Month: September 2014

What to think about George, Ebola and stuff?

Did he care then?
Who knows what we should think about a $13 million wedding and Ebola and so on. Royalty spends $13 million on a wedding. Or, maybe not. Anyway, George Clooney is believed to have spent that much. In Venice. That is that a lot of gondolas. Does he still care about saving the world?  Does it matter to him if Canadian boys have to go to Iraq to deal with bloodthirsty terrorists? Oh it’s so hard to figure it all out. Are you anxious that George has married a glamorous “human rights lawyer”? The Mailonline said tonight: “The newlyweds have now been whisked off to their next destination — the plush Palazzo Papadopoli, Hotel Aman. The bridal party will spend the evening celebrating in style at the stunning 450-year-old waterside venue, which looks all the more romantic given its atmospheric lighting. Excited guests were met straight after the ceremony with champagne and canapes including polenta with wild mushrooms and prosciutto ham with figs, according to a source.” We thinking the guests don’t care the way George does.  Tweeted pictures

Harvest Fair a success under sunny skies

See later post

Toronto seen through its own sensitive navel

William Thorsell has a few interesting facts but mostly sensitive thoughts about Toronto in this Maclean’s article headlined Going in one direction, slowly. Some of his insights seem at least 20 years late. “For the first time in my life as a white, blue-eyed male, I am a conspicuous minority in any subway car I enter, as a wholly new population inhabits a world beyond the city centre. One has a sense that we live as tourists in each other’s lives, hoping for the best.” Maclean’s

Baby Show is on this weekend at Exhibition Place

For those in that frame of mind, so to speak, the Baby Show is this weekend at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place.  Baby Show

Harvest Fair today on Mount Pleasant Road

Looks like you can dress lightly and bring a hat for the sun today when you visit the Mount Pleasant BIA Harvest Fair. The forecast calls for clear skies and temperatures near 26C. This annual offering by merchants runs through the day and features many great family events. Just a few are a petting zoo, pumpkin pie-eating contest and a Dixieland band. See you there. Here the list   News release

Ipsos Reid: Tory ahead in all parts of Toronto

The Toronto election polling derby has produced another “win” for John Tory Friday (September 26, 2014). Ipsos Reid pollsters commissioned by Global News says Tory is leading in “nearly every region and demographic in Toronto.” NewsTalk1010

“Blue Jay” joins mounted unit at Rogers Centre

Blue Jay
Toronto Police have received their newest recruit to the mounted unit today from the Toronto Blue Jays. The handsome eight-year-old thoroughbred-Clydesdale cross has been in training with the unit for the last year, Blue Jay was presented to Chief Blair outside the Rogers Centre by Paul Beeston, CEO of the Blue Jays. Blue Jay was picked out by Constable Harold Williamson, who is a senior trainer with the mounted unit. Mr. Beeston thanked the chief for his service and said Blue Jay would now be a part of the service and was donated in appreciation of the work the police does. In accepting the horse the chief thanked the Blue Jays not only for their gift but also for their partnership over the years with the Toronto Police Service along with providing great entertainment to the people of Toronto. Chief Blair added that Blue Jay would be a valuable part of the unit and would be important in crowd control near the Rogers Centre. 

Macpherson Convenience store demolished

The little convenience store that became a landmark at the corner of Roxborough Street and Avenue Rd. has been demolished. The store was closed a few months ago and although it was well known for its prominent location it isn’t clear whether it was much of a business. 

City Hall, Gardiner both closed this weekend

Both City Hall and the Gardiner Expressway will be closed this weekend. In the case of the Gardiner it’s maintenance from the DVP to Highway 427. City Hall is labouring under an emergency repair job following yesterday’s electrical room fire.  Press release 

Ford’s class attack suckers the Empire Club

If he had written a script for them, Doug Ford could hardly be more pleased with the wounded response of  the Empire Club to his wild appeal to class warfare at the club’s expense. A spokesperson is defending the club as a place of fair-minded discussion of public events. Honestly. Get a grip. If the Empire Club held its debate in a City park with a free barbecue Mr. Ford would still find them snooty fat cats who are out to screw the people. He must be the defender and guardian of the people to weld Ford Nation together. It does seem desperate.

Mr. Ford’s class warfare campaign — Part 2

Doug Ford has pulled out of the Empire Club debate of mayoral candidates scheduled for this noon hour (Friday, September 25, 2014) saying by email that he is a candidate of the people and that the Empire Club is an elitist place where ordinary people are not invited and cannot afford to go. Tables apparently cost $800 each for the debate. The naked appeal to envy and resentment seems breathtaking. Ford’s withdrawal comes less than an hour before the event was to take place. It is clear, however, based on his slashing attack earlier this week on John Tory’s pedigree, rather than his ability,  that Doug Ford believes this desperate tactic can win the election for him. Class warfare Part 1   Ford suckers Empire Club 

Soccer stabbing a “mental-heath” incident?

The CBC says it has been told that “mental-health issues may be involved” in the unprovoked stabbing of an 11-year-old during a soccer training session in Conception Bay South in Newfoundland.  Police have arrested a 19-year-old, CBC