5,000 ducks parade down street in China

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The old ways sometimes run smack into the new in China. This parade of 5,000 ducks was organized by a farmer who has no idea what kind of a traffic jam he would cause. He was herding the birds to a pond for a drink. Reports say the City if Taizou was temporarily brought to standstill.

Millwood, Sutherland break-ins are similar

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Police have not drawn the connection but its easy to suspect that the break-in on Millwood Road over the weekend might be related to the one on  Sutherland. We posted on the latter yesterday. The Millwood incident  occurred sometime over the weekend, between 2030 hours, June 15, 2012 and 1630 hours, June 17, 2012, and entry was gained into the premises by forcing a door. That ‘s the same technique used on Sutherland. In this case also jewellery was taken.

Bennington bungalow will be replaced

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This ravine side bungalow on Heath Street East just east of Lumley Ave is now just a memory. The vacant lot shown above will be the location of a much larger home in this desirable and secluded part of Bennington Heights. 

Modella now open on South Bayview

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Modella Ladies Wear has opened at 1579 South Bayview in what must be one of the most efficient set ups in recent times. The owner, Tovi Mimran, took possession on May 30, 2012. This means he renovated and stocked the shop in merely 18 days. A posted earlier, Modella is a small chain which is best known to the west of Toronto in places like Dundas and Oakville. Lambert Moo’s Chair on Bayview, right next door, is also sporting a smart new sign.  

Break-in on Sutherland Drive Saturday night

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Lessons can be drawn from local break-ins to help avoid similar criminal activity. Saturday night someone entered a home on Sutherland Drive between 2010 hours on June 16, 2012 and 2330 hours on June 16, 2012. That’s a period of about three hours in the evening, when there are normally people around.  In this case the thief or thieves forced a door to get in. It’s a good reason to have your locks and metal plates protecting the jams checked. Police report that jewellery, a computer, iPod Touch and cash were taken.

ServiceOntario to be sold, moved online

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It’s coming out tonight that the Ontario government plans to privatize the agency known as ServiceOntario.  ServiceOntartio is a relatively new concept in Ontario, replacing direct contact between taxpayers and the government agencies that issue licenses, permits and the like. Now, according to ministers, the province’s cash strapped state requires it to sell the ServiceOntario interface and have a private operator put it online. What this means for those dingy ServiceOntario shops, like the one at 854 Eglinton Ave. E. — well, who knows. Maybe they will disappear. The government estimates that it costs about five times as much for you to wait in line and deal with a clerk at the ServiceOntario shop than to fight your way through the online process. Globe and Mail.

Home of the Week at 9 Fleming Cr

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The Home of the Week is at 9 Fleming Crescent.  National Post.

Free speech and Dr. Suzuki’s money

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The issue is whether political lobbyists should be able to operate as tax-exmpt “charities” in Canada  The law restricts charities to a 10 per cent allocation of funds to further special causes — and it demands that zero monies go to promoting a political party. In the U.S., charities such as the Ford Foundation are tax exmept. These “charities” have contributed to the concern that elections are, in effect, purchased in the U.S.  Many people are concerned about the impact of tax-exempt charities in politics.  David Suzuki sees the issue differently. He argues in his regular spot in the Post magazines that the issue is free speech. The government of Canada is trying to silence those crusading for good and green causes. You should take a look at the article. There is only the most passing mention of money. It’s all about how Dr. Suzuki is being silenced. Well maybe. But the good gentleman should really address practical matters. Do we want a country where tax free charities crusade against unions? He may wish to ask himself why the Red Cross and United Way are so scrupulous about eschewing politics. And finally, let him face the obvious. Free speech is alive and well in Canada. He’s the best proof.

New sidewalks after gas meters moved

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Residents are in for a day or two of disruption as the City replaces sidewalks after the digging that occurred to replace gas meters. Left, looking south down Astor Ave you can see the asphalt patches left by the gas company. Right, the view west along Sutherland Dr.

Arena to be named after Bert F. Grant

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Wearing their Leaside jerseys
The new ice pad at Leaside Gardens will be named the Bert F. Grant Arena. The announcement was made Saturday morning at the groundbreakng for the arena at a ceremony and barbecue. Mr Grant was the developer of the Crestview Apartments which stretch along the promontory overlooking the Don Valley. It is a green and peaceful setting for a series of modest residences south of Southvale. At this morning’s event, members of Mr Grant’s family made a $250,000 donation to the arena fund. The several hundred in attendance heard from members of the arena expansion committee as well as local political people who have taken an interest in the project. It was said the new arena will be the first one built in 40 years that is municipally owned. Many of the kids present were dressed in their Leaside jerseys (inset) and will soon wear them playing hiockey on the new ice pad.

How about a few of these beauties on Yonge

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Two Mississauga condo towers, dubbed the Marilyn Monroe buildings, took the prize for “Best Tall Buildings in the Americas”. The Absolute Towers (pictured) were awarded the prize by the Chicago-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, a non-profit group of architects and engineers. They have ample parking too! How about a few of these babies on Yonge Stret. Are you ready? Yonge and Roxborough News

Sorry, there’s no drive-through at Loblaws

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There’s a drive-through for almost everything these days but when you hit — um, make that attend at — the Moore Avenue Loblaws just remember you have to leave your car in the parking lot. As one harried Loblaws staffer said: “This is the third time someone has driven through those windows.”  Never mind, when it comes to supermarket hazards we still rate the free flying grocery cart to be number one. It also rates number one for food moving violations too when customers decide to wheel the cart home and somehow, it just gets forgotten there.