Those who wondered if today’s bicycle rodeo would be cancelled because of rain were rewarded if they went anyway. GEARS on Vanderhoof and Toronto Police collaborated in the event and organizers carried on despite the rain.
Toronto Sun refuses to endorse any party
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Many will be surprised that the Toronto Sun has failed to endorse anyone. The most likely favorite of the Sun would have been Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak. The Sun however finds all three party leaders lacking, with platforms which fail to deliver a balanced budget for Ontario. Editorial here.
Obama Fried Chicken a new Beijing dish
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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.
China’s National Day a largely civilian event
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China has marked it’s 62nd National Day (October 1) a date which celebrates the founding of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949. Events included flower basket tributes to the millions who died in China during the struggles of the 30s and 40s. There was also a display of new weapons but on the whole the occasion was a largely civilian event. Some 3600 “representatives of all walks of life” paraded to honour the dead (picture inset). The Chinese have much reason to be proud. But their view of their country frequently astonishes outsiders who recognize that it is only the free-market reforms of the past 30 years that have led to prosperity and a much better life. Those who went before lived in a different land. They laboured heroically no doubt but all their efforts were rewarded with only misery until China turned Communism on its head in 1979.
Demolitions on dynamic Divadale Drive
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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.
Balancing the budget in 150 words or less
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This is an imaginative approach to the chronic avoidance of responsibility for solving the City of Toronto’s cash shortfall. Each Councillor is asked to provide an answer in 125 words or less. Interesting. Can they stay on topic? We shall see.
Moore Park power goes out — again
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The Moore Park area has experienced three separate power outages in the past few days when power went out intermittently overnight. The most recent occurred today. One of the blackout periods extended well into the daylight hours. Toronto Hydro indicates that today’s outage occurred between Yonge and Bayview. It includes Moore Park as far north as Merton. The recurring nature of these outages would seem to require some explanation beyond a simple description. of the area affected. Are the causes related? May we expect more?
Local ridings and the candidates
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Toronto Centre (above)
St Paul’s (above)
Don Valley West (above)
Election particulars are located on pages of Wikipedia in this election. This link will take you there. Look under Toronto North Region for Don Valley West and under Toronto South Region for Toronto Centre and St. Paul’s.
Liberals and PCs still very close
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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.
Remnant of corner’s tawdry past is gone
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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.
A morning’s work removes Bayview maples
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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.
Chevy cop car will share spotlight at bike rodeo
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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.