Houdini

On Sunday, February 22nd, at the Paradise Theatre in Toronto, the Toronto Film Society is showing a double feature of Italian films: two films for one low price! First up is Il Sorpasso (The Easy Life) (1962). A defining masterpiece of Italian *commedia all’italiana*, Dino Risi’s *Il Sorpasso* follows the unlikely pairing of shy law student Roberto and charismatic drifter Bruno as they tear through the sun-drenched roads of Ferragosto in Bruno’s roaring Lancia Aurelia. What begins as a spontaneous joyride becomes a sharp, unsettling look at a country racing toward modernity, at once funny, free-spirited, and deeply poignant. Dino Risi blends social satire with emotional depth, powered by memorable performances from Vittorio Gassman and Jean-Louis Trintignant. Shown in the original Italian with English subtitles. Next on screen is Federico Fellini's Orchestra Rehearsal (Prova d’orchestra) (1978). Part mockumentary and part political allegory, Orchestra Rehearsal transforms a single rehearsal room into a chaotic microcosm of Italian society. A documentary crew observes an orchestra whose players bicker, complain, organize, rebel, and eventually confront forces beyond their control. The comedy gradually sharpens into something darker and more surreal, echoing the turbulence of 1970s Italy. With Nino Rota’s music driving the rhythm of the film, this compact work becomes a provocative meditation on authority, art, and the fragile balance required to create harmony. Shown in the original Italian with English subtitles. Please note that this is a paid event. You can purchase tickets online or at the door. Tickets: https://paradiseonbloor.com/purchase/381893/

Join us for a Toronto meetup of creative coders! Instead of our usual show-and-tell, this will be a **work session!** If you're looking for some motivation to tinker on a creative project, now's your chance! **What is creative code?** *Creative coding* refers to anything with an artistic component that uses code as a medium. We welcome artists who use code (for visuals, audio, poetry, or whatever else), designers, animators, toolmakers, researchers, or just enjoyers and people looking to learn more! **Location:** Impact Kitchen on Queens Quay (88 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 0B6) **Join our discord** if you want to talk to everyone before/after the event, or have any suggestions for things you'd like to see or do! [https://discord.gg/ux9txXPsdJ](https://discord.gg/ux9txXPsdJ)

For February, we'll read The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad 304 pages First published in 1907 About the book: Mr Verloc, the secret agent, keeps a shop in London's Soho where he lives with his wife Winnie, her infirm mother, and her idiot brother, Stevie. When Verloc is reluctantly involved in an anarchist plot to blow up the Greenwich Observatory things go disastrously wrong, and what appears to be "a simple tale" proves to involve politicians, policemen, foreign diplomats, and London's fashionable society in the darkest and most surprising interrelations.

Hello everyone, I'd like to invite you out to our **Dinner with Friends Gratitude Party! (AT SMOKE SHOW)** -Reserved seating, friendly people, good conversation and great food awaits! So please plan to join us if you can :) \*Joined by my other groups too; so we can anticipate a fantastic evening **Time: 6:30 p.m. -9:30 p.m.** **Location:** Smoke Show **Address:** 744 Mt. Pleasant, Toronto Event Details Bellow: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) Event Details: **Dinner with Friends Gratitude Party! (Dinner, Cocktails and Conversations) (February 22nd)** -The great thing about this dinner party is you're free to move around to different tables and meet the other members too throughout the evening **Dinner Party Topics** may include but not limited too: Travel, Culture, Spirituality, Relationships, Modern Dating, Work/Life balance, Art, Technology, Economy, Music, Modern Living, The Good Life, Passions, Idea, Movies, Sports, Fashion, Hobbies, Books, Psychology, Philosophy, the Future, History, Pop Culture, Theatre, etc.) **Arrival Time:** \*Join us any time between 6:30 pm and 7:15 pm (if you can) for a fun and highly interactive evening as we get to know the members over dinner and great conversations (of your choice) Event goes until roughly 9:30 pm **Event Fee:** 5 dollars (cash only please) (HST included) or in advance by e transfer to **[steveflemming11@gmail.com](http://steveflemming11@gmail.com/)** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Friendly Reminder:** \*One beverage or appetizer minimum to support the venue- this is greatly appreciated :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Parking Available:** \*Plenty of free street parking on Eglinton, and Paid parking on Mt. Pleasant **Close to Subway Station:** \*15 minute walk from the Yonge/Eglinton subway station :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

This will be located in Cloverdale Commons located in Cloverdale Mall. Please use the Mall entrance closest to Fairgrounds. Inside the mall we are directly after Fairgrounds and Service Ontario, look for Cloverdale Commons. This is an informal improv workshop where we get together to play games and scenes similar to those in Whose Line is it Anyways: https://youtu.be/KF3D2TMUhN8. If you want to boost your acting chops or are just looking for some silly fun, this is the place to be! The price is $10 per person (cash or interac, at the door) to help cover the costs of running the event. There are usually 10-20 people. The session starts with introductions, followed by group games then finishes with audience/performance sessions. Max capacity is 30 and spots are held based on how soon you sign up. See you there! P.S. - Doors close at 15 minutes after start so make sure to arrive on time!

We'll reconnect with our friends at **Citadel + Compagnie**--for a Sunday afternoon dance performance--with Japanese *Taiko drumming!* On Parliament Street. **Ticket link** is below ($25-$35) **Tea with Mara**, meaning to invite Mara (your ‘demons’) for tea, is set in this ‘spirited’ space, embodying Japanese Canadian and Buddhist mythology, practices and philosophy. This interdisciplinary collaboration between dance/theatre and music, animates themes of suffering, pleasure, transformation, and the interconnection between the past, present, and future. Toronto Premiere Approximate Run Time: 60 minutes **Ticket link**: General Admission (about 100 seats) https://www.citadelcie.com/event/tea-with-mara/?mc_cid=493953cd7c&mc_eid=73b1c29a29 **About the Dance company:** https://www.citadelcie.com/citadel-compagnie/

Ready to add more fun, movement, and connection to your week? Come join our group dance classes at [Access Ballroom](https://studioaccessballroom.com/)! We have classes **every day except Tuesday**—that’s Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7:50pm, and Weekends at 3:40pm. Visit our [Monthly Calendar](https://studioaccessballroom.com/class-schedule/) to view the group class Schedule. To sign up you can also download our APP that is in both the Google Play store and the Apple Store. Just look up Access Ballroom. Whether you’re a total beginner or already have some moves, you’ll fit right in! We always have multiple teachers on hand to guide every level, so everyone gets the attention they need. Our amazing environment and welcoming atmosphere are what make us one of Toronto’s premier Latin and Ballroom studios—and it’s why we have the most Google reviews in the city! Don’t just take our word for it—come experience the energy, laughter, and community for yourself. We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Explorer Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** First it was **Ambrose Small** and my team of brilliant detectives who tried to figure it all out. The walkers on this tour just about cracked the case. Well done my detectives. But your smarts are needed again however. The Harley Karulis Detective Agency needs your help! And this one needs all our brain power to figure out. This one might be the toughest assignment yet. Here is your case file. The details you will need to get started on this walking tour. A case that shocked Torontonians when it occurred in late October of 1933, and still reverberates to this day. A cold case solved, not by a long shot. No one really knows the entire story or the truth. It unfolds like an Agatha Christie novel as you will see. The details of this case culminates in one of the most perplexing, head scratching crimes in the history of this city and very few have heard of the sad life and end of little Alfreda Dolores Mae Hillier. Little Bunty as they called her was born in 1932, and was the apple of her parent's eyes. Her father Alfred Hillier was a World War 1 hero, and had fallen on bad times during the depression years. He just started a new job recently. Her mother Florence was a stay at home mom and loved to play and watch her little girl out the window of their small home on Boothroyd Avenue in Leslieville. On a cool, sunny October afternoon at the height of the depression, Alfreda, an 18 month old girl disappeared after heading out for a walk alone. Sounds on the level I must say. Warning bells! Within a few hours questions as to what happened to this little girl started to swirl around the neighbourhood. All details of this case are taken directly from the archives of the Toronto Star and the city which paint a rather confused story culminating in the arrest of two young boys, one age 4 and the other 7 who admitted their guilt. Or was coerced into that same confession? Let's toss in a few more details to cloud the story however: 1) a convicted criminal in the area, information told to the Calgary Hearld the day after she was found dead. 2) another man who seemed to be present when she was found and then wandered off and disappeared from the police investigation file. 3) the testimony of two underaged children that had no relevance to some of the details. 4) the coroner's report which contradicted just about everything the police came up with and witnesses testimony as well. This walking tour/game takes participants back in time to 1933 and explores the many sites associated with the tragic death of Alfreda Hillier, and the personalities involved. You will be introduced to 10 historic characters and each has their own dark secrets, it will be up to you to render a **verdict**! Are you up for it detectives? Our walk begins at the **Jones Branch of the Toronto Public Library** at the southwest corner of Jones Avenue and Dundas Street East in Leslieville just a few blocks north of Queen Street East. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. Please get your tickets early if you would like to attend. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

We are now at **Yonge Sheppard Centre** in the **food court** near **Dazzle Mi**. We start a bit past 1pm, so if you're late, please find a seat and start writing -- we'd love to hear about your story or your day -- afterwards. :) **Coworking for writers in your area!** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) **Travel / Parking info:** Public Transit: 1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station. 2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit **Driving & Parking:** Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees. **Location:** We gather around the tables in the food court near **Dazzel Mi**. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us! **RSVP:** Please do RSVP. But be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. **SCHEDULE:** 12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about red-nosed reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

Join us at our vegan-friendly social climbing session! We welcome all vegans, vegetarians, or anyone who is curious about the lifestyle and/or interested in eating more plant-based. No climbing experience is necessary. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time climber, all are welcome. We will be bouldering, top roping, and using autobelays - feel free to join whichever activity you're interested in! For those who are climbing for the first time, not to worry as it is quick to pick up and we are happy to provide some pointers on technique. You can boulder or use the autobelays after getting a quick orientation from the staff at the gym. For top roping, we're happy to belay any of our attendees. **Fees**: * $28 admission fee, plus rentals Climbing shoes are strongly recommended (disclaimer: rental shoes are not vegan as they contain suede/leather). Harnesses are only necessary for top roping and autobelay, however this gym is primarily a rope climbing gym. * Shoe rental: $7.00 * Harness rental: $7.00 Remember to sign the [waiver](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5f121ea156df1/web/) before you hit the rocks! You can sign the waiver online or in person once you arrive. Make sure to arrive at the Bloor location, there are multiple Basecamp locations! Happy climbing! 🧗‍♂️🌱 Note: Clean indoor shoes are allowed to be worn, however we highly recommend using climbing shoes otherwise your experience will be negatively impacted.

🥋 **Krav Maga (15+) at the Miles Nadal JCC** Build confidence, improve fitness, and learn practical self-defence skills in a safe and supportive environment. This dynamic program introduces the core principles of Krav Maga with a focus on real-world scenarios, situational awareness, and mental resilience. Through guided instruction and hands-on training, you’ll develop effective techniques for striking, defending, and reacting under pressure — all while enhancing strength, coordination, and conditioning. No prior experience necessary — just bring a willingness to challenge yourself and grow. Join our welcoming community and start your Krav Maga journey today! *** 📅 **Event Details** 📍 **Location:** Miles Nadal JCC — 750 Spadina Ave. (enter through Spadina doors) 📅 **Dates & Times:** Spots are open in upcoming sessions — join anytime! Late registration is welcome, and your fee will be automatically prorated. Drop-in options available. 💻 **Registration is required in advance** > Please note: RSVP’ing on Meetup does not reserve your spot. > 👉 [Register online](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=kLGOdGA) > ☎️ Or call 416-924-6211 *** 🎟️ **Fees** • Full-session registration available (prorated if joining late) • Drop-in spots available *** 💥 **What to Expect** ✔️ Practical, real-world self-defence skills ✔️ Striking, defending, and reacting under pressure ✔️ Improved strength, coordination, and conditioning ✔️ Supportive, beginner-friendly instruction ✔️ A focus on confidence, awareness, and resilience *** 🎉 Come ready to move, learn, and empower yourself. We can’t wait to see you in class!

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

**Back By Popular Request!** Spend an evening exploring the ins and outs of flash photography and off-camera lighting techniques. We will be in the studio for this meeting and will learn how to use supplemental lighting to improve our images! **Meeting Schedule:** 1. 4:00 - Introduction, Meet New Members 2. 4:10 - Old Business 3. 4:20 - New Business 4. 4:30 - Pre-Shoot Briefing/Education 5. 6:00 - Break 6. 6:05 - Continue Presentation 7. 7:00 - Adjourn

Join us for something different as we get together to see EPIC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT! While researching his 2022 film, director Bas Luhrmann came across and compiled rare and previously unseen interviews and videos of Elvis in concert to create “one of the most exciting concert films you’ve ever seen!” Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Part documentary, part concert film, the latest from director Bas Luhrmann is a follow-up to his 2022 film starring Austin Butler. While researching the film, he came across 68 boxes of previously unseen interviews, concert performances and outtakes from previous films. A combination of offstage and onstage Elvis, comes a film that “befits the magnitude of Elvis as a performer but also offers deeper revelations of his humanity and inner life." It is written/directed by Baz Luhrmann (ELVIS, MOULIN ROUGE, THE GREAT GATSBY) and stars the legendary Elvis Presley! TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmqWusmzp0k BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: The film screened at the 2025 Toronto Film Festival where it was the runner up in the category People’s Choice Award for Documentaries. Next Best Picture says, “Certain to energize longtime fans and generate new ones for generations to come, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert is a masterwork of montage.” And according to the NY Post, whether you have a room in the house devoted to Elvis or not, this truly “Epic” concert film is an energizing experience!” PLAN: We’ll plan for a pre-show bite at nearby BRAVO around 5 or 5:30pm followed by a 7pm-ish showing on one of their larger screens. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised. Please list your seat number in the Comments below. Exact showtime and meeting details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

***THERE ARE BIG SCREENS FOR THE START OF THE WINTER OLYMPICS*** 👍 After being cooped up all week with this snow and cold, it’s a great time to get up out of the house and join us for a fun time at the Pint House!! **Come anytime during 4-8. Stay as long as you want. No set time*** **WE’RE NOW IN A BIGGER AREA!** It’s a chance to meet people in our age group regardless if you’re in your fifties, sixties or seventies! Retired or still working.

We will have our certified mediums available and you can receive 3 10-minute readings for $20. To keep you safe, we will be following all CDC and Health Dept. guidelines at our psychic fair today. Sitters and readers required to wear a mask. We will maintain a minimum of 6 foot physical distance during readings. Please, if you can, bring your own portable chair to use during your readings. Please note that we are at our wonderful new home at Unity of Columbus, 4211 Maize Road, Columbus, OH

Google is leading the AI revolution—don't miss your chance to stay ahead of the curve. Join GDG Cloud Indy for an immersive session where we bridge the gap between AI experimentation and enterprise production. We are thrilled to feature two expert-led deep dives into the Google AI ecosystem, designed for Cloud Architects, Developers, and AI enthusiasts alike. **The Lineup:** **11:00 AM \|** **Getting Started with Google Gemini** Speaker: Vaidehi S. Tripathi\*\*,\*\* Cloud Advisor, GDE, GDG Organizer (Cloud Indy) Focus: A walk-through of Gemini and multimodal models to boost daily productivity. **11:30 AM \|** **Google AI Studio vs. Vertex AI: The Path to GenAI** Speaker: Olga Scrivner, PhD, Google Cloud & GenAI Leader, WTM Ambassador, IEEE Humanitarian Tech Chair (Indy) Focus: Navigating the journey from rapid prototyping in AI Studio to production-ready deployments in Vertex AI. **The Perks:** 🎁 Exclusive GDG Swag for attendees! 🍕 Pizza & Soft Drinks (for in-person guests). 🤝 Networking & Q&A with local industry leaders. **Meeting Link:** meet.google.com/wia-ygtn-fmc Also, Check our Meetup page at https://www.meetup.com/gdgcloudindy/ See you there! This is a hybrid event. Join the event virtually at: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-cloud-indy-presents-level-up-your-ai-game-with-google-gemini/ or in person at: Zionsville Town Hall - 1100 West Oak Street Zionsville, 46077 *** *** **About the Speakers :** **Olga Scrivner -** PhD\*\*,\*\* a certified Google Cloud and GenAI Leader, IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Chair (Central Indiana), and Women Tech Makers Ambassador In this talk, we’ll walk through Google’s primary generative AI platforms: **Google AI Studio** and **Vertex AI**. We’ll explore what each tool is designed for and how developers typically begin their journey with Google’s AI ecosystem. Using **Google AI Studio**, we’ll demonstrate how you can experiment with Google’s **Gemini models** to create and test ideas, from text generation to image and video creation. We’ll also discuss how these early experiments can later connect to **Vertex AI** for production use cases. **Vaidehi Tripathi** \- Elevance Health \(Cloud Advisor\) Founder and Organizer GDG Cloud Indy. Google Developer Expert-GDE. Vaidehi is a Cloud Advisor at Elevance Health (Formally Anthem) and before that worked as Solution Architecture Manager in Accenture focused on designing solution based on Google Cloud Platform. Vaidehi is a Google certified Architect, Data, Network, Security, Developer, DevOps and Machine Learning Engineer. **Hosted By :** Vaidehi Tripathi, GDG Organizer Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-cloud-indy-presents-level-up-your-ai-game-with-google-gemini/.

A classic Italian road comedy that was so good the film ministry recognized it as "culturally significant." Starring Vittorio Gassman and Jean-Louis Trintignant, the film shows that for young men in love the rules of the road are only suggestions. And the rules for love? Hey, this is an Italian picture! Oh to be young and filled with joie de vivre or la dolce vita. A french/italian fun filled movie with a surprising twist at the end. Do you have a fun memory from your youth? Location TBD, but it will be in person for sure!