It seems a new epidemic is hitting our town: bicycle abandonment. The Toronto Star reported on Saturday that it tested 550 bicycle locking posts across they city and spotted an "astounding" 31 derelict bikes on College Street, between Bathurst and Ossington, alone. Jury is out on why so many people are locking and walking, but at this "astounding" rate, Little Italy will become known as Rusty Lane in no time.

With a rocky year coming to a close for the Toronto Humane Society the newly appointed management is facing a large budget deficit as public donations dry up. To counter this THS hosted an open house this weekend with actress Loretta Swit (of M*A*S*H) meeting with fans and signing autographs at $25 a pop which was donated to the shelter. At the time of writing the results of the open house were not available, nor was word if the THS realized that M*A*S*H was far from relevant anymore.

Despite the increase in voter turnout for this year's city elections campaign managers for mayor-elect Rob Ford and candidate Rocco Rossi say that polls should be open longer. "I think that the polls should open at 8 o'clock in the morning. People should have the opportunity to vote before work," says Bernie Morton, Rossi's campaign manager. Had polls been open longer the Rossi camp was banking on the campaign slogan "Vote early and vote often" to drum up support.

Remembrance Day ceremonies began yesterday as reservists took to the streets to march in honour of their fallen comrades. Four regiments took to Queen's Park for the ceremony to pay tribute to the 152 reservists killed in action since Canada's involvement in the Afghanistan mission began nine years ago. Col. James McEwen says Remembrance Day events are not only for the fallen but also those overseas, "They don't get to take a break on Nov. 11th, ... so we want to make sure we appreciate the sacrifices they are making on a daily basis."

After a two week strike, operations at the Delta Chelsea hotel should be returning to normal. Yesterday Local 75, the union representing over 500 workers announced they reached a tentative deal with hotel management. Details of the agreement will be released today after union members vote on the package.

IN BRIEF

• Human blood has been made from human skin in the Hammer, of all places.
• #Toronto rolls out the pink carpet for Breast Fest.
• Tetraphobic Toronto couple wants their house number changed.
• Who should win the Giller Prize?

Writing by Elliott Pen and Marisa Iacobucci. Photo by AshtonPal in the blogTO Flickr pool