The South Bayview Bulldog

Whole Foods is about to open a chain of lower-price stores starting on the west coast of the U.S. It’s called 365 by Whole Foods and according to Consumerist, the cheeky consumerism site run  by Consumer Reports, Whole Foods is thinking about maybe putting tattoo parlours into these food stores. It is said that 20 percent of the U.S. population now has a tattoo of some sort but the phenomenon seems to have polarized the civilized world into those who have tattoos and those who would rather eat broken glass for breakfast. Consumerist 

You know it’s cold when Canadians complain about it. The staggering polar readings of minus 23 celsius will grip us overnight tonight and into Saturday but during the day it will get milder. Sunday is predicted to see a high of minus 12 and Monday a high of zero. .

Ottawa Citizen

Leaside Wildcats defeated Brampton Canadettes 3-2 in Brampton Saturday afternoon and in the process regained second place in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League. This video shows the second Leaside goal which was scored in the second period by Samantha Jones assisted by Emma Pye and Cynthia Cavanagh. Other Leaside scoring came from Kristin Della Revere in the second assisted by Megan Pardy and Olivia Reid and the game winner from Samantha Jones (again) at 16.07 of the third (not a  moment too soon) assisted by Emma Pye and Cynthia Cavanagh.  Allison Small in the Canadettes net faced 36 shots while DanielleToland saw 19. By that measure the Wildcats ought to have won by a larger margin. Take a look at the standings

Pfizer has recalled 124 lots of Advil liquid products for infants and children. The concern relates to possible inconsistent doses of ibuprofen in the products if they have not been shaken as directed before use. Health Canada says the products being recalled are Advil Pediatric Drops, Children’s Advil Cold, Children’s Advil Fever from Colds or Flu, Children’s Advil and Advil Pediatric Drops Fever from Colds or Flu. A list of the affected products and product lots can be found at http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2016/57140a-eng.php

Be my Valentine

Ann Brown is recalling today (Saturday, February 13, 2016) the thrill and the “sweating” not to mention the “agony boastfulness and discouragement” of trading home-made Valentine’s cards in public school. It was, as Ann recalls, a huge risk as it required kids to send their cards, unsolicited, to the boy or girl who made their hearts go pit-a-pat. It is a charming recollection and may be seen here on Leaside Chit Chat

The #PolarVortex will play a part in the dangerously #cold air ahead this weekend. Here's what you need to know.https://t.co/XvzNVX2H3b

— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) February 13, 2016

Good morning. What can we say except please try to keep warm.

Home Hardware, the Canadian franchise hardware store network, says it is determined to remain Canadian in the face of growing U.S. domination of the hardware market. CEO Terry Davis was on Bloomberg TV Canada saying that the St. Jacob-based firm will maintain its independence no matter what. These are brave words and welcome in the aftermath of  the takeover of Rona Hardware by Lowes.

FUTURE OF SUNNYBROOK HARDWARE

Locally, there is really no substitute for the small hardware store which normally carries an amazing minutia of bolts and bits that are seldom found at Canadian Tire. But it is a tough business. Time has seen the disappearance of  the Home Hardware on  Bayview Ave (Tru Value remains) and the end of hardware retailing on Mt. Pleasant Rd. The Home Hardware in Sunnybrook Plaza is very good. Where will it go beyond the end of business at the plaza when redevelopment begins? There are apparently a few years left for businesses at the plaza. Maybe as many as four. By far the best Home Hardware store within driving distance is Dickson Home Hardware at 2028 Avenue Rd., near Dunblaine Ave. It is a double store with a lower level full of metal components that is a repairman’s happy hunting ground..

HOME HARDWARE CULTURE

In his interview,  Mr. Davis said that Rona had wanted to buy out Home Hardware. “They have a different culture than we do. They used to have the very same culture we did, before they went public. It’s just a whole different business model, different culture, culture change, and no, we’re not for sale.”