FRANKIE’S FAVOURITE EATERIES

If you know Polish people, you would quickly get to know that we are obsessed with soups. We have hundreds of them, literally. Cauliflower, pickle, chicken, beef, borscht, sorrel, mushroom, goulashes, pea, tripe, tomato, sour rye and so many that are hard to directly translate. Many can be found as specials at Polonez, Arkady, and Hastings Snack Bar which I've been known to frequent but most people don't love soup like I do. So, Toronto is one of those cities that has many pho spots which have become a staple in the city but also a big love of mine. I probably have one pho a week for sure. With this cold weather that has come down on us, I'm sure you'll be looking for a little pho. I live downtown and... I have my go-to's. Here they are in no real orderish;) 

Top 5 pho 

#Pho Pasteur (fantastic delivery broth, kids love this one)

#Pho Linh - Very Very tasty

#Pho Hung - the original Spadina

#Pho Thien - my top spot 

#Pho Ann Vu - Between Caledonia and Duffering, near Orfus Rd (Yorkdale area)  

TECH SPOTLIGHT

Google is taking a big step towards simulating the physical world with a new team dedicated to building AI models that can mimic real-world environments. Led by Tim Brooks, who previously worked on OpenAI's video generator, Sora, this ambitious new initiative under Google DeepMind aims to push the boundaries of AI. The goal? To create “massive generative models” that can not only generate images and text but also simulate entire 3D worlds, from interactive video games to complex real-time environments. While other companies are racing to develop world models, Google’s vision includes transforming industries like gaming and robotics, even if creatives have mixed feelings about the growing role of AI. So, whether you're a gamer, animator, or tech enthusiast, it’s a space to watch closely as Google embarks on this exciting AI adventure!

Check it Out!

REAL ESTATE SPOTLIGHT

I think this one has a lot of potential. I think you need a higher fence on the one side but, if you live downtown and you're looking for a pool then this is a no brainer. 

The upside is you could likely put up a second story on that wide garage and with 150k inside you’ve got a great house. I don't live next door but maybe you need to overlook the nursing home - maybe it's a plus. Not sure. 

Check it out!

TENNIS TIP OF THE WEEK BY GRAND SLAM PETER

WORD OF THE WEEK

Tome

What It Means

Tome is a formal word for a book, and especially a very large, thick, often scholarly book.

OTHER POSH THINGS

A Week of Alpine Magic in Tignes, France

This Christmas, we swapped London’s gray skies for the snowy peaks of Tignes, a gem in the French Alps. Flying into Lyon, we spent an enchanting evening exploring the historic streets of Vieux Lyon filled with the old-world charm of cobbled alleys and Renaissance architecture. The next morning, a private minivan whisked us up the winding mountain roads to Tignes—a three-hour ascent into a winter wonderland.

Blanketed in pristine snow, the high-altitude resort was truly magical especially during the festive season, with its twinkling lights and alpine charm and of course, the cozy scent of chimney smoke floating around the fresh mountain air! We stayed at the all-inclusive Club Med hotel which made the experience seamless, with its ski-in, ski-out convenience (literally 3 different ski lifts at the doorstep: Bollin, Fresse, Tichot) and very festive après-ski vibes featuring hot charcuterie cooked right on the snow, paired with a shot of génépi, a fragrant alpine liqueur – or a cup of hot chocolate with a very generous selection of delicious Savoie cheese.

As a self-confessed beginner on the slopes (green and blue runs are my comfort zone), I couldn’t have been in better hands than with the expert and very handsome French instructors from ESF (École du Ski Français). They tailored lessons to my ability guiding me (patiently) down slopes while taking in breathtaking views of Mont Blanc.

Admittedly, my favourite part of the week was an indulgent afternoon spent in the outdoor jacuzzi, surrounded by snowcapped peaks. For an extra dose of mountain revelry, a visit to the iconic La Folie Douce near Val d’Isère offered a DJ, mulled wine, and high-altitude fun. I also treated myself to a fabulous new ski jacket from Poivre Blanc, found in the charming shops of Val Claret. With its mix of festive cheer, stunning views, and cozy luxury, I absolutely love Tignes!

By Nirit AKA “Paris Popcorn” - Check her out here!

FRANKIE’S SONG OF THE WEEK

What a great song above. I wish I could hear my daughter Perle sing it.  

Listen to it Here!

100 WEEKS OF POSITIVE MESSAGES

Frankie did 100 days of positive messages 3 years ago. He wanted to center them around mental health and positivity. We will post them each week for 100 weeks.

“This line was often used by a friend/mentor of mine and is a big part of my vocabulary.

This can be used in relationships, in business and life in general.

When you think about your life, the truth is it all about the way you frame your story.

If you sit and dwell on your problems you will find more and more of them. But if you take that problem and reframe it and use it as an opportunity to grow your relationship, your mindset or your business then you will have just beat it.

Problems can be opportunities, never forget that”

TRIVIA

Category: Unusual Laws Around the World!

UPCOMING SPORTS EVENTS

WEATHER THIS WEEK

TORONTO

MIAMI

PARIS

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Proverbs From Different Countries:

1. "He who shakes his neighbor's house will have his own house shaken." (Swiss Proverb)

2. "If a person eats his fill, he cannot taste the bread." (Scottish Proverb)

3. "If you don't know how to smile, don't open a shop." (Chinese Proverb)

4. "Good looks are the strongest recommendation." (English Proverb)

5. "Doing good deeds without expectation of reward is like pouring perfume into the sea." (Polish Proverb)

6. "To know the progress of a nation, look at its women." (French Proverb)

7. "We often see things differently because we only read the title." (American Proverb)

8. "Other people's mistakes are always clearer than our own." (Russian Proverb)

9. "Contentment is half of happiness." (Italian Proverb)

10. "Every man creates his own destiny." (English Proverb)

11. "Adorn your mind with knowledge, not your body with jewels." (Chinese Proverb)

12. "Self-love is the child of ignorance." (Spanish Proverb)

13. "Love that depends on gifts is always hungry." (English Proverb)

14. "Beware of the woman who talks about her virtues and the man who talks about his honesty." (French Proverb)

15. "Love your wife and confide in your mother." (Irish Proverb)

16. "Make your child a prince for five years, a slave for ten years, and a friend thereafter." (Hindi Proverb)

17. "Being human is easy; being a man is difficult." (Russian Proverb)

18. "My family taught me to speak, and people taught me to be silent." (Czechoslovak Proverb)

19. "He who looks at people with knowledge hates them; he who looks at them with reality forgives them." (Italian Proverb)

20. "Anger is a strong wind that blows out the lamp of reason." (American Proverb)

21. "Those who give should not speak of their giving; those who receive should." (Portuguese Proverb)

22. "A large tree gives more shade but fewer fruits." (Italian Proverb)

23. "Put your worries in a torn pocket." (Chinese Proverb)

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Super Frankie is lazy. He loves technology because it makes life more simple. Technology is spawned from ideas that make life easier. He is the founder of Busys.ca which is a company that sells/leases and services printers, laptops, document management software, copiers, IT services, and phone systems throughout North America and Europe.

LET’S CONNECT

*These articles, jokes, and stories are written by individuals handpicked by SFD for their unique way of thinking and writing. While SFD appreciates their styles, he does not necessarily endorse their opinions. This newsletter is designed to bring a smile to your face. If you prefer not to receive this weekly newsletter, please feel free to unsubscribe. You will be missed