Bob Geldof: Band Aid 30 or Boomtown Bore?

by  • 

The Guardian newspaper has followed up on a jaundiced profile of Bob Geldof in recent days with a fairly jaundiced analysis of his plan for Band Aid  30. There seems to be a feeling that Geldof has run out of gas as a helpful agent in dealing with Third World issues — in this case Ebola. As the Guardian sees it, Geldof has plenty to say but most of it is stuck in the 80s. His plan to re-record Do They Know It’s Christmas to raise money to fight the contagion in West Africa is probably going to reinforce stereotypes that are not helpful. At least that’s what the Guardian’s thinkers say Many others may simply want some relief from the guilt dispensary that Geldof works so well when there is a microphone at hand. Guardian 

Monday’s Whitby-Oshawa byelection tightens

by  • 

Voters of the riding of Whitby-Oshawa go to the polls Monday to elect a replacement for the late Jim Flaherty. The candidates are attractive and it seems like a close race. The Conservative is former Whitby mayor Pat Perkins, the Liberal Celina Caesar-Chavannes, described as an entrepreneur and researcher.The Toronto Star takes a Forum Research poll showing Perkins with 44 percent support and Chavannes at 40 percent to be a dead heat, And maybe that’s justified by the margin of error. But to most people, it may be more like a close race. A loss here for the Conservative Party will be a hurtful thing. The riding is a traditional CP hold. Premier Wynne and many other Liberal luminaries have campaigned in the riding. It will make good television viewing Monday night. Toronto  Star
ANDREA HORWATH
Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath has easily survived a vote on her leadership at the party’s convention in Toronto Saturday. Horwath got the support of 77 per cent of delbrates.  

Christmas trees on sale at Bayview-Davisville

by  • 

The Christmas trees are out and on sale at the corner of Bayview and Davisville Aves. again, just like in the old days. On Saturday, November 15, 2014 the Davenport Nurseries unloaded the first truck at their new concession at this busy corner,  South Bayviewites will remember the many decades when trees were sold from this location by Garden Court Nureries  The truck arrived overnight so the selection is fantastic. Ask for Carla Rose. 

Couple of new boys at 2014 Santa Claus Parade

by  • 

These two fellows are new to the Santa Claus parade this year. They add a soccer and hockey element to the floats courtesy of Maple Leaf Entertainment and Sports. The big parade begins at 12.30 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2014. Previous post with times and streets from police

Tree lighting Saturday at Yonge-Dundas Square

by  • 

The tree-lighting activities at Yonge-Dundas Square take place this evening between  5 to 7.30 p.m. today (Saturday, November 15, 2014). They involve 52,000 LED tree and other light installations around the Downtown Yonge BIA.  The event is called Iluminite.  Why not. Aerial dancers will defy gravity, new costumed characters and a live band will keep things moving. Illuminite culminates with the lighting of the tree in the square. Could be good. 

Flooding in Hogg’s Hollow as watermain breaks

by  • 

The lowland gets the flooding, and that was especially true in Hogg’s Hollow Friday when a water main broke at York Mills Rd. and Yonge Street. This graphic picture show southbound traffic skirting the newly-created pond beside Yonge. See previous post below. 

Traffic lights, Redway scissor lift, Click & Collect

by  • 

That old Bulldog favourite the South Bayview medley is here again. Left, at Moore Ave. and Bayview Ave. the Guild electric man fixing the lights remonstrated that he was “not pretty enough” for a picture. We’re saying nothing. Then the huge scissor lift out in front of the Redway Road Loblaws is part of that store’s recent renovation. Inside, they’re telling us that (right) they expect the Click & Collect trial to begin within a week or two. That’s where you buy online and pick up the groceries later. 

York Mills Place condo flooded as main breaks

by  • 

Residents of the York Mills Place condominium at the corner of Yonge St and York Mills Rd. are undergoing a flooding ordeal Friday (November 14, 2014). A broken mater main has inundated their garage, lobby and cut off electricity — so there are no elevators. Many occupants are said to be elderly. Toronto Police Service Operations desk is warning motorists to stay away as well. Traffic is backed up in all directions. CBC  Photos: CP24 via Twitter 

Events coming up in Mount Pleasant Village

by  • 

In Mount Pleasant Village there are some interesting events coming up. Tomorrow, there will a book launch at Canadian Fine Arts Gallery at 577 Mt. Pleasant Rd. The book is Impressionism in Canada by A.K. Prakash and the event runs from 1 to 5 p.m. On Saturday, December 15, 2014, Mount Pleasant Rd Baptist Church will host the Jubilance Singers and Orchestra (below). Mount Pleasant Village BIA

Santa Claus Parade comes to town on Sunday

by  • 

The 110th Santa Claus Parade comes to town this Sunday, November 16, 2014 with many road closures. Organizers say there are more floats this year than ever before. Always fun. The parade will start at 12.30 p.m. and follow an established route east on Bloor Street from Christie Street.  It should pass Bloor and Avenue Rd early in the afternoon.  Read details in police directions

Erica Stark (Bissinger) formerly of Leaside

by  • 

The following notice is re-printed from the Toronto Star obituaries where it was published this morning (Thursday, November 13, 2014)  Erica Stark (nee Bissinger) was killed when she was struck by a minivan a week ago today.  Previous post. 

ERICA STARK (nee BISSINGER) Aged 42, lifelong resident of Toronto. Much loved wife of David; mother of Dylan, Gavin and Matthew; daughter of Linda Bissinger and Ed Bissinger (Carol Stanley); sister of Sarah Bissinger (Craig Anderson); daughter-in-law of Jack Stark; sister-in-law of Andy Stark (Sylvia Proaño) and Laurie Stark; aunt of Lennox, Camilo and Evan; step-sister of Hilary McMahon (Colin) and Allan Stanley (Lynn Pacarynuk). Missed terribly by aunts, uncles, cousins and little ones on both sides. Taken from us suddenly, Erica lived life to its fullest: travelling the world with her family, teaching healthy living and empathy to her boys, inspiring others and being inspired and giving her time, love, enthusiasm and unstinting dedication to the Withrow community. Cozying up with good books, discussing them at her book clubs, fostering future dog guides, cooking, baking, snowshoeing, brisk walks, yoga, Zumba dancing classes and spending summers and work weekends at YMCA Geneva Park, we will remember Erica for these and other pursuits that reflect her strength and passion for life. Erica and David spent 22 wonderful years together and she adored every minute she had with their beautiful young boys–always mindful of their health, safety and well-being. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, YMCA Capital Campaign for Geneva Park or the Withrow Home and School Associationn Visitation will be held at Trull Funeral Home, 1111 Danforth Ave., on Monday, November 17, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral will be held at Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave., on Tuesday, November 18 at 10:30 a.m. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.trullfuneralsdanforth.com

3-D bus shelter for Downtown South Bayview

by  • 

A crew from Bell Media’s Astral Out-of-Home Division was on the northwest corner of Bayview Avenue and Millwood Road this morning. When they were done, the neighborhood had a useful new bus shelter. It is described as three-dimensional which seems to mean that waiting passengers can get out of the weather on all sides. Some Astral shelters hardly deserve the name. They are canopy models and usually shoehorn onto narrow sidewalks. They have no sides or front and barely any top.