Author: szpinner
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HEALTH: 3 ways technology can help seniors
Technology and aging: 3 ways tech can lend a helping hand Sep 11, 2024 – McMaster University – As we age, our needs and priorities shift, and technology can play a surprisingly supportive role in navigating these changes. It’s not … Continue reading
PICKERING: ACTIVITY GUIDE – FALL/WINTER PRGMS
Consider your schedule: Do you want more activity? Can you fit it into your life?
BASIC plus*
BASIC plus* $125 one-time fee; subsequent annual subscription $45 Widget, Collaborative Associated Page, Newsletter, One Widget One associate page: information is as you created it; [ text remains unedited ] monthly newsletter promotions annually Add Collaboratively written ASSOCIATED PAGE *Prices are subject to change based on relative … Continue reading
55+: Games Day event – a two thumbs up event
The 55+ Games Day was a “two thumbs up” success. ______________ 55+ Seniors Games Day – a Wrap Up The people have spoken. They loved it, the Seniors Games Day. Nearly, 100 seniors registered or were “drop-in’s” at the Seniors … Continue reading
NEWS: Rogers, TTC to pull the plug on free Wi-Fi in subway stations
“The Better Way” just got worse! The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission has been touting that the TTC is the better way. That’s a questionable promotion at its best: inefficient schedules, overcrowded vehicles, late arrivals, erratic service, rash price increases, long … Continue reading
POLITICS: Could half of American voters be so stupid?
It cannot be possible that half of the American voters are stupid non-thinkers. There has to be a definitive explanation for why so many support T**** who by any reasonable analysis is a unattractive political candidate, particularly for the office … Continue reading
HEALTH: 22 ways to keep your mind sharp
Brain function starts to decline in your mid-20s; but you can fight back. Follow these suggestions to help keep your mind in tip-top shape. From the mid-20s, brain function starts to decline, although you may not notice the effects until … Continue reading
BLOOD, BONES and BUTTER, Gabrielle Hamilton
BLOOD, BONES and BUTTER The inadvertent education of a reluctant chef By Gabrielle Hamilton “Magnificent. Simply the best memoir by a chef ever. Ever. Gabriel Hamilton packs more heart, soul, and pure power into one beautifully crafted page than I’ve … Continue reading
PT-CTRPT: Are govts doing the job expected of them?
I’m giving the Government of Canada the finger, but I extend it to all democratic governments. Why? Because the damn elected leaders continually do work that is either irresponsible, incorrect, ineffective or downright corrupt. A prime example is the Premier … Continue reading
The Bone Garden, Tess Gerritsen
The Bone Garden, Tess Gerritsen Synopsis Present day: Julia Hamill has made a horrifying discovery on the grounds of her new home in rural Massachusetts: a skull buried in the rocky soil – human, female, and, according to the trained … Continue reading
BOOKS: How to READ BETTER
Become a better reader Daniel Pink, Best selling author First, torture your books. Crack the spine. Underline. Write in the margins. Books are not precious objects. They are tools for thinking. The more you engage, the more you remember. Second, … Continue reading
PICKERING: updated 9 4 24 – Councillor Lisa Robinson Special Council Highlights Report; with site visitor responses
Point-Counterpoint Councillor Robinson is throwing darts in her Special Council Meeting Highlights Report but throws hit their targets. [A link to her Report Video is available below.] _________________________ Not every point made by Councillor Robinson is completely factual or without … Continue reading
PICKERING: SNOW CLEARING ASSISTANCE
PICKERING LIBRARY: Cobwebs on the shelves, service moribund and aging?
The Pickering Public Library, under the leadership of Jackie Flowers, showed great promise when she took on the responsibilities of Pickering’s library system five years ago. The future looked very promising, with Flowers enhancing the appearance and services of the … Continue reading
PICKERING: Councillor Brenner SEPT eNEWSLETTER
[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.szpin.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/BRENNER-SEPT-NEWSLETTER-1.pdf” title=”BRENNER SEPT NEWSLETTER”]
FALL GOTTA DO: Take a drive to see the fall colours
Five great day trips to see the fall colours [from the Toronto area of Ontario]: Belfountain Conservation Area And The Forks Of The Credit Road [50 minutes from Toronto via Highway 410] Crawford Lake Conservation Area [60 minutes to 1-1/2 … Continue reading
PICKERING (updated 8-31-24): Regarding exorbitant cost and accessibility of Beachfront Park parking lot resurfacing
The City of Pickering is resurfacing a parking lot in the Beachfront Park area of the waterfront but there are a number of problems with the plan. A gravel surfacing is bid at $400,000 which sounds like a terribly overpriced … Continue reading
POINT-COUNTERPT: Cell phones or teacher methodologies, chicken-egg debate of education today
Is it cell phones or teachers eroding the effectiveness and success of education today? British Columbia has banned cell phones, ‘bell-to-bell,’ from schools in the province. [ ] It’s very commendable to finally hear some political leaders have the cojones … Continue reading
PICKERING: Pickering benefits from OLG gaming revenues
Pickering, ON, August 26th, 2024 – Last weekend, the City of Pickering proudly celebrated the significant community and economic benefits of being a host gaming site through a cheque presentation at the PARA Marine Search and Rescue Waterfront Festival. Since … Continue reading
POINT-COUNTERPT: Pickering gets no bang for its bucks, MANY bucks
Pickering is paying $1 million dollars to have its website redesigned, a crazily exorbitant contract which could have been had for thousands less…but be that as it may. Take a look at the kind of service they are getting now: … Continue reading
The BROKER, John Grisham
The Broker, John Grisham New York Bestseller…questionably! Synopsis In his final hours in office, the outgoing President grants a controversial last-minute pardon to Joel Backman, a notorious Washington power broker who has spent the last six years hidden away in … Continue reading
PICKERING: City Activities Guide, Fall/Winter 2024
PICKERING: Councillors Brenner, Butt and Nagy celebrate Casino donation to City of PICKERING
Pickering celebrated the “significant community and economic benefits” of being a casino site with an oversized cheque presentation at the PARA Marine Search and Rescue Waterfront Festival on the weekend. Since the opening of the Pickering Casino Resort in July … Continue reading
ONT GOVT: Provincial Planning statement 2024
* UGH * – City of PICKERING – Either a lot of hot air, then no air at all – confusion and chaos?
A city in turmoil, and hard to tell which came first ‘chicken or egg.’ The City is one of the most energetic and dynamically developing burgs east of Toronto. Growing population, growing number of businesses, housing development others envy. It’s … Continue reading
RIVIERA DAIRY PRODUCTS, QUE. – an environmentally responsible company
RIVIERA DAIRY is a Quebec based company that is environmentally responsible. Not long ago, RIVIERA used glass containers for some of their products. Glass is heavy, shipping becomes expensive, shipments are not cost effective due to the weight of glass. … Continue reading
SUGAR CALENDAR: web site developers/designers take heed
SUGAR CALENDAR is a website calendar, and website developers and designers who use one on their websites should take heed. Here’s a web site plugin that works, from the start. The free version delivers what it promises, easily, efficiently and … Continue reading
TANDIA: a financial institution that cares about you as much your money
TANDIA is a financial company like a bank but it’s a notch above any of the big banks because it cares about you as much as it cares about profit; meaning they provide service that gives you the feeling ‘it’s … Continue reading
CAA: an automobile-travel related company knows you may want to talk to a live person
CAA deals automobile rescure and travel by car. But they deserve compliments for their phone service, among the best of any companies. Yes, you will get into one of those phone queues where they list numbers for you to press … Continue reading
PERPLEXITY: An Artificial Intelligence app and the company behind it
PERPLEXITY is a company that is behind, developed an Artificial Intelligence tool/app with the same name. This company deals with people as people, meaning they deal with you personally. They have live people on staff who respond to queries, help … Continue reading
HEALTH: Wake up tired, sleep and fatigued during the day?
Not getting enough high quality sleep Source: healthline [sleepy] Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health. Unfortunately, many of us don’t get enough, which may lead to fatigue. During sleep, your body performs a number of critical processesTrusted Source, … Continue reading
HEALTH: Feeling groggy in the afternoon? Here’s how to nap the right way
An afternoon nap can be refreshing, but experts say it also can help you at work or with other activities. Read more details:
NEWS: Prepaying for refueling coming to PETROCANADA soon
It was inevitable. Theft has impacted on the rest of us. Drivers have been stealing gas…they pull up to the refueling station, refuel their car and drive away without paying. Petro-Canada has ended this opportunity to steal gas. Coming soon, drivers … Continue reading
POINT-COUNTERPOINT: Dan Rather, retired newsanchor, may be laying it on too lightly….
Dan Rather. retired CBS news anchor, may be treating the topic too lightly in his commentary. This American election is another milestone, a historical position that will be huge in the annals of the history of the USA. Rather makes … Continue reading
NEWS: Tim Horton’s going to the dogs…
You’re not going to believe this…Tim Horton’s now sells products for dogs. Not coffee or donuts, but plush toys. How did some marketing genius come up with this idea? Incredible…but even more incredible some models of these plush toys are sold out! … Continue reading
HEALTH: Top 5 ways to boost metabolism naturally
5 ways to boost your metabolism naturally 1. Do not skip breakfast! Picture your metabolic rate shaped as an ice cream cone. In other words, starting at the top – it is at its highest in the morning and starts to decline … Continue reading
POINT-COUNTERPOINT: Queen’s Park foot dragging on important CODE OF CONDUCT review
Queen’s Park is foot dragging on a very important law code, especially important for Pickering as the City grapples with a controversial councillor. The provincial government has been asked to amend The Code of Conduct to include a removal of … Continue reading
TECHNOLOGY: List of U of T articles dealing with AI (Artificial Intelligence)
HEALTH: Ever feel sleepy after a meal? Want to take a nap after eating?
This sleepyness after a meal is called POSTPRANDIAL SOMNOLENCE and is normal. I have excerpted the crucial parts of a health article about the issue. What Is Postprandial Somnolence? Postprandial somnolence National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology … Continue reading
NEWS: RR strike – Ottawa orders workers back to work; along with binding arbitration
POLITICS-USA: DNC NOMINATION SPEECH
Harris makes an eloquent, refreshing and positive speech accepting the Democratic Party nomination as candidate for president of the USA. Great speech, powerful woman…we wish her complete success in reaching the White House. Listen to the full speech at HARRIS
POINT-COUNTERPOINT: Maison Riviera Dairy products; they responded
Hello dairy products, I loved your grec-greek yogurt in their little plastic jars….but that is the problem I want to comment about. In the past, this product came in glass jars and was recyclable. Now, you are using … Continue reading
USA – DNC: KAMALA HARRIS is addressing the DNC tonight…worth watching
What an incredible choice! On one hand, a success attorney general, the first Black American woman to hold office of Vice President, Senator, wife, mother, daughter of a Jamaican father and Indian mother who were civil rights supporters/protestors. This candidate … Continue reading
CANADA: Strike! Strike! Who’s next…you fill in the group
CP Rail. CN Rail. Air Canada. You fill in the placard. Who’s next? They all have as much right to strike as any other group of workers. In many cases, the strikers have legitimate reasons for striking: safety issues, job … Continue reading
PICKERING: CLOSURE OF CHANGE ROOMS
Please be advised that the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex facility change rooms will be closed for annual maintenance and cleaning on the following dates: Member’s Only Change Rooms – Sunday, September 1, 2024 to Sunday, September 8, 2024 Universal & … Continue reading
NEWS: Pusateri’s high end grocery retailer bankruptcy?
Now here’s a story for which most of us have no sympathy, unless you’re part of their family. “Pusateri’s Fine Foods fallout: grocer owes creditors $37 million”…oh be still my achin’ heart. For many years, Pusateri’s has been selling groceries … Continue reading
Crime’s alive and well in Pickering: Pot store employee assaulted by man with gun
’24 DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM: summary and link to the entire document
Quite the document and a very comprehensive rebuttal to T****’s PROJECT 2025. __________________ Summary of its core themes: Protecting Americans and Recovering from the COVID-19 Pandemic: The platform emphasizes the importance of public health and recovery efforts to ensure that … Continue reading
Mastering the BARKSIDE (DOCX)
“Mastering the Barkside” My goal tonight is to help you understand why dogs react – what’s going on inside their brains – and what’s going to surprise you is that it’s not that different from humans. Reality check: It’s a … Continue reading
Mastering the BARKSIDE (PDF)
[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.szpin.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2a-Mastering-the-Barkside-SZPIN.pdf” title=”2a Mastering the Barkside SZPIN”]
NEWS: When any news is censored, we all lose
Recently, the ONTARIO CLEAN AIR ALLIANCE emailed us with the claim that a local news outlet had censored their submission and rejected it from publicatin. It seems that the OCAA submitted an ad to the KING WEEKLY SENTINEL newspaper but … Continue reading
POINT-COUNTERPOINT: The mania of the Councillor Lisa Robinson chaos just won’t end
The inanity revolving around Pickering Councillor Lisa Robinson never stops. Worse, the councillor never stops dreaming up new was to stoke the fires that she has sparked. Lisa Robinson, elected Councillor of Pickering, just doesn’t know when to quit. Or … Continue reading
POINT-COUNTERPOINT: Israel – Hamas cease fire, is there any chance whatsoever?
An Israeli/Hamas ceasefire: an indescribably difficult situation or call with little likelihood of a ceasefire. Peace will come with the total obliteration of one of the combatants. If you are Hamas Your goal is to annihilate the Israelis. Hence, there … Continue reading
TOOLS4WRITERS*: POKE!BOOK-2 notepads side-by-side (*password)
An excellent writing tool for writers of all levels and experience. It’s like writing your original story and making notes in the margins at the same time, but you are doing in digitally with all the advantages of computer work. … Continue reading
The SNOWMAN, Jo Nesbo
The SNOWMAN (Harry Hole #7) By Jo Nesbø Synopsis Internationally acclaimed crime writer Jo Nesbø’s antihero police investigator, Harry Hole, is back: in a bone-chilling thriller that will take Hole to the brink of insanity. Oslo in November. The first … Continue reading
POINT-COUNTERPOINT: How to get out of JURY DUTY
So you got summoned to serve JURY DUTY. My first response was, “So…serve.” But things aren’t that easy for some people and JURY DUTY could impact severely on them and their lives. If you’re in the situation where serving … Continue reading
POINT-COUNTERPT (updated Aug 30): Sittin’ on our fat duffs doin’ nothin’ about growing violence and hate around us us disintegrates
“A 13 yr old boy is charged for murder, after stabbing cousin to death.” We’ve ranted at railed at government action and initiatives to no avail. Now we’ve got kids, just becoming teens, being charged with violent crimes. Write your … Continue reading
PICKERING: AMICA PICKERING hosts an awesome Caribbean festivity
[player id=’66596′] Amica Pickering hosts celebratory events for its residents and invited guests. Recently they held a Caribbean celebration, a smashing success. More than 300 people, residents, family and friends, and invited guests attended the wonderful celebration. Many people even … Continue reading
DRIVER CESSATION
The ability to drive is eroded with age. There are many factors involved in driver capability and they need evaluation and assessment at practical intervals as a person ages. McMaster Optimal Aging Portal offers a short video about driver cessation. … Continue reading
SCAMS: ‘Hello pervert’: We’re going to show the world your pervert activity
Email scam: you receive an email that says it will show the world you pervert activity on your computer. Another scam! Don’t open the email; delete it and ignore it. The pervert is the author of this scam. BTW, it … Continue reading
SCAMS: QR CODE SCAMS
QR Codes, the latest scam QR Codes are the latest scam. The gist is that you scan this one and you’ll be taken down a scam path leading to loss of your money. The short of it: DON’T GO THERE. … Continue reading
NEWS: MPOX – A new virus hits the Congo; where next ?
MPOX – The new COVID The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a global health emergency again because a new strain of the virus is spreading rapidly in parts of Africa, particularly in Congo. This new strain is spreading … Continue reading
OLYMPICS: Great show. Sad to see it end.
HEALTH: Improve your BALANCE; with 4 very easy follow-up exercises
IMPROVING BALANCE Pensioner Fitness Improving Balance Ian McClymont What is Balance? Balance is a use-it-or-lose-it function. It is the ability to maintain the body’s center of mass over its base of support. A properly functioning balance system allows humans to … Continue reading
A GAMBLING MAN, David Baldacci
A Gambling Man David Baldacci Another winner from David Baldacci. Synopsis Aloysius Archer, the straight-talking World War II veteran fresh out of prison, returns in this riveting new thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci. The 1950s … Continue reading
RAVEENA RAJANSINGHAM
Resident of Pickering, with over 18 years of experience in social justice and community development. I have established myself as a National Cardiology Specialist dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes and community welfare. As a respected advocate for diversity, I have … Continue reading
TECHNOLOGY: Use GOOGLE DRIVE? Clean it regularly with this app: FILEREV
https://my.filerev.com/summary
Newest SCAMS – VISHING and NUMBER SPOOFING
Vishing (voice phishing) and number spoofing, are SCAM tactics used to deceive individuals over the phone. Key points include: Definition of Vishing: Vishing involves using phone calls to trick people into revealing personal information, often by impersonating legitimate organizations. Number … Continue reading
OLYMPICS: Category closure
The OLYMPICS have given us 2 weeks of JOY, 2 weeks of celebration, 2 weeks of cheering and shouting. We celebrate the achievements of all the competitors. They all winners of Gold, for their achievements, their sacrifices, their courage and … Continue reading
OLYMPICS: FINAL MEDAL Standings – top 12
POINT COUNTERPOINT: Disagree with Rosie Dimanno Torstar column
Rosie Dimanno is an outstanding Toronto Star columnist who writes superb columns regularly, excellent in content, often spot on in opinion and always erudite and engaging. Recently she wrote a column in praise of a Afghan refugee competing in the … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: Let’s stop….
Let’s stop…. the griping the complaining the conflicting the combatting The world’s in need of change. There seems to be endless whining, complaining and bitching. Fewer and fewer people compromise, cooperate or team play. Worse, the complainers escalate their verbal … Continue reading
PICKERING: Food Bank OPEN HOUSE a great success
St. Paul-on-the-Hill Food Bank OPEN HOUSE & BBQ were a resounding success and Food Bank Director, Lindsey Morrill, deserves for bring as much efficiency and success to this event as she does to operating the Food Bank. _____________________________ Editorial comment: … Continue reading
CALM: Add some calm to your day with inspirational words from Ruth
Is your life very filled with activity, anxiety, stress and demands that feel overwhelming? Take a few minutes to add some calm to your day. Ruth Coghill is a missionary working to spread the messages from the bible. Her goal … Continue reading
update HEALTH: Pickering to get Post-Acute Rehabilitation Centre
The Ontario government is connecting more people to the care they need by enhancing the rehabilitation and recovery services available to patients and their families close to home. Announced on August 1st, 2024, the province is bringing Durham Region’s first … Continue reading
HEALTH: Which is better for losing weight, DIET or EXERCISE?
Feeling overwhelmed by all the diet and nutrition advice out there? You’re not alone. Television, newspapers, magazines, radio, the internet… everywhere you turn there are ads and articles telling you what you should and shouldn’t eat. Unfortunately, the information is … Continue reading
PICKERING: Poetry in Esplanade Park, Aug 15
POLITICS: HATE MONGERING thrives in Pickering? Robinson vs Council: where do you stand? (updated 8 8 24)
RUMBLE Kevin J. Johnston hosts a show, Rumble, where he engages in discussions on various topics, often focusing on controversial issues and current events. His channel features a variety of content, including interviews, debates, and commentary, reflecting his views on … Continue reading
BODY DOUBLE, Tess Gerritsen
Body Double by Tess Gerritsen Synopsis Boston medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles literally meets her match–and must face a savage serial killer and shattering personal revelations–in the brilliant new novel of suspense by the New York Times bestselling author of … Continue reading
COOKz: The EASIEST vs The BEST CORN cooking methods
The EASIEST (1-2 EARS) – MICROWAVE 1. Place ear, husk and all, into the microwave, high heat, 3 minutes. [More ears, increase time to 5-6 minutes] You will need to experiment with the times as different ovens yield different results … Continue reading
POINT-COUNTERPOINT: Voices like Pickering Councillor Robinson must be heard
Voices like Pickering Councillor Lisa Robinson must be heard and listening does not presume agreement. Councillor Robinson is an elected official, a mature thinking adult and an opinionated politician. She takes positions that some may find objectionable, others not so. … Continue reading
PICKERING: Councillor Robinson Press Release, UNEDITED and UNREVISED
NEWS RELEASE Sunday August 4, 2024 Pickering’s mayor Kevin Ashe labels residents of Durham as racists. Mr. Mayor, I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, your recent comments labeling my supporters and the residents of Durham as racists. This behavior … Continue reading
PICKERING: Councillor Robinson’s press release regarding comments made by Mayor Ashe
Recently, Councillor Robinson issued a press release commenting on statements made by Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe. This news release appears to be a response from Councillor Lisa Robinson to comments made by Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe. [ Her unedited, unrevised … Continue reading
TECHNOLOGY: An up close and personal snaphot of a ‘computer nerd’
Brett Batie Filerev developer Down in some gloomy dark room where the only light beams from a computer monitor, a stringbean hoodie-wearing person slumps over a keyboard, tapping away furiously. This is the stereotypical view many people have of computer … Continue reading
FILEREV – an application for cleaning up and compacting your Google Drive.
Filerev is an application designed to optimize and clean up Google Drive storage. It provides users with tools to efficiently manage their files, enhancing organization and freeing up space. Key Features Duplicate File Detection Filerev identifies and allows users to … Continue reading
Rich Bowlin – Tech Guru for Seniors ***especially iPads***
Need help with Technology? Here’s your man, Rich Bowlin. Bowlin’s advice focuses mostly on Apple products. I used his YouTube videos for iPad research. He is excellent, speaking clearly, comfortably paced and without any jargon. His information is practical and … Continue reading
TECHNOLOGY: Why a Tech CEO Who Won’t Let His Kids on Social Media
Social media is rampant with disinformation and misinformation. Children are particularly vulnerable to such dangers as they have not yet developed the ability to analyze and discern the validity of the presented ‘facts.’ Many adults have the same inability and … Continue reading
PICKERING COUNCIL: City should offer citizens better eye glasses to read COUNCILLOR EXPENSE REPORTS
TRANSPARENCY or OBSCURITY? Pickering City Councillors’ expense reports lack essential transparency and accountability. The current reporting system obscures crucial details, making it nearly impossible for taxpayers to scrutinize how their money is being spent. The expense reports fail to provide … Continue reading
POINT-COUNTERPOINT: Politicians eschewing residency in the riding they represent…hypocrisy?
Why is it that people elected to represent our community don’t live here? As an example, Peter Bethlenfalvy. Apparently, he rents a condo under the guise that he is a long-time resident. This is probably a requirement to skirt the … Continue reading
TECHNOLOGY: Reclaim lost computer storage space with FileRev
FileRev shows your duplicates in GoogleDrive and lets you browse your folders by size, view your hidden files, old files, files by type and more. It has powerful filters to help you drill down to the specific files that are … Continue reading
POLITICS: Poilievre shows how classless he really is….HATE SPEECH MONGER !
Just what we need in the office of Prime Minister, a politician who disregards HATE SPEECH. Recently, Poilievre referred to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (as well as the Liberal and New Democratic parties) as “extremists,” “raving wackos” and … Continue reading
HELP: Please help fellow Canadians
Please help. Donations made to either the Canadian Red Cross or the Edmonton Community Foundation will be matched. When you donate to the Canadian Red Cross 2024 Alberta Fires Appeal your donation will be tripled courtesy of the Government of Canada and … Continue reading
MY WEBSITE: A personal message about my website, Doc Szpinner
website was created many years ago. I am Richard Szpin, a retired educator and a dedicated community activist. My website differs from other Internet sites significantly: no selling; updated regularly; more than just a ONE-PAGE FRONT PIECE website; layers, sections, … Continue reading →