2013 Cadillac XTS a sleek sedan

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The Los Angeles Auto Show opens to the public tomorrow and one of the most anticipated cars is the 2013 Cadillac XTS. The sleek XTS features a 3.6L direct injection engine and advanced all-wheel drive system, marking a shift to more-efficient performance in a spacious luxury sedan. Sports Car Illustrated: says: The advanced 3.6L V-6, known by its “LFX” engine code, is rated at an estimated 300 horsepower (224 kW). Lightweight features help reduce overall weight for greater efficiency and a more favorable front-to-rear weight balance.. The LFX engine is matched with the Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control. The XTS rides on a smart Haldex all-wheel-drive system – with an electronic limited-slip differential that splits torque between the rear wheels – complements an advanced HiPer Strut front suspension and standard Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping to give the XTS sure-footed, confident and comfortable ride and handling traits.

School Board bans “hard balls”

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The Toronto School Board has banned so-called “hard balls” from one of its schoolyards. These would include soccer balls, footballs, volleyballs and tennis balls. It’s said the move is temporary until the Board is able examine and monitor safety issues. A letter from the Board said students at Earl Beatty Jr. and Sr. Public School are not allowed to bring or play with any kind of hard ball. “Any balls brought will be confiscated and may be retrieved by parents from the office,” the statement said. “The only kind of ball allowed will be nerf balls or sponge balls.” Communications co-ordinator for the Toronto District School Board Zoya McGroarty said that the decision was made when concerns were brought forth by parents on the safety of the balls. The letter had also mentioned that the school had some serious incidents where students, staff or parents were hit, or nearly hit, by a hard ball on school property.

Stay of eviction for St. James campers

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A judge has granted a temporary stay of the City’s eviction notice, telling Occupy Toronto campers to get out of St. James Park. A lawyer for Occupy Toronto protesters made the case. Brown will hear arguments for and against and announce a verdict by 6 p.m. Saturday, according to CBC.ca.

Horticultural Design Christmas offerings

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Some of the offerings from Horticultural Design on South Bayview which will be open straight through to Christmas. Left, a wreath made of nuts. Looks great. Centre, the old favorite Lavender. Right, one giant wreath made of bells.

Tribute centre has its sign up at 1600 Bayview

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It won’t be long before the presentation centre for Tribute Communities is open in the former premises of the Sleuth of Baker Street. Tribute has moved its centre for the Canterbury Lawrence Park development to South Bayview from Bayview opposite Sunnybrook Hospital. The work is right on time as the centre is expected to open this month. Tribute describes its townhome development in part as having magnificent architecture.

Ford Flex gets a more rounded look for 2013

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Ford has rounded the edges of the boxy Flex wagon. The new look was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Flex retains its signature utility look for the sides and rear. It is said to have more power, improved technology and an updated MyFord Touch system designed to address the notorious problems of the original. Deviating from Ford’s usually prominent placement of its Blue Oval logo, Flex’s front is adorned only with FLEX block lettering across the leading edge of its hood above a wide, stylized grille. We think this gives the Flex a look reminiscent of the Land Rover.

Further word on how boxes will be configured

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Further intellience from some informed sidewalk workers on South Bayview says there will four trees each in the 25 metre grade-level boxes, fewer in the smaller ones. There will, they’re guessing, be grating to permit water to drain into the roots and provide a surface for motorists to walk from their cars between the trees.

“Flower boxes” surprisingly lengthy

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This morning brings the appearance of “flower boxes” as part of the sidewalk replacement on South Bayview. These boxes will come as a surprise to many merchants, although there was a whisper of something about three days ago. It frankly isn’t clear how these large grade-level rectangular boxes will be used. There will be four or five of them between Millwood and Fleming and the longest are 25 metres. Some workmen say there will be “metal grates” placed on the boxes. For trees? Don’t know. What about getting in and out of your car? At 25 metres you might wish to cross them rather than walk around. Don’t know.

New $100 bills begin circulation tomorrow

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Beginning tomorrow, banks will start circulating the new $100 polymer bills. Following, that, the $50 plastic banknotes will begin circulating in the Spring.. They will be followed by the $5, $10 and $20 bills over a period of months through to the end of 2013. Although it has not been said, the gradual process may be part of an attempt to smooth any electronic errors occurring when the new bills are used at paper money machines, such as those in parking lot pay stations and elsewhere. The Mint has acknowledged transition issues may arise but has not specified what they might be,. In the meantime, the new bills appear to be very similar to the old ones, except for feel. The $100 bill is still adorned by Prime Minister Robert Borden and the fifty by Prime Minister W.L. Mackenzie King. They are said to be almost impossible to effectively counterfeit.

Long line to enter St. Cuthbert’s Fair

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Organizers report that there was a lineup of 203 people waiting for the St. Cuthbert’s Christmas Fair to open at 11 am Saturday. The traffic was busy through the day and this year’s results were the best yet achieved. The church issued thanks today to neighbourhood merchants who supported the Silent Auction. Many happy people left with their “finds”.

Story by Karolyn Coorsh on recent fire

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There’s a nice story linked here reviewing the aftermath of the fire that damaged Leaside Cleaners and the Flower Nook on South Bayview. It is written by Karolyn Coorsh and appears in the Town Crier. It is distinguished by many names of those involved in the fire and those reacting to it. Previous story.

Bad boy of European politics calls it a day

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Silvio Berlusconi has called it a day. He’s resigned as prime minister of Italy. Here is a compilation of the type of behaviour that exasperated many Italians.