The popular Tassimo one cup at a time coffee maker is being recalled in Canada after complaints that it spayed hot liquid and coffee grounds onto users. Some 900,000 Tassimo coffee makers are being recalled here and another 835,000 are being recalled in the U.S.The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says there have been 140 reports of problems with the Tassimo single-cup brewers dousing people, including 37 cases involving second-degree burns.In one incident, a 10-year-old girl from Minnesota was hospitalized with second-degree burns to her face and neck.The commission also says the coffee maker’s “T-disc” — the plastic disc that holds the coffee or tea — can burst while brewing and spray hot liquid.
No pay, no blogging, writers tell Le HuffPo
by •
In an over-the-top self-congratulatory message online, the HuffPost launched its French-language version in Quebec Wednesday. There is no mention of the several high profile Francophone journalists who declined to work for no pay Read all about it Those who pulled out of the no-pay job at Le Huffington Post Québec according to The Gazette: They are high-profile – intellectuals, leftist activists and politicians – who had agreed to blog, but pulled out when they found out they’d be writing for free. The list: Amir Khadir, Steven Guilbeault, Normand Baillargeon, Françoise David, Évelyne de la Chenelière, Jean Barbe, Philippe Couillard, Bernard Drainville and Pierre Curzi won’t blog for the new online news site. Two others – Vision Montréal leader Louise Harel and feminist activist Djemila Benhabib, author of Ma vie à contre-Coran – also appear to be absent. “There’s nothing we can do about it,” Patrick White, HuffPost Quebec’s managing editor said of the defections, adding that some bloggers pulled out for “personal reasons” like lack of time. Courtesy Rehak/Stuebing, Mostly Media.
Weston misspeaks about farmers’ markets
by •
Poor Galen Weston. Not financially of course but it’s a bit of a professional embarrassment for sure. Speaking yesterday Mr Weston said that some day farmers’ markets are going to kill someone. He modified that somewhat by adding immediately that he was only trying to be “dramatic.” Sadly for him, thousands of fans of farmers’ market as well as the trade association have assailed the young chief of Loblaws. Mr. Weston is executive chairman of Loblaw Cos. Ltd, Canada’s largest food retailer, with more than 1,000 stores. He was talking about building a long-term vision for food in Canada and how to capitalize on the demand for local food. Food inspections are crucial, he insisted.
Harper tells China: “Send us your tourists”
by •
Canada and China have reached reached agreement on a deal that will protect investments by Canadian companies in China. It’s the first of many pre-prepared agreements that will be announced during Stephan Harper’s visit to China. The two countries said they had successfully concluded negotiations of a Foreign Investment Protection Act. Both countries will now conduct a legal review of the agreement and then ratify. Ratification in Canada will include a review by Parliament. Mr. Harper also announced a new Canadian tourism marketing campaign in China. It will urge Chinese travellers to spend their tourism dollars in Canada. Harper launched the new tourism campaign — which highlights Canada’s West, including the Calgary Stampede — at the official opening of the Canadian Tourism Commission’s newly outfitted marketing centre in the heart of Beijing.Harper in China — it’s about the oil
by •
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has landed in China tonight with a warm welcome from the state media. CCTV, the country’s version of the CBC, went to some length to say nice things about Canada. CCTV pretty much reflects the government’s line. For Mr. Harper, it can only be a good sign as he unrolls a long agenda of trade and human rights concerns. But at the top of the list is oil. Whether to panic the Americans into building the Keystone Pipeline or get a committed customer from China — or both — the prime minister is ready to deal.
Demolition permit issued for 445 Heath
by •
A demolition permit has been issued for the property at 445 Heath Street East at Heathbridge. There is also a permit for the construction of new house at this site. The Bennington Heights home sold last year for $1,175,000. That was a nice uptick on the listed price of $1,049,000.
Leaside Invitational begins Thursday
by •
The annual gathering local hockey teams takes place from February 9 to 12, 2012 as the Leaside Hockey Association holds its 22nd annual Leaside Invitational Select Tournament. The tournament will feature 16 divisions from tyke to midget senior, with games being held at Leaside Memorial Gardens, Canlan Ice Sports and De La Salle arenas. Check the schedule at www.leasidehockey.com. Permit to repair Leaside Cleaners due soon
by •
An application was accepted by the City on June 13, 2012, for renovations and repairs to 1540 South Bayview. This is the Leaside Cleaners location and the City’s status report indicates that a permit is “ready for issuance.” This is very good news for owners Mimi and Phillip and everyone on the street. The shop was hit by fire in October.
Fans pan quality of streaming Super Bowl
by •
There’s a lot of criticism of the quality of the NFL’s online stream of the Super Bowl last night. One jokester called it a major step forward for TV. Here is another reviewer’s take.
Laugh Out Loud February 24, 2012
by •
Charlene Kalia writes to say that tickets are selling quickly for the 3rd annual Laugh Out Loud in Leaside fundraiser in support of building a second ice pad at Leaside Memorial Community Gardens. 80% of the tickets sold so the pressure is on to get yours. It’s great evening of laughter, music, food, and friends! Highlights include: MC David Sparrow, Leaside resident and actor/writer/comedian hilarious stand up comedy musical performance de la mer oyster bar delicious appetizers tantalizing desserts live and silent auctions. This event has the support of the full community (see sponsors inset)Auction items:
one week trip to St Lucia (air and hotel)
back yard “Grilltime” bbq for 20 including beer/wine
overnight stay at “The Briars” including breakfast, lunch and dinner
corporate box for Toronto Maple Leafs game
Date: Friday February 24, 2012
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: William Lea Room at Leaside Memorial Community Gardens, 1073 Millwood (at Laird)
Single ticket: $75
Reserved table of 10: $750
Email: charlene@charlenekalia.com
Phone: 416-925-9191
Online (by credit card, fee applies)
Download and print ticket order form.
Free streaming Super Bowl only in the U.S.
by •
Fans in the U.S. have been able to watch this Super Bowl free online from any device they choose. IPad or old clunker desk top. It makes no difference to NBC Sports, which for the first time has allowed the full game to be streamed live. It’s not available in Canada. CTV, which has rights here, and Mother Bell, have kept a firm hand on all that. No free streaming action for you captive Canucks. Not everyone could attend a Super Bowl Chicken Wing Party. Many fans would love to have seen the game on any available computer.
Homefront will carry Lampe Bergere in Spring
by •
Homefront buyers have now returned from an exciting week at the Canadian Gift and Tableware show. We are diligently working on updating our inventory. The focus will be the main store, Eglinton Avenue West (right across the street from the old Eglinton Theatre). We will be adding new lines and services. for example, Homefront will soon carry Lampe Berger. Customers have shown a lot of interest. The store at 1579 is in clearance mode and will continue that way until the end of March when it will close. We invite all our good friends to who like Homefront to drive the 12 minutes to Eglinton and Avenue road where you will find all the familiar faces and wonderful merchandise and service. We are also having a sale there right now. Trish Stuebing