Compelling video of Tuscaloosa tornado

This video really is gripping. As you will know, many people are dead in these storms that have gone across the southern U.S.

Exacting standard of the “sugar-cube” home

Somewhat scholarly but still entertaining story here from the Globe and Mail about a South Leaside re-build which some local children have called the sugar cube. As explained, it follows the design philosopy of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, an early 20th Century architect.

Euro parking tag requires cash on-the-spot

A 30-minute disagreement on a street in Prague revealed that illegal parking requires the accused driver to plead guilty and pay the fine in order to go on his way. Left, the policeman is demanding 2000 Czech koruna to settle the fine. That’s about $125. He wants it now. The driver says he can’t pay. Soon three more cops arrive and the battle goes on. Finally, they agree to give him a ticket requiring him to pay within a set time. Tough practices over there.

Break in on Heather Road

TPS report: A resident of Heather Road, reports that between 1530 hours, April 22, 2011 and 2100 hours, April 25, 2011, entry was gained into the premises by forcing a door. Removed was a quantity of jewellery, cash, wine, clothing, personal accessories, audio visual and computer equipment.

Czech economy on rebound

Prague — Czechs are working hard and living large as they re-build their economy after the global recession of 2009. Many Homefront customers will recall the brief absence from our shelves of the excellent Bohemia wine and bar glasses. The company went under. But with new capital and connectiions around the world, the flow of Bohemia glass is moving again. Its a story re-told many times and in this small country of wéll-educated people, there is a cultural activity that frequently dazzles. The young couple above is headed to one of thee nightly performances of the Czech Symphony Orchestra in wonderful Smetana Hall (right). Below, lineup for tickets to a Swan Lake medley.

Shoppers Drug Mart results

At Shoppers Drug Mart, that every-where drugstore, they’ve announced Q1 results. You can see why flossy new stores (like the one about to open on South Bayview) with lots of general merchandise are important to Shoppers. Their overall sales are up, based on general merchandise. Prescription revenues are down. As the store explains, “First quarter sales were $2.347 billion, an increase of 2.7% over the same period last year, driven by strong front store sales growth in all regions of the country. On a same-store basis, total sales increased 2.0% during the quarter. Prescription sales were $1.150 billion in the first quarter, a decrease of 0.4% on both a total and a same-store basis when compared to the same period last year, as continued growth in the number of prescriptions filled was offset by a reduction in average prescription values.:

Windows in at 250 Sutherland

Construction is speeding along at 250 Sutherland. This recent picture shows some of the windows are in.

Former lawyer charged in cat seizures

The Manor Road home that was raided by animal care officials yesterday contained 60 cats. The owner of the house, Diane Way, a former lawyer, has been charged with cruelty to animals. A story here from the Sun.

Love this copper dream

Love it, love it, love it.

Here’s why people hate “the news”

Here’s why you hate the news. A story from the University of Warwick (hmm) has prompted the bulletin that “people living in some of the world’s happiest countries — including Canada — are disproportionately more likely to commit suicide.” Don’t get it? Well naturally, in due course it’s explained that high expectations and the pressure of striving to succeed do, in fact, cause some people to kill themselves. Very unfortunate, but not very newsworthy and frankly, not related to happiness. It was a cheap thrill of a headline however. Look, it could just as easily be argued that happy countries — with their disproportionately high standards of living — prevent people from suffering. But the news from Warwick World is that the glass is definitely not full. It isn’t even half empty. The glass is to be used to cut your wrists.

Canvasser tipped cops to neglected cats

Neighbors on Manor Road near Servington Crescent say a political canvasser called police when she feared a local house might contain a dead body. In fact, the stench was created by the presence of some 50 cats. Because of the concern over a possible death, the fire department was the first responder on the scene. Apparently a mature woman who lives in the house has had the cats for some time. Neighbors say they have complained of the smell in the past. Monday afternoon the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was carefully removing the cats from the house and assessing each one on the scene. The location is beside the picturesque Glebe area to the south. The street was crowded with emergency and news vehicles.

Scenic on Eglinton going full speed

The hi-rise complex on Eglinton east of Brentcliffe known as Scenic on Eglinton is forging ahead full speed. In these recent shots the clusters of people working is clear. The condominium is scheduled to be completed next year.