NASA officials giddy over launch of Curiosity

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Associated Press report on today’s breathtaking mission to the Red Planet. Go NASA.

Saturday movie advance: Scorcese’s “Hugo”

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Reviewed here.

We are staring at a crisis: Jim Flaherty

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Finance Minister Jim Flaherty issued a sombre warning today that world is looking an economic crisis unless the debt obligations in Europe are addressed swiftly. He said the situation can still be stabilized if Germany and France act now. Bloomberg

What a high! Mercury hits 15.7 C

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What a high! A mid-afternoon temperature of 15.7 C has been recorded at Pearson International airport. That breaks a 10-year record for November 25. The average temperature for this date is 5 C.

Blockbuster space still vacant after five months

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It’s been five months since they locked the doors on the Blockbuster on Bayview Ave at Millwood Rd. The large store, located beside epi Breads, remains vacant The agent’s For Lease sign is faded with time. It’s an indication of the market, especially for larger spaces. The store closed June 4, 2011 a sad little note on the door saying “Thanks for the memories.”

Is this great weather, or what?

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Sunny with a high of 13 is one fine way to mark November 25. Hope you all take a walk along the wide sidewalks of South Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Canada.

Black Friday and other chuckles

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It’s taken a while for we isolated South Bayview shopkeepers to grasp that Black Friday does not require us to wrap the place of business in funeral crepe. Although, some near-grave trappings from Humphrey’s might suitably mark the loss of sanity suffered by those who camped out overnight at Wal-Mart (in Buffalo yet). But never mind, freedom of choice is what makes us great. Story two. It’s been such a tickle to see the newspapers and television 24/7s trying to resuscitate Occupy Toronto. It’s alive, it’s alive! Occupy Toronto was never really alive. But once again, different strokes for different folks. And mom always said not to speak ill of the dense. Finally, you need to know that your grandchildren may yet ride on the TTC’s Downtown Relief Line. Or maybe your great grandchildren. This is a scheme to build an overload subway from Bloor to Union Station because the Yonge line is so busy. True. But the Yonge line is nearly 60 years old. Humble shopkeepers should not try to design subways, no doubt. But a digital update of that line with safety glass platforms and computerized trains (Beijing, Seoul) would surely make Yonge faster and cost less than the DRL.

Mom’s group cashes in Homefront gift voucher

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The latest Gift Certificate to be redeemed at Homefront, 1579 Bayview, was given in the form of community support to The South Leaside Monday Group. It’s a mother’s group which meets monthly at Trace Manes Centennial Building, 110 Rumsey Road. They hear from a different speaker each week. Daycare is provided. It’s a really nice break for a lot of local moms. This time the gift certificate helped to purchase a very nice Emma Bridgewater polka dot baker made in Stoke on Trent in England, as well as an oval maple cheese and cutting board made right here in Ontario especially for Homefront. Congratulations and good luck to the SLMG. Previous post with email for information and membership.

J.K. Rowling testifies about harassment

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The media ethics committee in the United Kingdom has heard today from J.K Rowling, the creator of Harry Potter. She told a story of constant observation by reporters after her first work became popular. The intensity of attention grew until she had reporters and photographers stationed 24 hours a day outsider her house. At one point, her young daughter came home with a letter from a reporter stuffed into her schoolbag. Toronto Star

Top Employers decided by the employees

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RELEASE — The 70 organizations identified as 2012’s Best Employers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) vary widely in terms of industry and workforce size. Nevertheless, research conducted by Aon Hewitt, the global human resources consulting and outsourcing solutions business of Aon Corporation (NYSE: AON), in conjunction with the Queen’s University School of Business, indicates that they all share the key requirement to be named as one of the Best Employers in the GTA – high employee engagement. Organizations that have earned this status for 2012 (see attached lists) are profiled in today’s Toronto Star.”The real litmus test of whether or not an organization is a Best Employer lies with the employees themselves,” said Neil Crawford, Aon Hewitt’s study leader. “This study goes beyond satisfaction (how much I like things here) and commitment (how much I want to be here) to measure engagement (how much I want to and actually contribute to improving our business results). Without a focus on engagement, it’s difficult for organizations to achieve sustainable success.” Top Employers release

Dollarama confirmed for Bayview: local paper

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According to the new monthly newspaper published by Ruth and Harry Goldhar, it’s been confirmed that Dollarama will open at the former premises of Shoppers Drug Mart at 1531 South Bayview. The announcement from Dollarama has been anticipated on the street (see Previous below) and subject to much discussion. There is an interesting story (not online) by Allison Rockwell which surveys our split personality shopping sympathies when it comes to dollar stores. We don’t like the idea that they’re cheap but we like ’em cause they’re cheap. Go figure. Previous

Sebastien Gayowsky appointed legislative page

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A Bessborough Drive School pupil had landed a prestigious hitch as a legislative page at Queen’s Park. Sebastien Gayowsky, 13, has high marks at Bessborough, a requirement for getting a chance to be a page. Sebastien began his new job Monday, Nov. 21. He’ll be away from school for a couple of weeks but time has been set aside for him to do schoolwork. Look at this story by Danielle Milley in InsideToronto.com