Arnotti Thoughts

Oh Oh.....

2012-02-17T11:40:00.006-05:00

The City Of Toronto just completed a sidewalk beautification project last fall along this stretch of Yonge St.

It was artfully designed, with wide sidewalks and lots of landscaping.

Don't tell me they brought these dozers in to tear the whole thing up!

From these markings, though, it sure looks like it.

Why can't two city departments talk to each other; "Do you need to get in here before we lay down the sidewalk?"

I'll keep you posted.

Now, maybe this is something else.

And if I am wrong...you can be sure this is the last post on this topic!

[He who controls the "Publish" button controls the message.....]

Hmmm......What Are We Exiting?

2012-02-16T06:50:00.001-05:00

I guess you might as well and go to the "Terminal Barber Shop" and make a day of it.

"It's Naw Oatmeal!"

2012-02-14T09:36:00.010-05:00

And we all know "If it's not Scottish, it's.........". [With thanks, and/or apologies, to Mike Myers.]

Click "Crap!" for a refresher.

Another great line from those skits is that "It seems all Scottish cuisine is based on a dare."

E Moley!

2012-02-14T06:20:00.005-05:00

No poop, Poirot!

I don't know about some of our government operations.

Instead of taking the time to order the fencing and get someone to paint the "Hole" sign, why didn't they just fix the damn thing?

This has been here for over two weeks now.

And here's another example of your tax dollars at work (to quote from Jimmy B);

Even though it was well known that the existing layout at Ontario Place was on the chopping block, Ontario Place management still went ahead with a $1.8-million upgrade last year.

$750,000 for a new water slide - that no one got to use because "unforeseen infrastructure and utility problems caused delay to the installation of the new Two Flume Water slide and it was not available for the summer season in 2011" (according to the Ontario Place spokesman).

And $1.1-million for a new pool and landscaping/infrastructure, which got used for 2011, but likely never again as the park is now closed, its future "under review".

If this had been done at my old company, or at almost any company in the private sector, those people would be fired. Instead, these guys probably just got their bonuses clipped a bit.

Or maybe not. "It's great you got that spending in under the wire."

I don't really care what stripe these pols are - Conservative, Liberal or Communist - I want fewer of them telling me what to do and spending my money.

Harumph!

Oh yeah, Happy Valentine's Day.

Man, How Insecure Is This Guy?

2012-02-13T07:59:00.002-05:00

"Morning Has Broken....."

2012-02-12T09:25:00.012-05:00

On a recent (business)trip to the Rockies, was able to sneak away from the business long enough to capture the sun coming up on those Rockies.

Guess it was a slow "business" day, as I wasn't missed several times that morning. Hmmmmm....

Okay, I mainly spent the day in the dining room. Leaving only to eat.

Okay, I spent the whole day in the dining room.

But on ne thing, I think we can all agree, the above four shots are an incredible example of time lapse photography.

The key to this is the patience of the camera/person/shooter.

Hello sisters.

These are The Three Sisters, just outside of Banff National Park. They are called sisters not because they have rock hard, pointy heads, I don't think.

But for another reason, I'm pretty sure.

But stunning views of the mountains everywhere.

Oops....no mountains.

No, no, you can see them through the window in the back. Whew.

Or you might have gotten the wrong idea about this business trip.

Even without the sun, very dramatic vistas.

But enough of this - there's work to be done.....

Hey, I Guess It Is......

2012-02-09T06:07:00.003-05:00

If this makes sense to you, you have put yourself into an unenviable age group....

Never Eat Anything Bigger Than Your Head

2012-02-06T18:25:00.005-05:00

...unless it is another head.

And legs.

Thought I had ordered a crab salad sandwich.

Apparently I ordered a soft shell crab sandwich.

They are not the same thing.

Delicious - but you don't want to think about what you are actually eating.

Most difficult part - had to wear protective goggles to keep from being poked in the eye by his many (but tasty) legs.

Why Didn't They Use A Gun?

2012-01-31T06:41:00.000-05:00

Oh, come on!!

Like you've never coughed up a real hairball before.

Okay, how about this.....

Man Attacks Police With Knife and Fork

Never A Good Sign

2012-01-30T06:52:00.002-05:00

...with all that RED.

At least ours was just YELLOW (Phili).

As seen on a a recent trip to somewhere warm (Phili was just a stop-over, in case you think I'm not too demanding in the Hot Spots department).

In hindsight, the RED "Cancelled" would have been better.

Because we then could have made reasonable, alternative travel plans. Rather than being "Maybe'd" into wildly overpaying for a last minute alternative when we finally realized we couldn't make our connection.

On the other hand, we did have a very good view of the proceeding during our extended stay at the airport.

But the jury's out on whether it's a good sign when you hear the airport bartender say "...the usual?"

Another Blast From The Past

2012-01-27T07:44:00.009-05:00

Came across another great old building, only a few blocks from my new concrete slab.

This is Trinity St. Paul's United Church.

Erected in 1888.

As usual, the attention to detail is tremendous. Even here for the rear chambers.

Even the steps looks to be laid with painstaking care.

But who says we don't care now. So let's take a look at some recent additions.

Look what an excellent job today's artisans did in matching the new entrance with the old.

Mmmm....love that new, poured concrete smell!

Further down, a fine example of Gothic Collegiate. Now part of the U of T.

The stonework around the entrance is quite impressive.

So let's see what modern man has done to enhance this building.

Oh, I see it, just to the bottom left.....

Mmmm....I love the smell of exposed utility connections.

But not all is lost.

Here is the church associated with Trinity College, also part of U of T.

Beautiful and inspiring.

And when was it erected....?

1953?!

That's not old at all.

Not for a building and certainly not for a person.

As you can see, this was an addition to the original, older Trinity College, on the right.

It, too, is also a very impressive piece of 19^th Century architecture.

But that's for another ~~rant~~ post.

Why Some Girls Go Bad

2012-01-26T06:46:00.011-05:00

How'd you like to show up at school every day day wearing one of these outfits?

Think you'd make it past recess without getting a wedgie? (Can girls even get wedgies?)

Little Miss Lollypoppin's mother will remember this years later when she says "Homicidal maniac? She was always such a good girl."

2012-01-24T07:44:00.001-05:00

Also stolen from someone else.

This is much easier than finding my own stuff......

What Is This Man Holding Up?

2012-01-23T09:51:00.005-05:00

The support stanchion for a large bridge?

The base of a construction crane for a new condo?

A booster rocket for the Space Shuttle?

Nope....

Traffic light pole in hurricane ravaged southern Florida.

Down here they don't use no stinking wires to string traffic lights across the streets.

Like they do in yer sissy northern cities.

Yowza, those hurricane winds must pack a wallop.

Make Up Your Mind

2012-01-20T09:32:00.003-05:00

As Much as I Love The Dollar Store.....

2012-01-16T06:48:00.000-05:00

....and don't usually question where they get their products, I have a sinking feeling that these Corn Flakes are past the "Best Before" date.

Brrrrr! That Ice Is Cold.....

2012-01-15T06:18:00.000-05:00

And deep!!

Ba da bing!

2012-01-13T06:37:00.000-05:00

...stolen from.....someone's blog.....

The Great White North

2012-01-11T06:25:00.004-05:00

A collection of random snaps as seen from the comfy warmth of the Ontario Northlander.

Well, that's it for another year......

Let's Face It - We're Closed

2012-01-10T06:34:00.000-05:00

I Am Blessed....

2012-01-08T07:00:00.005-05:00

...apparently, I have many of these "angels" as friends.

[Poster is near door where bare bottomed boys go for a soak.]

Different Strokes

2012-01-06T05:43:00.008-05:00

In many parts of the world, newspaper year end wrap-ups focused on overthrowing governments, natural disasters or soaring debt levels.

Well, the folks in North Bay have bigger fish to fry.

That is if those darn bait rules don't change!

That's Brisk, Baby!

2012-01-04T20:27:00.022-05:00

Took a little trip up to North Bay for New Year's.

Looks quite balmy.

Until you factor in the -27^O I was greeted with the first night.

Poor little guys.

Looks like they won't get a lot of use again for another few months.

And the same with this?

Nope - because the lid flips up to allow bare bottomed boys to navigate the icy stairs and contemplate some important "Thoughts From The Tub" ^TM.

Took the old Ontario Northlander up - and that's the way to go.

Clickity clack.

A lot of different views gazing out the window.

Snowy backyards. Busy stores. Kids playing.

Clickity clack.

Not a lot of snow in yer big southern city, where the UC calls home, but it shore piles up fast the norther you go.

But that thin, sliver of asphalt winding north, carved out of the Precambrian Shield, is definitely impressive when you consider the tons of rock that were blasted away to create it. All the way along it.

Great weekend M & R & C - thanks a bunch!

If Only It Was That Easy

2011-12-28T07:17:00.005-05:00

Maybe it is.

I'll go in a get a bottle to spritz on the ladies...

Don't Make 'em Like...Part Deux

2011-12-27T07:22:00.012-05:00

Another example of thoughtful architecture from a bygone age.

This time a high school. Central Technical High School.

The style is called "Collegiate Gothic" and I'm guessing this was built about 1910.

There are several Collegiate Gothic style schools throughout Toronto.

And although a bit severe, the style is head and shoulders above today's designs.

Which brings me to a correction (I don't like that word) from yesterday's post.

But certainly supports today's post.

I said this was a perfect example of current public building design from Toronto Hydro, circa 1970.

Well wrong on both counts.

It was actually 1967.

[Nice the way the area around the Date Stone it is kept so clean and tidy...]

And it isn't a Toronto Hydro building - but an addition to a Toronto High School - the very same Central Technical School.

Uhhh....circa 1967.

I'll let you make your own decision on which style ("Collegiate Gothic" or "Concrete Slab") better embodies the ideals of higher learning...

Although I do remember seeing a lovely shot of the "entrance" to North Bay's Canadore College on another fellow's blog a few weeks back.

The disease is widespread indeed.

Don't Make 'em Like They Used To....

2011-12-26T09:34:00.017-05:00

Out for a stroll in a new neighbourhood and came across a very interesting building.

Now what could this be?

A private estate home?

A school?

Church?

Nope......
A Toronto Hydro substation.

A public utility building!

A recent one....?

Ha. Built in 1930.

Attention to detail is outstanding.

Even the "garage door" side for their maintenance trucks looks amazing.

Oh, and today's civic buildings...?

Here's another Hydro building.

Circa 1970.

You're welcome.

Well, at least it's not just a metal box.

Now We're Talking!

2011-12-23T12:59:00.005-05:00

I think I just found a new, favourite pub.

And, just next door, I think I also found a new nickname.

Hmmm...well, one out of two ain't bad....

Hey, What's With Those Kooky Liberals?

2011-12-22T06:22:00.004-05:00

In this week's papers, it was reported that "Moody's Investors Services dealt the deficit-plagued Ontario government a blow Thursday, putting the province on a so-called credit watch."

"The change is due to concerns about the province's ability...to stop accumulating debt."

That's a nice way of saying the Liberals can't stop spending.

And, of course, some of my favourite ~~communists~~ columnists in The Toronto Star say this is exactly correct - you can't stop spending! This is the absolute wrong thing to do!

[I didn't type this part in all capitals, as they usually do.]

Now is the time to prime the pump, to stimulate the economy. Invest in infrastructure projects. Spend our way out this problem. It's what governments do!

Yeah, governments in Europe - if that isn't enough of a sober reminder - and 2) governments that could never afford these infrastructure projects in the good times, can now magically afford them when on the brink of disaster.

Good plan!

I suspect most people will be hoping they soon lose their jobs, so they can finally afford that European vacation!

Whoo hoo! We're all winners!

2011-12-21T09:52:00.012-05:00

Hey, What's Up With Those Kooky North Koreans?
Although condolences are in order as their ruler, Dear Leader, Kim Jong-il died this week, you really have to wonder what is next for this isolated, communist nation.

They have just lost one, very eccentric leader.

One, who with a fondness for bouffant hairdos, Charlie's Angel sunglasses and jump suits, looked to never get beyond the 70's.

[Ed. note: You should talk.]

Anyway, just when you think things couldn't get any worse, it looks like they are moving to another potentially, equally eccentric leader, in his son, Kim Jong-un.

Although, here he is seen cracking a joke as he greets the North Korean generals.

So perhaps there is hope things will be loosening up.

However, if you find there are no more posts on this blog, I could be wrong...

Holy Flying Crappers!

2011-12-20T16:56:00.008-05:00

And I thought that was just a figure of speech.

Imagine my surprize when I looked out my window and saw this jaunty fellow heading right for me.

Especially when I didn't know where he was going or when he would stop.

Once I got my bearings, I had a pretty good idea. But with something as potent as that, you don't want to take any chances. That it might just coming flying loose.

For a re-enactment, click below...

He's swaying pretty good - where's he going to stop?

Riverwalk

2011-12-17T10:46:00.016-05:00

Took a hike through the local ravines and wound up at The Evergreen Brickworks.

Always amazed that this ravine system exists only steps from the tall skyscrapers and condos of downtown Toronto.

The Evergreen Brickworks, formerly the Don Valley Brickworks, sit on a flood plain at the confluence of Mud Creek and the Don River (shown here).

Thousands of years ago this was the mouth of a glacial river, which explains the presence of so much clay.

So The Don Valley Brickworks was the source for virtually all the bricks used for 20th Century Toronto's buildings.

Anyway, The Evergreen Brickworks is now home to different conservation efforts (restoring The Don River, children's education programmes, blah blah blah) and various artisans.

One of the most interesting pieces of artwork is a model of all the rivers flowing through Toronto. This model shows the five major rivers.

For those not in-the-know, I've labelled the three major ones, below.

And it shows all the tributaries that feed into the main rivers. Water actually flows through tubes and empties into "Lake Ontario", across the bottom.

To give you the scale, the tributaries start about 30 feet up the side of the building.

You can watch it for hours.

At least you can if you're retired.

4 AM?

2011-12-15T09:46:00.004-05:00

Aw, c'mon!

I'm just starting to jiggy with it about then.....

Fine Dining...?

2011-12-14T07:36:00.021-05:00

Out for a night of fun and fine dining.

Or so I thought.......

But first, some fine looking fermented beverages. It's amazing what you'll drink when it's on special.

So getting ready for a nice meal.

And decided to check out the art work on the wall over our shoulders.

Probably will compliment the menu suggestions nicely.

The one on the left looks to have a first ministers/last supper theme going. Okay. [But don't look at it too closely....]

Now let's take a closer look at the one beside it....

.....Yak!

If that don't make you choke on your cheeseburger....

Are there any children here?

I go outside to check on the name of this place. Is it owned by Caligula? After he'd gone blind, maybe?

Okay, it's actually The Loose Moose, in beautiful downtown TO.

But not all is lost; at least she's sporting a Blue Jays tattoo on her wobbly wazoo. And the amorous moose is wearing a Jays cap.

So I guess all is okay.

Alright, back for a another bite of that burger.....

Good To Their Word

2011-12-12T11:17:00.015-05:00

A while back, I posted/blogged/ranted.....(you know the routine) about an old, but seedy, building that looked to be only moments away from the wrecker's ball.

See "Demo By Neglect" for a refresher.

In case you are ~~too lazy~~ too busy to click that link, here is an old picture of it.

So even though they were promising to renovate this former "budget hotel", I had my doubts.

I walked by there the other day, and couldn't believe what I saw.

Actually, I couldn't believe I had the right building. I had to search around to make sure there was not some other eyesore on a nearby corner.

So although they are not finished, they are certainly giving this place a new lease (maybe even literally as well as figuratively) on life.

I can't really tell if they put on a new façade or whether they just scrapped off all the crappy white paint.

Regardless, a good start anyway.....

2011-12-11T09:16:00.010-05:00

When You Have Absolutely Run Out Of Good Ideas

Like me.....

Oh, this is a ball in our exercise room.

It's the smallest one.

Okay.

More tomorrow.

Maybe....it will be about the grey exercise ball....

What Chew Lookin' At Willis?

2011-12-10T09:06:00.009-05:00

A slow day at the old retirement home. But even slower for the guys in this tank.

So when someone starts looking at them, well, they start looking back.

Somebody's Gotta Do It...

Getting The Evil Stink Eye...

I'm (Still) lookin' At You...WillisRelax dude....

Hey, You Are Really Pissing Me Off...Boy, for a bunch of little guys, they really have big attitude.

The two blue guys seems to be the most interested checking out who was checking them out. Everybody else just swam around 'til they bonked their nose, looked surprised, then swam back.

Ha Ha, Jim, You Crack Me Up..I guess they're not all bad. Unless this is some sort of rude, fish gesture.

"He thinks you're laughing."

Relax, But, Uhhh...I Wouldn't Touch Anything...

2011-12-09T07:56:00.007-05:00

Yeah, Not Like The Regular Crap We Use

2011-12-08T13:40:00.003-05:00

Time For A New Image?

2011-12-06T07:05:00.011-05:00

Ja, maybe a makeover for the old UC would be a good idea.

Mmmmm....Not Bad...

But, Ahhh....Perfect....Really captures the true meaning of the essential UC.

Now, time for some beer and wings. Urp....

Did You Try A Plastic Bag Over Your Head?

2011-12-05T07:42:00.012-05:00

Oh come on, like you didn't think of it, too.

You didn't?

Oh....so I'm the bad guy here....

I guess I am. With all the talk of bullying lately and kids taking their own lives, this is not a joking matter.

So if this got your attention - good.

[Ed. note: nice try at a last minute bail-out of a tasteless situation....]

Time Flies.....

2011-12-04T10:08:00.006-05:00

This is a time lapse sequence - a very slow time lapse sequence - showing the leaves changing over the last couple of months.

An attempt was made to snap them all from the same spot.

Nowhere does it say a good attempt was made.

Looks like I started too late, as the colours had already started to change with the first photo.

Okay, so this ain't no National Geographic. So sue me.

Mmm...Veal Sandwich....

2011-12-01T10:00:00.005-05:00

With eggplant and hot peppers.

When I used to live in this neighbourhood, this was my favourite Saturday lunch.

Of course, now that I'm retired, I didn't need to come down here on a madhouse Saturday....

...but, I got the goods.

What a place to feed off the energy of the crowd.

The St. Lawrence Market, in the old part of Toronto, is a sight/sound/smell emporium.

And oh, almost forgot - taste.

Whether you like seafood or farm food, there's lots and lots from which to choose.

Thems are some good size crabbies.

And lobster and muscles.

Even on a blustery late November day, people still flock outside to eat their veal sandwiches.

Hmmm...wish I hadn't eaten it all now, and could have another for lunch today.

Well......one way to solve that - git your boots on, Senior Jubilado!

Aother Great Idea...

2011-11-29T08:03:00.010-05:00

...pet acupuncture.

What could possibly go wrong with this?

"Okay, hold still, Mr. Fluff, while I stick needles all over your body."

"Hey, hey, hey, settle down, little dude, your claws just scratched my eye out!"

What Could Possibly Go Wrong....

2011-11-28T10:21:00.011-05:00

Oh yeah, that's the way to do it.

Rip all the railings off all the balconies.

All the way up the building....

But it's okay - they have taken all the necessary safety precautions.

A note taped to the inside of each balcony door.

Through the wonders of iPhone technology, I was able to actually see through the note and read the safety warning on the other side;

"Watch that first step. It's a doozy!"

Another One Bites The Dust

2011-11-27T09:52:00.011-05:00

Now just a stone's throw from yesterday's post of the rugged coastline of magical Etobicoke is another hidden gem.

A "family style" seniors residence. Right on the lake.

Idyllic.

Or is it.....or why would I, dear reader, be wasting your valuable time. [Ed note: ...more than usual.]

What's that tucked behind the hydro pole....?

Ohhh...

Too idyllic to be true - any longer.

7 townhomes, soon to be sending their cedar decks, Gymboree Sets and screaming meemies down to the lapping waters of Lake Ontario.

I wonder if they'll be putting Granny Flats in for the soon-to-be-looking seniors?

However, on a brighter note, I hear there is now some room at St. James Park in Toronto.

BYOT (Tent).

Where In The World?

2011-11-26T08:07:00.011-05:00

Very dramatic shot of sun coming up over the rugged coastline of....

...Etobicoke.

You thought maybe the high Arctic or a lonely outpost in Newfoundland?

Nope.

And to prove it, you can just see the TO skyline poking out to the right of those trees.

Couldn't see that from Inuvik. Or from Lard Tundering That's A Big Bay, Newfoundland.

Ah Ha! I Found The 1% !

2011-11-25T06:10:00.006-05:00

....uhhhhh....is there any more room?

Lots of comments in the media lately from the 1% about what the 99% need to do to be successful.

However, be wary of advice from the successful.

They do not seek company.....

Most In Need Of New Marketing Strategy

2011-11-24T11:11:00.003-05:00

Now The Globe & Mail?

2011-11-23T06:06:00.009-05:00

Wow, looks like The Globe & Mail has now gone over to the dark side, too.

The Star I can imagine. Even expect.

But The Globe?

What am a I ranting about?

Oh...a little background...

A few days ago, Pat Martin, a NDP Member of Parliament from Winnipeg Centre was writing on Twitter and lost his mind.

He said the Conservative government was a "f------- disgrace" and was engaging in "jackboot s---." When someone criticized him, he told them to "f--- off."

So how did the media treat this? Censure? Condemnation?

Nope.

The Globe & Mail actually spun this to say "NDP profanity marks Parliament’s hastened decline under Tories."

I'm not taking sides here (ahem...) but essentially, Steven Harper is to blame for his potty mouth.

Wow! These spin masters are good. The Star should be taking notes.....

Whoa....Am I Going To The Wrong Pubs?

2011-11-22T07:38:00.007-05:00

Nope....1/2 price wings, beers, sports and, well okay, salad.

And bartenders, discussing "Who's gets to ask him to leave?"

"....I did it last time."

Oh, Oh. Forgot The Bathrooms....

2011-11-21T08:25:00.003-05:00

2011-11-20T06:33:00.004-05:00

Hey, You've Got A Future With Occupy Toronto

2011-11-19T08:24:00.008-05:00

But this is a sign somewhere else. Maybe their message is spreading.

Or maybe not.

Last night's 5pm news featured some reporters going to Occupy Toronto at 4am the previous night. They brought an infrared camera with them.

Using the heat seeking camera, they found that ~80% of the tents were actually empty. The reporter surmised that at night protesters were instead "occupying their parent's basements."

It was interesting the confrontations that ensued when they were approached by roving "marshals" with their dogs.

When informed by the marshals that they need to leave, the reporter asked "Are you evicting me from the park?"

"Uhhh...." was the marshal's reply.

Several more exchanges occurred when a reporter tried to enter an empty tent. The marshals said "You can't go in there, that's private." The reporter said, "First of all, this is an empty tent on public property. Like a hat on the sidewalk. And secondly, I thought you guys didn't believe in private property."

"Uhhh..."

It got nasty after that.

So I guess freedom is actually in the eye of the beholder.

Or as the saying goes;
"Trespassers Will Be Shot
Survivors Will Be Shot Again"

Good Thing No Grammar Inquiries Allowed

2011-11-18T10:14:00.000-05:00

Made It To The Big Time

2011-11-18T09:10:00.014-05:00

Hey, what's up with this Occupy Toronto thing?

Dunno.

So decided to check out their little, or actually not-so-little, encampment down at St. James Park.

Wow, rows of porta-potties, big huge tents (Yurts), library, medical centre, etc. makes this look like a mini-city.

And mainly funded by Big Labour.

Not sure of labour's connection to this, as likely many of the 1% employ their brothers and sisters.

But just so there are no hard feelings, later that night I decided to get behind the labour movement - literally.

That's me, "Made It To The Big Time!", standing behind the speaker's right shoulder.

Some fellows and I decided to join the fun, so hopped up on the speaker's stage.

Some explanations for the goings on;

The "chanting" is their "live mic".

Because they don't want to use amplification, people in front repeat what the speaker has said so people at the back can hear.

Since I was right behind the speakers (before the union guys came up) I was chanting too. I stopped when I found myself chanting "Capitalism sucks!".

The waving of their fingers is called "twinkling". And that means they like what the speaker said.

I didn't twinkle my fingers very much....

Stairway To......?

2011-11-17T08:06:00.007-05:00

...Yonge & St. Clair.

I suspect that song wouldn't have been as much of a hit if I had been a member of Led Zepplin.

And Kiss is probably better off, too, as I thought their lyrics should be;

"I want to rock and roll all night,
And part of every day!"

Man, They Weren't Kidding

2011-11-15T08:07:00.014-05:00

Earlier I had posted a Mea Cupla about a "new condo development!" on Yonge St.

The article referenced stated that not only were they;
"retaining full building shells from 606 to 618 Yonge rather than just façades"...

....but that the;
"face of a 1905 warehouse is being held up by an enormous, bridge-like structure so that it can remain in situ while the foundation for the 45-storey tower is poured."

Well I walked by there yeterday and boy, they were right!

That is one big, honking supporting struture holding up the wall.

Kudos to these guys.

Often what happenes before these heritage buildings can be saved is that one of those darn fire pops up.

I'm hoping I don't need to keep my fingers crossed for this one.

Or How About Just "Good Luck!"

2011-11-14T06:00:00.015-05:00

This is the sage advice city planners are giving to U of T students (and me) as we try to navigate across the four lanes of University Avenue.

I walked down a few blocks to a real light.

Actually, I guess their reasoning is that there are over 70,000 students at U of T. Who's going to miss a couple. Besides, do you know how much traffic lights cost these days!

We've got a budget problem here, you know.

Life Is Good - On The Sunny Side Of The Street

2011-11-13T06:03:00.003-05:00

....and warmer...

Oops....Don't Look Now

2011-11-12T11:57:00.002-05:00

11-11-11-11 Lest We Forget

2011-11-11T13:47:00.017-05:00

Attended the Remembrance Day ceremony at Old City Hall in Toronto this morning.

In spite of chilly temps and really blowing wind, man, there were a lot of people there. [This was as it was wrapping up.]

Got there just in time for the colour guard to pass by.

And who's that?

Could it be his worship, the mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford?

Why yes it is! Big smile!

Oops, just a second, looks like he saw a doughnut.

Actually, he is one of the most personable mayors I've seen in a long time.

They had to pause the proceedings for a while as so many people wanted to shake hands with him. And he was, of course, eager to oblige.

Anyway, in spite of what people may say or think, he gave an extremely moving speech.

And I was really surprized at the amount of applause and clapping he received afterwards. Maybe I read The Toronto Star too much.

So a very moving ceremony to remember and honour those who gave so much.

To end, the mayor recited a poem from The Battle of Kohima;

When You Go Home,
Tell Them Of Us And Say,
For Their Tomorrow,
We Gave Our Today.

Oops, Not Everyone Likes The Mayor

2011-11-11T13:32:00.010-05:00

Looks like I spoke too soon. This was on the screen when I got home.

I didn't hear these hecklers, but from the report, 58 year old man and 55 year old woman.

He was drunk and she was some kind of social activist using a megaphone to yell "Shame". The same megaphone she used to wallop an RCMP officer.

So now they may be facing federal charges since an RCMP officer arrested them. Looks good on 'em.

Wonder if they were from Occupy Toronto, just down the street. [More on that later, as I cruised on by there afterwards.]

There is a time and a place for expressing political opinions - Remembrance Day is not one of them.

But Only For Strippers Apparently....

2011-11-11T06:31:00.002-05:00

....pity.

Gotta love Yonge St.

So That's How They Do It

2011-11-09T07:46:00.010-05:00

Ever wonder how they get that last bit of dirt out of a construction project?

All summer/fall at the condo project across the street, I've been watching the excavators down five floors scoop out truckload after truckload of dirt. They built a sloped dirt pathway for those big trucks to get in and out of the pit.

But how do they get that sloped pathway out? And that last bit of dirt right at the bottom, five stories down?

With one of these long necked goose fellows.

I've been watching it sit right at the edge of the pit. And the bucket goes out then down. Waaaay down.

It's only a small bucket, too. Any larger and that thing would topple all the way down.

Bucket after bucket, truck after truck, day after day.

So now you know.....

Oops, God Forgot To Tell The Catholics

2011-11-08T07:42:00.007-05:00

And Now For A More Positive Ending...Unless, of course, the Catholics are already there, blocking your view.....

[Ed note: So much for the positive ending....]

Found Some Place Cheaper

2011-11-05T09:33:00.001-04:00

Greek Crisis To Be Averted

2011-11-03T11:39:00.006-04:00

Looks like I have a unique opportunity to save the world.

I went to school with the crrent Greek Prime Minister's sister, Gayle-Sophia Papandreou.

This is our Grade 9 class photo. With no Photoshopping.

Here is the young UC, upper right.

I invented the turtleneck.

And the bad boy look.

In this photo, the lovely Ms. Papandreou is in the front row, near the left.

Great girl. Nuts about me.

So I'll call her. Get her brother's number. Straighten this whole thing out.

One In A Continuing Series Of "Hey! Look At Me"

2011-11-03T10:16:00.016-04:00

Boy, some guys always need to be the centre of attention.

Hey, are you listening to me...

Some are more subtle about it than others.

Peek A boo....Some a little impish.

Some....Meh, you get the idea.....

Hey, What Am I? Chopped Liver Because I'm Orange?

...Excuse Me......Please Don't Forget About Me....I guess that's all 'til next year.

Here come da Brrrrrrr!

This Man Is Buying A Truck

2011-11-03T09:56:00.006-04:00

....remember that commercial?

I put this trip on my points credit card, so I was collecting points as I was enjoying lunch, so I could buy a truck if I wanted to...

[Okay, commercial was an underwater camera moving through a pool, surfacing next to a rough looking dude floating on an air mattress, one foot hanging in the water.

Tag line - This man is......]

I'm Glad They Clarified That

2011-11-02T09:28:00.002-04:00

Boy Was I Wrong!

2011-11-01T09:55:00.016-04:00

Zoomed In View, Eh?
A while back I complained about another condo development, and that some turn-of-the-century buildings on Yonge St were obviously "Doomed!",

Boy was I wrong!

So although I graciously, partially recanted when I thought there was a chance of a "Reprieve", little did I know to what extent they were going to retain the buildings.

Until I read an article about this last week in the Globe & Mail [Hey! The Globe & Mail must read my blog!]

Looks like they are doing a full scale, mega expensive preservation exercise on these "Five" properties on Yonge St.

An excerpt from the G&M article:
"While a tower will eventually go up there as well, about a third of the low-rise, 1880s retail block running south on Yonge – where typical, er, “colourful” businesses once stood – is about to undergo a metamorphosis."

[Ed note: For those not in-the-know about 1960's Yonge St. "colourful" likely refers to businesses such as body rub parlours, tattoo joints and places where ladies show their lady bits to depraved men. Uhhh...or so I've read.]

The article continues:
"That means retaining full building shells from 606 to 618 Yonge rather than just façades, and, where façadism is a necessary evil along St. Joseph, the face of a 1905 warehouse is being held up by an enormous, bridge-like structure so that it can remain in situ while the foundation for the...45-storey tower is dug directly underneath it."

"On St. Nicholas, the warehouse wall will be disassembled and trucked off-site until the tower has been erected."

Wow! Now we're gettin' somewhere......

[For more info on this, check out the Globe & Mail article at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/architecture/dave-leblanc/yonge-streets-oldsters-make-room-for-a-glitzy-neighbour/article2216042/]

Hey!

2011-10-29T06:49:00.000-04:00

....look at me.

Gimme La Break

2011-10-27T06:44:00.000-04:00

Now this is one of the places the 99% could be protesting.

Just wait til after I've bought my Swiss....stuff....

No, I Insist. After You.

2011-10-25T06:15:00.001-04:00

Wow, not often you see the city move the sidewalk just to save a tree.

But it is a real beauty.

Greed is one of the seven deadly sins.

2011-10-23T06:21:00.003-04:00

But then, of course, so is envy......

Way Ahead Of You

2011-10-21T06:32:00.000-04:00

What was that title again.....?

And Neither Are You

2011-10-20T06:54:00.015-04:00

...ya darn punk!

Okay, okay, the irony of me posting this is not lost on me.

I'm not working either, but I'm not complaining about it. Except, of course, to complain about the guys who are complaining.

But really, for people in North America and Europe to be complaining is laughable. The rest of the world looks at us and says "You are the 1%."

As a gentlemanly farmer friend of mine says, we won the biggest lottery in the world just by being born here.

You don't like the current system - then vote!

Ontario just had the lowest turnout in history for our Oct 6th election. And which age group had the lowest participation? You guessed it - 18-25.

One guy they interviewed said he didn't like working in the service industry so is just going to coast on welfare 'til something better comes up. So I guess this protesting gig will kill some time.

And do these guys even know what they are protesting about?

"Hey, we want more. Wanna protest?"
"Uhhh....sure. I want more."

Reminds me of a Calvin & Hobbes cartoon where Calvin makes a birthday card for his mother and shows it to his tiger friend, Hobbes.

It says;

"Happy birthday to you,
There I've said it now I'm done,
So how about getting out of bed,
And making breakfast for your son?"

He asks Hobbes if he wants to sign it.

Hobbes reads the card and says, "Sure. I'm hungry, too."

A Competing Protest?

2011-10-20T05:34:00.002-04:00

Store owner: "You can't take those cookies."
Cookie Monster: "Me not 'take' cookies. Me 'eat' cookies."
Store owner: "Come on.... What's the difference?"
Cookie Monster: "Eat begins with E. Take begins with T."

Where Am I?

2011-10-18T06:25:00.016-04:00

At the bottom of Lake Iroquois.

Glub, glub....

Where Am I Now?
On the shore of Lake Iroquois.

Who Gives A Crap?Hey hey, now....

Does This Help?
Casa Loma.....

Where The Hell Is Lake Iroquois?It was (about 13,000 years ago anyway) just a little larger than Lake Ontario.

It was a proglacial lake, created when ice dammed up The St. Lawrence River, preventing melting glacial water from escaping.

Hence its escarpment is only a few miles inland from - and 100 feet above - today's Lake Ontario shoreline.

Right where Casa Loma is!

And a hundred years ago made a great viewpoint for Toronto's rich and powerful.

(Further east, the Scarborough Bluffs also formed part of the Lake Iroquois shoreline...)

When the ice dam finally let loose and released the water, it created the ravine system running though Toronto.

Info courtesy of another Toronto Heritage Walk. You're welcome.

Reprieve?

2011-10-17T06:32:00.019-04:00

A while back I had blogged (ranted, harangued, spouted, prattled on...) about some turn of the century buildings that were clearly "Doomed!" to the wrecker's ball.

Perhaps I spoke (ranted, fumed, etc.) too soon, because, upon further inspection of the hoarding surrounding the site either 1) in my blind rage I didn't actually look at the pictures I took or 2) - and I'm pretty sure this is what actually happened - the developer read my blog! and was shamed into redesigning their project to incorporate the historical buildings.

So they are keeping the façades - and then some.

Looks pretty nice for this area of Yonge St.

Okay, okay, even Don Cherry has to admit he's wrong once in a while....

True Love?

2011-10-16T06:40:00.001-04:00

I stole this from someone.

But I won't say who, 'cause her and her big butt will hurt me.....

Mmmmm......Bacon Jam.....

2011-10-15T06:49:00.000-04:00

High sugar and saturated fat.

And likely a few dashes of sodium as well.

I like it!

Sign With Lowest Probability Of Being Helpful

2011-10-14T06:47:00.002-04:00

I'm afraid the only way you'll be reading this sign.....

...is if you are face down, after tripping over the broken step (or the sign)....

Boo!

2011-10-13T10:39:00.005-04:00

....I know how he feels....

Hang In There, Little Dude

2011-10-10T06:50:00.003-04:00

How did this little guy ever miss the wrecker's ball?

I'll just mind my own business, tucked in between these guys. La la la....

No need to look over here, friend. Just keep moving along.....

Smackers, That's One Big Parking Lot....

2011-10-09T06:47:00.000-04:00

And Inviting!

2011-10-08T06:31:00.001-04:00

Only in Calgary, you say?

Correctamundo!

The Great One's Great One's House

2011-10-07T06:26:00.001-04:00

Or....Walter Gretzky's house.

On a recent trip to Brantford.

Boy, do retired guys know how to live or what!?

Totally Botanical, Man

2011-10-06T06:26:00.014-04:00

Duuudes....

Went on a totally excellent walk with Heritage Toronto the other week. To the Toronto Botanical Gardens.

Not only did we sherpas guide the walkers through the gardens, there were speakers at each stop to explain the history of the area.

[Guess that's how Heritage Toronto bosses can sleep at night, by getting TBG to toss in a little history.]

It is also om the same site as Edwards Gardens.

But they co-exist peacefully.

A massive place. The guy running it, John, says he has over 400 volunteers.

Makes us HT types look like a bunch of pikers.

But there are still huge tracts of land remaining from the original 500 acres.

It was a working sheep farm, started by Scottish weaver Alexander Milne in 1817, and they produced wool and cotton.

And in case you think city workers have only been brain dead recently, the original name of this tributary of the Don River running through the property was to be called Woolcott Creek.

Get it?

Wool....Cott... [Ed. note: Uhhh...yeah. Let's move on.]

But the tall foreheads at City Hall garbled it up and it is now known as Wilket Creek.

Hey. Even the weeds look great.

So that wraps up this season's heritage walks.

Back to the couch....

2011-10-04T09:21:00.007-04:00

Ahhhh....So This Is Where I Haven't Been Shopping

Coming Soon To A City Near You

2011-10-03T17:35:00.003-04:00

Don't worry.

Police can easily disperse these protesters simply by attaching job applications to their riot shields......

Julie & Mike - That's A Wrap

2011-10-03T15:01:00.002-04:00

Well, they're home. After an elapsed 48 hour journey.

No they didn't bike. But couldn't have taken much longer.

So some snaps of the last day of the trip.

Here little Min Lee is with her new friend, Bighead.

I think this was a pity shot for me.

No spiders or snakes, but looks like they did see a big honking cockroach.

Thanks, Julie.

Tiger, Tiger, Who's Got The Tiger?

OMG! My favourite!

It's good to be home!!

Julie & Mike - Day ? + 2

2011-10-01T09:00:00.006-04:00

Last day in Ha Noi.

I think Mike is still resting up from all that moped riding, so Julie here:

"Hey Jim! Last day in Hanoi. Here are some pictures from yesterday:"

Drinking Vietnamese Coffee
Because....they drank all the Tigers in Vietnam?

More from Julie:

"Yesterday we visited King Dings temple, built in the 10th century after he died"

Good of them to wait.

Here they took in a boat tour on a little river.

Or on one of the downtown streets. Hard to tell the difference with all the flooding they had on this trip.

Might be a good idea to consult the Farmer's Almanac next time. "Boy I can't believe the good deal we got on this trip!"

Winding down over a last group dinner.

The girls are giving the now universal "Two more Tigers, please" sign.

But to no avail. Nary a one to be found on the table.

I guess they really did drink Vietnam Dry.

Anyway, according to Julie, this shot was "just after that we had dinner and went out to party! Same as usual.

Today we do some last minute shopping before jumping on a plane back to Canada."

Well great trip, guys. Have a good flight home.

But I am disappointed. With all the rain and flooding, not one spider or snake story.

Bummer.....

Julie & Mike - Day ? + 1

2011-09-30T09:28:00.008-04:00

Another day in Ha Noi.

Mike: "Still in Hanoi What a town still can't get over how
they drive and the traffic in general."

Well...click "Traffic"to check it out yourself.....

Hotel where Team Tiger is staying.

"Pouring rain again. another storm passing north of us but whadya expect in monsoon season.

Great planning. Oh well, it's off season.

nyhow having a blast. Folks we're with are lot's of fun."

Okay - standing by for more tales of "daring do".

Although tomorrow might be come home day....?

Julie & Mike - Day ?

2011-09-28T20:50:00.004-04:00

Well, looks like the gang made it to Ha Noi.

Mike: "Arrived in Hanoi after a 14 hour train trip.

First 5 or 6 were fun drinking beer and telling stories about the trip. Great bar car at the back. Had a bit of a birth shared with 3 other small people.

Just checking in to the Flower Hotel."

However, before they left, they had some sightseeing in Hue. And according to Mike:

"Moped tour 3 or 4 hours around Hue. Went to ancient kings tomb. The only king/emperor buried in Vietnam.

Then we went to a "Nunnery" or convent which also served as an orphanage for 200 kids.

Got to play with them for a while which actually was fffffffffun and good to see their happy faces. Also great lunch there."

"We get get to visit "Uncle Ho" who still lives on in the hearts of the people here. Or so they say.

It's almost 5 am here now. We can't check in for a few hours so it's off to tie chi...."

Tai chi?! Mike?

I hope he sends a picture of him doing that. It'll be sure to be hung prominently in Mainstreet.

Okay - so they made it to their destination. Let's see what shenanigans they can get up to over the next couple of days.......

Julie & Mike - Day 5...Or So....

2011-09-27T09:15:00.017-04:00

Make it to Hue City, north of Da Nang today.

And just barely made it, due to monsoons, typhoons and lagoons.

Because according to first hand reports.....

"....Wow last night we had this wild storm go through. Never seen the beat!

Torrential.

Anyway all is well now except we had to bike thru the aftermath. Roads flooded all over the place. Biked thru 2 to 3 ft of water several times, like for 1/4 mile and more."

This looks to be a shot of the previous evening when the waters were rising and flooding their restaurant.

Mike again: "I mean it's low to begin with but all the rivers have blown their banks and most houses near them are half under water.

Seems routine though.

Everyone is laughing, and the kids are all happy and saying hello to us all over."

Hey, quit hogging, Dad....Julie here:

"Yesterday was the big 10k pass - uphill the whole time! huge mega challenge but we did it! It has also been rainning for 4 days, apparently there's a typhoon in the Phillipines.

I have never seen so much rain! The streets are flooded, houses are underwater and were biking through lakes! its crazy.

Today was our last biking day - it was finally sunny!

Biked through the most beautiful mountains today, amazingly gorgeous country!"

A shot of Team Tiger, nicely inside and dried out.

Now although this trip looks to have been a blast (mainly of torrential rain) all these folks are Pedalling With A Purpose.

So it's great to know that all money raised on each of their Care Vietnam websites and through fundraisers and donations, etc. goes directly to Care Canada to support Vietnamese women and girls.

If anyone would like to help out, please remember you can still go to "Cycle for Care Vietnam 2011" to contribute.

That being said.....

Two More Tigers, Please!So to wrap up Day 5...or so.....

Mike here: "Ended up at the Asia Hotel in Hue City.

Nice place. Not like the resort we were in last night though.

Off we go now to a big wind up party. Biking is over.

Tomorrow we go mopeding up into the mountains then catch a train to somewhere. More on that later."

Okay guys, well done.

Julie & Mike - Day 4

2011-09-26T13:45:00.017-04:00

The gang made it to Lang Co, in Hue Province.

But not before an interesting last evening in Hoi An; "just leaving Hoi An, visited cultural sights.

Cooking classs last night; fish, wonton soup. etc. as we watched the river Hoai rise past the bank, flood the street we were on then start entering the restaurant. At which point we left for higher ground and back to the hotel Van Loi.

River starting to receed a bit again. Gotta bike thru 2-3 ft of water to get out soon...."

Okay......so looks like they made it out and.....

...they are staying at the Lang Co Beach Resort.

Evidently a "soft landing".

According to Mike: "Apparently big storm going thru near here. Maybe even a typhoon, which apparently is the reason we have no wifi.

Lots and lots of rain but spirits are high and we are all diggin it."

Looks like (another!) beautiful place to have to bivouac for a day.

They biked through East Beach, or China Beach, where "where we saw the remains of the American base there where they had the bunkers to house the helicopters and F4 Phantom jets.

Rained hard all day."

Mike here: "Stopped on the beach where 15 or 20 fishermen were pulling in this huge net.

So we helped out and they were very happy for our efforts. Took us 45 mins to drag that huge net full of fish up onto the beach.

Very cool."

"Climbed big mountain and went thru a tropical mountain pass with rivers crashing down and incredible vistas.

We are very close to Da Nang. Tomorrow we do 80 or 90 kms. Today 80."

Mike again: "Drinking lots of Tiger beer so we can call ourselves Team Tiger."

Hmmmm....I wonder whose idea that was....?

According to my reports, they have also been nicknamed The Rum Riders, The Canadian Clubs, The Beer Bongers, The.... well, you get the idea......

So here is a map for ...."The rest of the story".

To be told over the next week.....

Julie & Mike - Day 3

2011-09-25T20:04:00.017-04:00

Progress is being made, as they creep up the coast of Vietnam.

Let's see what Mike has to say.....

"Made it to Hoi An after a gruelling 62 kms! Famous UNESCO sight.

Actually seeing quite a few western faces, Famous for tailors, Just got fitted for a suit."

Day off from the biking schedual to rest up. Gotta get more dongs to spend, Couple of mill otta do it.

Looks like he found some more of those dongs.

Good thing, with the amount of time they are forced to spend downing those refreshments.

Boy, they look exhausted.....

"Beach party last night. [Ed. note: We're shocked.] Shakey this am. Apparently I was swept out to sea without knowing. Julie and fellow travellers were instrumental in my rescue. Too old to try the swim home. Maybe later this aft."

Not sure if this was a private note to the author or meant for public consumption.

But following the tradition of Wiki-leaks - and to maintain the incredibly high levels of integrity for which this blog is admired - we will report all correspondence.

Looks like the local fishermen caught another one of them coconuts.

Apparently, the insides are a key ingredient in many of our travellers refreshments.

A local temple?

Not sure - but caption on this pic was "How 'bout that for a hotel?"

I hope it's not their hotel or Terri will have to arrange another fund raiser.

So apparently, this was a day off from their gruelling schedule.

Let's hope they can get back on their bikes soon to rest up...

Julie & Mike - Day 2

2011-09-23T20:08:00.012-04:00

Okay - now we're getting somewhere.

Mike reporting: "Okay here we are at Tam Ky after an exhausting 50 km day yesterday. Rained all day but very warm so no complaints."

"Came across a wedding along the route and Hai asked if we wanted to drop in to visit which we đid.

Immediately they got us all [Ed. note: all....?] hammered which slowed us dơwn a bit and accounts for our only 50 km ride and we had to cut the day a bit short and jump on the bus to continue pounding back the refreshments.

Then supper and off to the karaoke bar. Sound like a rough trip so far? Well I tell you..."

Here is a group shot.

Not their group, because "Julie tells me we still can't send pics, but what ís that? I'll figure it out somehow soon.

Anyway it's 5:30 am again and off we go adventuring one mỏre time only everyone [Ed. note: everyone...?] ís a little under the weather.

Countryside very low and flat. Mostly rice patties and shrimp farms but incredibly beautiful. Raining again but warm already.

Later dude. Sorry about the pics. We got some awesome ones in the camera but I know thát's not much good."

You are correct sir.

More time on technology, less time on refreshments.

Julie & Mike - Day 1 (Finally!)

2011-09-23T19:10:00.009-04:00

So after a flight to Quy Nhom, on the eastern coast, our gang of intrepid travellers finally got on their bikes and are underway!

Mike here: "Great news. We biked today all day thru thick and thin, about 70 kms!! So happy!!

Even went thru several monsoon rainstorms that we could complain about! After the last monsoon we ended up in Quang Ngai City after a 5 beer bus ride.

Awesome!!

This really is a trip like no other I've been on."

Here is a pic of Quang Ngai City where they started out.

Mike again: "We are here to support Care Canada and doing some great work in the awareness field.

We got a bus in front and a truck in back just in case all hell breaks loose, which it does regularly and then somebody jumps on the bus and chills.

Cool. You'd love it I'm telling you.

We feel like celebrities here saying chin chow (hello) and high 5'ing all the kids we see which is all the time.

Seems like they love us here. Hard to believe."

This is Quang Ngai City, where they ended up after the first day.

"Tomorrow we bike another 70 to 90 klicks depending on how things go.

We stop in Mi Lie - the scene of the big war crime.

They have a different view of that war than we lived thru and it is hard not tell it like it was for me being in RMC for the last bit of it then working with the yanks after.

Hindsight is 20 20 and the Americans sure take a beating over here.

People forget that they were instrumental in saving the free world only 20 years before and that war is hell and $hit happens.

Anyhow this is a wonderful country now and I wish I could speak the language.

Fortunately Hai our guide and supreme leader puts me in touch with Viet Cong fighters from that era and we can relate a bit but I know I gotta be careful with what I say.

I really love the people and the landscape here and will come back somehow.

We got a ton of pics to show but Julie tells me there is no way to send them now."

What?! So off to bed you guys and figure something technical out!! And then get ready for another adventure....