I don't think Mayor Rob Ford is a good leader for the City of Toronto. I believe he is bad for the city and a disaster for transit. His half ass reno of Nathan Phillips Square is a disgrace. He is a cheapskate mayor who lacks vision. We deserve better. You don't build great cities on the cheap.
As much as I dislike Mayor Ford I do not believe that publicity seeking, leftist agitator, Clayton Ruby should get to decide who is worthy of being mayor of Toronto. Seeing Ruby "Let's Call a Press Conference" mug in the Toronto Star was too much to take. No one loves a microphone more than Ruby. This guy calls a press conference more often than Rob Ford calls 911. The voters get to decide who will be mayor, not Clayton "Look at Me" Ruby. He gets one vote like the rest of us.
That lobbyists made a $3,500 donation to Ford's football foundation is not worthy of stripping him from office. Unlike Ruby, Ford donates his time and money to help disadvantaged, high risk youth play football. Frankly, it is the best thing about Ford. The guy actually gives a crap about young people.
Clayton "I'm over here, look at me" Ruby, call a press conference and apologise to the voters of Toronto for trying to steal their election results.
Wednesday 29 August 2012
Monday 27 August 2012
Lance Armstrong
This is my take on Lance Armstrong, if he was innocent he would take a Lie Detector test. Lie detector tests are very accurate. He doesn't even have to publish the results. Take a test and if he passes he contracts an independent evaluator to conduct a public test. If he fails the public test he publishes the back-up test.
There is one reason he wont take the test. It is because he is guilty of cheating.
Armstrong is one of those rare athletes that seems to be beyond criticism. All the charity work and cancer awareness has made him a teflon celebrity. Much like Bill Clinton, people knew he lied, but liked the guy. In Toronto I use the example of Leaf player Wendel Clark. Wendel was so beloved in Toronto, fans ignored the fact that he was a defensive liability, was a selfish player that never passed the puck. You can't convince a Leaf fan that Wendel wasn't an all-round, great two-way player.
I work in the insurance business and there is a company that will offer a suspected arsonist the right to take a lie detector test. If they pass, the claim is covered, if they fail the test cannot be used in court against the claimant. It is the perfect litmus test. If you have nothing to hide there is no reason not to take the test. Anytime I hear of a high profile person accused of a crime, who claims innocence, I want them to take a lie detector test.
There is one reason he wont take the test. It is because he is guilty of cheating.
Armstrong is one of those rare athletes that seems to be beyond criticism. All the charity work and cancer awareness has made him a teflon celebrity. Much like Bill Clinton, people knew he lied, but liked the guy. In Toronto I use the example of Leaf player Wendel Clark. Wendel was so beloved in Toronto, fans ignored the fact that he was a defensive liability, was a selfish player that never passed the puck. You can't convince a Leaf fan that Wendel wasn't an all-round, great two-way player.
I work in the insurance business and there is a company that will offer a suspected arsonist the right to take a lie detector test. If they pass, the claim is covered, if they fail the test cannot be used in court against the claimant. It is the perfect litmus test. If you have nothing to hide there is no reason not to take the test. Anytime I hear of a high profile person accused of a crime, who claims innocence, I want them to take a lie detector test.
Sunday 26 August 2012
Boating in Lake Ontario
I took last Friday off to go golfing with a lawyer buddy of mine. Rather than own a cottage, or other vacation property, he purchased a large boat, seen on the top of the photos below.
He knew that I was in the market to buy a second hand small motor boat. He took me to his marina in Bronte to look at boats, just to get an idea of the size and quality I would be looking at. His boat, needless to say, is 10 times out of my price range. The second photo of a boat, below his, is the style of boat I'm looking for. Even that one is probably too new for my price range.
My friend gave me several pointers and some things to think about. Even possibly increasing my budget a small amount to purchase a slightly larger boat. His advice was not to go too small, or cheap and regret it later. The trade in value will be greater as well.
I'm also concerned about the ability to park the vessel without creating havoc. He told me I was making a mistake to worry about parking, when after one weekend I would be proficient. Purchasing a boat based on that alone would be a huge mistake I would regret.
The logic behind my boat purchase is quite simple. I live downtown, where the boat slip will be located. I do not own a car, I do not have a public transit pass. I pay next to nothing for transportation. I walk to and from work. I do not own a cottage, or spend a lot on vacations.
I'm looking to take advantage of the Great Lake on our doorstep and enjoy the summers in Toronto.
My goal is to purchase the boat this Fall from someone unloading, or upgrading their boat. Launching my boat next Spring when the season starts.
He knew that I was in the market to buy a second hand small motor boat. He took me to his marina in Bronte to look at boats, just to get an idea of the size and quality I would be looking at. His boat, needless to say, is 10 times out of my price range. The second photo of a boat, below his, is the style of boat I'm looking for. Even that one is probably too new for my price range.
My friend gave me several pointers and some things to think about. Even possibly increasing my budget a small amount to purchase a slightly larger boat. His advice was not to go too small, or cheap and regret it later. The trade in value will be greater as well.
I'm also concerned about the ability to park the vessel without creating havoc. He told me I was making a mistake to worry about parking, when after one weekend I would be proficient. Purchasing a boat based on that alone would be a huge mistake I would regret.
The logic behind my boat purchase is quite simple. I live downtown, where the boat slip will be located. I do not own a car, I do not have a public transit pass. I pay next to nothing for transportation. I walk to and from work. I do not own a cottage, or spend a lot on vacations.
I'm looking to take advantage of the Great Lake on our doorstep and enjoy the summers in Toronto.
My goal is to purchase the boat this Fall from someone unloading, or upgrading their boat. Launching my boat next Spring when the season starts.
Thursday 23 August 2012
Hasidic Jews and Pregnant Smokers
I'm now am Internet expert on Hasidic Jews. I can't get enough information on the Hasidic Jews and their fascinating lifestyle. You can draw a parallel between the Hasidic Jews and the Christian Amish. A conservative sect of a mainstream religion, that lives among and yet apart from mainstream society. They eschew modern technology, entertainment, media and fashion. They do not like to be photographed as a general rule. Women are encouraged to raise large families. Education is not a priority. Learning passages from the bible, prayer are the priority of education.
In the case of Hasidic Jews the fanatical following of the sect leaders known as the Rebbe. The Rebbe is worshipped both in life and after death. I encourage you to YouTube Hasidic Jews and watch videos of these people. I dare you to look away.
I was shocked this week when I saw a pregnant co-worker outside the building light up a cigarette. I know it was quite common in the not too distant past, but it is almost unheard of now. I didn't know if I should wag my finger at her, make a citizen's arrest, shun her, or mind my own business. I chickened out a did the latter.
I needed to speak to someone about it and told Donut Girl. She was appalled at both cigarette Mom and me for failing to protect the unborn child. I think an intervention is in order. This kid will be born with a craving for cigs. He, or she, will be taking smoke breaks in daycare. The kid will be born with fetal nicotine syndrome. Will probably have curly hair and be shorter than a Bolivian Indian child.
The worker lady is a contract worker, so there is only so much we can do.
In the case of Hasidic Jews the fanatical following of the sect leaders known as the Rebbe. The Rebbe is worshipped both in life and after death. I encourage you to YouTube Hasidic Jews and watch videos of these people. I dare you to look away.
I was shocked this week when I saw a pregnant co-worker outside the building light up a cigarette. I know it was quite common in the not too distant past, but it is almost unheard of now. I didn't know if I should wag my finger at her, make a citizen's arrest, shun her, or mind my own business. I chickened out a did the latter.
I needed to speak to someone about it and told Donut Girl. She was appalled at both cigarette Mom and me for failing to protect the unborn child. I think an intervention is in order. This kid will be born with a craving for cigs. He, or she, will be taking smoke breaks in daycare. The kid will be born with fetal nicotine syndrome. Will probably have curly hair and be shorter than a Bolivian Indian child.
The worker lady is a contract worker, so there is only so much we can do.
Saturday 18 August 2012
Thursday 16 August 2012
Trinity Bellwoods
I could not capture the true nature of Trinity-Bellwoods Park for the same reason I could not capture my previous Toronto Beaches photo project. A middle aged man cannot get away with taking photos of groups of people. It is too creepy, blog or no blog.
Monday 13 August 2012
Delayed Project
My project to document Trinity Bellwoods Park has been delayed.
Trinity Bellwoods has to be the busiest park per square foot in Canada.
It is a large park by urban standards, but is packed daily with people of every age and ethnicity. They seem content to claim their small piece of this great city experiment.
There is no doubt many people outside of Toronto would be appalled that so many people are so close together, but in inner city Toronto, packed streets and parks are part of what makes this city great.
The park is not terribly clean, there are weeds everywhere, as the city does not allow pesticides. Homeless youth sometimes camp out in the park. No one seems to mind. People tend to live and let live in the park.
Trinity Bellwoods is not a park without charm. There are mature trees, trails, plenty of hills. There are tennis courts and hockey rinks for winter.
I live right downtown and the city sidewalks and patios are packed 7-days a week at all hours of the day and night. The patio at the Irish pub across the street from my condo does not have an off day. Sunday through the following Saturday there is not a empty table to be had.
The whole Trinity Bellwoods experience reminds me a bit of the Charlton Heston movie, Soylent Green, maybe 15-years before the state of the city depicted in the movie.
Trinity Bellwoods has to be the busiest park per square foot in Canada.
It is a large park by urban standards, but is packed daily with people of every age and ethnicity. They seem content to claim their small piece of this great city experiment.
There is no doubt many people outside of Toronto would be appalled that so many people are so close together, but in inner city Toronto, packed streets and parks are part of what makes this city great.
The park is not terribly clean, there are weeds everywhere, as the city does not allow pesticides. Homeless youth sometimes camp out in the park. No one seems to mind. People tend to live and let live in the park.
Trinity Bellwoods is not a park without charm. There are mature trees, trails, plenty of hills. There are tennis courts and hockey rinks for winter.
I live right downtown and the city sidewalks and patios are packed 7-days a week at all hours of the day and night. The patio at the Irish pub across the street from my condo does not have an off day. Sunday through the following Saturday there is not a empty table to be had.
The whole Trinity Bellwoods experience reminds me a bit of the Charlton Heston movie, Soylent Green, maybe 15-years before the state of the city depicted in the movie.
Wednesday 8 August 2012
Thinking Out Loud
I note that Catholic nuns are meeting in the US this week to consider the Vatican's decision to assign 3-US bishops to clamp down on their social justice work. The Vatican thinks the nuns should spend more time fighting abortion and same sex marriage and less time on helping the poor.
I think it is time for the nuns to break free of an out of touch Church. The complete overhaul of the Catholic Church, ruined by the far too long rein of John Paul II has gutted the social activism of the original Christian Church and replaced it with a right-wing leadership, forever stacked by JP II and his successors. It is self perpetuating.
The Catholic Church is turning into a Third World, backwards arch-conservative relic. It is no wonder that nuns are not replacing their ageing members and priests increasingly have to be recruited from Asia and Africa. Decades of turning a blind eye to rampant paedophiles and now wholly obsessed with the abortion issue to exclusion of all others. Backing Republicans and Conservatives who ignore the poor, but back the Church's social conservative agenda. It is like socially active Jews turning to Republicans because of unblinking support of Israel. It trumps all other policies.
On another issue, I did not see any one comment on the poor French competitor that was wiped out by triathlete Simon Whitfield's mistake at the Olympics. No apology from Whitfield, no mention by any paper, or TV reporter in Canada. His Olympic moment was ended by Whitfield's actions.
I remember attending a TFC soccer match last year when members of the Women's National Soccer team, including Christine Sinclair, were trying to sell tickets to an upcoming friendly. They were largely ignored. I'm betting they get a better reception next time.
My next Blog project will be a brief expose on Trinity Bellwoods Park in downtown Toronto. A unique urban park, warts and all.
I think it is time for the nuns to break free of an out of touch Church. The complete overhaul of the Catholic Church, ruined by the far too long rein of John Paul II has gutted the social activism of the original Christian Church and replaced it with a right-wing leadership, forever stacked by JP II and his successors. It is self perpetuating.
The Catholic Church is turning into a Third World, backwards arch-conservative relic. It is no wonder that nuns are not replacing their ageing members and priests increasingly have to be recruited from Asia and Africa. Decades of turning a blind eye to rampant paedophiles and now wholly obsessed with the abortion issue to exclusion of all others. Backing Republicans and Conservatives who ignore the poor, but back the Church's social conservative agenda. It is like socially active Jews turning to Republicans because of unblinking support of Israel. It trumps all other policies.
On another issue, I did not see any one comment on the poor French competitor that was wiped out by triathlete Simon Whitfield's mistake at the Olympics. No apology from Whitfield, no mention by any paper, or TV reporter in Canada. His Olympic moment was ended by Whitfield's actions.
I remember attending a TFC soccer match last year when members of the Women's National Soccer team, including Christine Sinclair, were trying to sell tickets to an upcoming friendly. They were largely ignored. I'm betting they get a better reception next time.
My next Blog project will be a brief expose on Trinity Bellwoods Park in downtown Toronto. A unique urban park, warts and all.
Sunday 5 August 2012
Latest Update
Reading the Toronto Star article about the Catholic Priest in Ireland that was giving a PowerPoint presentation to parents of kids getting ready for first confession. The memory stick he used instead featured gay porn. Father McVeigh ran out of the room all flustered. No explanation, or apology given. Someone else had to finish the presentation. He returned later to tell the parents that, as kids get monetary gifts for first confessions they may want to donate some of it to the church. All the better to help payoff abuse claims.
Another is a series of restaurant reviews, I visited Weslodge (photo above) on King St. West, with the H girls. This Western themed high end saloon was a disappointment. We drank tap water, but the bar features $16 cocktails, or for $2.50 per person you get unlimited filtered water. The food was very average. The lunch menu had maybe six entree options. I had a hamburger that will not crack the top-50 in the next Toronto Life survey. Selective non-meat eater Mariana had the fish, which she claimed was ok. Ana "Donut Girl" had the lobster burger which was apparently also decent. The H sisters prefer less pretentious eateries. Mariana threw in a crack that it may have been the company, not the food, that was the problem.
The continued gentrification of King West has hit a speed bump by trying too hard to impress. The wait staff are forced to wear holsters. The place is drawing big crowds. Must be Bay Street expense accounts buying the overpriced cocktails.
Another is a series of restaurant reviews, I visited Weslodge (photo above) on King St. West, with the H girls. This Western themed high end saloon was a disappointment. We drank tap water, but the bar features $16 cocktails, or for $2.50 per person you get unlimited filtered water. The food was very average. The lunch menu had maybe six entree options. I had a hamburger that will not crack the top-50 in the next Toronto Life survey. Selective non-meat eater Mariana had the fish, which she claimed was ok. Ana "Donut Girl" had the lobster burger which was apparently also decent. The H sisters prefer less pretentious eateries. Mariana threw in a crack that it may have been the company, not the food, that was the problem.
The continued gentrification of King West has hit a speed bump by trying too hard to impress. The wait staff are forced to wear holsters. The place is drawing big crowds. Must be Bay Street expense accounts buying the overpriced cocktails.
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