The South Bayview Bulldog

Tim Hortons is growing the size of its paper cups at the top end. A NEW extra large cup will now tempt Tim fans who really want to float in their java. This top end cup will carry 24 ounces.  If you’re a Old extra large drinker and you want to stay that way, you’ll have to order a Large. The company has provided a picture-easy lineup above. But Tim’s will probably get a windfall from those who inadvertently order their old size by mistake and find they have to pay a few cents more.  

The sinking of the Costa Concordia has sent a wave of apprehension across the cruise world. The effect is world wide as tourist industry officials in Florida brace up for mass cancellations. The Italian cruise line Costa is owned by Florida based Carnival.  It is said to be the Miami area’s eighth largest employer. Veterans of the cruise line industry can’t remember an accident more dramatic than the one that captivated the world’s attention this weekend. Some are comparing the potential chill on business to the sudden drop of business after September 11, 2001. 

Agnes Macphail was a committed public servant who was most notable for being the first woman Member of Parliament. She was elected under various progressive banners and served in the Commons from 1921 to 1940.  For a time she lived at 2 Dongeall Dr.  This is a duplex which is also known as 720 Millwood. In 1943 Ms Macphail was elected to the Ontario Legislature for the riding of York East. Thus she has more than a passing connection with the Leaside neighborhood, which was part of York East. The movement to give heritage status to the home at 2 Donegall has been widely supported by many local people. It is a well-intentioned effort to remember this feisty politician.  A different view, however, would be that Agnes Macphail would be remembered more appropriately by the naming of a park or street in her honour. The designation of heritage status to a residence is carefully considered by City Council and correctly so.  Leaside is an established neighborhood but the designation of heritage status to a residence introduces a static condition to a property.  We think it would be better to honour Macphail in a way that is easier and more public.      

Target in the U.S. has confirmed that it will shortly open a series of made-for-Target shops selling everything from candy to clothing. And another retail flash, the vast discount chain will soon begin selling Apple goods in “expanded displays”. (Target hesitates to call them shops just yet). Christmas sales were not great at Target so its announcement that it will test the Apple concept at  25 of its retail locations this year is a strategic move to jump start sales. Apple already has small stores within Best Buy locations, but enlarging its presence at Target would make the computer, phone and music brand more accessible to everyday shoppers who are not necessarily looking for electronics. Target already sells some Apple products, like iPads and iPods, but it does not sell Macintosh computers. 

So it’s here. Along South Bayview and all through the area, we kept on going.  The snapshots above show (left to right) a tiny Fiat Cinquecento which braved the roads and found a parking spot outside Rosie’s, a pile of  Safe-T-Salt at Tremblett’s Valu Mart (sales were brisk) a real hero of the street clearing the sidewalk outside The Elegant Garage Sale and an 11 Bayview bus, running a little late. We’re looking okay for tomorrow but it will be cold. The City has issued an alert and will swing into action to prevent street people from losing their lives in the minus 20 temperature which is expected.

He’s the honourable gentleman from Toronto-Centre (Rosedale and points south). He’s led a very eventful life of 69 years (so far) and it’s not presumptuous to say he wants to cap his career  by becoming prime minister. And while that seems unlikely to us, it seems equally probable that Robert Keith (Bob) Rae will indeed be the next leader of the Liberal Party. Some might say, who else have they got?  More than that, however, the rankest of the Liberal rank and file, have been well punished for their “anybody but Rae” antics at the last two leadership conventions.  Even if a fresh face appears before the convention, ordinary Liberals will be wary of falling in love the way they did with Mr. Ignatieff.  Of course, if he assumes the leadership it’s just possible Mr. Rae will beat Stephen Harper at the next election. But that seems like quite a long shot. The Conservatives will wage a  withering campaign against the fomer Premier of Ontario, recalling his profligate spending of the early 90s.  In the next federal election, the challenge for the Liberals will be regaining the role of Official Opposition.