It is said that Mike Duffy portrayed the aggrieved victim to perfection in the Senate today. More important it seems, he took the question of Prime Minister Harper’s knowledge of Duffy’s housing expenses home to the prime minister. Duffy said that when the issue of his $90,000 expenses arose he was called to a meeting that included himself, Nigel Wright, the prime minister’s top aide, and Stephen Harper himself. Duffy told the Senate today that the order to re-pay the money came directly from Harper. He said the prime minister didn’t really seem to care whether Duffy had followed the rules or not (and that particular question still seems unknown). Instead, Harper told Duffy that “the base” would not understand the issues involved with the expenses. He wanted Duffy to repay the money. This puts Mr. Harper closer to the the deal in which Nigel Wright gave Duffy the $90.000 to repay the doubtful expenses. But Duffy did not say, perhaps because he cannot, that Mr. Harper knew what Wright was going to do. CBC
Work speeding ahead on 308A and B Rose Park
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Work is speeding ahead at the building site which was the location of 308 Rose Park Drive in Moore Park for so many decades. The 70 foot wide lot has been divided into two and the first of two homes is well underway (inset). This one likely carries the temporary address of 308B. On August 20 we reported on the removal of the heavy oak doors from the old home to be sold by Habitat for Humanity. The home was listed for $2,495,000 in September 2012. The sale price was $2,150,000 in October 2012 and the divided lot with addresses 308A and 308B were for purchase from Cimetta Properties together or singly, with or without a home built to the approved plans. No 308 Rose Park dated from the 1920s and was one of only a few architect-designed homes on the street. Previous posts.Rear-ender on Laird Drive blocks traffic for hours
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Traffic on Laird Drive was brought a half for most of the afternoon following this nasty rear-end accident at Laird and Commercial. Traffic was diverted around the collision at Commercial on the north and Industrial Street on the south.
Bell Canada will ether-analyse you to sell stuff
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Oh goody. Bell Canada says it going to analyse you on the basis of what it can find out about you and then show you ads and “offers”” that it thinks you want. What could be better? Watch for a chance to opt out of this Bell from Hell scenario. See what happens when a phone company eats Canada for lunch? Globe and Mail (may require subscription)
Silly neighbours appear to deserve each other
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In another time, the behaviour of these two people would be ignored. Now we report silly conduct down to whether the garbage looks quite right. May require subscription.
Afternoon mugging for cash on Overlea Blvd.
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Toronto Police Service report: A 30 year old male reports that on October 20, 2013 at approximately 1530 hours he was in the area of Overlea Boulevard and Thorncliffe Park Drive when he was approached by a male suspect. The suspect removed an envelope containing a large quantity of cash from the victim’s person and fled the scene in an unknown direction. A second suspect then grabbed the victim in an attempt to prevent him from following the first suspect. The victim broke free and while chasing the first suspect, the victim tripped and fell. The victim sustained minor injuries from the fall. Police are requesting the assistance of the public in identifying the following described persons in connection with this offence. Description of Suspect #1: Male, black, 20 to 25 years, 5’5” to 5’7”, heavy build. Suspect #2: Male, white, 20 to 25 years, 6’4” to 6’5”, thin build.
Tori and Cate Cupcakes to open on South Bayview
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Added Tuesday, November 19, 2013: The sign has now been installed at the new Tori and Cate’s shop on South Bayview. The shop is not yet open however neighbors say the company apparently is making a all out effort to get open soon. Previous story follows: Very shortly it seems there will be a new cupcake shop on South Bayview. The team of Tori and Cate has taken the premises at 1592 Bayview. That’s where Teaopia was located. The owners promise made-from-scratch-goods including “old fashioned regular cupcakes and cakes.” On their website Tori and Cate note that they supplied cupcakes to the Women in Film and Television reception at the Toronto Film Festival. The South Bayview Bulldog wishes this new entry on the street a very hearty welcome and good luck. We will be watching for their grand opening thisfall.
Or perhaps you would prefer no eggs whatsoever
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| Mercy, mercy |
Readers may wish to know that the group behind the chicken house expose aired on W5 this week is dedicated to Veganism. As such, it is entirely opposed to the eating of eggs regardless of how they are produced. This fact was overlooked by the CTV documentary that aired on W5. In this day of pretentious “full dislcosure” it seems like an odd thing to miss. The video showed chickens in conditions which a variety of agricultural authorities have said are not acceptable. Monday morning, based on information from the U.S.-based Mercy for Animals, the Globe and Mail ran a story suggesting that the Alberta farms in question supplied eggs to McDonalds. McDonalds has categorically denied this. The difficulty for ordinary consumers who would hope for humane conditions on farms is that the motivation of organizations like the melodramatically-named Mercy for Animals seems to extend well beyond animal care. It is reasonable to think, based on their beliefs and conduct, that they are in favor of the consumption of no eggs, no milk, no cheese and most certainly no meat of any kind. It is a view held by a minuscule percentage of the population and is a very poor starting point for independent journalism.
Orthodontist to open at 1600 South Bayview
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An orthodontic practice is now slated to open in the spacious storefront at 1600 South Bayview, former home to the Sleuth of Baker Street. We’ll have more for you on this new arrival as we get it.
Pop-up fashion shop to open on South Bayview
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There is pop-up shop news from South Bayview. A place called Where Did You Get That? will open at 1517 Bayview just north of Millwood. Ave. It will sell all new goods including labels such as Bella Dahl, Nation, Velvet, Graham and Spencer by Velvet, Pete, Portolano Cashmere Ponchos, hats and gloves, Love This Life, Chan Luu and more. Sounds like fun. The shop will open Wed. Oct 23 to Sun. Oct 27 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Port Authority chair leans toward island jets
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The Toronto Port Authority chairman appears to be leaning in favour of jets at the Island Airport. Mark McQueen has said that jets would be okay if they were — well — okay. He said Porter should not be permitted to exceed the current noise regulations nor create a “negative impact on the environment”. Mr. McQueen openly criticized opponents of the jet proposals saying they were using “fairy-tale suggestions” to describe the impact. The port authority is one of three parties to the agreement that prevents jets at the airport. The other parties are the federal government and the city. Mr. McQueen also warned that Transport Canada might order a 50-metre extension at each end of the island airport’s runway for safety reasons, regardless of the Porter Airline proposal. “We expect that as early as 36 months from now, Transport Canada will require every major commercial airport, including Billy Bishop, to install an extended (runway end safety area),” said Mr. McQueen. He was speaking at a luncheon speech to the Toronto Region Board of Trade.
Fletcher is walking tall on South Bayview
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Nearly four years ago in the winter of 2010 The South Bayview Bulldog made an acquaintance on the wide sidewalks of our high street. Fletcher the Great Dane has grown and now walks taller than ever when he’s out with his friend. Here he is Monday showing a medley of faces — sniffing (of course) inquisitive, mellow and inclined to take a nap.