BS: Hey Toronto people

Subject: Hey Toronto people
From: Marion
Date: 13 Aug 01 - 01:51 AM

Hello. I might be moving to Toronto in November, and I'm starting to look for a place to live. Does anyone know any nice people who are looking for a roommate, or looking to rent a room or basement apartment in their house?

If so, please use my PM to put me in contact. I expect to visit TO in the first half of September, so I could meet prospective roommates or landlords then.

Thanks a bunch, Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: black walnut
Date: 13 Aug 01 - 09:02 PM

I'll let you know if I hear of anything....

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Marion
Date: 30 Sep 01 - 11:20 PM

What, no nice people in Toronto?

Actually this question is still valid if anyone has any suggestions... though I don't think I'll be visiting in September after all.

Another question: are the bars and pubs in Toronto smoke-free?

Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: ollaimh
Date: 01 Oct 01 - 08:08 PM

there in fact may not be any nice people in toronto.

i've occasionally wondered. housing here is murder. i'll let you know if i hear of anything but you have to get real lucky. it took me two years to find a decent place.

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: hesperis
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 06:47 AM

Housing in TO is pretty bad. Why TO? Is it for job purposes or for looking-for-job purposes? If you're looking, try one of the cities around TO instead of inside it... there's a slightly better chance of good housing, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: bob jr
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 11:32 PM

most bars let you smoke that is suppose to change next year but last time they tried it it plain didnt work

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 03 Oct 01 - 12:11 AM

Hi Marion. Didn't see this the first time. Toronto's getting VERY pricey these days, but there are still places.

I'm gonna give you a bizarre little example of something I witnessed a few months ago.

A friend of mine had been looking for a small apartment (affordable) for about three months with no luck. I suggested she get to know a few of the people in the "folk community", 'cause word of mouth is a thousand times better than the newspaper classifieds. She did, and one night one of the singers announced from the stage of the Free Times Cafe that someone needed accomodation. It worked. Someone in the audience knew someone who....etc.

Getting connected is the best way to find anything! Kinda like being in the Lions Club or Rotary or such.

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Marion
Date: 09 Oct 01 - 03:37 PM

Ollaimh, I'm sure there are nice people in Toronto. I met one once.

Hesperis, I'm certainly not moving to Orillia, after your account of earning 43 cents or whatever it was for six hours busking! :) Why TO? Well, it's mostly because I've been in rural/small town settings the last year and a half and feel like it's time to start a big city cycle... Montreal's cool, but being a maudite anglaise would limit my options, and Ottawa's OK but it doesn't have a subway and I hope to do some busking through the winter.

But if pubs in Toronto are smokey, that's a vote for Ottawa. I'm curious Bob, why did a non-smoking bylaw "not work" last time? Did a court overturn it, or was there no will to enforce it? I'm wondering because a bylaw has recently been passed in Ottawa, and the bar owners' association is taking the city to court.

Rick, I know, that's why I'm asking at Mudcat. Are you still doing your thing on Mondays?

Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Amos
Date: 10 Oct 01 - 12:17 AM

I could add that my last visit to Montreal was completely delightful, and there was nothing maudite about it -- meaning, that everyone I met was delighted to speak English to me, and for the most part everyone spoke both tonges intertwined, lapsing from one to the other without a moment's thought.

Dunno about the accomodation, though....

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 10 Oct 01 - 02:54 AM

Nope Marion, three months was fun, but I'm on to some other projects now. I think you'll find that the vast majority of clubs are non-smoking now.

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Marion
Date: 19 Oct 01 - 12:52 PM

Well, I'm moving to Toronto in a couple of days. I've got myself a part-time job and a place to crash while I look for a room.

If anyone wants me to contact them, please send me your number at [e-mail] (don't PM me, as I will soon be cookieless). I'll look you up once I get myself sorted.

Everyone around me seems to hate Toronto and think I'm making a mistake, but I'm looking forward to it. It'll be just like Coyote Ugly, except without the part where the girl loses her instruments in a burglary, and without the part where she ends up working in a strip bar.

Cheers, Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Peter T.
Date: 19 Oct 01 - 12:58 PM

Check out the Free Times Cafe on College, near Spadina. Mondays at 7 at CIUT FM 89.5, Rick Fielding has his show -- this week, while he is at the FSGW, balladeer is on. Her new album launch is at the end of next week (forget which day, October 27th I think). You will find a plethora of Mudcatters there, then. Including me, if I can get away. yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Marion
Date: 20 Oct 01 - 08:41 PM

Thanks Peter, I'll see if I can make it.

One more thing: I'm easy to identify while busking because I always fly a ribbon of Cape Breton tartan from my fiddlehead. So if you see me, introduce yourself. Well, gotta go learn some Neil Young songs...

Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Marion
Date: 26 Oct 01 - 11:27 PM

Another update: my first week in TO I scored both the best deal in the city on an apartment and my very first paid gig, so things are looking not bad at all. (On the other hand, on my first evening in town I got to see a gang of guys threaten and punch this other guy, and had some creepy man in a car tail me several blocks...)

Anyway, on November 16 I'm having a combination housewarming party and Glorious Correctionist Movement anniversary party, so if anyone wants to come, email me for info ([e-mail]).

Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Arnie
Date: 27 Oct 01 - 11:50 AM

Strangely enough a girl from Toronto turned up in our folk club in Deal, Kent, (UK) last night. She's the cousin of one of our members. If she re-appears next week I'll ask her to look out for you, Marion,on her return home - maybe she'll be in time for your house-warming? Hope it goes well anyway.

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Peter T.
Date: 27 Oct 01 - 01:18 PM

Just a reminder that balladeer's Free Times cafe event is on tonight.

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 27 Oct 01 - 02:02 PM

Hi Marion. C'mon down to CIUT on Monday night and say hello. The show starts at 7pm. We're at 91 ST. George (at the corner of Harbord) on the third floor.

By the way, our guest is Nashville songwriter, and buddy Alan Rhodie.

Rick and Heather

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Willie-O
Date: 27 Oct 01 - 03:46 PM

Toronto's gain is Perth's loss. Specifically, I've lost my keenest ever guitar student to the big smoke!

I'm sure you'll be having a blast already Marion. Give my regards to Rick and Heather and the rest of the gang.

W-O

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Marion
Date: 28 Oct 01 - 12:42 AM

I've just learned that Aengus Finnan (folkish singer/songwriter who I'm stalking) is playing at Free Times on November 16... party's cancelled!

How was it, Peter? I'm actually back in Perth this weekend, returning the car I borrowed to move with. I'll see you there some other time. Maybe the 16th.

Rick, if I went down on a Monday at 7, wouldn't you be, you know, working or something?

Willie-O, I'm not a keener. I just practice a lot because I have no life. I think you're right that I need another guitar - not for DADGAD, but to keep where I work.

Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 28 Oct 01 - 12:47 AM

Hi Marion, I don't think Angus will mind! (he's good, ain't he?)

Nope, c'mon down. We run the loosest radio show in the universe......'cause that's the way I like it. Maybe you can take the phone calls. Peter will probably be there. He's known as "Professor Pete, the thinking man's Gabby Hayes" on the air! Just push the front door buzzer.

Cheers

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 28 Oct 01 - 07:20 AM

Marion, I looked all over for your ribbon of Cape Breton tartan flying from your fiddlehead. No luck.
Thought I might see you at the Free Time Cafe last night. Joanne Crabtree (balladeer) did a wonderful performance with Paul Mills, Tom Leighton & Bob Hewus
I had the honors is sitting beside Peter the Great.
Give me a call. Love to meet up with you at one of these folk events.

Bonnie

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: GUEST,Rana
Date: 28 Oct 01 - 07:28 AM

Hi Marion,

Welcome to TO.

You should take Rick up on popping into CIUT - very relaxed show. His guest Alan Rhody, will be playing at the Flying Cloud Folk Club on Sunday November 4. The Cloud is at the TRANZAC Club - 292 Brunswick Ave (between Bathurst and Spadina, just S. of Bloor). It has concerts most Sundays Sept.- May.

Cheers Rana

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: GUEST,Balladeer
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 07:57 AM

Hello, all: I found our evening at the Free Times totally exhilarating. Among other thrills,three of the composers of songs from my new CD were there. From the stage,I could see and recognize everyone in the house. Every seat was occupied and most everybody was beaming from ear to ear all night long. My family, mudcatters, Lucy's ladies, buddies from my youth were all there. My friends from the Woods Camp and Toronto's Friday-night song circle turned out full force. I feel so lucky and grateful to have the support of all those wonderful people. And I can't begin to describe the thrill of sharing the stage with Paul Mills, Tom Leighton, and Bob Hewus. I only regret that some folks came late and couldn't get in. And thanks to Heather for a lovely interview. Rick, I hope your trip went well. God bless everyone. Balladeer PS.If anyone would like to buy my album, please private-message me. B

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Willie-O
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 08:23 AM

Pooh-pooh Marion, you ARE a keener. Motivation is irrelevant.

And you evidently need THREE guitars--one standard, one dadgad, and one for work.

I recommend you have a look around Rick's basement...;)=

W-O

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 11:44 AM

Congrats Balladeer! Fun ain't it? Once again the distraction of earning a living kept me from "Night-lifing" it at the good ol' Free Times (happened a lot this year) but those students I missed while down in Washington had to be made up.

Marion: You're welcome in my basement anytime.....but I'd better clean the cat-hair off the rugs first!

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: balladeer
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 08:55 PM

Yes, Rick, you told me the release party would be the best part. The best part of that was the love pouring from every corner of the room. How did I get so lucky? Balladeer

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 09:39 PM

Balladeer it ain't luck. All that love was a reflection of what you give.

Little You Know Who

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: balladeer
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 08:17 AM

Neo, what a lovely thing to say! I've had so many phone calls and e-mails since Saturday night, all saying how much fun the evening was and how exciting the CD is. I used to be known as a singer of sad songs, so I'm particularly thrilled to be told my work is "fun." This is all so encouraging. What's next? I wonder.

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Peter T.
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 09:54 AM

Who does a torch singer pass the torch to? Herself! yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: balladeer
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 11:23 PM

Peter, in those days I thought a torch singer bore a torch. My heroine was the statue of Liberty. I had her all mixed up with the Columbia Pictures logo lady, torch singers all. Thanks for your support.

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: GUEST,flattop
Date: 31 Oct 01 - 07:47 PM

I once saw a dancer at the Warwick called Hot Tomalli(sp) work with a torch. She danced with a torch in her bum. When the regular guys would walk by, she would stop dancing while they lit their cigarettes. She didn't sing though. Her voice was burnt out.

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: balladeer
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 08:52 AM

Flattop: Where are you hanging out now that Hugh's Room is dark on Mondays?

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Marion
Date: 20 May 03 - 01:39 PM

Hello again. I'm in the market for a used car, and once I have my eye on one I'll need a trustworthy mechanic to look it over and do any fixing needed. Do any of you know any nice mechanics - or are any of you nice mechanics?

Might as well also ask - anyone have any leads on a cheap used car? Or know anyone who might want to inherit the cheapest apartment in Toronto from me?

Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: Mooh
Date: 21 May 03 - 10:57 AM

Marion,

I have a '94 Nissan Sentra. Black, 2-door, automatic, 200,000 kms, good condition, all receipts (I think), great on gas. It actually belongs to my sister though I've had it for a few months. I am in Goderich, about 2 1/2 hours west of TO. Last year's price was $3000, probably less now. My mechanic said it only needed the certification paperwork last year, nothing to repair. I'd be happy to have you try it.

PM me if you're interested.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: hesperis
Date: 21 May 03 - 03:05 PM

I'd love to inherit your apartment even though it smells of cat... unfortunately at "cheapest" I'd still have at least -$80 per month. As in, I couldn't even handle my normal bills much less food or transportation.

Still looking... not much hope anymore after 6 months looking for a good place.

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: GUEST,Marion
Date: 21 May 03 - 07:00 PM

I should clarify - my place is the best deal around for a self-contained apartment (smallish one room basement flat with kitchen appliances and furniture), but it would only be suitable for one person or a fairly codependent couple. The cheaper route is to share a larger apartment or rent a room with shared kitchen, as Hesperis is looking for.

Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Hey Toronto people
From: GUEST,Marion
Date: 17 Jun 03 - 02:35 PM

Does anyone know where I can dispose of clothes in bad condition for fibre recycling?

Marion