British bookmakers are calculating the odds on names for the new royal baby. One firm says there have been two $500-pound wagers on the name Alice, if the baby is a girl. It appears the name is popular. On the male side, James is getting action. British punters are placing bets on the royal baby’s name, gender, weight and precise birth date in the countdown to the arrival of the second child of Prince William and his wife Kate. The baby is expected in late April. Bookmakers say thousands of wagers have been placed on virtually everything connected to the baby who will be fourth in line to the British throne. Bookmaker William Hill said the bulk of bets were for a girl.

Rev Debra Schneider, Josh Matlow and SERRA pres. Geoffrey Jones cut 50th year cake

The South Eglinton Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (SERRA) held its 50th Annual General Meeting Thursday night at Manor Road United Church, 204 Manor Road. Attendance was good with residents and interested parties taking nearly all the chairs in the church’s large upstairs Great Hall. There was a cake-cutting to mark the occasion and later Reverend Debra Schneider spoke briefly, saying that this was also Manor Road’s 90th anniversary. She invited all to attend a service Sunday, April 26, 2015 affirming the church’s progressive status (LGBTQ) and attend a lunch and reception following.

Councillor Josh Matlow (Ward 22) was the keynote speaker and reviewed matters. He called the compromise on the height of the Art Shoppe condominiums an important precedent for Yonge St development. The plan was reduced from two towers of 38 and 29 storeys to 28 and 12 stories. The south side mid-rise level was a vital tool “going south” on the east side of Yonge down to Davisville. This area is ripe for development and it was the sense of the councillor’s remarks that the heights might now be kept to mid-rise levels. He spoke disparagingly of other developments in the streets south of Eglinton.  He said the “egregious” development at 33 Holly-44 Dunfield planned to give condominium owners access to pools and similar amenities but renters would be denied access.

Matlow touched on the Brown Group proposal for Bayview Ave between Soudan Ave. and Hillsdale Ave. saying that nine storeys, as proposed, was too high and that there would be no approval at that height. “We do not want to set a precedent along Bayview,” he said. The Glebe Manor Lawn Bowling Club stand-off (our word) was a long-term project. The Councillor suggested that if the land can be had for a price that is reasonable it will become parkland. It appears the present “owner” is looking for more. The transaction by which certain board members took possession of the land and sold it remains a difficult matter in logic. (Bulldog)

Premier and Minister Sousa

The Ontario government is targeting education and healthcare as it tries to turn its ship toward reduced spending. The pressure is on to find a balanced budget by 2017-2018. The plans have the potential see to teacher and nurses on strike. Ontario accounts for about 40 percent of the country’s economy and is projected to run a deficit of C$8.5 billion ($7 billion) in the 2015-2016 fiscal year. This year’s shortfall had been projected at C$8.9 billion, with lower tax revenues offset by asset sales, including the planned sale of 60 percent of Hydro One, the province’s electricity transmission utility. The deficit for last year is estimated at C$10.9 billion. Ontario’s net debt is estimated at C$298.9 billion this fiscal year, the largest debt in the world not held by a national entity. Credit rating agencies have warned Ontario to get its fiscal house in order or risk downgrades to its rating, a move signalling even more expensive carrying costs. Critics and  financial experts are doubtful about the Liberal’s ability to make the target. The government was defeated on its budget in 2014 but went on the win a surprise majority government. It promised to carry on with his programs.  The Finance Minister, Mr. Sousa, has vowed to hold the line against wage increases for public-sector workers, risking standoffs with organized labor, including teachers, who are set for regional strikes if new collective agreements cannot be reached. In outlining the government’s plan to build C$130 billion in infrastructure over 10 years, the minister said transportation congestion has cost revenue and growth. Mayor Tory commented on  the budget and noted that there is 8.2 billion budgeted to electrify GO lines, an essential element of his Sm art Track plan.

Sharon, Lois and Bram May 2014

Lois, of Sharon Lois and Bram has died. Lois Lilienstein was 78. Councillor Josh Matlow (Ward 22) tweeted condolences this morning. Mr. Matlow was instrumental in having the performers recognized by naming the playground in Davisville Park after them. Today he tweeted: “On behalf of our community, my love and condolences to her family, friends, Bram, Sharon & her adoring fans.” Last May the trio performed (above) to an adoring crowd of fans from the 1980s and 90s at the playground who attended with their children. Twitter  Wikipedia

Rather remarkable at 50 but this earliest of the Baby Buster generation (born 1964) has been chosen the Most Beautiful Woman by People. In any case, Bullock has some nice qualities. She is wickedly smart and likes to give her generous philanthropic gifts without telling anyone or making a fuss.