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PICKERING: Councillor Robinson brings her struggles to Queens Park
PICKERING: Mayor Ashe MAY 2026 eNewsletter
Mayor Kevin Ashe’s MAY Newsletter
PICKERING: Assistance for ASYLUM SEEKERS
Overview Durham Region will convert a former hotel at 533 Kingston Rd, Pickering into a temporary reception centre for asylum claimants. Funded largely through the federal Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP). Designed as a short-term, structured alternative to using scattered hotel rooms. What the Centre … Continue reading
VOTE: It is your democratic right and your responsibility as a citizen
VOTE You don’t even have to go out. You can vote by digital device from home. Use your phone, your ipad, your laptop, your computer, whatever digital device you have. Need help in the voting process… call City Hall: 905.683.7575 … Continue reading
PRESUMED GUILTY, Tess Gerritsen
Presumed Guilty, Tess Gerritsen Synopsis Miranda Wood thinks she has seen the last of Richard Tremain, her rich and married ex-lover—until she discovers him stabbed to death in her bed. With her knife. Miranda is the obvious suspect, and she … Continue reading
JAYS: Record, stats and comments (site rebuild)
Commentary (prior to Apr 28…lost due site crash) Apr 30 Gausman started and was very inconsistent, giving up homers in the first few innings. The Blue Jays bats were better but also inconsistant across the squad. Worse, the defensive … Continue reading
Petapolooza post
Petapolooza Pet Festival – Saturday, May 9, 2026
SOCIAL PRESCRIBING
Social Prescribing What Is It? Social prescribing is a holistic approach to healthcare that connects patients with local, non-clinical community services to address the broader social and environmental factors that affect their health. Rather than treating only medical symptoms, it … Continue reading
SENIORS CLUBS
ROUGE HILL SENIORS CLUB EAST SHORE SENIORS CLUB
SCAMS: Surveillance Pricing…the big box stores and big food stores are robbing you
Surveillance Pricing (Explained Simply) Simple explanation Surveillance pricing means a store uses information about you to decide how much to charge you, instead of charging everyone the same price. Example: Milk = $5 for one person Milk = $6 for … Continue reading
PICKERING: Councillor Maurice on VOLUNTEERING
Councillor Maurice Brenner on COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING As I reflect on community, I am reminded of the numerous groups and volunteers who consistently contribute to making our City special. Today was a prime example. I would like to express my appreciation … Continue reading
PICKERING: Councillor Dave Pickles eNewsletter, APRIL 2026
DAVID PICKLES- April 2026 eNewsletter
PICKERING: A message from Mayor Ashe
Hello Richard, Like so many dog owners, I know how deeply our canine companions become part of our lives. My dog Hobbes is a constant source of joy, balance, and perspective, whether we’re out for a walk or simply spending … Continue reading
The SZPINNER APR 2026 Issue
APR 2026 Newsletter
The GREATEST SENTENCE EVERY WRITTEN, Walter Isaacson
The GREATEST SENTENCE EVER WRITTEN Walter Isaacson Synopsis To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Walter Isaacson takes readers on a fascinating deep dive into the creation of one of history’s most powerful “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all … Continue reading
NEWS: A note from Joe Biden
Joe Biden’s letter of withdrawal –> WITHDRAWAL
The WIDOW, John Grisham
The WIDOW John Grisham Synopsis Simon Latch is a lawyer in rural Virginia, making just enough to pay his bills while his marriage slowly falls apart. Then into his office walks Eleanor Barnett, an elderly widow in need of a … Continue reading
PICKERING: Mayor Ashe’s salary compensation ranks among royalty and aristocrats
Mayor Ashe is the king of Durham Region Mayors when it comes to salary. He even tops Mayor Chow of Toronto by nearly $100,000. Can you believe that? ____________ By Tim Kelly Whitby This Week When it comes to being … Continue reading
TECHNOLOGY: Getting HELP
HELP with tecnology is available everywhere but it is oftern verbal or textual. If you prefer personal help, you will need to search. I would suggest your techie family members or techie friends. You can also try your local library. … Continue reading
TRAVEL: Cost of Canadian Passports increases
The cost of travel is high enough as is, but now the Canadian government adds to the expense by bumping up the cost of your passport. Does it feel like everybody’s dipping into your wallet?
MEDIA BIAS: A chart showing media political bias
It is a real challenge to try to place various media on to a political spectrum. Some media are blatantly biased while others try to remain objective and neutral. You may find this political spectrum chart beneficial in placing media … Continue reading
POLITICS: NDP party…failure to launch. Likely doomed to nothinghood again.
Looks like the federal NDP will never learn. The NDP has not learned how to read the electorate. Sadly, most voters have biases. Though they will never admit it or acknowledge personal biases, every voter has them. Every person has … Continue reading
PICKERING: ATTN students looking to complete their “hours’
Attention STUDENTS: ….. for your consideration You can complete your ‘hours’ of commitment doing something that is fulfilling, meaningful and satisfying to your feelings of civic responsibility. Consider participation in the activity below and apply it to your high school … Continue reading
POLITICS (USA): America has turned on its friends
Trump’s abandonment of his country’s allies is real and will endure Winston Churchill is credited with saying that America does the right thing after exhausting the alternatives. Donald Trump has turned that aphorism on its head. In the couple of … Continue reading
POLITICS: An international consideration, China sails in
In America, NO KINGS As President Trump escalates his attempts to control Americans, it is on the people to show that they will fight to protect one another and their country. If he believes Americans will roll over and allow … Continue reading
FERMO’s DESK: new puppy coming
Our beloved Fermo passed away in March. Our home has an emptiness now. That emptiness will be changed with a new puppy this spring. A mini Schnauser, with no name yet. We chose a different breed than a Scottie because … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: Pickering launches E-Scooter pilot program…UPDATED April, 2026
The City of Pickering launched its ill considered E-scooter Pilot project about a year ago, 2025 and you don’t hear much about it. Most likely the physical injuries relating to e-scooters have increased alarmingly as predicted here, but nothing … Continue reading
HEALTH: Insomnia can lead to depression
Insomnia and Depression: A Simplified Summary [Link to full article -> INSOMNIA] 1. The Connection – Insomnia (trouble sleeping) and depression are closely linked. – Each condition can cause or worsen the other. – Poor sleep can affect mood, thinking, … Continue reading
HEALTH: Fall prevention, especially for SENIORS
Fall Prevention Exercises Source: Ian McClymont Age related Falls are becoming an epidemic Fall-Related Deaths in Older Adults Fall Prevention Exercises The number of fall-related deaths of older adults has risen at an alarming rate over the last 20 years. … Continue reading
HEALTH n AGING: 7 SIMPLE WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY
7 Simple Ways to Improve Your Memory By Rachel Gresh Source: betterreport.com/how-to-improve-memory In our fast-paced world, there are endless things to remember, and much to our frustration, it often feels impossible to keep everything in order. Car keys and glasses … Continue reading
HEALTH: Talk to a doctor online
Can’t get a doctor live? OK, talk to one virtually, online. _________________ Your Doctors Online What it is Your Doctors Online is an online doctor service (virtual clinic). You use your phone or computer to talk to a doctor instead … Continue reading
The summary of the Neufeldt – Lima discussion
Cuba in Crisis: Canada’s Dilemma Summary of: “As Cuba faces mounting crises, should Canada increase its foreign aid — or support U.S. efforts to force a regime change?” Toronto Star, March 21, 2026 | Katharine Lake Berz Background & Context … Continue reading
INTERNATIONAL: Should Canada increase foreign aid to Cuba and support regime change?
UPDATED 3.22.26 Katharine Lake Berz is a journalist at the top of her game. Katharine Lake Berz is a journalist, commentator and frequent contributor to the Toronto Star. She wrote a column in the Saturday, Mar 21st Toronto Star presenting … Continue reading
The 6:20 MAN, D. Baldacci
The 6:20 MAN, a Baldacci read, a little weaker than his earlier style.
A CALAMITY OF SOULS, David Baldacci
A CALAMITY OF SOULS, David Baldacci Synopsis Set in the tumultuous year of 1968 in southern Virginia, a racially-charged murder case sets a duo of white and Black lawyers against a deeply unfair system as they work to defend their … Continue reading
A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, Anthony Burgess
A CLOCKWORK ORANGE Anthony Burgess Synopsis Anthony Burgess’s A Clockwork Orange is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic England plagued by youth violence and societal decay. The story follows Alex, a 15-year-old gang leader who narrates his life in a distinctive … Continue reading
POLITICS (USA): NO KINGS PROTESTS, Mar. 28, 2026
Timothy Snyder is a respected American commentator who is calling Americans to action. Canadians should be aware of his commentary as T**** is a real danger to Canada also. ____________ No Kings, Freedom! Gather on March 28th Source: Timothy Snyder … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: MAiD – MEDICALLY ASSISTANCE IN DYING
Medically assistance in dying is a very tough call. A difficulty for doctors. Very difficult for families in the situation where they need to make a decision. The Catholic diocese of Toronto has asked parish members to consider sending a … Continue reading
PICKERING: Banquet Facilities
The Dorsey Centre is Pickering’s Banquet Hall facility available for rent for wedding receptions, business sessions, and banquet celebrations. For more information, -> DORSEYCENTRE
PICKERING: MARCH EVENTS at a glance
VACAY: Returned from vacation…”ROUGH RETURNING”
Hello, Mexican vacay Back from Mexican sojourn to Los Cabos. Excellent, safe, superior service, Mexican people friendly and personable. Great holiday break……BUT….. Skills need refreshing Getting back to the site is challenging as one becomes rusty with the new changes … Continue reading
SUMMARY BRENNER NEWSLETTER
1. bren summarized no images
BRENNER MARCH eNEWSLETTER
Councillor Brenner is very concientious about keeping his constituents informed and up to date on his current municipal activities and issues. CLICK THE FORM YOU PREFER BELOW (patience please) ….. PDF – FULL NWSLTTER: BRENNER MAR eNEWSLETTER SUMMARIZED FORMAT: … Continue reading
PICKERING: City Recognized as an Ontario Age-Friendly Community
The City of Pickering is pleased to announce that it has received official recognition as an Ontario Age-Friendly Community, reaffirming its commitment to creating an inclusive, accessible, and supportive city for residents of all ages. The Ontario Age-Friendly Community Recognition … Continue reading
FERMO OBIT
Fermo the Great Registered as “Fermo the favoured,” he will always be “Fermo the Great” in our books. May 2012 We drove Hamilton way, a nice spring day and we were headed out to pick up our newly purchased young … Continue reading
The SZPINNER MAR 2026 Issue
MAR 2026 Newsletter
HEALTH: Seniors’ safety and security
The best medical alert system in Canada.
HEALTH: Fear of Falling
The “fear of falling” is fact rather than fallacy. People who have fallen, especially older adults, remember the fall and its repercussions and want to avoid it happening again in the future. Read more about this fear at FEAR_of_FALLING
POLITICS (USA): DeNiro joins Springsteen and other American celebrities in active opposition to Trump
[I don’t like giving T**** any more spotlighting than he already is receiving but I think it is crucial that we never stop being aware of this mad man’s actions and endeavours. Where we can, we must fight and oppose … Continue reading
BREAKING NEWS: Marilyn Dennis retiring
Marilyn Dennis of radio and TV broadcast is retiring. End of a great run, retirement of an outstanding woman TV personality. We wish her well. More info at -. DENNIS
PICKERING: Best Town Hall presentation….ever
PICKERING TOWN HALL…best ever CRIME PREVENTION The recent Pickering Councillors’ Town Hall organized Councillors Brenner, Butt, and Pickles was one of the best ever: great attendance, valuable topic, outstanding presenters and a very current topic of interest to residents … Continue reading
PICKERING: Proposed change in housing density plan…density will increase
Comprehensive Summary: Pickering Housing Density Proposal 1. Comprehensive Summary of the Proposed Change The City of Pickering is considering an Official Plan Amendment that would change the permitted residential density for a property in the Bay Ridges neighbourhood. Currently, the … Continue reading
POLITICS (USA): American commentator Tim Snyder on T****’s speech…..
Fascist Failure The State of Trump Timothy Snyder | February 25, 2026 Overview: Trump is Failing at Fascism Trump’s fundamental problem is structural: to complete a fascist political transition, a leader needs a bloody, popular, and victorious war. That prize … Continue reading
POLITICS (USA): T**** State of Union speech in readable form
T**** delivered his State of the Union address in a 2 hour speech (1 hr, 48 mins). Here is a more readable form of the full speech…. __________________ State of the Union Address President T**** Address to a Joint Session … Continue reading
TECH DESK: AI fakes the news…you cannot believe what you see
AI is so good, fake images look very authentic. Here are two examples that are AI generated images. They are not real life. None of these photos is authentic. They are all fake but two of them look very realistic. … Continue reading
POLITICS (USA): What to watch for in T****’s State of the Union address tonight
Trump’s State of the Union Address What to Watch For Tonight Source: CBC News • February 24, 2026 • Address begins 9:00 p.m. ET Key Things to Watch The Supreme Court Dynamic — By tradition, justices sit front-row-centre in direct … Continue reading
RESERVED (**PP**): AI comparison – ChatGPT vs Claude
ChatGPT vs. Claude Which AI Assistant Is Right for You? Artificial intelligence assistants have become everyday tools for millions of people — and two names dominate the conversation: ChatGPT (by OpenAI) and Claude (by Anthropic). Both are powerful, both are … Continue reading
HEALTH: FIVE THINGS TO DO DAILY TO AGE BETTER
FIVE Things You Should Do Every Day to Age Better
SPEED DIAL 2: *** Absolutely the best app*** to organize, manage and navigate INTERNET SITES
SPEED DIAL 2 “An absolutely essential tool for every Internet explorer.” Speed Dial 2 is an applet, a Google extension, that is absolutely the best tool for your INTERNET exploration. It is intuitive, easy to learn, and very easy to use … Continue reading
PICKERING: Flowers – out of circulation at PPL
She’s leaving the PPL _____ [Previously] Jackie Flowers Director and CEO In May, 2020, Jackie Flowers became the CEO and Director of Public Libraries at the Pickering Public Library in Pickering in May, 2020, replacing former head, Cathy Grant. Prior … Continue reading
TECHNOLOGY: Frustration with AI and various help assistances
Computer assistance and AI are starting to really irritate me.It seems to offer help quickly and effectively but not without limitations and unacceptable instructions. Almost every instance of assistance is linked with some connection to a request for money, either … Continue reading
POLITICS: Conservative Party candidate nomination in Pickering-Brooklin
The Conservative Party is undertaking the nomination process for a candidate to represent the riding of Pickering-Brooklin. An invitation to participate in the process has been issued by the Party explaining that to do so requires membership in the party. … Continue reading
POLITICS (USA): American psychologist claims actually T**** suffering from dementia
Dr. John Gartner is a Baltimore psychologist who has diagnosed Donald T**** as suffering from frontal temporal dementia. [Source: Thanks to Reg Rea, site visitor. Transcription may have errors or typos. Richard] __________________ View his YouTube video declaration at GARTNER … Continue reading
POLITICS (USA): T**** and American govt destroying Cuba
The UGLY American is engaging in dictatorial and destructive international policies aimed at destroying Cuba and its governing regime. This is not the 1962 Cuban missile crisis where Russia was threatening the US with missile base construction. This is a … Continue reading
RCRA neighbourhood assoc: KUDOS to the RCRA for a very valuable engagement with the community
ROUGEMOUNT COMMUNITY RECREATION ASSOCIATION: the neighbourhood association held its second annual general meeting, a very informative session at St. Monica’s school, Feb 19. President Peggy Bowie and her executive deserve praise and kudos for a very valuable and constructive presentation … Continue reading
POLITICS (USA): The use of Nazism in the T**** administration
I have been imaging and implying that the T**** government has comparisons with the policies of the autocratic government of Naxi Germany for a long time. Now read The Contrarian’s take on it…[The Contrarian is a widely read American political … Continue reading
NETFLIX streaming TV: EVERWOOD – soap TV that is worth binge watching if you love life
Four seasons of outstanding soap television Peter Harris Manchester Evening News – Live Content Editor Every episode of what many regard as ‘one of the best series ever’ is now available for streaming on Netflix. All four seasons of Everwood … Continue reading
POLITICS (USA): NO KINGS PROTEST
The ‘NO KINGS’ protest, Mar. 28/26 may be occuring in the US only. However, anti-T**** supporters in other geographical areas may have ways of showing support for the ‘No Kings’ protest rallies and those protestors. Keep informed about the events; … Continue reading
POLITICS (USA): Keep aware, be attentive…we are living in very historical times.
[We are watching history unfold before our very eyes, the collapsing of American democracy. Donald T**** is doing everything he can, not to destroy democracy outright, but to establish his supreme authority. The man is trying to establish a dictatorship … Continue reading
POLITICS (USA): TWO CELEBRITY CHAMPIONS OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
Stephen Colbert, Late night TV host -> COLBERT Bruce Springsteen, music giant -> SPRINGSTEEN
PRODUCTIVITY CHAMPIONS: You can be one
Be the best at what you do. In computer work, it’s called PRODUCTIVITY. Here are ideas and advice to becoming a PRODUCTIVITY CHAMPION. Go for it !
POLITICS (USA): The first real step to saving American democracy…BRAVO BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
Finally, someone notable launches the first concrete step to the removal of Donald (psycho) T**** as President. Watch the video to hear BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN launching his campaign to end T****’s days in office and save American democracy. View Springsteen VIDEO
RESERVED (**PP**): MY USE OF AI – THOUGHTS, COMMENTS AND ADVICE
I am exploring AI a lot. My biggest lamentation relating to AI is that I never thought of recording interaction there for future reference. Discussion with AI I spent one recent session with Claude (Anthropic) AI in a very lengthy … Continue reading
RESERVED (**PP**): A COMMENT ABOUT MY USE OF AI
Be cautious I like AI and use it more and more. However, before anyone just jumps into using AI openly and without caution, let me give you some warnings. AI can publish errors AI makes mistakes, publishes errors. These are … Continue reading
A TIME FOR MERCY, John Grisham
A Time for Mercy, John Grisham Court room drama that concentrates on the behind-the-scenes legal processes rather than the actual court drama. Nevertheless, the book still is a engaging read. Synopsis Jake Brigance, the protagonist of A Time to … Continue reading
RESERVED (**PP**): EXTENSIVE USE OF AI
AI is the latest computer innovation, arriving within the last couple of years and I am beginning to use it a lot. I find it not only helpful, but able to do computer actions that are far beyond my computer … Continue reading
RESERVED (**PP**): PAID SUBSCRIBERS explained
DAILY section is reserved for site visitors who are more than casual computer users, computer users who use computers as they are intended, digital information management work horses. Other than this introductory post, all other posts are password-protected, accessible to … Continue reading
POLITICS (World): Iran’s Impossible Choice: What Options Do Protesters Really Have?
Understanding the Brutal Mathematics of Revolution Since December 28, 2025, Iran has witnessed what many are calling the largest uprising since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Government forces have killed an estimated 6,000 to 18,000 protesters—potentially the largest massacre in modern … Continue reading
PICKERING: Visit the Waterfront virtually
For those folks who are unable to go out, click the images below to visit the Pickering Waterfront VIRTUALLY. [ Thank you Garry Winsor ]
HEALTH: Eggs are great health benefit
What if I eat 4 eggs daily? Both eggs and meat are excellent sources of protein. However, unlike meat, which is a muscle tissue, eggs contain the nutrient blueprint to build an entire organism. This is a significant difference. Egg … Continue reading
ADIOS CUBA: Nos vemos luego….America’s destroys any humanitarianism for Cuba
Adios “Humanitarianism”…the USA is here. Ever see the movie, “The Ugly American?” Well, they should make a new version: “The abhorrent America” starring Donald T****. The USA under numerous presidents has shown itself to be a bully that wants its … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: The US has pushed American Manifest Destiny on Cuba for more than 60 years
America, the beautiful, Believer in democracy, freedom and equality…just not for everyone. Cuba once was dominated econcomically by U.S. Big Business, from sugar production facilities to banking and investment institutions. The nation was a playground for American businesses and American … Continue reading
NEWS ALERT: Cuba is a “NO VACATIONS” zone
PT-CTP: MAYOR ASHE AND CRONIES CRUSHING PICKERING WITH STEEP TAXATION
POINT: We can thank Ashe and his cronies for the last four years of steep decline of the City of Pickering, but no problem with raising taxes so I have no use for him or sending birthday wishes. The sooner … Continue reading
SPECIAL VALENTINES PAGE
CLICK ITEM TO SELECT: [You may have to click through YouTube ads…just click through them.] VALENTINE MUSIC ST. VALENTINE Story
PICKERING: COMMUNITY MEETING – PERSONAL SAFETY PRESENTATION
Brian Gonyou, the session presenter, brings 25 years’ experience in the military where he served with specialized units and 15 years as a tactical trainer and Human Performance officer, helping him develop personal skills the fields of personal awareness and … Continue reading
Q: HOW TO ASK A QUESTION ?
Type and email your question to zippyonego@gmail.com
PICKERING: BRENNER FEB 2026 NEWSLETTER
Councillor Brenner is very aware of the importance of keeping his constituents as informed as possible. He does this by holding Town Halls periodically and and publishing his monthly newsletter.
POLITICS (USA): We are not Nazis
We are not Nazis. No Kings, No Dictators. [Joyce Vance, American commentator, Feb 6] I wrote this piece, titled “Are We The Nazis Now?” back in October last year. There were so many awful things happening, mostly to immigrants, but … Continue reading
St. Valentine – the real story
The Heart of St. Valentine Let me tell you the heart of the story of St. Valentine. the protester for love. St. Valentine has become synonymous with love, chocolates , and romantic handwritten cards, yet the man himself remains an … Continue reading
RETIREMENT: Blue Jays catcher-colour analysis commentator Buck Martinez retires
Legendary Blue Jays commentator Buck Martinez announced he is retiring on Friday, ending a career with the team that began 38 years ago. “After the World Series, my wife Arlene and I had plenty of time to think about the past and … Continue reading
Ruth Coghill: Words to Inspire, Jan 2026
Ruth Coghill is a dynamic and vibrant inspirational speaker bringing the Word of the Lord presentation audiences. She can be booked to speak to your gatherings.
PICKERING: Mayor Ashe’s JAN 2026 RECAP
Available here, a video and a transript of Mayor Kevin: JAN Recap VIDEO ________________________________________________ TRANSCRIPT Hello Pickering, It’s your Mayor Kevin Ashe here for my monthly recap of the council meeting of January 26 where we had a full agenda. … Continue reading
POLITICS (USA): Dan Rather commentary about T**** cheating
Dan Rather, retired American newsbroadcaster and 90+ years old, still writes incisive commentary that is dead on target. His current piece is about how T**** is likely to lose the mid-term elections and he knows it. The size, number and … Continue reading
POLITICS: Our politicians seem to work very hard at doing nothing…it’s not quite true.
Heather Scoffield, Toronto Star reporter, has published an excellent article regarding the disparity between the rich and the poor in Canada. [Access Scofield article -> SOLITUDES ] [Update: Some times they do something constructive: TAXBENEFIT] The essence of Scofield’s article is … Continue reading →