Author: szpinner
Search Results for:
NR Lifetime
Nancy has a lifetime of personal and professional public service: An accomplished community volunteer since 1988. On numerous Not for Profit local charity boards, including sports clubs in Pickering, Ajax and Whitby. Pickering Community Civic Volunteer Award. Woman of Distinction … Continue reading
test NVR
What I will tackle: Affordability Pickering and Durham Regional municipal taxes are some of the highest in Ontario. Families here are also financially strapped with high food and gas prices, to name just a few constraints. Families need attainable housing … Continue reading
VR a part of her platform and campaign promises
Affordability Pickering and Durham Regional municipal taxes are some of the highest in Ontario. Families here are also financially strapped with high food and gas prices, to name just a few constraints. Families need attainable housing along with affordable options. … Continue reading
MOSQUITO WARNINGS
Many posts, pieces have been written about the dangers of mosquito bites. This is a very serious problem that cannot be emphasized enough. The repercussions of an infected mosquito bite can last a life time. Imagine suffering with Lyme disease … Continue reading
Mt Rushmore: Great example of AI use
The Mount Rushmore video on the front page is a great example of AI work. It’s entertaining, engaging and very creative. I can understand how AI could do a video like this, but this is much more complicated than that. … Continue reading
MOSQUITOES: Addendum from Councillor Brenner
Maurice Brenner Pickering Regional Councillor, Ward 1 Ticks and Mosquitoes: Avoid the Bite Now that we’re fully into summer, it’s time to spend more time outdoors. Whether you’re a dog walker, hiker, or explorer, enjoying this time of year means … Continue reading
YOUR GARDEN: Pistachio shells good for much more than just your compost.
Never Throw Away Pistachio Shells Again – Recipe Heaven [I wonder if this may be true for the shells of other kinds of nuts?] There’s something weirdly satisfying about cracking open a pistachio. That little pop, the twist of your … Continue reading
PICKERING: Councillor Robinson needs to endless lamenting
A comment Lisa Robinson, ‘deposed’ Pickering Councillor, just cant stop lamenting about being removed from council. Lisa, it’s fact. It’s a done deal. Stop for heaven’s sake unless you have something new or you are ready to reveal the corruption … Continue reading
PICKERING PUBLIC LIBRARY press release: Katrine D’Souza appointed as new CEO-Director of the PICKERING PUBLIC LIBRARY; professional and personal aspects
Kristine_D_Souza_-_Press_Release_and_Bio
CANDIDATES: Platforms/Info
KEVIN ASHE DOUG CORNELL JOHN MELOCHE LISA ROBINSON SAM SNYDERS PRIYA VADIVEL NANCY VAN ROOY VINCE VIAPIANA ________________
MOSQUITOES: WARNING…this is very serious problem. Read this article about a natural oil repellent available at health stores Ajax area has tested positive
REPEL MOSQUITOS WITH NATURAL REPELLENT
GOVT OF CANADA: Govt announces F.U.C.K. O.F.F. initiative to address CROSS-BORDER smoke concerns
Source: Reg R. ____________________
SCAM ALERT: Delete, do not open, all these invitations to avoid computer infection.
SCAM ALERT SCAM ALERT: If you receive such an email, DELETE IT WITHOUT OPENING IT. It is a serious malware scam that will infect your computer system by highjacking all your contacts and emailing them scam invitations without you know … Continue reading
EDITORIAL COMMENT: Lisa Robinson continues to beat a dead horse with yet another press release
Mayoralty candidate Lisa Robinson should ride out to the Calgary Stampede to help the horsemen with seriously injured horses. She is very experienced at beating a dead horse. In support Robinson may have had a case long ago that she … Continue reading
SUMMARY VERSION
Summary: Robinson Statement on Integrity Commissioner Sanction Source: Statement from Councillor Lisa Robinson (Pickering) responding to the council sanction against her. Core Claim Robinson says a complaint by Councillors Brenner, Cook, and Nagy misrepresented three of her motions, and that … Continue reading
FULL VERSION
THE TRUTH IS COMING OUT: FALSE CLAIMS BY BRENNER, COOK AND NAGY WERE ADOPTED AND AMPLIFIED BY PICKERING’S INTEGRITY COMMISSIONER & COUNCIL The actual motions expose the lies used to sanction Councillor Lisa Robinson and build a damaging public narrative … Continue reading
PICKERING: Visiting the waterfront for those who can’t, JULY 2026
Photos by Garry Winsor _______________
PICKERING: 15 year old teen found guilty of 1st degree murder
Editorial comment: The view outside is dark, dusky, much like after sunset in the evening. But it’s 2:30 pm. So what’s the story….our world is upside down. Climate change rockets the thermometer to record highs, teenagers committing adult level crimes … Continue reading
ELECTIONS: Another press release from mayoralty candidate Lisa Robinson
Mayoralty candidate Lisa Robinson has issued another press in defense against alleged attacks against her by other councillors. Two versions are presented here for site visitors’ convenience: FULL VERSION SUMMARY VERSION
CORNELL ELECTION MATERIAL
Doug Cornell for Mayor – City of Pickering, 2026 Growth with Accountability. Infrastructure Built With You – Not Around You. About Doug Doug Cornell isn’t a career politician – he’s a Pickering resident who has spent his career solving problems, … Continue reading
PICKERING: City plans to launch New Online Service Portal in 2027
The short version… Pickering Seeks Input on New Online Service Portal The City of Pickering is inviting residents to help shape a new Online Service Portal, making it easier to access City services, submit requests, and track progress through a … Continue reading
ELECTIONS: *** Who’s running *** Linked directly to City site
MLB: Jim Abbott ESPN award for perseverance
A great story of perseverance, in 1993, Jim Abbot pitched a no hitter for the New York Yankees. No big deal you say? Jim Abbott has NO RIGHT HAND.
DOUG CORNELL
Doug Cornell for Mayor – City of Pickering, 2026 Growth with Accountability. Infrastructure Built With You – Not Around You. About Doug Doug Cornell isn’t a career politician – he’s a Pickering resident who has spent his career solving problems, … Continue reading
ELECTIONS: Press release from mayoralty candidate Lisa Robinson
[The Robinson press release is neither condoned nor supports the release. It is being posted as a public service to inform the Pickering/Durham residents. However, accusations without evidence or substantive information may be libelous. It definitely gives her press release … Continue reading
From Candidate Sam Snyder’s desk…
A few weeks ago, I shared a concern raised by a Ward 2 resident about a deteriorating tree in one of our local parks. Today, I’m happy to report back with the outcome. The tree has now been removed, and … Continue reading
BAKER’S DOZEN: #13
13. T shirts, Badges: straightforward, simple, direct made promoting your campaign: simple, big name, maybe an image, bold colour…all you volunteers wear…get one for yourself for sure to be worn everywhere; get simple Badges made….Pickering Central Library has equipment to … Continue reading
BAKER’S DOZEN: #12
12. Plan a strong finish: lawn signs up at the legally permitted date, final week blitz, GOTV calls/texts to identified supporters, and a clear Election Day plan (scrutineers, rides to polls if needed).
BAKER’S DOZEN: #11
11. Track every voter contact (spreadsheet or simple CRM) to identify supporters for get-out-the-vote calls near October 26.
BAKER’S DOZEN: #10
10. “Coffee & Muffin” late breakfast with community leaders of ethnic community leaders of Pickering
BAKER’S DOZEN: #9
9. Secure endorsements — local business owners, community groups, past councillors — and use them in mailers/social post.
BAKER’S DOZEN: #8
8. Get an all-candidates meeting strategy:prepare 3-4 core talking points, practice answering hostile questions concisely.
BAKER’S DOZEN: #7
7. CONTACTINFORMATION: email addy, phone number highly visible so voters can follow up if they want more information
BAKER’S DOZEN: #6
6. Build a simple website + social presence(Instagram/Facebook) with consistent messaging, updated weekly.
BAKER’S DOZEN: #5
5. Door-knock relentlessly— municipal races are won on doorsteps, not ads. Aim for multiple passes per household before October 26.
BAKER’S DOZEN: #4
4. Map the ward: pull voter/resident data, identify key issues by neighbourhood (traffic, development, taxes, parks), and target doors accordingly.
BAKER’S DOZEN: #3
3. Build a core team: campaign manager, volunteer coordinator, social media lead, and a few trusted advisors — don’t try to run it solo.
Why and how I use AI a lot to supplement my work
I use Artificial Intelligence a lot: to edit my writing to proof read my work to authenticate authenticity of material to confirm the piece has authentic support to research, find details, check reliability to write short pieces for inspiration to … Continue reading
Oshawa fire service transitions to upgraded 911 network
The 911 emergency hot line gets improvements making it faster, more reliable and increasing its capacity. The full story > 911 FULL The short story… Oshawa launched upgraded Next Generation 911 (NG 911) service Sunday, part of a nationwide CRTC-mandated … Continue reading
BAKER’S DOZEN: #2
2. Lock down logistics early: file nomination, open a campaign bank account, register with the clerk, set a budget and spending cap.
BAKER’S DOZEN: #1
Define a clear, single-sentence value proposition— why voters should pick her over other candidates in her ward.
PICKERING brings outdoor fitness stations to its parks to help residents get active
The City of Pickering is turning community input into action, with new outdoor fitness stations moving ahead in three neighbourhood parks following Pickering’s first-ever participatory budget process. The parks Council recently approved the contract to bring outdoor fitness stations to … Continue reading
An Aussie writes a message to T****. It is paraphrased here.
Before Criticizing Other Countries, Look at Home President T****, You criticize other countries so easily. You should look at your own backyard first. Social and Economic Issues More than 600,000 people are homeless on any given night. Around 40% … Continue reading
Men’s mental health changes as we age: Don’t ignore the signs there may be problems
Supporting men’s mental health as we age: Don’t ignore the signs Source: McMaster Optimal Aging Portal Mental health is an essential part of healthy aging, yet many men find it difficult to recognize when they’re struggling or to ask for … Continue reading
Pickering to launches New Online Service Portal, 2027
Overview The City of Pickering is asking residents to help shape a new Online Service Portal designed to make it easier to access City services, submit requests, and track progress through a personalized profile. The initiative reflects the City’s … Continue reading
BAKER’S DOZEN OF CAMPAIGN STRATEGY SUGGESTIONS
These are strategies to consider for your campaign. Use the ones that suit you. Some are very crucial and have to be done like #5 Define a clear, single-sentence value proposition — why voters should pick her over other candidates … Continue reading
Try my NEWS SUMMARY…saves you time and energy
Try my “NEWS SUMMARY“ It gives you headlines and short blurps about the news headlines from around the world to around the block. Saves you time and energy unless you’re a real old timer and want the feel of a … Continue reading
HELP ME IMPROVE: Suggest 2-3 changes you think would improve my website
“I am always working to make my site better for site visitors. I would appreciate hearing your thoughts! What change or improvement do you feel is needed most on this website? Please leave your suggestions in the comments section below!”
Never pour just anything down your kitchen sink drain
Pouring anything and everything down your sink drains is going to cost you big time, especially if you are doing it in your kitchen. It cost our house $1500 to repair our drains after many years of pouring almost anything … Continue reading
*** ATTN CAMPAIGN CANDIDATES ***
Here’s the help you need with your election campaign… The BAKER’S DOZEN ## provides you with access to a list of practical and succesful strategies which you might consider incorporating into your campaign. Just type “BAKER’S DOZEN” into the ‘Search … Continue reading
*** ATTN ALL ELECTION CANDIDATES ***
Attention all ELECTION candidates… here’s a consideration for your campaign material. Take a look at John Meloche’s policy/platform/information at MELOCHE His material is presented in a simple, clean, straightforward manner allowing readers to choose what they want to read. … Continue reading
CANDIDATES as per my website
CORNELL, DOUG MELOCHE, John ROBINSON, Lisa SNYDERS, Sam VADIVEL, Priya VIAPIANA, Vince
EXCELLENT CAMPAIGN POST: Clean, clear, concise, read as you need
Election candidates have diverse platforms and many ways of being expressed. What is important about this is that they need to think how voters will access this information, how it will be received and if it helps voters become better … Continue reading
PUTIN IS PLOTTING AN ATTACK ON POLAND AND TRUMP IS SHRUGGING
PUTIN IS PLOTTING AN ATTACK ON POLAND AND TRUMP IS SHRUGGING While the Pentagon fights with itself, Putin is planning his next move. And American intelligence says the target is Poland. The Daily Beast reports that Washington has warned Warsaw … Continue reading
T*****’s income for 2025 was $2.2 BILLION dollars….way to go AmeriKa
Trump is starting his day furious. It is Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Trump reportedly flew into a private rage after his 250th anniversary “State Fair” drew embarrassingly thin crowds. He took his first flight Wednesday on the $400 million luxury … Continue reading
T****’s income fo 2025 was $2.2 Billion (yes, “B”illion) dollars. Bravo AmeriKa
Trump is starting his day furious. It is Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Trump reportedly flew into a private rage after his 250th anniversary “State Fair” drew embarrassingly thin crowds. He took his first flight Wednesday on the $400 million luxury … Continue reading
Watermelon: A guide to selecting what your grocer offers
Knocking on the melon? I used to be the guy in the grocery store who knocked on every watermelon like I was a doctor checking for a heartbeat. Thump, thump, thump. I had no idea what I was listening for. … Continue reading
Extreme heat in Europe; region unable to cope; fatalities are rising
As Asad Rehman, chief executive of Friends of the Earth, told the Guardian, the heat “throws a grenade into every vulnerability you already have”. The sharp divergence in experiences should set off alarm bells for policymakers across Europe, the world’s fastest-warming continent. As … Continue reading
European heat wave treating different socio-economic groups differently and it is fatal for too many poor
Ashifa Kassam, European community affairs correspondent Call it a tale of two heatwave experiences. As brutally hot conditions brought much of western Europe to its knees, an American writer living in Paris asserted that, for many, the heat was … Continue reading
Councillor Lisa Robinson deserves some credit and acknowledgement
Recently, Councillor Lisa Robinson supported a fundraiser for the Pickering Animal Shelter by being the target in a “dunking tank’ event. Those who saw the event may criticize Robinson, saying she is bringing a level of unprofessionalism to the campaign … Continue reading
The GUILTY, David Baldacci
The GUILTY, David Baldacci Synopsis Will Robie escaped his small Gulf Coast hometown of Cantrell, Mississippi after high school, severing all personal ties, and never looked back. Not until the unimaginable occurs. His father, Dan Robie, has been arrested and … Continue reading
Your home needs FIRE PROTECTION
Safeguard your family with fire protection for your home. Modify the suggestions here to suit your particular residence, Certified Fire extinguishers can be purchased at Canadian Tire, Home Depot and other such retailers for under $40. My suggestion is to … Continue reading
St. Paul on the Hill Food Bank BBQ and get together, Sat. June 27
Photos by Garry Winsor
Congressman Chris Murphy lambastes T**** for incredible corruption
A summary of the speech by Congressman Chris Murphy lambasting T**** for his incredible corruption. ______________ Murphy’s thesis: Senator Murphy argues Trump has turned the White House into a round-the-clock corruption and self-enrichment operation, betting the public will grow numb … Continue reading
EASY SITE NAVIGATION: How to navigate my site
#1 POSTS: (writing pieces) about 12 or so are displayed at the bottom of the front page below the banner displayed below…. #2 SEARCH TWO Search boxes are available on the right side … Continue reading
MELOCHE campaign (SZP modified)
JOHN MELOCHE — CANDIDATE FOR CITY COUNCILLOR Link to Meloche campaign material -> MELOCHE WARD 2 · PICKERING “Practical leadership. Real opportunity. A city our kids can come home to.” Election Day: Monday, October 26, 2026 · Online voting … Continue reading
TD Investment advisor, Demo Dovolos writes that the economic road ahead may be bumpy
VOLATILITY RETURNS Volatility reurns to the financial world, disrupting investments according to TD Senior Investment Advisor, Demo Dovolos. A summaof what he writes: Markets got bumpy again in early 2026 — not just stocks, but politics too, with more global conflict … Continue reading
For those who can’t, a visit to PICKERING WATERFRONT in late spring
For those who cannot visit PICKERING’S WATERFRONT these days, let us take you there via the beautiful photos by Garry Winsor.
Did your household receive their IODIDE TABLETS from OPG?
Claude responded: Potassium iodide (KI) tablets are an emergency medicine meant only for nuclear accidents or attacks—not for everyday use as an iodine supplement. Potassium iodide (KI) tablets are an emergency medicine meant only for nuclear accidents or attacks—not for … Continue reading
What kind of stupidity thrives here in Canada? How can it be so ?
What a “screwed-up-thinking” country we live in here in Canada! Maybe once one of the safest and most stable countries in the world and we have people who want to tear it apart. What kind of thinking is this? There … Continue reading
Hockey night in Canada on CBC signs off after nearly 75 years
Many visitors to my website will be able to relate to this: remembering Saturday nights as being TV – Hockey night across Canada. My Polish immigrant dad loved watching Hockey Night in Canada every Saturday night. I was his … Continue reading
is AI a valuable tool for writers or a threat to their viability ?
One of the Toronto Star’s strongest contributors, Katharine Lake Berz wrote an interview between a novelist and a book critic about the value or downsides of AI as a writing tool. The debaters: Stephen Marche: novelist, recently publishing “Death of … Continue reading
Top 20 favourite books for 2026
Most popular books of 2026 Days of Love and Rage — Anand Gopal Fancy Gap — Zak Jones Good Guys — Sharon Bala Ironwood — Michael Connelly John of John: Oprah’s Book Club — Douglas Stuart Land — Maggie O’Farrell … Continue reading
RICHARD’S DESK: A comment about my website
Hello, I have tried to keep my website as succinct and straightfoward as possible but with more than 8,000 posts this is very challenging. Simplicity is out of the question. Navigation assistance Three paths to help you navgate the site: … Continue reading
TorStar columnist Vinay Menon beats a dead horse, with eloquence.
Read Venay Menon column of 6.18.26: MENON ________ Editorial comment Menon writes a very eloquent column praising Obama while castigating Trump again. But folks, enough already. Any more criticisms of Trump, as valid and justified they may be, is just … Continue reading
Former student’s KUDOS and KOMPLIMENTS
[ I taught secondary school, Brebeuf College in North York years ago. Recently, a former student sent me an email which I feel should be posted, not for my benefit, but for the teachers who sometimes feel their work is … Continue reading
Are City PLANNERS listening to resident concerns?
Hello Pickering. Redevelopment Plan at Glenanna and Liverpool Tonight I attended the Pickering public meeting about the proposed redevelopment at Glenanna Road and Liverpool Road, and I wanted to share my understanding of what was discussed and why so … Continue reading
Two Mayoralty candidates who think they are Mayor material??
Here’s an election oddity…two candidates, Doug CORNELL and Shaun RICKARD, are running for Mayor but do not provide contact information, email addresses, or phone numbers for voters who want to get more information. But these boys are ambitious enough to … Continue reading
CANADIAN TAXATION SYSTEM IN CRITICAL STATE, John M.
Canadians are in a tax emergency. Canada introduced federal income tax in 1917 through the Income War Tax Act. It was brought in during the First World War and presented as a temporary wartime measure. It was never intended to … Continue reading
*** MICO Latest photos ***
Mico’s a non-stop bundle of energy and excitement. Some things he has learned: To respond to his name and he comes running like a bullet when called; SIT, STAY, COME commands and to respond to his name by looking at … Continue reading
What Happens if You Don’t Drink Enough Water?
What Happens if You Don’t Drink Enough Water? SOURCE: Rachel Gresh, Better Health.com From an early age, we are taught that drinking water is important. In fact, the human body is made up of about 60% water. But do we actually know … Continue reading
They’re getting younger and younger all the time
Police charge 12-year-old boy with attempted murder in East York hit-and-run that injured officer TorStar: Joshua Smith, Simon McKeown Emergency crews responded to a shooting in East York near midnight. Around the same time, Toronto police were called to a … Continue reading
The unexpected SHOCKS of aging
UNEXPECTED SHOCKS OF AGING
PICKERING: The Tempest of the PETTICOAT CREEK POOL, Paul W.
Carol Charles did a story on the TRCA pool closure that aired Jun.13 on CFTO news. Its a damn travesty that TRCA would let this one of a kind structure go into disrepair. TRCA says they don’t have the money … Continue reading
FIRE DEPT GRADUATES CLASS OF 2026
A great celebration of graduation of the Pickering Fire Services Class of 2026. Congratulations to the six outstanding graduates on their start of their new careers. We wish them safety and much success in their new endeavours. Congratulations and … Continue reading
PICKERING: Mayor Ashe’s Statement on the Deaths of OPP Constables
Mayor Ashe’s Statement on the Deaths of OPP Constable Tarun Bali and Toronto Constable Marc Pinizzotto By City of Pickering-Jun 11, 2026 News and Announcements On behalf of the City of Pickering and all Members of Council, I extend our deepest … Continue reading
Two Mayoralty candidates that blow more hot air than fact or important information
Doug Cornell and Shaun Rickard….more hot air than fact. Try to find hard information from these two candidates is as likely as the Sahara mirage delivering ice cold lemonade to you. They don’t want you contacting them No phone numbers. … Continue reading
PICKERING: Mayor Dave Ryan Park groundbreaking at Seaton Community
Dave Ryan: Pickering’s Longest-Serving Mayor If you’ve lived in Pickering over the past few decades, you know the name Dave Ryan. Born around 1946, he and his wife Anne have called Pickering home since 1985, raising two daughters and later … Continue reading
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING – The Essentials
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING The essence of this training is that only positive reinforcements are used to train the puppy: treats, compliments, cheering. verbal bravos and the most important, a very cheery “YES” when he responds successfully. The COMMANDS must be … Continue reading
07 Who’s the trainer?
Who is the trainer? In our house, two people interact with Mico. Nadia and me. Mico is attracted more to Nadia than me though he does recognize me as the ALPHA leader. When Nadia calls, he’s there like a bullet; … Continue reading
PICKERING: BILL 9 is law; Councillor misconduct subject to removal and forbidden to run again.
Bill 9 is now law Bill 9 is now law. It received Royal Assent on June 2, 2026. But “law” here has a catch: the bill passed, yet most of its actual rules don’t take effect until the province formally … Continue reading
FIFA. as greedy as any of the biggest corporations
Got tickets? Got a t-shirt? Got a cap? Got an official jersey? Got any merch from the FIFA event? Then you got ripped off. FIFA as greedy as the next corporate entity. Tickets to the Toronto game…$1500 each, if you … Continue reading →