Ever wondered where you can look for old black and white Hollywood movies to rent?  Or how about that obscure documentary on a Mongolian Rat Pig?  Even that hard-to-find –and-no-longer-on-TV, TV series?  Wonder no more!  Turning The Tide is a locally owned business on 525 11th Street, just behind Lydia’s in a cute little Red house.  Yes, a house!  This ain’t no Movie Gallery.

  Turning The Tide not only rents out DVDs but sells a wide range of alternative and thought-provoking books and magazines.  While I was casing out the joint, I overheard a university student seeking some specific Social Work textbooks.  The helpful guy behind the counter found her the exact editions she was looking for, with some great prices as well.  And I’m happy to say that the DVD rental prices are very comparable (if not cheaper) than our big chain DVD rental companies around Saskatoon.  From brand new movies to old favourites, Turning The Tide’s got a huge variety.  

By they way, there is no such thing as  Mongolian Rat Pig.  At least I hope not.

Back to work, back to school!  If you are a student, then you are trudging back to school, brand new school supplies in hand, and seeing old friends.  Or maybe going to University for the very first time, and feeling a bit like a little kindergartner!  I am back at work, myself and enjoyed the weekend off.  My family and I checked out the Fireworks Festival.  As the site had indicated, the fireworks started at approximately 9:30 p.m. and so we tromped down through Kinsmen Park and past the Bessborough.  The fireworks started going off sooner than we thought, and since we couldn’t really see them through the trees, we took off and ran until we passed the Broadway Bridge and could see the sky light up with the fireworks.  It was well-worth the little jog.

 
Since my cousin missed the first night of fireworks, we visited again and caught a little bit more this time!  Our view from the Broadway Bridge was fabulous and there were thousands of people lining up along the streets and bridge.  My only nitpick was the “cheesy” choice of music that introduced the fireworks. … Brian McKnight’s “Back at One” was strategically set to go off with the fireworks.  If you were there on Sunday night, you’ll know what I mean!
Any other comments?

Everyone!  There is a brand new festival taking place in Saskatoon this weekend.  The Saskatoon Fireworks Festival will be hitting Riversdale, near River Landing on Saturday, August 30 & Sunday, August 31.  Tourism Saskatoon is proud to be bringing us one more reason to party!  There is a ton to do at this festival, including dancing, food, drinks, live entertainment and fireworks to ooh and ahh over.  There will be local food vendors on site from 4 – 10 p.m.  A Cultural Showcase will be presented at the brand new River Landing Amphitheatre, as well as the Fireworks Festival Tent at Rotary Park.

  As well, Saskatonians can buy tickets to the Sparkler Social at the Frank & Ellen Remai Arts Centre which will include catering from Calories, reserved parking, wine, live entertainment and a beautiful view of the Fireworks display.  To purchase tickets for this event, please go to the site

And for further info, check out the official site here. 

This past weekend I checked out the Rock 102 Cruise Weekend, which happens annually in downtown Saskatoon.  The Cruise Weekend Show n’ Shine takes over the downtown streets and displays cool vintage cars, tricked out cars, and a mishmash of various other vehicles.  Because of the heat (I believe it was about 30 degrees Celsius that day!) almost everyone was tromping around in next to nothing.  My friend and I even spotted a neon bikini top with jean shorts on someone in the Mall.  Quite the fashion statement.

  Yes, in case you didn’t catch this, I can’t say that I’m too into cars.  I mean, I totally dig my friend’s sleek Lexus that he had parked out across from Midtown, but I’m much more into people-watching.  I enjoy comparing the owners to their cars and see how they compare.  You might be surprised to know that a little old lady owns the coolest Monster Truck in the city.

Just kidding!

Imagine a place where you can get expert advice, buy top of the line bikes and bike accessories, AND get a bike repair done in 24 hours or less.  Not to mention, great prices!  And no, I do not mean Wal-Mart or Zellers.  I am talking about the one and only Bike Doctor.  I recently took my bike in to get a tune-up, and picked up a fender (which requires no screw-driver or tools, it simply screws onto the frame of the bike).  Not only the fender, but I finally invested in a fabulous Giro helmet that actually fits me better than my $10 Zellers one.  And of course, a bell to screw onto my bike and warn pedestrians of my approach.  (‘Cuz I’m a speedy biker chick! Haha…not)

My bike took less than 3 hours to tune up and it was well worth it!  I’m telling you, it glided and I made amazing time on my way home.  It almost felt like I was floating across the road.  Ok, not quite…Check out the Bike Doctor, located on 623 Main Street, just off of Broadway Avenue.  The staff are extremely helpful and you’ll be glad you dropped in!