Through the eyes of Joshua...

Wow! Can't believe it. Summer is gone and fall is chilling the streets of Toronto. Last weekend I visited  a major clothing outlet and was surprised to see winter clothing. Conversely, summer wears, especially the swim trunks, are gradually vanishing. Retailers are doing away with them to make room for weather-appropriate wear. Shrewd shoppers can find some great summer wear on sale. This is a great time to buy, especially if you're on a shoestring budget. A visit to Designer Depot on Toronto's West end showed remarkable mark-downs on summer and even office wear. Here are some ways to save money during winter shopping:

Don't buy on impulse: Many shoppers buy on impulse. One way to guard against impulse buying is to pay for purchases with cash. People usually find it easier to swipe their credit cards rather than pay cash. If you are a shopaholic, shop with cash and you will be more reluctant to buy on impulse. Although I am not usually an impulse buyer, I have decided to put away most of my credit cards and ever since I have been able to control my purchases.

Shop Early: Most weather oriented clothing is cheaper before the start of the season when most shoppers don't really care much about shopping. To make sales, stores usually mark down the prices of items.

Look for good bargains: Do not get stuck with a particular retailer. If you're in a mall where there are many retailers it would be good to go round and compare prices before you finally settle for the best offer.

Buy only what you need: It's always a good idea to buy only what you need. After all, what's the wisdom in buying what you don't need? It's a common sight to see shoppers returning items to stores they purchased on impulse and realized they didn't need.

Think twice before buying online: It's enticing to buy online, however, before you do, check the store price first. I know some retailers, such as Walmart, have online items that are surprisingly more expensive than the regular store price.

Always make a list: It pays to make a list before heading to the store for shopping. It will help  you to remember what you need and keep you from making unnecessary purchases.

1. Victoria Falls, Zambia
This waterfall is one of the greatest natural spectacles in all of Africa, attracting numerous visitors yearly. The Victoria Falls, also known as “the smoke that thunders”, is an extremely large river which plunges headlong over a 100m vertical chasm that spans the entire one-and-a-half kilometer width of the river. It creates the biggest curtain of falling water in the world and is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

2. Great Rift Valley, Ethiopia
The Ethiopian Rift Valley, which is part of the famous East African Rift Valley, is composed of numerous beautiful lakes, hot springs and a variety of wildlife. This is the perfect destination if you want to step away from urban life and back into nature. The Great Rift Valley lakes are famous for their bird species. Each of the seven lakes has its own unique characteristics, providing ideal habitats for a variety of flora and fauna.

3. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
The Giant’s Causeway is flanked by the North Atlantic Ocean and a beautiful landscape of dramatic cliffs. It is famous for its numerous polygonal columns of layered basalt which resulted from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. It is now an area of outstanding natural beauty and has attracted visitors for centuries.

4. Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal, also known as the “crown of palaces”, is a white marble mausoleum located in India. The Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, built this great palace during the 1600’s in memory of his third wife. Today, the Taj Mahal is recognized worldwide as the jewel of Muslim art and is admired universally as one of the greatest masterpieces of the world’s heritage.

5. Terracotta Army, China
The Terracotta Army, or the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, is a large collection of terracotta sculptures (clay based ceramic) which depicts the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. The 7,000 life-size figures date from approximately the late third century BCE. The 16,300 square meter excavation is one of the most significant archaeological finds in the world.
 
6. Great Wall of China, China
The Great Wall is one of the amazing wonders of the world. The Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, large mountains and plateaus. The wall stretches approximately 8,851.8 kilometers (5,500 miles) from east to west of China and has been around for more than 2000 years. Today, some sections are in ruins or have disappeared, however it is one of the most appealing attractions in the world.

7. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater is a conservation area which is located in the Crater Highlands area of Tanzania. The crater is a large intact volcanic caldera within the highlands and is recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of Africa. The Ngorongoro is a great place to visit because of its beautiful wildlife safari sites.

8. Kilauea, Hawaii
The Kilauea is a shield volcano in the southeastern side of Hawaiian Islands and is the most active out of the five volcanoes that form the island of Hawaii. The Kilauea Caldera is a massive crater encircled by plumes of sulfuric smoke with visible signs of lava destruction. This is the perfect destination for those wanting to view one of the world’s active volcanoes.

9. Hagia Sophia, Turkey
The Hagia Sophia is an architectural beauty and an important monument for the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires. The building was once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum at the Turkish Republic. UNESCO chose the Hagia Sophia as a world heritage site. It is one of the most significant monuments not only in Turkey but also on earth with its architectural and its historical richness.

10. Potala Palace, Tibet
The Potala Palace is enclosed within huge walls, gates and turrets built of rammed earth and stone. The white and red palaces and ancillary building of the Potala Palace rise from the Red Mountain in the centre of Lhasa Valley at an altitude of 3,700 metres. The palace contains historical documents including murals, painted scrolls, numerous sculptures, carpets, curtains and fine objects of gold and silver, making the palace a distinct historical sight.

I like to think of myself as an experienced traveller when it comes to India – having been everywhere from the mountain tops to the amazing beaches on the coast of the Indian Ocean. I’ve been to India three times in the past 10 years and each time I learn things the hard way. So, I felt obliged to provide you with my top 5 essential things to keep in mind when travelling around India.

1. B.Y.O.T.P. (Bring Your Own Toilet Paper): I learned this the hard way. It’s not uncommon for some hotels and restaurants to not have toilet paper or even a “western” toilet.
2. Sightseeing is Seasonal: If you plan on going to India in the summer, think about hiking up the mountains where the weather stays in the mid-20s. However, if you plan to hit the beaches, do not go in July. That’s when monsoon season starts. On the other hand, if you plan to visit India in the winter, then the beaches are the place to go, along with the breath-taking palaces in the state of Rajasthan.
3. Food and Water: Only drink bottled water or, if you can, boil tap water before you drink it. Also, this may be common sense, but I feel the need to mention it: when finding places to eat, it may be tempting to try street food in India (in my experiences, it often tastes better), but be mindful of the cleanliness of the place before you buy the food.
4. Shopping: All prices in India are marked up – especially if you are a foreigner. There are two types of places to shop. First, in a bazaar (shopping area), where you can bargain for lower prices on all goods unless the shop has a sign that explicitly states it has fixed prices. It’s common for shopkeepers to bring you soft drinks and free food while they bring you items to buy. You can also go to malls which have familiar brands, but you don’t get the same perks (i.e. lower prices and free food) as you would in a bazaar.
5. Explore: Don’t just go to tourist destinations. Of course, you should see the famous sights of India like the Taj Mahal and the Golden Temple, but you should try to visit as many states as possible. They each have their own culture and offer unique experiences. Where else can you ride a camel through a desert one week and a donkey up a mountain the next? Well, in India of course!

Through the eyes of Joshua...

Going on vacation is always fun, especially if you’re travelling to a foreign locale. However, while vacations are a great way to forget your daily stresses, the expense of travelling can often leave a bad taste in your mouth—especially if you’re being overcharged by local restaurants. However, there are ways you can still enjoy the restaurants of a new city while ensuring that paying for it won’t leave your wallet totally empty.

1. Do your research: There are many sites out there, such as tripadvisor, who offer information about the sights, attractions, and most importantly, the restaurants. Look for customer reviews to inform you on the best places to eat and save money.
2. Buy Groceries: Your meals don’t have to arrive on a silver platter. Find a local grocery store and make your own dinner. This is a great way to eat cheap if you’re travelling with a group. You’re likely to find something just as new and interesting in a grocery store as you are on a restaurant menu. 
3. Cheaper Alternatives: Any location in the world will have street food, whether it’s from a New York food truck or an Indian bazaar. And with the prevalence of chains like McDonalds, you’re likely to stumble across one of them as well. Albeit, not the healthiest meal, or as swanky as a sit-down restaurant, it is the cheapest and most affordable.

The important thing about a vacation is not to get so caught up in the expenses that you don’t enjoy it. Splurge a little, but just make sure you have enough money to get home.

We're in the midst of summer and hitting the start of fall! Now is the time to be outside in the  provincial parks that Ontario has to offer! With great beaches for the hot summer weather and awesome hiking trails for the breezy fall weather, Ontario has something for everybody! If you’re looking for a chance to spend some time with nature, here are 7 great campgrounds in Ontario that are perfect for the summer or fall!

1. Algonquin Park – Ontario’s most well-known provincial park is several hours north of Toronto. It is home to thousands of lakes with eight major campgrounds, each of which are nearly the size of a provincial park. Algonquin has an informative visitor centre, providing natural heritage education programs, a logging museum and an art centre, among other things. And don’t be surprised if you spot a fair bit of wildlife. 
2. Presqu’ile Park – Just off Brighton, Presqui’ile Park juts out into Lake Ontario. It’s known for its one kilometre boardwalk trail, spanning over one of the largest marshes in Lake Ontario, and for having the second oldest working lighthouse on Lake Ontario. Furthermore, sixteen kilometres worth of trails allows one to ride/walk through the entirety of the park.
3. Balsam Lake Park – Located North of Peterborough on Balsam Lake, this park offers a variety of aquatic activities from swimming, canoeing, boating, and fishing. For those who get sick of camping in a tent, rental cottages by the water are also an option for the posh campers.
4. Longpoint Park – The fourth oldest provincial park in Ontario, Longpoint, is located on a piece of land jutting out into Northern Lake Erie. It is a great location for bird watching with more than 300 species of birds that migrate to and from Longpoint every year.
5. Killbear Park – Just off Parry Sound, Killbear Park is known for its 30,000 islands. It also has a diverse landscape with rock outcroppings, a variety of forest types, and sandy beaches. It is the ideal location to explore Canada’s geological history through trail walks or just kicking back and relaxing on one of its many beaches.
6. Sandbank Park – Sandbanks is near Presqui’ille Park, located south of Belleville in Prince Edward County. Like Balsam Lake, Sandbank is well known for its beaches and camping grounds, but is also a great place to explore the dune habitat in Ontario. Furthermore, there is a great educational program on the park, that the whole family can take part in.
7. Pinery Park – Located on Lake Huron between London and Sarnia, Pinery Park deserves distinction for being ranked as one of the top ten best places in the world to watch the sunset, by National Geographic. While you’re waiting for the sun to set, there are also several trails which wind through a variety of forests and dunes, or you can pitch a tent, sit back, relax, and watch the sun go down.

All park listings and any further information can be found at www.ontarioparks.com, as well as cool hints and beginner guides to camping.

It's the middle of the summer and you're probably looking for a way to cool off on those hot nights. Well, you're in luck because we've piled up our favorite rooftop patios in Toronto! They're perfect if you're looking to catch some rays or if you want to feel the nighttime breeze when the sun sets. So sit back, relax, and grab a cold one... because this rooftop patio list has you covered.

Drake SkyYard - 1150 Queen Street West: This celebrated rooftop is a must-see. With tents, blankets, and cushions to get cozy in, this is a great place to snuggle up with someone special and relax with a few drinks. They even have marshmallow roasting when it gets a bit cooler. Make sure you don't leave without trying their famous Drake Mojitos!

Pauper's Pub - 539 Bloor Street West: This cozy rooftop patio is situated right in the heart of the Annex, meaning it’s a popular hangout for summer students taking a break from their thesis to enjoy the good weather. Not to mention the great view of the city!

The Pilot - 22 Cumberland Street: With it's location in the heart of Yorkville, this large rooftop patio gives an inclusive vibe, bringing in people from all over Toronto and summer tourists alike. The steel tables and chairs give it an industrial charm and lots of space to bring friends.

Hemingway's - 142 Cumberland Street: Another popular Yorkville spot which plays host to the after-work crowd. The patio provides a relaxing view of Yorkville for people looking to enjoy the summer sun and unwind after a stressful day at work. Run with a New Zealand vibe, the staff is always friendly and outgoing.

The Madison - 14 Madison Ave: A former Victorian mansion attached to the Madison Boutique Hotel, this is a popular spot for students young and old. Offering a maze of different rooms, including an adorable rooftop patio, a piano room, and a dance floor, this is the place to be any night of the week. The Madision is a great place- even after the summer is over!

Through the eyes of Kogul...

Recently, I decided to replace my old, outdated keyboard with a new Bluetooth keyboard. I browsed online and found a company called Anker, which sold affordable Bluetooth keyboards. I purchased one of the keyboards and upon arrival, everything looked good. It seemed to connect flawlessly with my computer and I was satisfied with the purchase. However, I spoke too soon. Though it did connect to my computer, it was constantly unresponsive and wasn’t registering any of the letters I was typing.

After exhausting my searching abilities to find a solution, I decided to contact Anker support where I met Sunny, who was happy to help to shed a ray of light on my troubles. After various attempts of diagnosing the initial problem and offering many solutions, nothing seemed to be able to solve the problem. Sunny and I hung up, unfortunately, leaving me with an unresponsive keyboard. However, over the next few days, Sunny sent me a number of emails suggesting new solutions to my problem until finally, after a week of playing email tag, we stumbled upon a solution.

Sunny told me this was an issue they had never seen before and was very sorry on behalf of Anker for taking so long to solve the issue. To show how apologetic he was for the inconvenience, Anker refunded my order in order to reimburse me for the trouble.

All in all, I got a free keyboard that works flawlessly thanks to Anker’s customer service.

Through the eyes of Amy...

Nothing gets us more excited than watching good looking people perform some mind-blowing action scenes. With summer blockbusters just around the corner, we won't have to wait long. Here are our five most anticipated movies this summer:

1. Godzilla: The giant Japanese reptile got a reboot early in the season in May with Gareth Edward's latest installment. Wreaking havoc from Japan to the United States, this movie looks worth seeing for the special effects alone.
2. 22 Jump Street: Following the unexpected success of 21 Jump Street, Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum returned in June as wildly entertaining and slightly incompetent undercover cops, only this time they're going to college! The two actors fluid chemistry surprised audiences and we can only hope they find that spark again.
3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo are once again hitting the big screen. With Megan Fox playing April O'Neil, we can only hope she's able to keep up the humorous and witty rapport which defined the four mutant ninja turtle brothers in their earlier appearances. The movie is being directed by Jonathan Liebesman and is slated for release in August.
4. X-Men: Days of Future Past: Released just in May, X-Men: Days of Future Past came as the sequel to X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men: First Class. This X-men film is the seventh installment in the series and is being directed by Bryan Singer. Uniting both the old and new cast, with the help of some Academy heavy actors, it's tough to believe this film won't hit its mark.
5. Transformers: Age of Extinction: After three movies, Shia Labeouf has been replaced in this June release, and by none other than Marky Mark Wahlberg- adding a much needed shot of adrenaline to the series. Directed by Michael Bay, it will be the fourth live-action Transformers film and also the sequel to Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

Through the eyes of Amy...

The musty décor of an old bookstore always makes you want to settle in and read, sometimes to the chagrin of the owner. However, it can be a tiresome task searching through all those rows of shelves only to discover that they don't have the book you're looking for in stock. Even if you search the stores website beforehand it can sometimes be dicey whether the store actually has a copy. Recently, I had a similar experience. Despite the let-down of not being able to find the book I was looking for, the excellent customer service certainly made up for it. 

Unable to find the novel that I was looking for, I browsed through the stacks to try and find something similar. There were other novels that were part of the series I was reading and I began to mentally check off which ones I had read, when I was approached by an employee. The employee asked if I needed any help. I admitted that I had come for a particular novel from my favorite series, but was unable to find it. The employee apologized for the inconvenience, and, to my surprise, began to talk with me about the series. At first I thought the employee was merely being friendly, feeling obliged to engage me as a customer. However, after conversing with the employee for a few minutes, I realized they too were a genuine fan.

By the end of our conversation, the employee had recommended an e-book novella which was part of the series, as well as a new series which followed a similar science fiction strain. The accommodating and sincere interaction made me feel like a person rather than just another sale and contributed to a truly novel-ty costumer service experience.

Through the eyes of Joshua...

In our world of flashing images and constant adrenaline-fueled stimulation, our libraries have grown quiet and lonely. But we're here to tell you that the library is more than just a place to read books, it's a source for many of the entertainments you're looking for... and it's free!

1. Borrowing Entertainment: We all know that your local library lend books, but did you know that libraries also have music, movies, and magazines that can be borrowed? Check out some new releases and current tunes at no cost!
2. E-Entertainment: Magazine issues, movies, TV shows, music, and especially books are now all available online and provided by the library for free. Even better, you can rent them without leaving your home!
3. Classes: Sometimes it's nice to connect and learn with other people, rather than being hunched over a book or computer all day. Some library branches offer free classes to the public, from how to start your own business to how to write your own memoir.
4. Events: People often see books and the library as an isolating environment, where the solemn librarian holds a bony finger to her lips, silencing any attempts to talk. However, like community centers, the library is a place to bring people together. Many libraries host public events such as author readings and poetry nights and they're all free!
5. Research: The bulk of a library’s budget goes into subscription fees to databases. There is a vast array of knowledge at your fingertips and all you need to access it is your library card number. Whether you're looking for career hunting resources or accredited scholarly journals, the library is the place to start. And even better, all of it can be accessed online for free!