World grief, defiance seen in touching photos

Photographs of profound meaning were taken in Paris today at the Unity March against terrorism. Inset German Chancellor Merkel, moments after arriving from Berlin, is met by President Hollande. Larger photo, they march arm in arm with other world leaders in expression of defiance to terrorism.

Watch the Paris Unity March LIVE

World leaders linked arms in Paris for a Unity March against terrorism today as tens of thousands followed them and watched from buildings. French President Hollande and German Chanellor Merkel were seen at the centre of a wide line of government leaders including Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu. and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Canada’s Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney was also in attendance.

Ontario PC leadership breakfast at Longos

From all reports the Ontario PC Party had a solid meeting Saturday morning as it heard from leadership candidate Christine Elliott. Thanks for these pictures tweeted by Hafiz Khan. It appears the crowd extended to the standing room.  

Money collected for kitten remains un-given

The Toronto Humane Society says it has not received a cent from the $9,595 raised by well-intentioned cat lovers to take care of a kitten named Pedro. The creature was said to be rescued from Highway 427 last month by a passerby, Mandi Howard. She said the animal was thrown out of a car.  She brought the injured kitten to the Toronto Humane Society’s River Street facility where it has been treated and recovered. All costs, totalling about $1,000, were paid for by the society The money was raised on the  crowdsourcing website Indiegogo but the program is now closed. Some reports said the collection was the subject of a fraud investigation but the police deny this. Police say they are not investigating Howard. In the statement, the humane society also said that Howard remains first in line to adopt the kitten – currently being cared for in a foster home. The society says it is concerned only about Indiegogo campaign and the campaign administrator, who remains unnamed. The case points out the ease with which money can be raised for animals and other causes without very much control over where it goes. Television campaigns for both animals and children’s charities engage in advertising featuring intense assessment of guilt as a means to make people part with their money. 

Twins in court on terrorism abroad charges

Twin brothers accused of attempting to go abroad for terrorist purposes were in court in Ottawa Saturday, January 10, 2015. Their lawyer, Joseph Addelman, said the two men will defend themselves against the charges. He declined to say where they might have been going because he said the Crown has not released that information.  He was asked the religion of his clients and he replied “Islam”. The accused are identified as Ashton Carleton Larmond and Carlos Larmond, 24. A variation on their correct name was published yesterday. The Mounties charged Ashton Larmond with facilitating terrorist activity, participation in the activity of a terrorist group and instructing to carry out activity for a terrorist group. Carlos Larmond faces charges of participation in the activity of a terrorist group and attempting to leave Canada to participate in terrorist activity abroad. “My clients intend to vigorously defend these charges,” Ottawa lawyer Joseph Addelman told The Canadian Press outside court.  on Saturday. “This is going to be a case that will determine the Canadian system’s value of freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, as these will be core issues at the trial.” The RCMP say the arrests were made on Friday with Ahton Larmond arrested in Ottawa while Carlos Larmond was arrested at Montreal airpott. Video embed courtesy CBC

Skin colour marks Tanzanian Albinos for death

How others live! This BBC report reveals the superstitious slaughter of Albino peoples in Tanzania. It is a story that gives the term visible minority a meaning more sinister than anything previously imaginable. 

88 Leaside bus is diverted Saturday morning

The 88 Leaside bus was diverted to the route of the 88A Leaside briefly this morning because the railway crossing at  Wicksteed Ave. was blocked.

Mounties charge brothers with terrorist intent

Leslie Roberts: An elephant-sized conflict

Explanations are being offered today by suspended TV anchor Leslie Roberts and by his business partner, Kashif Khan. They are trying to allay concerns about the elephant-sized conflict of interest on Mr. Roberts part for his participation in the public relations firm BuzzPR.  Mr. Khan says Roberts never had anything to do with the “media relations side” of their jointly-owned public relations business. Mr. Roberts avows he was always in “journalist mode” when working at Global TV. This may be true but it does not address the appearance of conflict that screams from the anonymous arrangement the anchor had with BuzzPR. Not even his employer knew. It seems unimaginable to most people in the business. Toronto Sun

If you didn’t know, the LRT will change Eglinton

Maria Vanta has written a summary of moves being made by owners and developers along Eglinton, adding some reasonable assumptions of how it will change this long street which still gives off a largely suburban feeling. Globe and Mail 

“DDS Gentlemen” will be segregated by class

Dalhousie University has announced that the 13 men students in its dentistry faculty who posted obscene pictures and writings on Facebook will not face an academic suspension for now, but will instead attend classes separately from their classmates. As immature behaviour goes, the self-styled DDS Gentlemen showed a breathtaking lack of judgement in the use of pictures of  women students and vulgar comments. There was apparent joking talk of the use of chloroform. Such reckless suggestions prompted the Ontario College of Dental Surgeons to say that it will interview members of the Dalhousie class to establish that each is morally fit to practice in the province.   

Virgin DJ, Sushi Dragon open Loblaws Leaside

The re-opening of Loblaws on Redway Road had a good start today as Virgin Radio FM 99.9 host Tessa (inset) was live during the morning. Among the fascinating food spectacles was this Sushi Dragon prepared for the occasion. The cheeky South Bayview Bulldog had some fun during the event by asking if Leaside was big enough for Tessa and the Bulldog. Who knows about the Dragon. But it was — and is. The store was sparkling as Manager Carlos Tereceros surveyed the newly outfitted location.  The maple syrup taffy pop rolling was a huge success. There was musical entertainment such as an opera-singing chef and gourmet food sampling. The first 100 adult customers to visit the store on opening day received a $25 President’s Choice Gift Card. This Loblaws location will continue to offer customers the convenience of a full-service grocery store, with a new distinctive food market-style layout that includes quick and easy grab-and-go meals and new premium and chef inspired food offerings.