Man falls to his death at Yonge condominium site

A man has fallen 55 storeys to his death at the Aura Condominium at 388 Yonge Street near Gerrard St. Friday. A fire service sergeant has been quoted as saying that the “metal clasp” of the safety harness failed. 

Sisters 16,13 found safe as described in latest post

Lulu 56 makes appearance on Thursfield Cres.

The terrific 1956 Chevrolet known as LULU 56 made an appearance on Thursfield Cres. in the northeast corner of Leaside Friday. Its owner, Craig Gill of East York, was on business there and we snapped these shots. Craig has had the crocus yellow and black Bel Air hardtop for more than 20 years and  runs it as often as he can when the weather is dry. LULU 56 has appeared in commercials and a long forgotten movie directed by Norman Jewison. 

Fix is in for sure as Mayor Ford beats Hulk Hogan

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford was in his own special world Friday, hamming it up in an arm wrestling contest against Hulk Hogan that somehow or other, the mayor actually won. How did that possibly happen?  Mr Ford could not contain himself as he told the crowd at Fan Expo Canada:  “I own this town, man!”   Before the tilt, the mayor played into the idea that this was a real contest.  “I don’t know if I’m going to win the arm-wrestle, but we’ll see,” he told reporters. “I haven’t lifted too many weights lately. We’ll see what happens.”  Hogan entered to applause and theme music. Mr. Ford came in wearing a suit and tie, but took off his jacket and tie in a show of getting ready. On winning (inset) Ford raised his arms in victory as Survivor’s Eye Of The Tiger played a victory salute. Ever the booster, the mayor then said: “It encourages people to come to this city, creates jobs and stimulates the economy. I’d like to thank the Hulkster for coming to town.”  Mayor Ford beats Hulk Hogan. So be it. 

Microsoft shares up on news Ballmer will retire

Shares of Microsoft Corp. jumped early Friday on news that Chief Executive Steve Ballmer was retiring, giving the tech sector an early lift.  Many peopole have believd the company has needed new blood at the top for years. Ballmer will be stepping down in 12 months

Blatch ticks off the 24/7 wind tunnel over “expert”

Christie Blatchford with a typically entertaining dollop of cynicism over the validity of the 24-hour news wind tunnel. In this case she picks “instant expert” Ross McLean. He became a daily source on “policing” in the Sammy Yatim aftermath some 27 years after having run his last patrol. But Blatchford doesn’t really lay a glove on him. Worth a read for another sip of the Blatchford style. 

Yonge Street work will send traffic to Bayview

The start of work to replace the Yonge Street water main will probably see a bit more traffic on Bayview Ave. in the months to come. The project began today and is not going to be finished until May of 2014. There are stages to the Yonge Street work but it will take place generally between Finch and Sheppard Ave. Bayview is suggested by the city as an alternate along with a number of other streets. 

Comic book sensations, Hulk wrestles the Mayor!

Comic book powerhouse DC Comics recreates its series “Justice League of America” into something called “Justice League Canada” next spring according to writer and artist Jeff Lemire, of Toronto. This story, which seems to be stunning news for those who follow such things, comes out of the sprawling Fan Expo Canada at the convention centre where it is underway this week. The daunting nature of the “”fan culture” now roiling around the Front Street halls includes things as strange as an arm-wrestling contest between Hulk Hogan and Mayor Ford later Friday. Please, Leaside moms and dads, get in the game.  Comic Book Resources 

Liberal leader talks pot use and pot policy

Unexpected as it is, the narrower issue of marijuana has become a focus of Justin Trudeau’s apparent strategy against Stephen Harper. Today Mr. Trudeau admitted having used pot “five or six” times in total including once a couple of years ago while he was an MP. He has called for the legalization of the drug and his stand sets out an interesting contrast not only in policy, but in the political perceptions as to how these matters really play with Canadians who vote. Time will tell. The embedded Sun News video is informative. Picture at the right is Mr. Trudeau with some supporters doing yoga positions. 

Fun with water in Louisiana and Taiwan

Here are a couple of videos if you like playing in water but be careful. Right, flooding caused by Typhoon Trami in Taiwan has created extreme runoff. On the left, the on-going underwater sinkhole in Louisiana that seems to be swallowing up Assumption Parish was at it again yesterday. This time it gulped down a bunch of trees. Very visual

Statue of Jack Layton unveiled on waterfront

A bronze statue of Jack Layton riding a tandem bicycle has been unveiled at the Toronto Island ferry dock, which has been re-named the Jack Layton Terminal. Visitors may now hop on the front seat of the statue and have a picture taken with the late NDP leader.. Left above is the scene moments after the unveiling. At right is the mock up of the statue. Mr. Layton’s widow, Olivia Chow, spoke at the ceremony saying among other things, “Now Jack has got your back.” 

CNE food complaints now close to 100

The latest count of those complaining about food sickness at the CNE this week is closing in on 100, public health officials have said Thursday. Laboratories are said to be still working at analyzing food samples from the Ex.