Tiger at the Vet

Location: south wall of 170 Main Street, at Gerrard

Date photo taken: 20 February 2016

In October 2012 a new mural appeared at Gerrard and Main. It featured figures engaged in martial arts, which was fitting given that the building was the home of DeSantos Martial Arts, owned and operated by Veronica DeSantos, taekwondo and karate master and a member of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. When the gym moved up the street, the mural stayed. Some adjustments have been made to the doors however. The original mural elements have been painted over and each door now sports a fierce creature - a tiger in this case - along with a yin and yang symbol comprised of a dog and cat, the logo for the building's new tenant, Main Street Veterinary Clinic.

Flower Hearts

Location: Maclean Avenue
Date photo taken: 1 May 2013

I'm going to guess that these charming hearts are long gone but they sure brightened my day when I spotted them on the base of the street lamp posts along Maclean Avenue years ago. Happy Valentine's Day!

Time for a Pint

Location: Murphy's Law, Queen St. E. and Kingston Rd.

Date photo taken: 23 July 2016

Starting in the 1930s the Guinness beer company ran a series of ads based on zoo animals and their hapless keeper who couldn't seem to hold on to his beer. Images included an ostrich swallowing a Guinness, glass and all, and a sea lion balancing a pint on his nose. Most enduring of the animals however was the toucan. It went on to be featured in television ads in the 1970s and 80s and according to one business magazine, it became almost as synonymous with the brand as the harp on the label.  So even though this clock face doesn't specify the brewery, it won't be a surprise to many to see Guinness on tap at this bar. This campaign along with many others for Guinness was envisioned and executed by artist and illustrator John Gilroy.