NDP’s fill-in leader was a separatist

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Documents show that the Nycole Turmel, the woman appointed to run the NDP during Jack Layton’s sick leave, was a card-carrying member of the separatist Bloc Quebecois until last January. The Globe and Mail writes today that there is expected to be a lot of concern about Ms Turmel’s commitment to national unity in view of her apparent long-time commitment to separatism.

HSBC makes deep cuts in New York State

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HSBC Holdings Plc, owners of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, says the bank will slash at least 25,000 jobs and close about 40 per cent of its 470 branches in the U.S. Most closures will occur in upper New York State where Niagara Financial Group will buy 195 outlets. HSBC has been criticized by some for expanding too quickly. It has shrunk business in Canada, including closing a branch some time ago at Bayview and Milwood, HSBC continues to have about 18 locations in Toronto. The bank said it will shed nearly half of its under performing U.S. branch network, selling the 195 for about $1 billion, and closing 13 others. HSBC has 95 million customers and 300,000 employees in 87 markets.

Did we simply overwhelm Neanderthals?

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Just how did Neanderthal men and women became extinct? It’s a matter of fascinating debate. Were we smarter than them? More warlike? Or perhaps we simply sexed them into extinction? The real answer might have more to do with our quantity than our qualities. For about 300,000 years, Europe was pretty much the undisputed domain of the Neanderthals. About 60,000 years ago, modern humans entered the continent, and by 40,000 years ago, the Neanderthals were gone forever. It’s difficult to figure out just what caused this extinction – and it’s almost certain that multiple factors were in play – but Cambridge researchers now think they’ve hit upon the primary reason why Neanderthals died out: there simply weren’t enough of them to compete. Video here

Private Daycare renovation revealed

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Here we see the renovated premises (top) at Bayivew Ave. and Balliol Stteet. scheduled to go into operation in the Fall. Below is the building at it appeared earlier this year. Note that the two storefronts have been combined and the two doors to upstairs space have been replaced by one main entrance to the daycare centre. All posts including today’s from The South Bayview Bulldog on this story.

Dealer “Green Zones” to re-charge Volts

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Chevrolet dealers in the U.S. are beginning to install solar-powered charging stations on their lots. The Chevrolet Green Zone, as the stations are called, will re-charge GM’s Volt extended-range electric car. American Chevrolet in Modesto, Calif., and Al Serra Auto Plaza in Grand Blanc, Mich., are the first U.S. dealerships to complete their solar charging capability by installing Green Zones on their property. Each “solar canopy” generates enough electricity for up to 4,500 charges per vehicle annually.

Arena expansion fund is in home stretch

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Charlene Kalia reports that demolition has started on the old National Film Board building on Millwood Road adjoining Leaside Gardens. The new ice pad and facilities will use this space. The Community has achieved fundraising of some $2 million of the $2.5 needed. Now is the most urgent time to put the fund over the top. Those wishing to donate can visit www.leasidearena.com to do so.

Tea for Two on Bayview Avenue?

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The premises at 1592 South Bayview formerly occupied by the Tea Emporium has been leased to another firm which also trades in tea. Just how the product is retailed isn;’t clear. As well, it is said that another tea shop of some nature is to occupy the empty store at 1517 South Bayview (just north of Millwood. If these two stores are indeed occupied it will go a long way to filling in the vacancies on South Bayview. 

We find the new subway train!

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After many days of commuting the Yonge Street subway line, Homefront associate Sandra Zhang is able to report that there really is a new train out there. Most riders have been waiting for the new train, but there’s only one in service. Sandra says it’s lovely and modern but this morning the cars seemed a little on the muggy side, as if the AC was sluggish. She says the speed of the new train was very good, contrary to the comments of some riders who found their trip slow. We note the interesting configuration of the spring-loaded “straps” way above the passengers (centre) and definitely too high for Sandra. Good thing there are poles.

Fisher Price recalls toy for repairs

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The Fisher-Price toy company has recalled about 2800 pieces of the Little People Builders Load’n Go Wagons. There have been reports in the United States that some children have been cut by the toy. No injuries have been reported in Canada. The red wagon with a yellow handle comes with plastic blocks and a dog figure. Wagons with green handles are not on recall.The model number, on the bottom of the wagon, is #P8977. The recalled toys were sold in Canadian stores between June 2009 and July 2011, for roughly $25.