Extraordinary tricks to trap Lance Armstrong

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Although he never tested positive, authorities pursued Lance Armstrong for more than a decade in an attempt to discredit his accomplishments and remove his titles. What they had was testimony from those who knew Armstrong. But they have never offered an explanation of how he could have eluded the random and advanced detection methods used to prevent doping if he was actually guilty. As the linked story recounts, his pursuers went to extraordinary lengths to entrap him.  Wall Street Journal

Next-door 54 division pending changes

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Next-door 54 division, which sits across the Don River from South Bayview and 53 division, is in the process of structural changes, one of which is whether the headquarters office should be re-located. The headquarters is located at 41 Cranfield Road which is off Bermondsey Road one block west of O’Connor Drive. It is housed in one of the older buildings in use for police divisions in Toronto.  Town Crier

Anchor’s canoodle gaffe an Internet favorite

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CTV Vancouver Island news anchor Andrew Johnson blundered into an embarrassing gaffe when he suggested — on the air — that he and his fellow employee, weather host Astrid Braunschmidt, would have a little canoodle after the program. Ms. Braumschmidt’s good-natured but firm  response that they would be doing no such thing, tipped him off to his improper use of canoodle. The old-fashioned word is a verb and means to kiss and hug amorously. The embarrased Johnson said he thought it meant to chat. The exchange has become an Internet favorite with hits closing in on 625,000 in just a couple of days.  

Oriental Kitchen to open on South Bayview

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Our recent post which noted the demise of Highway 61 was among the most popular in recent times. Sadly for blues fans, time marches on. But that may be good news for those who would be glad to see the return of traditional Chinese food to South Bayview. At present, the only place making Cantonese fare around our area is South China Restaurant on Mt. Pleasant. We want to be fair. The food at South China is good but the ambiance is lacking. Now however it appears that the vacated premises at 1620 Bayview Avenue will house a restaurant to be called  Landmark, which bills itself as an Oriental Kitchen and Bar. Welcome.  Previous post.

Customer Appreciation Night at Smokin’ Cigar

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A  large crowd of cigar aficionados conjoined at Smokin’ Cigar today for the annual Customer Appreciation Night at the South Bayview cigar emporium. Smokin’ Cigar has been a fixture on Bayview Avenue for 15  years and this year some 200 people turned out for the event. Nice evening too for a Cohiba on the patio at 1699 Bayview. . 

When you’re in Manhattan go to Italy is Eataly on Fifth Ave.

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A great place to visit in Manhattan is Eataly at 200 Fifth Ave at 23rd Street. The name is actually Italy is Eataly. This  cavernous but charming old building was recently converted to a showcase of all things Italian, especially food. There are all sorts of little take-away places as well as home grocery fare. Sit down and stand up tables fill the many wide halls of this one time office main floor. As you can see, the imagination of the entrepreneurs is stimulating. Lower left, the bread concession shows the flag  Lower right, select cuts of  pork and beef. This place also makes fresh mozzarella. It is the successful dream of two food businessmen, Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich. Visit the Eataly site for a closer look. And oh yes, this was one of the places that Homefront employees played hooky from their work at the New York International Gift Fair.  http://eatalyny.com/

Bayview Buckets volunteers ready to go

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This public spirited group were present for the inauguration of the adopt-a-tree program known as Bayview Buckets. It’s a sensible and easy way to keep the trees on South Bayview leafy and green. Left to right, Paula, LEAF Volunteer (graphic designer – brochure and  info-cards); Amanda Gromm, LEAF Manager of Volunteers and Community Engagement; Josh Matlow, Councillor Ward 22; Helen Godfrey, LEAF Volunteer and Tree Tender Graduate; Joe Godfrey, Helen’s husband.  Those who adopt a Bayview tree may also from time to time venture a little grooming and weed removal. Congratulations to all.  LEAF strands for Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests