The Bulldog

Ontario to get $1.25 billion windfall from Ottawa

Ontario will receive an additional $1.25 billion from the federal government next year, following a concerted campaign by the premier to get Ottawa to hand over more money in transfers. Premier Kathleen Wynne and her finance minister had complained that the federal government shortchanged the province in 2014-15 by $640 million when it unilaterally tweaked the transfer calculations. CP

Carols and Friends at St. Cuthberts December 22

A South Bayview tradition will return next Monday, December 22, 2014, when friends gather to sing carols at St. Cuthbert’s Church, 1399 Bayview Ave at St. Cuthberts Rd. As usual, the event will be accompanied by cider and cookies. A non-perishable gift of foodstuffs will be welcome for donation to the Flemingdon Park Food Bank. That’s Carols with Friends Monday December 22 at 7 p.m.   

Unconfirmed by CBC: 2 dead, 3 seriously hurt

Awaiting details of what has happened from police.

Yonge-Eglinton hi-rise condo sells for $649,800

A 1200-sq. ft. condominium unit in the Minto Midtown at 2181 Yonge St. just south of Eglinton Ave. E. has sold for its asking price, $649,800. It had previously sold in 2007 for $474,300 perhaps when it was new. Toronto Star 

Uber jacks up rate for panic-stricken Aussie riders

The Washington Post is saying that Uber responded to the hostage-taking in downtown Sydney by immediately jacking prices for a ride out of the crisis zone to about $100 Canadian. It later stopped this tactic in the face of media criticism. Uber tweeted the price change as the crisis broke. The company has defended what it calls “surge-pricing” as necessary to encourage more drivers to pick up passengers when demand is high. Uh-huh. 

Hostages held by ‘Islamists’ in Sydney cafe siege

Hostages held by ‘Islamists’ in Sydney cafe siege

Link to all leads related to the hostage siege in Sydney Australia.

Flames 12U AA champs in 5-2 final over West Hill

The Leaside Flames 12U AA are 2014-2015 champions after defeating West Hill Golden Hawks 5 to 2 this afternoon.  Nice going guys.  

New pictures show prince looking like his dad

Those who recall say he looks a lot like his Dad as a toddler. Maybe that should be no surprise. Mail Online

Shots fired in the night at Thorncliffe apartment

Shots were fired overnight outside at an apartment building on Thorncliffe Park Drive early Sunday (December 14, 2014) . It happened about 12:30 a.m.  Police said several vehicles were damaged but no one was caught and there were no apparent victims. 

Man’s proposal a disaster as crane falls on house

It happened in the town of Ijsselstein in Holland when a man thought up a thrilling way to propose marriage to his girlfriend. It all went dramatically wrong, even though the woman in question did  say yes.  The Dutchman’s plan was to lower himself by mobile crane into his beloved’s backyard. But the unsecured crane he used toppled into a neighbour’s house. Following the initial impact, more damage was done when the crane fell again during an attempt to right it. No word on who is paying for the mess.  Dutch media report the couple are now celebrating in Paris. 

Tory and wife Barbara join The Nutcracker fun

Mayor Tory and his wife Barbara Hackett do their part for the National Ballet of Canada by appearing in The Nutcracker. The Torys made complimentary appearances today as Cannon Dolls characters. It is customary for the mayor and other notable citizens to perform small parts in The Nutcracker. In 2011 Mayor Ford played a similar role. The Toronto Star   The Toronto Sun  The Nutcracker has lived up its billing for generations of families. This year the ballet company guarantees pure pleasure both for children and adults. “Bursting with humour, surprise, emotion and best of all, brilliant choreography, the ballet glides effortlessly from whimsy to bumptious comedy to awe-inspiring extravaganza to touching sentiment. It is a feast for the senses and the imagination. Tickets start at $26 ”