Find your inner nerd
[attach]3631[/attach]It’s cool to be brainy — finally! Über-nerds like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs practically rule the world. Wanna be more like them? There are many fun ways to increase your nerd factor. So, fasten your suspenders, grab your iPad and explore the city geek-style this month!
Out of This World
If you’re looking to catch a scientific exploration flick with the kiddies during March Break, head straight for the Ontario Science Centre’s IMAX Dome (770 Don Mills Rd.), where you can watch a movie on a screen 4,500 times bigger than the one you have sitting in your living room.
Among the films playing in March at the Dome is Hubble, the seventh awe-inspiring film from the award-winning IMAX space team. Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, the film offers a unique look into the Hubble space telescope’s legacy. Accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. For other movie listings, showtimes and ticket prices, [url=http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/imax]click here[/url].
Speaking of the Ontario Science Centre, there are a multitude of activities taking place over the month of March. Check out its [url=http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca]main page[/url] to browse through a huge listing of hands-on activities, indoor camping events and ongoing exhibits.
Toga Time
Get in touch with your classic Greek philosopher side on March 16. Locke Branch Library (3083 Yonge St., south of Lawrence) is hosting a discussion on the life and death of Socrates.
According to the Greek philosopher, the unexamined life is not worth living. So join a discussion of Socrates’ often puzzling ideas and arguments, as well as an overview of his trial and his remarkable defence speech. 6:30–8:30 p.m. 416-393-7730.
Now, if you’re more of a bookworm who likes to chat with like-minded folk, there’s Tea and Books at Bayview branch library, 2901 Bayview Ave. Participate in a lively discussion of new books and old favourites, featuring works from this year’s author of the One Book selection highlighted at the Keep Toronto Reading Festival. Light refreshments will be served. 2:30-3:30 p.m. 416-395-5460.
I’ll take Trivia for $100, Alex
Your brain is a muscle. Exercise it!
Many studies show that mind-game activities help stave off dementia and Alzheimers disease. Luckily, there are plenty of places in Toronto to test your intellectual limits! Take midtown pub Fionn MacCool’s (21 St. Clair Ave. West), for example.
Every Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. quizmaster Terence Balazo is the host of quiz night, where teams compete to out-nerd the nerds in an intense game of trivia. Test your knowledge on everything from history to film, to sports and the history of sports in film.
Looking for more than just java and conversation at the local coffeehouse? Have no fear — Snakes and Lattes in the Annex offers that, plus access to some 2,000 board games.
Pay $5 to sit down and play all the Yahtzee and Scrabble your heart desires. The café serves scrumptious food, as well as hot and cold beverages — including lattes, of course. 600 Bloor St. West. 647-342-9229.
Brain Food
Geeks have many interests, which is why they can often be found sitting at their desk, quickly scarfing down fast food as they invent the next hottest app. But in order to be an intellectual genius, you must have proper sustenance! So pick an evening this month to switch off the computer, grab a friend and head off for a nice evening of fine dining and face-to-face interaction.
In keeping with the Greek philosopher theme, why not visit Greektown on the Danforth?
Near Donlands Avenue, you can find an abundance of Mediterranean goodies at Patris Restaurant (888 Danforth Ave.).
Share a plate of pita and tzaziki, or a roast lamb dinner plate. They also carry vegetarian specialty dishes, and seafood.
Don’t forget to save room for dessert — baklava!
If, after that, you are really in need of a digital nightcap, Cyber Castle Internet Lounge is just a few blocks away (859 Danforth Ave.). They are open late, and feature online gaming, CD burning, printing, fax and scanning services.