When winter is more like spring, fauna and flora may suffer

Plants in a downtown flower box are already poking their leaves to the sky, one of many signs of an unusually balmy winter.

Here’s how our absurdly warm winter may affect everything from geese to greenery.



http://www.thestar.com/article/1132161

GTA women charged with cocaine smuggling behind bars in Dominican Republic

Three GTA women were arrested in the Dominican Republic Monday for allegedly trying to smuggle cocaine to Toronto.



http://www.thestar.com/article/1132189

Student council vote at Western nullified by ‘Justin Bieber’ hackers

The University of Western Ontario has scrapped two days of voting for its student president, a position worth $39,000, because of allegations of vote rigging.



http://www.thestar.com/article/1132162

Rick Vaive not drunk during trip, former Leaf teammate tells trial

Former Toronto Maple Leafs player Bill Derlago leaves Newmarket court, where the impaired driving trial of former teammate Rick Vaive continued Thursday. Derlago testified that Vaive was not drunk when he left drove home from a two-day golf tournament in Gravenhurst in July 2009.

The impaired driving trial of former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Rick Vaive continued in a Newmarket court Thursday, with a well-known former NHL star taking the stand in defense of his former teammate.



http://www.thestar.com/article/1132502

Capitalize on Your Remodeling Dollars with Relevant Modernization

We’re seeing movement in the housing market and remodeling as the economy recovers. Owners and remodeling contractors understand that once widely held features aren’t so popular these days. Smart remodeling contractors in 2012 understand what trends are in this year and have helped clients modernize their homes to reflect new trends.

Some of the “must-haves” of the past have become unfashionable. Once hot features and home finishes aren’t so hot anymore, so home owners are remodeling to keep their homes on-trend for today’s preferences.

Should you be a homeowner who plans to stay in your home, remodeling to remove outmoded features and update their homes for the future, is a smart method. If you’re a homeowner wanting to sell your home down line, you should remodel with modern homebuyers in mind. Nowadays, homebuyers are more practical than they once were. Buyers today want homes that are cool, but savvy. Homebuyers today tend to want to stay longer and that means better quality and practical features that stand the test of time.

Increasing space on main floors is in. For homeowners that are remodeling to stay, expanding main floor space is the smart way to do it. After all, aging knees don’t handle stairs too well. For the homeowner remodeling to sell, single-story appeals to all demographics. Two story additions aren’t great anymore due to so many older buyers. Ask your contractor to measure yard space that can be legitimately used to expand out on the main floor.

Boxy separate rooms are out. Flowing open spaces are in. Consider knocking down walls to add this flowing floor plan. Open spaces permit creative use of space that is better geared to any family. Open spaces permit furniture placement in ways that aren’t conducive to closed off rooms. If you plan on selling, buyers are drawn to open floor plans far more than separate old-school rooms.

Considerable bathroom storage is in. Jacuzzi tubs are out; and simplicity rules. Walk in closets and huge storage is the new remodel. Lose small rooms and open them up or change to a great closet and dressing area. If you’re remodeling a master suite, showy showers are out and dual sink counters are in. Practical remodels adds great ROI should you plan to sell. Spending your remodeling dollars on these features rather than elaborate bathing fixtures is appealing to today’s conversation of water awareness.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype in cyberspace looking for info about rta kitchen cabinets mississauga, but we make it our top priority to help you.

Paramedic blames inexperience for failure to treat dying patient

James Hearst, 59, died in the lobby of his apartment building near Yonge and College Sts. on June 25, 2009, after collapsing and then waiting for more than half an hour for paramedics to arrive.

A paramedic said a strike by his union had no impact on his decision to refuse to attend to a man who was dying of a heart attack for more than 35 minutes while waiting for police backup.



http://www.thestar.com/article/1131708

Portrait of Mayor Rob Ford selling for $5,555.55 (U.S.) on eBay

This portrait of Rob Ford by local artist Stephanie Kervin is for sale on eBay.

A Toronto artist’s painting is listed on eBay at a price cheekily tagged to Ford’s opposition to the bag tax.



http://www.thestar.com/article/1131462

GTA women charged with cocaine smuggling behind bars in Dominican Republic

Three GTA women were arrested in the Dominican Republic Monday for allegedly trying to smuggle cocaine to Toronto.



http://www.thestar.com/article/1132189

Student council vote at Western nullified by ‘Justin Bieber’ hackers

The University of Western Ontario has scrapped two days of voting for its student president, a position worth $39,000, because of allegations of vote rigging.



http://www.thestar.com/article/1132162

Student council vote at Western nullified by ‘Justin Bieber’ hackers

The University of Western Ontario has scrapped two days of voting for its student president, a position worth $39,000, because of allegations of vote rigging.



http://www.thestar.com/article/1132162