visit the galleries at least a couple times a year, in an effort to find unique gems for their collections and to remain cognizant of the heartbeat of the city. And then there is everyone else, the other 98% of our neighbours who don't know that there are galleries in the city other than the ROM and AGO and wouldn't have the faintest idea of how to find fresh, exciting new art if it occurred to them to look. What a shame because Toronto sports a wildly creative, at times bombastic and risque, gritty, gorgeous, and cerebral art scene.

The Toronto FC played to a draw against the Montreal Impact Tuesday night, failing in their bid for a Champions League berth. But before my companions and I reached our seats, thanks to logistics and camera policy, the TFC had pretty well lost us as fans.

This was the first TFC match for any of us, so naturally we were pretty excited. And as much as I prefer using transit, it made the most sense for us to drive and park. Despite being on Lakeshore, east of Jameson, with 45 minutes to start time, we didn't get to our seats until 35 minutes into the first half.

And they forced us to check our decidedly non-professional camera, due to the non-professional lens.

Critically-acclaimed film director Roman Polanski has led a truly fascinating and trouble-filled life. He lost his mother in the Holocaust, he lost his pregnant wife when she was murdered by a member of the Manson Family, and he remains a wanted man in the USA after allegedly having sexual relations with a minor. And he's directed some incredible films.


From July 25th to 31st, the documentary Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired will be screening at The Royal Theatre, and blogTO has five pairs of tickets to give away to lucky readers.

Continue for contest entry details and screening times.

Photo: "Parking hassle at Toronto Harbourfront" by jonathan ponce, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

Your Toronto morning news roundup for Wednesday July 23rd, 2008:

Another pile of odd meat has been found in a Mississauga park (how's that for a weird opening headline?). For the second time in less than a week, meat being described as suspicious has been discovered in public green spaces, prompting dog owners to recall the recent High Park poisoning case and fear for their pets' safety. Odd (and delicious) meat belongs in storefront windows in Chinatown, not in suburban parks.

Speculation on the part of police and silence from area residents has it that south Etobicoke's not-so-well-known "10th Street Gang" may be responsible for the drive-by shooting that killed three people on the weekend. Ten years ago, I lived at Lakeshore and 6th and never felt even the slightest bit unsafe, but I suppose things have changed since then.

Loreen Small, the mother of gun-slain teen Jordan Manners, had a scary brush with guns in the Jane-Finch area again last week. A man who was rejected in courtship by Small's daughter, shot 7 bullets in the direction of the family, but fortunately missed his target. One must wonder at what point Small will choose to flee rather than fight the ongoing gun violence.