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Today is  World Toilet Day . It's a reminder that, in large parts of the world, the things most of us take for granted are simply unavailable. The next time you're going to complain about something trivial, it might be wise to pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and put things into perspective.

In Flanders Fields (by John McCrae) In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. ( The Second Battle of Ypres by Richard Jack) Today is  Remembrance Day . We remember those who sacrificed everything to defend the freedoms we enjoy. We should never take those freedoms for granted. Indeed, it is our duty to be vigilant against all forces who threaten those freedoms. Catch the torch and hold it high.

The  Bank of Canada  introduces new $20 polymer notes tomorrow. Here's what they look like: (source:  Bank of Canada image gallery ) They're quite a change from the prior notes: (source:  Bank of Canada image gallery ) and are dramatically different from the notes that I grew up with: (source:  Bank of Canada image gallery ) They incorporate advanced  security features  to prevent counterfeiting and are more durable. While $50 and $100 notes using the new technology are already in circulation, most ATMs only give out $20 notes (the most popular denomination), so many people would not have used the polymer currency yet. Polymer has a different feel to it than paper, so it will seem a bit strange at first when fumbling through one's wallet.

Toronto is one of the top cities in the world for movie lovers. The annual  Toronto International Film Festival  attracts many celebrities, and many studios showcase important films at the event, before they are widely released. With great audiences, one would expect they demand and get the best possible cinema experience. However, downtown Toronto has just a single true  IMAX  screen which shows new movies, namely the one at the  Scotiabank Theatre  operated by Cineplex. It's a wonderful place to take in a blockbuster movie, with a huge screen, and comfortable seats (which appear to have been upgraded this year). There are great sight lines, due to the  stadium seating , and the sound system is fantastic. Earlier this year they added reserved seating, so that one can pick exactly where one wants to sit when ordering online. Downtown Toronto does have a retrofitted (multiplex design) IMAX screen at the Cineplex Odeon Yonge & Dundas location...