The South Bayview Bulldog

Just to prove that National Day in China (see below) isn’t the reflection of a sombre people, here is the Obama Fried Chicken restaurant in Beijing. And, of course, things like this remind us again of how the world changed when the Chinese re-discovered capitalism some 30 years ago. It’s said the president is amused. Fun.

The value of the mud under the house is revealed as homes that appear quite nice looking are knocked down to build new ones. Top, very sweet and well cared for 30s home at No 64 is just a facade now. Below, only the Gothic doorway arch remains at No 16. The neighborhood sets the price as the old real estate law of location prevails.

Toronto Centre (above)

St Paul’s (above)

A poll by Nanos Research suggests the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives are in a close contest to win next Thursday’s General Election. Somewhat unusually, no clear winner emerged from the leaders debate seen on TV last Tuesday but the poll shows voters trending toward the present government. . The numbers above are said to place either party in a position to gain a small plurality. The Globe and Mail, one of the sponsors of the poll, says the campaign remains “a three-horse race”. The NDP, led by Andrea Horwath, is enjoying its highest level of support — some 25 percent — since the party ruled the province in the early 1990s. The results would seem to put the province on the road to a minority government. Other sponsors of the poll were CTV and CP24.

The last remnant of the tawdry past at the corner of Manor Road and Yonge Street is about to disappear. The Love Shop is gone and the premises are for lease. For decades the Cheaters joint just next door plagued neighborhood residents until it finally failed and was replaced by an LCBO store. Across the street, the Timothy’s Coffees of the World shop is being reneovated, so the corner is about to take on a new lustre.

Yes. the maples are gone — at least on the east side. Workers came early and removed them before opening so they wouldn’t have to look at the tears of people who have come to love the runty, wretched trees. It is a sign, perhaps, of movement in the mysterious sidewalk replacement project.

Toronto Police Service notice: On Sunday, October 2, 2011, from 11 a.m. − 3 p.m., 53 Division, in partnership with GEARS Bike Shop, will be holding a bicycle rodeo in their parking lot at 109 Vanderhoof Avenue. Community members are invited to attend with their children and are required to bring their own bicycle and helmet. Parents or guardians will be required to complete a waiver. TPS bike officers will be on hand to provide safety tips and test participants on their riding skills. GEARS Bike Shop employees will inspect bicycles for mechanical fitness. Participants will also have an opportunity to register their top speed on laser radar. There will be a display that includes the TPS Mounted Unit, Police Dog Services and a vintage 1957 Chevy police car. The first 100 participants will receive prizes. The rodeo promises to be a fun and educational day for all. For further information, please call the 53 Division Community Response Unit at

416−808−5319.

The only thing slimming down here is Reebok’s profit margins. The athletic company agreed to pay up to US$25 million this week in refunds to customers who bought their EasyTone brand sneakers. This settles a recent complaint filed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission which posited that Reebok’s claims about the health benefits of the shoes were false. The company denies everyting: “Settling does not mean we agreed with the FTC’s allegations; we do not. We fully stand behind our EasyTone technology…we remain committed to the continued development of our EasyTone line of products. Tme Newsfeed.

Charitable readers will buy his story about being seduced by the mob mentality down at the G20 riots two summers ago. He went there, he said, intending to act as a “medic” in the event the police used tear gas. He came all the way in from London, ON to do this service to man. Instead he lustily went about breaking windows as part of the notorious Black Bloc hoodlums. The Star story by Raveena Aulakh may create a few skeptics. Picture Courtesy The Ontario Court of Justice