An additional sum of almost $1 million will be required to make repairs to Pottery Road. Some $924,000 is needed to cover the reconstruction of a retaining wall which was apparently built too low. This resulted in instability in the earth wall of the ravine. The stretch of road that connects Bayview and Broadview avenues has been closed since May 24 to make improvements, including a bicycle lane. Back then, the city said the closure would end Sept. 5, but the road is still closed. The City now says it will be open by November 30. Previous story.
Clocks go back an hour Sunday morning
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Clocks go back an hour Sunday morning in the annual Fall Back routine. What a nice long Sunday morning is in store for most of us. But what does that extra hour do to the sleeping habits of babies and children? According to CTV, the author of “The Mother of All Parenting Books” and numerous other texts on pregnancy and raising children says that parents can expect kids to have a hard time adjusting to the time change, which can lead to sleeplessness, crankiness and general unpleasant behaviour. “You can’t just expect a young toddler to know you’ve changed the clock,” she said in a phone interview. “Most teachers tell me it takes kids a week or two to get used to the time change, and until then, kids are cranky, hungry, and generally out of sorts.” She suggests avoiding the hunger and crankiness by keeping a fairly structured meal schedule despite the shift in time — so if breakfast is normally at 8 a.m., it remains at 8 a.m. after daylight time ends.
TTC reveals pictures of new streetcar
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The TTC has released pictures of the new Bombardier built street that it expects to have in service on Toronto rails by 2013. Some 204 of the low-floor streetcars will replace the old. The TTC says the new cars are like many seen in Europe. They feature more seats, four-doorway boarding (nice) and space for carrying bicycles. Meet your new ride, a TTC website.
Tiny elephant born after 700 day pregnancy
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A great story from Whipsnade Zoo, the UK’s biggest, where a very small elephant has been born after a near record wait. Here is what the zoo wrote: Elephants are notorious for their long memories, but now they will be renowned for their lengthy pregnancies. Long-suffering Asian elephant Azizah was carrying her baby for 700 days – 84 longer than the average – and finally gave birth at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Bedfordshire, last Tuesday. It is believed to be the longest pregnancy ever recorded at the British zoo – nearly two extra months over the normal gestation period of 22 months. And the baby, at just 104kg at birth, is the smallest in Whipshade’s history.
Silver Maple on Bessborough comes down
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This wonderful landmark Silver Maple on Bessborough Drive was bowing to time today as a crew from the Davey Tree Expert Company cut it down. The well known maple with its interesting spread of heavy branches suggests a tree that wasn’t pruned in its youth. Workmen estimated the tree at between 60 and 70 years of age. At right, some of what will sell for firewood.
Electrical “upgrades” take a nasty turn
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Today saw a man with a particularly aggressive style visiting shops on South Bayview. He was promoting smart metres. His behaviour, which was argumentative and loud, reflects a recent change for the worse by those who want to interrupt business to sell so called money-saving upgrades. This new and obnoxious attitude is probably coming from the top These companies have nothing to lose by trying to break down a merchant’s resistance with the most disagreeable conduct. In the recent past, some have refused to leave the premises. And sometimes, when the discussion is clearly exhausted, it is necessary to threaten to call the police to get them to leave. Something may have to be done.
Holiday window at Homefront on Bayview
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As promised, here is Homefront’s Bayview shop dressed in a holiday fantasy and showing the many over-sized serving pieces available for gift-giving, or maybe just for you. See the window at 371 Eglinton West on Trish Stuebing Homefront Diary.
Sinkhole shuts down Bayview north of Steeles
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A giant sinkhole has opened up on Bayview Avenue near John Street in Thornhill. It appears to have been caused by a water main break. CBC.ca
Global TV sportscaster wins lottery on the air
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You may have seen this very good version of the Global TV video from Vancouver in which sportscater Barry Daley wins the jackpot while the news is on the air. The story is full of wonder and particularly charming for the reaction of his co-workers on the anchor desk who telephone him to break the news. Enjoy
Rossi poster from 2010 “degrading to Italians”
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The Toronto City Hall press gallery has been asked to take down a provocative campaign poster that describes one time mayoral candidate Rocco Rossi as a “Goodfella” following a human rights complaint. Press gallery president David Nickle received the request verbally from a staff member in the city’s real estate division on Tuesday. Someone apparently saw the poster, which hangs in space that is rented by various news organizations, from the hallway and lodged a complaint with the equity, diversity and human rights unit in the city manager’s office. According to an email synopsis from city staff, the complainant believes the campaign memorabilia to be “degrading and derogatory to people of Italian descent.” The Goodfella ad was part of a series of Rossi campaign posters that looked like they were for a movie about the Mafia and used tag lines such as “wise guy” and “bocce balls.” The candidate, a first generation Italian-Canadian, said at the time that he sought to “turn the stereotype on its head” and capture the attention of voters. The ads failed to boost his polling numbers, however, and he dropped out in the waning days of the campaign. Nickle told the National Post that the press gallery will keep the poster up for now, but has closed the door so anyone walking by cannot see it. “It’s fair to say that we question whether this is actually an offensive piece of material,” he said.
Rogers declares end to TV bundles
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Rogers Communications is going to let subscribers buy their TV channels on an a la carte basis. Giving in to pressure from the CRTC, subscribers will be able to start with a so-called “skinny” package and add channels at will for a personalised channel lineup. “We think this Rogers-first is a very positive step forward for the industry and for consumers,” Rogers chief marketing officer, John Boynton, said in a statement. “We look forward to working with our content providers to measure the results of this trial to ensure it works for everyone.” Viewers in London, Ont., will be part of a four-month trial for the so-called “pick and pay” cable service. Starting with a baseline package of must-carry and other standard channels for $20 per month, users can then add on additional channels in groups of 15, 20 or 30.
Concrete down halfway to Fleming
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Starting at Millwood Rd. workers have ripped up the inside section of sidewalk (next to the stores) and by Thursday noon are closing in on Fleming Crescent. Concrete has been laid for a distance of almost halfway to Fleming. Some scenes show (upper Left) Badali’s, upper right, the view north from the Mad Italian’s “patio”.Below left, looking north from Rosie’s at the drying cement and lower right, the view south as concrete is trowelled into place in front of Our Clothes Friend.