Author: szpinner
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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
Pickering residents’ anti Ford government demonstrations
Photos courtesy JOE PACIONE
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 SIDE WIDGETS Widgets are the sidebar shortcuts to CATEGORIES. #2 CENTRAL AREA CENTRAL AREA is for special notifications. #3 POSTS POSTS (writing pieces) … 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
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 means 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
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 Constable Tarun Bali and Toronto Constable Marc Pinizzotto
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
SAM SNYDERS
Sam Snyders Candidate, Pickering City Council, Ward 2 About Sam Sam Snyders grew up in Pickering and is proud to have deep family roots in the community he calls home. After attending Dunbarton High School, he built a career through … 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
08 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
VINCE VIAPIANA
Vince Viapiana Candidate, Pickering City Council, Ward 2 ______________________ About Me My name is Vince Viapiana, and I’m proud to call Pickering home. Like many residents, I’ve watched our community grow and change over the years. While growth brings opportunity, … Continue reading
PICKERING: Councillor Robinson facing more harrassment charges
Harassment allegations against Ontario councillor substantiated: report The City of Pickering, Ont., is taking action against a sitting councillor after an independent investigation determined harassment allegations against her were substantiated. Complaints filed and managed In 2025, city staff filed a complaint … Continue reading
USA: About to celebrate their 250th birthday. Happy Birthday AmeriKa
A rather harsh but true and quite the indictment of the current state in the USA. 250 years Two hundred and fifty years of the most powerful, most resourced, most theoretically capable nation in the history of human civilization and … Continue reading
PICKERING: OPG NUCLEAR PLANT SEEKS 30 YR. LICENSE RENWEWAL
[Editorial comment: Are we as safe as we can be?]
PICKERING: HARASSMENT IN WORKPLACE (COUNCIL)
[Editorial comment: Incredible as it may seem to be, there are some child-like shenanigans going on in our City Council meetings. Adults? Professionals? Mature? The kind of issues in council that result in division and antipathy should not exist among a … Continue reading
PICKERING: DRPS Chief Peter Moreira sworn in as president of Ontario police chiefs association
Chief Peter Moreira sworn in as president of Ontario police chiefs association Durham Regional Police Service Chief Peter Moreira has been sworn in as president of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police for the 2026 to 2027 term. The … Continue reading
HEALTH: Do males and females age differently? Deteriorate differently as they age? You bet !
Do male and female humans deteriorate at the same levels after becoming 80 years of age? Researchers have a blunt phrase for how the sexes age: “Women get sicker, but men die quicker.” By age 80, surviving men are actually … Continue reading
TRUE BLUE, David Baldacci
TRUE BLUE, David Baldacci Synopsis A mysterious high-profile homicide in the nation’s capital collides with the dark side of national security in David Baldacci’s new, heart-stopping thriller. Mason “Mace” Perry was a firebrand cop on the D.C. police force until … Continue reading
PICKERING; waterfront spring
[Photos by Garry Winsor] ______________ For those unable to visit the Pickering Watefront, let us take you there for a colourful visit of Mother Narture showing off her springtime beauty via the gorgeous photographs taken by local resident, Garry Winsor.
HEALTH: 5 Tests To Tell How Well You’re Aging
5 Tests To Tell How Well You’re Aging Source by Rachel Gresh Certain aspects of aging are inevitable, such as the silvery hairs we sprout and the crinkly lines that appear when we smile. While these surface-level indicators tend to … Continue reading
HEALTH: Ticks and Lyme Disease
A tick on grass, emphasizing the importance of Lyme disease prevention and awareness. We have written about this topic many times. But Lyme disease is a serious problem and ticks seem to be moving into backyards. My site has a … Continue reading
HEALTHY: Dealing with BELLY FAT
The Truth About Belly Fat After 50 Source: Ian McClymont How Older Adults Can Reduce It Safely and Naturally The Truth About Belly Fat After 50. As we grow older, many of us notice changes in our bodies that … Continue reading
HEALTH: Managing migraines
Managing migraine: Safe treatment and prevention strategies Source: McMaster Optimal Aging Portal While there is no cure, migraine can often be managed with the right combination of treatment and consistent daily habits. If you’re not sure whether your symptoms … Continue reading
NEWS: “60 MINUTES” being gagged by T**** administration
When “60 Minutes” is in Trouble, We are All in Trouble Scott Pelley’s warning about political meddling in the storied news magazine program should alarm all Americans. Source: Jim Acosta Jun 03, 2026 Scott Pelley fired from “60 Minutes” The … Continue reading
PICKERING: BREAKING NEWS Lisa Robinson enters race for MAYOR
Next mayor of Pickering???? Is there a chance? Bet on it. Elections are not as predictable as polls would have you think. Lisa Robinson is a registered candidate running for the office of Mayor of Pickering. Without argument, Councillor … Continue reading
TRAVEL: Reduce the risk of baggage loss
reduce chances of baggage loss
PICKERING: Royal Canadian Legion CELEBRATION, Sat, June 6, 1pm
You’re invited….
HEALTH: Strengthening your core, flattening your abdomen
Exercises for the Core — Synopsis By Ian McClymont | May 25, 2026 VIEW HELPFUL VIDEOS HERE -> CORE What Is the Core? The core spans the front, back, and sides of the torso — from ribs to pelvis. … Continue reading
The SZPINNER JUNE 2026 Issue
JUNE 2026 Newsletter
05: CHEWING: A problem *** STILL UNRESOLVED ***
Mico is nibbling or chewing on everything he can mouth, toys, rags, rugs, fingers, nose…where he can lick, he chooses to nibble or chew. Solutions seem out of reach Solutions to this constant nibbling seem out of reach. Loud negation … Continue reading
06 INTELLIGENT or LESS SO? Games that use his intelligence
Ever wonder if your puppy is intelligent? Give him a problem, like an entrenceway that is blocked off but not fully. So he has to solve how to get access. Give him time and watch him…you may have to put … Continue reading
GOVT B.S.: Here’s an example of how the govt tries to con you
Source: The EPOCH Times, May 29, 2026 [Here they go again with more BS….the government doesnt want to admit the economy is in a serious downturn and they definitely do not want to address the problem causing a lot of … Continue reading
HEALTH: Women’s healthy aging over 50
Women’s Healthy Ageing Source: Ian McClymont ______________ How Women Over 50 Can Stay Strong, Active, and Independent Growing older does not mean giving up strength, confidence, independence, or quality of life. While ageing and menopause can bring physical and emotional changes, … Continue reading
PICKERING: OFFICIAL PLAN Amendment 54
Summary of OFFICIAL PLANNING AMENDMENT 54 Pickering Council passed By-law 8262/26 on May 20, 2026, adopting Official Plan Amendment 54 — a Secondary Plan for Northeast Pickering. The plan establishes a land use framework for lands within the Urban Area … Continue reading
PICKERING: Mayor Ashe’s May recap
Hey Pickering, it’s Mayor Kevin Ash. I’m here for my monthly recap of councils going on of our meeting of May 25th. I want to give a shout out to the volunteers that really impact our city. We had five … Continue reading
AmeriKa: Something is very wrong in AmeriKa’s democracy
Absolutely incredible….T**** now wants his face on the $250 dollar bill. But not only that, but he fired the staff in charge of authorizing that process. He’s likely to appt his sycophants there too…so watch for it, T**** $250 bills. … Continue reading
ELECTIONS: *** CANDIDATE INFO / PLATFORMS ***
SAM SNYDERS PRIYA VADIVEL VINCE VIAPIANA ________________
ELECTIONS: *** Who’s running *** No longer updated here, linked directly to City site
04: TEN ESSENTIAL COMMANDS TO TRAIN AS SOON AS YOU CAN
Essential Commands for Your Puppy Teach in this order — one at a time Name Recognition — Before anything else. Say the puppy’s name in a happy tone; when it looks at you, reward immediately. This is the foundation for … Continue reading
03: HOUSE BREAKING – Patience, patience, and more patience needed
HOUSE TRAINING or HOUSE BREAKING House breaking or potty training is a real test of patience in a 9 week old puppy. His signals are too vague and far too inconsistant but watch him closely and you will learn them. … Continue reading
02: NAME AWARENESS and PUPPY PROOF YOUR HOME
HIS NAME AWARENESS and PUPPY PROOF HOME Name awareness Your pupply needs to learn his name. He can be trained to recognize it. With a few low calorie treats in hand, crouch or kneel near him and say his name, … Continue reading
01: MICO: a new home, new adults, many changes…very unsettling
Mico is a mini Schnauzer terrier, born Mar. 20, 2026. So at this time he is just 9 weeks old, a puppy taken from his comfortable environment of 5 siblings, a familiar environment and brought into a totally new home. … Continue reading
PICKERING: Controversy over “Urban sprawl” is as clear as mud
Mayor Ashe vs Lisa Robinson…again. The two politicians see URBAN SPRAWL differently. Ashe’s view is not clear enough to summarize, Robinson’s is. Robinson sees URBAN SPRAWL as any kind of urbanization that impacts/reduces agricultural lands, green areas of the region. … Continue reading
PICKERING: Maurice Brenner eNEWSLETTER
PICKERING: Memorial monuments vs Plaques
The City of Pickering may be justified in erecting memorial monuments as recognition of citizens who have made significant contributions to the City. However, with time, these monuments could salt and pepper every park, parkette and green space throughout the … Continue reading
POLITICS: Caroline Mulroney quitting politics
By Robert BenzieQueen’s Park Bureau Chief __________________ Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney is calling it quits. Mulroney announced Monday she had informed Premier Doug Ford she would resigning as minister and as York-Simcoe MPP when the legislature rises next month. In … Continue reading
TRAVELLING: Minimize risk of contracting Legionaire’s easily.
The good news is that even if Legionella spreads through a hotel showerhead, it can be flushed out in mere minutes. For this reason, Legionella Control International advises all hotel guests to run their shower at the hottest possible temperature for five to 10 … Continue reading
COMMENTS/OPINIONS: “Spoken like a true white settler”…..possibly a tempest in a teapot
John Meloche, Pickering resident and president of one of its neighbourhood associations, made the following commentary available to us at www.szpin.ca The commentary is a criticism of words spoken by Councillor Linda Cook at a recent Council meeting, May 20, … Continue reading
PICKERING: “Spoken like a true white settler”
During the Special Council Meeting of May 20, 2026, while City of Pickering Council was debating the Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan — a file the City itself has identified as one of Pickering’s most significant long-term planning matters — Regional Councillor Linda Cook directed the following remark … Continue reading
Stephen COLBERT: All the best in your future endeavours
Ciao Stephen COLBERT…ya gave us 11 great years. Thank you. _______________
PICKERING: City’s a winner with OLG contribution
Pickering receives $16.38 million Fiscal 2026 payment from OLG Pickering, ON, May 23, 2026 – Today, the City of Pickering proudly recognized the significant economic and community benefits generated through its partnership with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) … Continue reading
COMMENTARY: Steve Paikin interviews ex NB Premier Frank McKenna
MCKENNA INTERVIEW
COMMENTARY: (updated 5.26.26) Young people suffering….does anyone care?
TorStar contributor wrote an excellent column, “Job hunting is so bad….” ( JOBHUNTING ) about how we are mistreating, lying, ignoring, disregarding and bull shitting young people. Here is an attempt at encapsulating what Schofield writes… resumes from young people … Continue reading
BETWEEN the LAKES: Interview with Mayor Kevin ASHE
Fahad Rehman interviews Mayor Kevin Ashe. ______________ Mayor Ashe presents himself as a personable and engaging politician. Fahad tossed soft questions at Ashe, so there was no need for an agressive defence. Still the interview does put Ashe under that … Continue reading
The 6:20 MAN, D. Baldacci
The 6:20 MAN, a Baldacci read, a little weaker than his earlier style.
RICHARD’S Desk: There’s just too damn much…
There’s just too much coming at us every day…too much news, too much information, too much action, too much noise….it’s all overwhelming. Do you find yourself overwhelmed these days with so much information coming at you from every direction. Consider … Continue reading
ELECTIONS UPDATE: No excitement in this election so far.
Once Kevin Ashe stepped into the race, it seems like all the hoped-for-excitement of a lively campaing wheezed out of campaign air. So the Mayor’s race looks like no such beast…..Kevin Ashe only candidate. Dave Pickles registered…..and the rest remains … Continue reading
HEALTH: Why heat gets harder as we age
Why Heat Gets Harder as We Age McMaster University • May 20, 2026 Overview Summer heat can affect older adults very differently than younger people. As we age, the natural cooling systems our bodies rely on become less efficient, making … Continue reading
HEALTH: WOMEN’S HEALTHY AGING…Nutrition
Simple Nutrition Strategies for Women Over 50 After 50, many women begin searching for ways to improve their health, manage weight more effectively, and maintain energy levels. The amount of conflicting diet advice online can become overwhelming. In reality, healthy … Continue reading
PICKERING: Concerned citizens protest City’s Official Plan to develop watershed lands
Activists are protesting City of Pickerings plan to modify and change watershed area at Carruthers Creek. Delegation protests that City may be cooperating too much with developers to the detriment of the environment within the city’s region. Mike Borie led … Continue reading
HEALTH: Is sparkling water worse for you?
Is Sparkling Water Worse for You? The Bottom Line Sparkling water is essentially as healthy as still water for most people. Benefits A 2012 study found carbonated water can make you feel full longer by enhancing gastric activity. Another study … Continue reading
HEALTH: Ticks on the rise in southern Ontario; Lyme disease
Ticks carry the bacterial infection that causes Lyme Disease. If you live in forestry, bushy environs and work or play there a lot, you are being exposed to Deer Ticks which are carriers of Lyme Disease. This is a serious … Continue reading
WEATHER ALERT: Tornado Warnings
Tornado warnings for southern Ontario. Prepare yourself, your family, and your home appropriately. Tornado warnings have been issued for nearly a dozen Ontario communities with a trio of twisters spotted on Tuesday evening. Environment Canada issued a warning early … Continue reading
HEALTH: Common foods that may have SERIOUS HEALTH RISKS
Contributed by Paul White: ______ RISKY FOODS
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 →