Sudoku may have French roots

It may surprise you but Sudoku, despite the name, may have its roots in 19th century French number-placement puzzles. Today's logic-based puzzles, like the originals, are often featured in newspapers, Fans also satisfy their need to tackle the puzzles by buying books filled with boxes composed of the well-known 9X9 grids.

To the uninitiated, the puzzles look quite difficult. But, in truth, even children of eight or younger can solve these puzzles and in doing so they hone their logic skills. Although the verdict is still out, many believe seniors improve their age-deteriorating memory by playing the game.

A bit of religion on display

 

Why this wall carries the image of a crucifix is a puzzle. The building does not appear to have any religious connection other than the image itself. That said, someone has gone to a lot of trouble in order to decorate this wall.

Booze outlet closed after vandalism

A local LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) store in London was closed Monday after a man reportedly took an axe to the displays leaving mounds of broken glass from hundreds of smashed bottles and a floor awash in wine and possibly other alcoholic beverages. The police reported have a suspect in custody. Why the store was attacked remains in question.

COVID forces turkey pick-up outwide

 

The local turkey farm sells thousands of turkeys before Christmas. A day or two later these large birds take centre stage for the annual Christmas dinners at many London homes. This year the picking up of the pre-ordered turkeys was done outside. Why? COVID.

But after so many months of living with the virus, the work-arounds are getting to be almost second nature. The pick up line was long but the wait was possibly shorter than in pre-COVID times. On arrival, one told a person their name, then joined the line waiting to pick up a bird. The line was at least a dozen folk deep, but three people on cash kept the line moving smartly. When one reached the front of the line, the turkey was wait there for pick up.

Merry Christmas!

A second COVID Christmas was celebrated but it was a little light on family and friends. Surely next year the traditional large family gathering will return. There were lots of brightly wrapped gifts under our tree and a somewhat subdued little girl discovered that Saint Nick had come and gone long before mom and sis were up and about. 

Later in the day an aunt and cousin stopped by to exchange gifts. Everyone present was vaccinated, some had had a Rapid Test before joining the small group. Oh well, the group may nave been small but it was a merry gathering nevertheless.

And I do hope that you, too, had a very merry Christmas.

A great neighbourhood once and will be again

 

The east end of London was traditionally where the factories were located and there were lots and lots of those with the accent on were. The factory jobs paid well and the older homes in the neighbourhood reflect the prosperity that once anchored the neighbourhood.

Then the factories left, the east end shopping district emptied and the neighbourhood went into decline. Just seven years ago one of the last big employers in the area, Kelloggs, closed its plant and departed the city.

With housing prices climbing right across Canada, it is a case of a rising tide lifting all boats and the homes in the east end, with their heritage charm, are increasing in value and attracting new, first time home buyers. The area's fortunes may be about to turn around.

Old churchs finding new uses: e.g. as a mosque

 

The Hyatt Mosque and Centre in London, Ontario, in the east end of the city is located in a century old former church building. Talk about good luck. The new owners promise a full restoration of the exterior of the 1907 church to its original elegance. No alterations are planned.

Inside there is a beautiful sanctuary with lots of gorgeous, heritage woodwork. Everything will be preserved and then the restored space will be used for lectures, seminars and gatherings.

After years of neglect, three cheers for the new Muslim owners. What great neighbours these folk are proving to be.