The South Bayview Bulldog

The rapid pace of the changeover to e-books has prompted the president of Barnes and Noble to say that the landscape of the industry will be totally changed in 24 months. In fact, readers seem to be converting so quickly to Kindles and Kobos one wonders if will take that long. Marc Parrish quoted statistics which suggest that 30% of book readers are now using an electronic reader of some type. This coincides with the increase in e-reader sales. In 2009, some 900,000 were sold. In 2010, 14 million were sold with the 2011 estimate set at 18 million. All of this makes the changes seen on South Bayview at Sleuth of Baker Street more understandable than ever.

Let’s stop kidding ourselves. Kids don’t walk and text because they need to communicate as they walk. They do it because it looks cool. It’s visible daily on South Bayview as teens and twenties too act out the role of Texter in a Hurry. Well, it’s up to them until they get hurt. The invention shown on the right is designed (but not very well designed) to prevent text walkers from bumping into others, bouncing off cars or slipping under buses. Just a few of many possibilities. Google pictures.

An early sign of Spring is on sale outside Passion Fruit on South Bayview. The so-called pussy willow with its fur covered buds (catkins) has long been subject to a fanciful notion that the buds look like tiny cats (pussycats). As reported in Wikipedia, the Chinese appreciation of numerous blossoms on a branch, make the many buds of the pussy willow a favourite flower for Chinese New Year.

At 18 Lumley Ave. in Bennington Heights a spacious new structure is going up in the March sunshine. The poured concrete foundation was almost completely in place when these shots were taken Friday. Left, the wild device used to deliver concrete from the street to the farthest corner of the lot. Right, workmen begin removing hardware that holds the forms in place. Lumley Ave incidentally is notable as the street on which Margaret Atwood grew up.

The offices of real estate firm Martin & Meredith have moved from the space above the Coffee Time shop at 1213 Bayview at Moore. Sources say the move came about a month ago and that the company has found new offices somewhat to the west.

We always hope we’ll have just what you want when the subject turns to canisters. These newly arrived shiny hammered steel canisters in four sizes are exceptionally good-looking, and very functional. They are sturdy, with tops that fit just right — snug but manageable. You will like the workmanship. Why not take a moment to drop into Homefront and take a look. 371 Egllinton Ave W (416) 488-3189 and 1579 Bayview (416) 485-2305.