Blind Date with a Book

Location: St. Lawrence branch, Toronto Public Library
Date photo taken: 5 March 2016

Blind Date with a Book is yet another of the Toronto Public Library's fun programs. While the idea didn't start with them, branches all over the city have adopted the idea and made it their own. These books from the St. Lawrence branch are wrapped in newspaper (more words!) to hide their identity, but one sentence taped to the front provides a clue to what you can expect when you get the book home. With the weather so rainy right now, it's the perfect time to set yourself up!

2:10 Shadow

Location: Shuter St. east of Yonge
Date photo taken: 8 Sep 2014

I saw this interesting bit of paint on the sidewalk the other day and was intrigued. The colour and stark rendering are reminiscent of the lines and marks that appear on roads and sidewalks before construction teams go to work and yet the effect is whimsical. So what is this? Is it part of a city project tracking sunlight and the shadow effects of potential buildings? Or is it art? Further down Shuter Street, a parking ticket kiosk has been given the same treatment, but with two different coloured shadows representing different times. I haven't yet noticed these shadow markers anywhere else.

If you know anything about this shadow art, or have seen other instances, leave a comment!

Ceramic Barnacle

Location: Corner of building, Parliament and Mill Streets
Date photo taken: 26 October 2012

This is one of many little ceramic markers affixed to hydro poles, buildings and curbs in an area roughly bounded by Berkeley on the east, Front to the north, the Distillery site to the east and Lakeshore to the south. They come in various colours, although all tend toward natural hues (greens, blues, yellows and browns) and they're usually placed well below eye level. In some cases, they're on the ground - affixed to the back corners of the concrete pads that benches sit on in parks. I have no idea who made them, when they were placed around and what, if anything, they're intended to signify. If anyone knows, please leave a comment!