Have a look at the Sophie Conran glass line by Portmerion for serving pieces and barware that are elegant and affordable. There is a large salad bowl, a large jug, champagne flutes, goblets, wine, Hi ball and Rocks glasses and a hurricane lamp. They go well with any style of dishes and of course they look fantastic with Sophie’s collection, also available at Homefront. 371 Eglinton West and 1579 Bayview Ave.

Here’s a must-be-noted news release from Charlene Kalia, Chair of Fundraising for the Leaside arena expansion: Paul Henderson and the Henderson Jersey Homecoming Tour will be rolling into Leaside Memorial Gardens to support fundraising efforts for the expansion of the facilities, as well as to meet fans and celebrate an iconic piece of Canadian history. The free admission traveling exhibit is housed in a 48-foot-long double trailer and features Henderson’s 1972 Summit Series Jersey, the hockey gloves he wore in that game, rare Canadian hockey memorabilia and interactive games and fun for all ages. Residents are encouraged to come out and enjoy the festivities. All donations received by September 25, 2011, day of the show, will be matched by SmartCentres to a maximum of $25,000. The date and time: Sunday, September 25, 2011, 11 to 5 pm.

We might all guess that Rob Ford could easily live with the knowledge that 50, 60 or even 75 percent of the City’s population just plain hates him. Surely what distresses the Mayor more is that no one — not one person much less a group — has said “Here is palatable alternative plan for balancing the City’s budget.” Why? It’s because there is no such alternative plan. Any solution to our debt will require sacrifices. So it doesn’t matter whether we like Ford, or find him too fat, or mouthy, or blunt or uncouth. He is not the issue. The issue, just as it is for Greece, is overwhelming debt. In Greece they have a wonderfully debonair and intellectual prime minister in George Pandreou. But that hasn’t helped the Greek debit crisis. Just as in Toronto, it isn’t about the guy who is carrying the can, it’s about the can.

The Rotary Club of Leaside’s annual corn roast was held under a brilliant September sky this day. Trace Manes Park was thick with families enjoying the games for children and just hanging out. Top, a good-natured lady let us take a picture. Upper right, a mean looking hot dog. Lower left, it’s shoes off for a twirl on the bouncy-bouncy (or whatever). Right, two ticket takers find this important job can also be tedious.

Residents of Southlea Ave must feel like they’ve been transported to some sort of Road Warrior World as gas main replacement crews have descended on them. The normally quiet little street is undergoing some local renovation as well. Altogether, we just respectfully say that it’s a bit of a mess.