Shirin Delsooz

My Life Adventures and Thoughts

Homelessness in the Suburbs

Suburban Homelessness

A homeless woman soliciting cars at the red light by Yorkdale Mall, in the suburbs of Toronto.

Homeless Suburbanite Man

Her partner soliciting cars on the other side of the street. His sign says he is hungry.

As I was walking towards one of Toronto’s snazziest malls in the suburbs, I couldn’t help but notice a couple on the intersection stopping cars for money. Their signs that read “HOMELESS” and “HUNGRY” were written very legibly on good quality paper. They undoubtedly looked more well groomed than the stereotypical homeless guy.  But at the same time their looks indicated despair.

Not everyone down on their luck is a toothless haggard.

The couple made me think of the many who are well educated and hardworking but somehow still fell through the cracks of the system. There can’t possibly be jobs for everyone. We don’t hear about those people because not everyone who is homeless necessarily begs for money.

The couple also made me think of poverty in relation to location. Homelessness isn’t a phenomena that only occurs in downtown. You can lose your job in a factory in the suburbs, inner burbs and rural areas.

Of course, there is more factors that come into play on the issues of homelessness. These were just some thoughts that occurred to me as I passed by them.

Homelessness is a very complex issue, and merits very complex answers.

Regardless, when I asked the couple if I could take their picture (shown above), they were very thrilled. This may be because this was the first time in a while anyone had any interest in them…

American Eagle Also Forgot “u”

AmericanEagleDisplay

American Eagle merchandise display in Canada does not comply with Canadian spelling!

AmericanEagleMerchandiseDisplay

I know I write extensively on the issue of American companies disregarding Canadian spelling in their marketing displays, but I can’t help it. In my present circumstance in life, I have to walk by a mall every morning and afternoon five days a week, and seeing the letter “u” omitted from common words like “colour” and “neighbour” is like a major slap in my face.

Here is what I wrote to American Eagle just now:

The Canadian store displays currently at American Eagle does not comply with Canadian spelling. The word “favorite” is repeatedly posted on the display, when it should have been spelled “favourite”, with the “u”.

The error, though a small one, just shows how much you respect your Canadian customers.

I will be posting this story on my blog as a sort of push for you to correct this ASAP. I will also be posting the response I get, so hopefully it will be good.

My blog also has the picture of the display I am referring to at. http://www.vanessadelsooz.ca.

Celtic College in Goderich – Class of 2010 My Review and Reflections

I JUST came back from the Celtic College in Goderich, Ontario, and I’m so excited to be warped onto the internet to share my story with the online public. So here it goes… allow me to unfold this story picture by picture.

At the Livery for registration in Goderich

My travels begin with signing in at The Livery to get my information package. I was greeted by the friendliest coordinators, they were happy to give me directions around the neighbourhood even though it may have been the millionth time they repeated it that day.

The Livery, a beautiful venue made from stone, was a great starting point to our trip. It was once a stable in the 1840’s and is one of many other relics in the town from way back when. My friend “S” and I are mesmerized by this old town charm and continue to roam around to absorb it all.

Window Display at the Livery

I’m impressed with this town’s commitment to music and the arts. Other than the Livery, the town was complete with a music shop, a co-op art gallery, and countless antique shops. Even the coffee shop sold music instruments. The town’s commitment into preserving the things from the past just added more to its character. It’s no wonder they have a reputation for being Canada’s prettiest town.

Once a working light house in Goderich

This old town charm definitely has rubbed on its inhabitants. You could see it on the detailing of people’s homes and in their cars. This picture is one of many old fashioned automobiles I saw around town.

Old school car in Goderich.

The downside to Goderich is that there is no public means of transit to get there. Stef, Bronwin and I were lucky enough to get a ride. The next best way would have been to take a bus to Stratford and from there hitchhike to Goderich.  This picture below shows a train station that used to pass by. It’s been cut off eon’s ago, which consequently cuts off the town from a whole entire market of people, and erasing itself off the map.

This was once a train station in Goderich. Today, there is no means of getting to Goderich with public transit.

Another downer to Goderich was the cheap discount stores. Juxtaposed against these pretty boutiques and homes really took away from the experience. But I didn’t make this any better, I’ll admit I supported this by shopping there the most during my stay.

A cheap discount store in Goderich. At least its Canadian and independantly owned (?)

Anyway, I really enjoyed the nature at Goderich. But be careful at the beach, there are a lot of mosquitoes that will engulf you and the beach surface is entirely made from stones. Keep your shoes on and proceed with caution!

Beach at Goderich

Beach at Goderich

And what’s a trip in rural Ontario without a picture of its vast farm fields?

Farm Field in Goderich

Lounging around the cottage eating local corn with good friends. Good times.

At the actual College itself, I’m overwhelmed with everything that’s going on! So many people, so much material to learn in the presence of so many super cool musicians!

They even have Celtic massages now.

And finally, I’d like to mention in closing one of the most phenomenal performance I’ve ever seen! De Temps Antan had energy like no other, they are super jovial and super talented and good looking. I’m so impressed that  I will dedicate an entire blog post just about them. I really encourage everyone to check these guys out. You can listen to their awesome songs on http://www.myspace.com/detempsantan.

Pierre-Luc of De Temps Antan bringing his hot edge to accordian playing like no one ever before. It's about time!

Critical Mass – Toronto July 2010

One of the highlights of my summers is the last Friday’s of the month when all my fellow local cyclists gather together for a friendly bike ride in what is known as Critical Mass. In the summer months, I’d estimate about a few hundred cyclists get together in Toronto. The strength in numbers means we can freely glide through the streets with hardly a worry of being hit by a car.

This month’s critical mass in Toronto was a bit unusual though, there wasn’t any police presence. It may probably be because the government exhausted the police budget on the G20 and realized cyclists are a harmless bunch. Regardless, it was a great Critical Mass this month! I had lots of fun riding on the new Jarvis bike lane, and riding along the harbourfront!

Thanks to the corkers who made it all the more pleasant experience!

What the…?

A guy came into the subway with the most unusual looking helmet I had ever seen. The helmet appeared to be home made, it had all this artwork on it with an owl sitting perched on it’s nest on top.

I asked him if I could take a picture of it, to which he proudly said yes. If I had more time in the subway I would have asked him why of all things he would put an owl on top of his helmet. I guess it will always be left as a mystery.