Leaside twins win first prize for well-groomed chickens

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hen Andrew and Matthew Patel of South Leaside were just kids they were frequently under the motherly eye of Marjorie Noakes, a neighbor across the street. Neither of the twins could quite manage Mrs. Noakes three syllable first name so they shortened it up to Muffy. She liked that. Mrs. Noakes is now a bright 91 years old and was delighted to be with Andrew and Matthew again at the Royal Winter Fair this month. It was here that the boys were showing their carefully groomed and coddled family of 14 urban chickens, a rooster and two geese. To their amazement, they picked up dozens of wins including two first-place finishes and a best-in-class. Mrs. Noakes was tickled to find that one of the chickens was named Muffy, a tribute to her. The inset picture is a charming piece of family history on all sides.

Entertaining account by Vanessa Lu

Some readers may have seen the entertaining account written by Vanessa Lu in the Toronto Star in recent days. She describes the meticulous washing and grooming routine that Andrew and Matthew pursued to get their birds ready. A fancy china cup from their mother’s collection was sneaked off to create a vinegar rinse, Lu reports. The Patel family’s road to urban chicken farming is said to have had various origins. The childhood farm of the twins grandmother in Slovenia was an inspiration. Locally a few visits to the Royal had created a fascination for the poultry competition. The boys will finish up Grade 12 at Upper Canada College next Spring and be off to university next year. This fall it was now or never for a go at entering the competition. Vanessa Lu, Toronto Star

Ontario conceded $468 million to teachers

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Globe and Mail 

Uber accused of having misogynistic culture

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Vox  New York Times 

One time CP worker gets 9 months for robo-calls

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Reuters 

Roads slippery around South Bayview at nightfall

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Motorists locally were taking it slow along South Bayview streets tonight as the salt trucks had yet to arrive in Davisville, Moore Park or Leaside. At sundown (4.48 p.m.) it was quite slippery on Moore Ave. elsewhere no doubt. Environment Canada has issued a snow statement predicting five centimetres this evening and overnight. Much of New York State was blanketed in more than five feet of snow this week. Erie County, which includes the city of Buffalo, declared a state of emergency due to the huge amount of snow. It is known as the lake effect. Buffalo always get socked with snow for the same reason places like Owen Sound are frequently smothered. The eastward travelling weather speeds snow across the lakes and dumps it on the first land it finds. In the case of Lake Erie, that’s Buffalo. Toronto has much better luck. The western shore of Lake Ontario benefits from the higher terrain to the north which often blocks snow headed our way. Video of South Bayview on this snowy and cold night 

Mayor-elect hits the wrong note on Uber

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Let’s be clear. The people in Toronto’s taxi industry are no doubt upright citizens providing an important service.  But only a dreamer would  agree to permit this industry to operate unregulated. There is no business more likely to invent abusive practices than the hackney game. That’s why it is important that the Uber (so-called) ride-sharing operation is properly regulated just like the rest of the taxi business in Toronto. This isn’t about trying to deny the reality of the Internet or any other modern device. It is about making sure that all taxis are safe and are safely driven. That cab drivers can find their way to City Hall and that tourists aren’t held up for added fares or dumped in the middle of nowhere.  Mayor Tory may like Uber but he has struck the wrong note by suggesting that those who want to see it regulated are somehow behind the times. 

2014 Christmas Kettle needs your donation

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The Salvation Army has launched the national Christmas Kettle Campaign marking the 124th year that the organization has sought donations from the public to help millions of Canadians living in poverty. This year the Sally Ann hopes to raise $21-million to work provide individuals and families basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter and other provisions. Contributions will also help Army provide life-changing programs such as substance abuse recovery, housing supports, job and skills training, and education classes, to help people find a way out of poverty. Commissioner Susan McMillan, Commander of the Army in Canada and Bermuda asked people to remember their donation will “provide a warm meal to a mother and her child, or put a roof over someone’s head during Canada’s cold winter months.” She thanked corporate donors: The army got $50,000 from Great-West Life to launch the Christmas campaign. Others include Loblaw Companies Limited, Walmart Canada, Costco, BC Liquor Stores, LCBO (in Ontario), Canadian Tire, Cadillac Fairview, Metro, Safeway, Save-on-foods, Sobeys and many more.  Hear Onward Christian Soldiers

Men wearing burkas rob Toronto jewellery store

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Two men wearing burkas — the black garment that totally envelopes some Muslim women — have robbed a jewellery store near York Mills and Leslie Street. It happened last Friday, November 14, 2014, at gunpoint. The men escaped with about $500,000 in jewelry during the five-minute holdup. One suspect was armed with a handgun and forced a woman employee to lock the store’s front door. The robbery took place mid-morning.

Leaside Jr. Wildcats defeat Team China 3-0

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Hard-fought exhibition play between the Leaside Junior Wildcats and Team China saw the local girls defeat the visitors 3 to 0 at Don Mills Arena Tuesday night. The International Women’s Hockey match was a useful experience for both teams. The Chinese Ice Hockey Association is taking the game seriously and was eager to have its team meet — – and learn from — a face off with a competitive Canadian squad. The first period was scoreless despite a Leaside penalty. In the second frame, the Wildcats capitalized on a Chinese penalty when Cynthia Cavanagh scored at 13.52. That goal was followed a few minutes later with another from Emma Pye. Katriona McNeilly got the last Leaside marker at 11.42 of the third period. There were some understandable teen nerves showing among the 15 to 17 years-olds. One Team China girl left her jersey behind at the hotel and had to borrow a red Leaside shirt from the home team. Sporting the name “Reid” on her back, she matched her teammates gear in colour only. Don Mills had its perimeter heaters going full blast but the evening was a chilly one even by the standard of the hockey arena. Many fans made good use of the Tim Horton’s inside the next-door Metro. Photo: Action in front of the China net. (The South Bayview Bulldog) Below, teams together by CDowdall via Twitter. 


60 votes needed, Keystone loses 59-41 in Senate

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The majority Republicans and some Democratic supporters failed to pass the Keystone XL Pipeline bill through the U.S. Senate Tuesday. New York Times

Toronto files injunction to shut down Uber taxis

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Many have wondered when Toronto would deal with the unlicensed Uber taxi operations. It’s happened. City release 

School trustees in turmoil, send cry for help

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Education writer Louise Brown says two school trustees have written to the premier and education minister to ask for help in dealing with  the Director of Education Donna Quan. It seems a sad spectacle as long-time trustee Eileen Atkinson and Mari Rutka, the board chair, complain about the apparently imperious attitude of Ms. Quan.  Louise Brown, Toronto Star