The first of two enormous boring machines that needed to jump over Allen station on Eglinton Ave W. has done so. The big lift of Dennis was apparently completed without incident. The other machine, Lea (named after you know where) will make the same jump overnight tonight. These two behemoths will now bore towards Yonge Street. It is a wonderful engineering event and much to be applauded but perhaps staying up all night might be too much like watching 400-tons of paint dry. Here we see Dennis freshly unearthed in a video capture from CP24 with a gentleman who appears to be sneaking up on the great machine to take a picture.

Yes, but at least they can afford to get there.

Authorities in Philadelphia say they aren’t sure why a man walked off a subway but a close look at the video seems to suggest he was distracted by his phone. The capture above shows there’s something in the man’s right hand as he cluelessly walks along the edge of the platform and then puts his foot where there is nothing but air. Down he goes and the injuries appear to be serious. He may have a broken back. In the video below a courageous fellow commuter jumps onto the track and some go running for help. But others are hardly worrying. Take a look.

CP24 is among a number of news outlets tonight suggesting that Toronto’s new police chief will be  chosen this weekend from between Deputy Chief Mark Saunders (left) and Deputy Chief Peter Sloly (right).  Either man would seem to be an excellent choice on his merit as policeman alone. Mayor John Tory was cautious today, saying he  wanted to see a safer, stronger, fairer community going forward.”  We can hope so but regardless of who becomes the chief he will be the chief of the entire city. It seems highly unlikely that a black police chief, however sensitive and smart, will be able to eliminate grievances that frequently seem fictional. As to fairness, the mayor might ponder why after decades of rigorous examination of policy the police service would not be able to claim that it is fair, period. It certainly ought to be and if it isn’t voters might like to know why. This is about the high duty which commands each officer to know that he or she is acting ethically before the exercise of authority. Authority flows properly when the police know and act first upon their duty.

Rosa Agostino (left) with staff of Caffe Doria on her last day of business

Here is a picture that marks the end of an era for people in Rosedale, Summerhill and other locales along the Rosdale Main Street BIA. On the left we see Rosa Agostino, owner for these 15 years of the Caffe Doria coffee stop with her staff. It was taken on Thursday, her last day of business. Caffe Doria was a happy place for coffee, tea and savoury food on the northwest corner of Yonge St. and Roxborough St W. Rosa Agostino has sold the business and the name to a new owner and for that many are sorry but wish her well in new pursuits. The cafe closed last night and has an indeterminate date for re-opening although it seems likely, but not certain, that the name will remain the same. As Peter Rehak, publisher of the Yonge and Roxborough News  has said, Doria regulars are anxious but hopeful that the popular café will continue to thrive. It had many group gatherings and meetings and was the unofficial office of Yonge and Roxborough News, also known to some as Roxy Blogger.

This amateur video of police descending on a home near the multiple shooting yesterday on Driftwood Ave is compelling. In the opening pictures there is a police officer (face blurred) holding an accused on the ground. On a cue of some type other police in plain clothes dash toward the home. There other arrests and apparently one accused is shot but not seriously.

A worthwhile opportunity to get garden supplies delivered to your front or back yard.  132nd Scouts garden products order form 

The late Emmy Duff

The Northlea Elementary and Middle School biannual blood donor clinic will take place Monday, April 20, 2015. This first such clinic was organized in 2003 in response to the diagnosis of leukemia in not one, but two Northlea students. The efforts of volunteers and ordinary Leaside citizens extended the lives of these two young people and helped many others. But it was a losing battle for Emily Elizabeth Duff, who died in September 2012 having been originally diagnosed at the age of seven. She fought a courageous battle and inspired thousands with her cheerful spirit and hard work. Here is what is said on the website of the scholarship established in her name. It gives you all the reasons you need to find time to get over to Northlea School on Monday between 2 and 7 p.m.  “Throughout her journey, Emmy’s remarkable spirit inspired those around her. With her never-failing strength and positive outlook, she embraced life at every turn, including her time away from home as a university student at Laurier.  Emmy was a fundraising advocate for a number of causes, sharing her story with those that were important to her, including childhood cancer organizations, as a Sick Kids Ambassador, for Canadian Blood Services, L.U.C.K at Laurier, and Look Good Feel Better. Em will be remembered most by all who knew her as a thoughtful and caring friend. Emmy was an extraordinary young woman with a courageous spirit and love for life.  This scholarship will not only ensure that Emmy’s memory is carried on but also provide the opportunity for others in similar situations to live out their goals and further their education.”