Raptor’s Nesterovic Proves Perseverance Pays Off, Toronto Housing Market at Risk: TorontoIAM

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Toronto Housing Analysts Feeling “Uneasy” about Market’s Near Future

From Toronto Real Estate Blog, our blogger reports that “the year has not started well for the Toronto real estate market.” Home sales were down 11 per cent for February, “while residential building permits were down by a significant 47 per cent in January.” Toronto’s market has been greatly affected by the “uncertainty over the U.S. economy, where housing values have plummeted in some states.”

The post points to a recent article in the Toronto Star, in which a reporter spoke with various realtors, economists and buyers. There was a pervasive “unease” about whether “the good times can continue – and whether this year will mark a turning point.” Housing analyst Will Dunning says, “If the American economy continues to go down, the greatest risks to Canada are in the Greater Toronto Area since we do the most exporting to the U.S.”

Nesterovic’s Perseverance and Professionalism Pay Off Against Sonics

What started as a slow first half for the Raptors, turned into a win yesterday against the Seattle Sonics (114-106), Raptors News reports. At halftime the Raptor’s were down four points in their fifth consecutive game without All-Star forward Chris Bosh, who is out with a knee injury. “But the Raptors found another gear in the third quarter, outscoring the Sonics 35-21 to take an 89-79 lead into the fourth.” Anthony Parker had 23 points, Andrea Bargnani had 16, and rising star center Rasho Nesterovic made his mark with 17 points and six assists.

“There were nights early in the season when the Raptor's Rasho Nesterovic didn't play at all,” writes our blogger in the post. “Rather than sulk postgame, the veteran center would head upstairs to the practice gym and run.” Coach Sam Mitchell praises Nesterovic’s professionalism. “He never complains and is always ready to play. That's something our young players need to learn from.” Yesterday’s game was the third out of the last five in which Nesterovic scored at least 16 points. Toronto is now “4-6 without Bosh this season, and 2-3 during his current injury.” Bosh’s injury could keep him “out of some, if not all, of the five games on the upcoming West Coast trip,” which they open against the Lakers in LA, then continue on to Golden State, Denver, Sacramento and Utah.

Sprockets International Film Festival Focuses on Family Entertainment

Blog TO writer Sameer announces that tickets go on sale tomorrow for Sprockets, Toronto’s International Film Festival for Children, and he warns that you better get your tickets in advance. “While many film festivals in the city have certain screenings that are suitable for the younger set, Sprockets is the only one specifically geared towards children.” Sprockets is in its eleventh year and brings films from around the world to Toronto. Last year, the festival hosted 5,600 local youth.

According to the post, “the Family Programme is a weekend-long festival with workshops, film screenings, and special events geared towards the whole family, all taking place this year at Canada Square.” Family Programe tickets are available starting tomorrow and “members of the public can purchase tickets for school screenings starting on April 4th.” Sameer recommends checking out the screenings, in particular Ole Bornedal's The Substitute, a recent hit at TIFF.

Current Issue of Toronto Life Focuses on Local Restaurant Scene

A recent post by Greg Clow at Taste TO announces that the April issue of Toronto Life is here, and reminds us that any “self-respecting Toronto foodie” knows that means “it’s time for James Chatto’s list of the city’s Best New Restaurants for the last year.” It’s no surprise, he continues in his post, that Chatto’s number one choice is Lucien and that the rest of the list contains “pretty much every heavily buzzed restaurant that opened in 2007.” Sidebars in the feature include “a look at the signature cocktails of some of the chosen restaurants by Stéphanie Verge… and profiles of four multi-location restaurateurs by Chris Nuttall-Smith.”

The much anticipated and tasty issue also includes Sasha Chapman’s look at “Toronto’s increasingly sophisticated - and expensive - coffee scene.” As well, Chapman profiles the recently opened restaurant-bar extension at Atelier Thuet. “Signe Langford’s ‘Flavours of the Month’ include Proscuitto di San Danielle from The Cheese Boutique, hot cross buns from Brick Street Breads, and funky egg cups from William Ashley.” Langford also interviews three local chefs about “how they stick to their local food roots during the depths of winter.” A bonus in subscription copies this month also includes the Restaurant edition of TL’s CityGuides 2008 series.

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