TORONTO,Ont.-- June 28, 2006 ( From my Toronto Diary )
Today is the official date for the return of Superman to our earth ( via the movie houses all over the world ). I was one of them who purchased an early ticket at the Paramount-Imax theatre in downtown theatre. Nothing like the biggest screen to watch a rare spectacle like this one. Besides I have been a fan of Superman ever since I learned how to read American comics long time ago.
At 11:30 am, I purchased my ticket at the fast lane, one of those ATM like machines at the Paramount Theatre lobby. I was opting for the 12:00 noon show ( the earliest screening ) but the computer coughed out a ticket for the next show which is 12:30 pm.I saw a long line of patrons lined up in front of the box office with a live ticket seller. Many were wearing the blue Tee with the familiar ( and copyrighted ) Superman logo.
The theatre is the biggest right now in Toronto. Took an escalator going up the auditoriums and since I had an hour to kill, I bought a hot dog and a drink for a ridiculous price of 6$. Those food concessionaires are crooks for gouging out Seniors' hard earned pension.
After the movie, I agreed with the critics and its ratings of 4 stars. There were a few minor inconsistencies about the Kryptonite effect on the Super guy, but the story, intelligent script and tremendous special effects compensated for them. I am giving it double thumbs up!
From the Paramount, I walked down through Duncan to Queen street. At the City TV building there was a terrible noise, screaming through high powered sound systems..Yes, it was an outdoor concert for a rock band.Young peoeple many in black outfits, were enjoying the show. Took a few shots, then I moved on and passed through Nathan Philips Square in front of Toronto City Hall. There was a exhibit of Thailand in various tents lining the man-made lagoon of the square. Took a few shots again and moved on.
At 5:00 pm, I took the Queen Streetcar to fulfill an appointment with Miguelita. I took a picture of a vine inside the library that grew up to the ceiling, like the magic beanstalk..
Then we went up for a meeting at the Ralph Thornton Center on the 2nd floor above the Library premises. The only reason I came was the free supper. To make my attendance legit, I consented to be a member of the Center. Annual fee is 1 loonie ( 1 Canadian $ ). I got my membership card.
When I entered the auditorium, I found out several uniformed Chinese Canadians in the sparse crowd. Turned out they were members of a choral group that regularly rehearse in the premises.
The meeting took place: not much discussion or deliberation of the agenda. No need for it; everyone was hungry. After the adjournment, dinner was announced. It was a simple buffet and for someone who had only a hot dog and a pop for lunch, it was mmm as in yummy..Then the director of the center approached me and requested if I could play a few selections on their brand new piano. I said yes, even interrupted my meal( had lots of appetizers beforehand anyway ) and played a few oldies on the music machine. One of the Chinese singers came at my back while I was playing and he sang "Santa Lucia.."He did not know the words, but he sang out the tune in a clear tenor.
Then came their turn to sing ( and my turn to resume my meal ). They were good! And they sang in harmony which really takes hard work to learn and perfect. They performed 4 songs in Chinese, and before each song, 2 singers would explain the lyrics. One lady would explain it in Mandarin and a gentleman would say the same thing in English. All the four songs were sang in Mandarin.
The next performers was a ensemble called Upper Canada Brass. They were also good!It was a group of 5 players:2 trumpets, a trombone, a French Horn and a Tuba. After their last piece, we bade good bye to the Director of RTC, cause we still have a long way to go and it was already 8:00 pm..
When we reached 19 Dixon, it was pouring cats and dogs. Luckily the bus stop is just in front of our house. We just made a run for it across the street.
I entered the living room and smelled flowers. Surprise! The fortune tree we have in a corner bloomed! I believe this tree blooms only once in 5 or 10 years! We had this plant since 1983 and this is just the 2nd time I saw it bloom. It has the smell of a Rosal ( Camille ) flower.
It was not a bad day really, and I thanked God for it. On Friday, my 2 kids with their families will visit their sister in Ottawa--##
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