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.

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.

Fender bender brings out best in workers

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A fender bender today in front of McSorely’s Tavern brought out the best in the sidewalk workers currently replacing the walkways on South Bayview. A number of the guys jumped into action directing traffic around the collision. It blocked both sound bound lanes. They even employed some of those unloved black and orange pylons to give motorists a route around the accident. The workers played traffic cops, letting cars go by in alternating turns. Those who witnessed it said they were gratified by this behaviour in the greater good. They called it good to see. .

St James Pk campers told to leave by midnight

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Deputy Mayor Doug Holday holds a news conference today in which he asks again that the Occupy Toronto group leave St. James Park peacefully. The City apparently has a plan to remove those camping in the park. The shutdown operation involves an array of individuals, from social workers to parks officials, from bureaucrats in the city manager’s officer to police officers and firefighters. Councillor Norm Kelly said the city is asking protesters to leave the park now, but the notice is “enforceable” at 12:01 a.m. It seems doubtful; that the City would take action on the stroke of midnight but the decision leaves it free to act at any time.

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.

Heavyweight muggers thwarted in subway

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Toronto Police report that two big muggers (around 200 pounds each) were thwarted on the subway: Two males, ages 19 and 23 years, report that on November 12, 2011 at approximately 2317 hours, they were on a TTC subway train travelling southbound towards Eglinton station, 2200 Yonge Street, when they were approached by two male suspects. One of the suspects made a demand for cash. A struggle ensued and the suspects fled the scene empty-handed heading in an unknown. One victim sustained minor injuries but refused medical attention. The other victim did not sustain any injuries. Police are requesting the assistance of the public in identifying the following described persons in connection with this offence. Description of Suspect #1: Male, white, 20 years, 5’9”, 150 to 200 pounds, brown eyes, short straight brown hair. Suspect #2: Male, black, 6’0” to 6’3”, 200 to 222 pounds, brown eyes, black hair.

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.