South Bayview Bulldog Admin

Millions observe Earth Hour around world

Millions around the world observed Earth Hour by turning off their lights between 8.30 and 9.30 pm local time tonight. It has become an annual event which was originated in Australia only four years ago. Here on South Bayview, members met to observe the hour at St. Cuthert’s Anglican Church. The above video shows the great metropolis of Hong Kong going dark for the occasion.

Walk and text chic on South Bayview

Let’s stop kidding ourselves. Kids don’t walk and text because they need to communicate as they walk. They do it because it looks cool. It’s visible daily on South Bayview as teens and twenties too act out the role of Texter in a Hurry. Well, it’s up to them until they get hurt. The invention shown on the right is designed (but not very well designed) to prevent text walkers from bumping into others, bouncing off cars or slipping under buses. Just a few of many possibilities. Google pictures.

Pussy willows signal Spring

An early sign of Spring is on sale outside Passion Fruit on South Bayview. The so-called pussy willow with its fur covered buds (catkins) has long been subject to a fanciful notion that the buds look like tiny cats (pussycats). As reported in Wikipedia, the Chinese appreciation of numerous blossoms on a branch, make the many buds of the pussy willow a favourite flower for Chinese New Year.

Foundation in at 18 Lumley Avenue

At 18 Lumley Ave. in Bennington Heights a spacious new structure is going up in the March sunshine. The poured concrete foundation was almost completely in place when these shots were taken Friday. Left, the wild device used to deliver concrete from the street to the farthest corner of the lot. Right, workmen begin removing hardware that holds the forms in place. Lumley Ave incidentally is notable as the street on which Margaret Atwood grew up.

Tea Emporium birthday party

The Tea Emporium will celebrate ten years on South Bayview on Saturday, April 2, 2011 with an open house. There will be balloons for the kids and iced tea for everyone.

Martin & Meredith departs Bayview

The offices of real estate firm Martin & Meredith have moved from the space above the Coffee Time shop at 1213 Bayview at Moore. Sources say the move came about a month ago and that the company has found new offices somewhat to the west.

General election certain as government falls

The Conservative government fell this afternoon on a vote of non-confidence in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister is expected to visit the Governor General Saturday setting the scene for a vote early in May.

Rogers pays $275,000 for automated calls

Rogers has agreed to pay $275,000 to some schools after the CRTC took them to task for bombarding cell phone customers with automated calls soliciting upgrade business. Neither Rogers, nor Bell before them, admits doing anything wrong. They’re just nice guys giving money to schools. Here’s an idea. Give the money to the customers and don’t bother calling.

Look at these great steel canisters

We always hope we’ll have just what you want when the subject turns to canisters. These newly arrived shiny hammered steel canisters in four sizes are exceptionally good-looking, and very functional. They are sturdy, with tops that fit just right — snug but manageable. You will like the workmanship. Why not take a moment to drop into Homefront and take a look. 371 Egllinton Ave W (416) 488-3189 and 1579 Bayview (416) 485-2305.

Oddjects to open on South Bayview

Decor and oddities store Oddjects is opening on South Bayview in the location at 1643 previously held by Sharon’s Collection. Oddjects is a company which, according to its website, is located in Singapore and Halifax. Sounds like an interesting addition to the street. Welcome.

Police warn of car theft trend

Police in 53 Division have reported an increase in home break-ins for the same period compared to last year. The number is 65 compared to 49 over the entire division. Police also say that there is a trend to break-ins for the purpose of getting car keys and the stealing of cars out of driveways. They therefore are reminding homeowners to make sure homes are secure and that keys are stored out of sight. Overall, crime is said to be down in the division. South Bayview- land, as well call it, forms only a small part of 53 division which extends generally from the Don River on the east to Avenue Rd on the west and from Lawrence Ave on the north to Bloor St on the south.

Laura Newcombe wins spelling bee

Laura Newcombe, the Deer Park Public School spelling whiz, is just an inspiration. As reported in the National Post, Laura has earned herself first place in the Postmedia Canspell Toronto Regional Spelling Bee. Twelve-year-old Laura took the $5000 prize by spelling “heparinize”. It’s a medical term meaning to treat with heparin. That’s a substance found in the liver, that slows the clotting of blood. There were 74 other kids competing for the title and the prize. And they beat out 22,000 other kids to get there. Above in pictures taken at the Scripps spelling bee last year in Washington, the faces of Laura as she spells, watches fellow competitors, gets consolation from mom and savours a correct spelling. The Postmedia Canspell National Finals will be held March 23 to 27 in Toronto. Laura Newcombe will be there.