Author: szpinner
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WRITERS: 8 tips for reading poetry in front of an audience
POINT-COUNTERPOINT: Hospital possibility muddled by FORD
Premier Doug Ford stated that a hospital was to be built in the Durham region, in Ajax. However, the Premier is playing with the promise as if it were a hacky sack ball. Read the full story –> HOSPITAL _____________________ … Continue reading
PICKERING: TOWN HALL, Ward 1 & 2
This Town Hall will be co-hosted by Councillors Brenner, Cook and Nagy. The presentation will focus on Environmental issues relating to the City of Pickering culminating in a Q&A session. The City is developing its first Community Climate Adaptation Plan. The … Continue reading
POINT-COUNTERPOINT: PICKERING FINANCES – Tranparency vs Transgression?
People wonder if civil servants are spending appropriately. Are they dipping into the public purse or spending their own dime. Just as importantly, citizens want to know how their money is being spent: TRANSPARENCY vs TRANSGRESSION. [COMMENTARY that is anonymous … Continue reading
TOOLS4WRITERS: SCRIVENER* – A writing tool for serious writers*
The VIDEO is a approximately 5-10 minute overview of SCRIVENER. (It is a rudimentary video as I was teaching myself how to create videos on my website, but it will give you an excellent overview of SCRIVENER.)
EDITORIAL: City of Pickering Website near $1 mill website budget looks catrastrophic
The City of Pickering has budgeted nearly $1 million for website makeover. To say that this is absurd budgeting may be a gross understatement. No matter which website designers I speak with, TD Bank, Toronto web design, even in my … Continue reading
ANTHONY’s Notes: Keeping you up to date on the CANDIDATE NOMINATION News
The CANDIDATE NOMINATION process for PICKERING UXBRIDGE has been the center of confusion. Some candidates have withdrawn, others have sunk into the woodwork, while others have been surrounded by controversy, viz. Anthony Yacub. Anthony Yacub threw his hat into the … Continue reading
WORKSHOPS Newsletter, 4/2/24
Hey everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful long weekend. Thanks so much for your interest in receiving updates on writing-related programming at the Pickering Public Library. I promise not to invade your inboxes too often. For those … Continue reading
ONTARIO: Provincial Budget
Provincial Budget links: The BUDGET Long Term Care HOME in Pickering Bethlenfalvy APRIL NEWSLETTER
EDITORIAL: Conservative Party plays the blood sport passionately
Politics is a blood sport, unfamiliar to the common voter. It’s a game that is populated by the treacherous and black-hearted. Remember “E tu Brute?” Well, the sport is alive, well and practiced with a passion in Canada today. Read … Continue reading
WRITERS OF NOTE: Writers worth learning from…
There are many professional writers from whom budding or developing writers can learn. This is an ongoing list of writers I respect and think are examples of excellent journalism: Katharine Lake Berz Berz is a frequent contributor to various Canadian … Continue reading
ESTATE PLANNING: Are you covering all the bases?
Estate planning is a huge task, no matter how little monetary value you make think it has. Click –> Estate Planning” to see the many posts I have written about this very important topic. You should consider it a priority … Continue reading
DIGITAL ASSETS: Can your heirs access your digital assets, files, photos, memorabilia?
EDITIORIAL: Digitial device users, you don’t work in isolation
Katharine Lake Berz, a Canadian writer, touches the globe with her words. I draw attention to Berz for far more than her writing which has depth and empathetic sensitivity. I draw attention to her because she walks among us. She … Continue reading
YOUR WILL: Consider having a lawyer confirm the solidity of your will
Recently, a newspaper article gave me pause to consider. I have a will that I drafted based on Internet research. The article pointed out that wills based on ‘will kits’ could have loop holes in them which can give the … Continue reading
DANGEROUS DEVICES: Use with discretion
Tablets, cell phones, smart phones generate radiation. The human body may be affected adversely by radiation, most certainly, by too much radiation. View this video about the emission of radiation from these digital devices and act on the information with your … Continue reading
ONT silly servants: FAT CATS cashin’ in (includes Durham Region Mayors)
Just look at the salaries of the civil servants on this list. It really does pay off to have friends in high places who can give you a “little assistance.” Hospital Sick Children President CEO Ronald Cohn $851,414 University Health … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: Pickering City Council swiming in turbulent waters over fiancial reporting
It seems like the City of Pickering Council is swimming in turbulent waters endlessly. For months, the waters are roiled with racism accusations and bigotry criticisms. Then, council meetings become heated to rolling boils, so turbulent that police are needed … Continue reading
Anthony’s notes: Anthony meets with former Minister of Trade Ed Fast
PICKERING: Council Meeting, Mar 25/24
The City of Pickering Council meeting, Mar. 25, 2024, heated up from the first gavel. The opening spiritual words fell on some deaf ears at this particular meeting. The temperature-raising issue, not part of the declared agenda, was in relation … Continue reading
Casino revenue sharing may be coming to an end. It will interesting to watch how this story unfolds. Casino revenue sharing may end after 2026 – City of Pickering Pickering | Ajax | Clarington | Durham | Oshawa | Whitby | Latest News By Glenn Hendry Published March 25, 2024 at 4:09 pm … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: Pickering council beating a dead horse with Lisa Robinson issue
Should the “Lisa Robinson” issue be moved off the council table? Two council meetings had numerous delegates speaking to the issue, the council meetings in February and March. The issue is very serious and quite caustic. However, the responsibilities of … Continue reading
HEALTH: Meditation at your desk, easy and beneficial
Meditation: at your desk First minute: Sit quietly and comfortably, and lose the distractions: loosen your belt, take your shoes off, close the laptop, put your phone on silent. Second minute: Pay attention to your breathing as you inhale slowly through your … Continue reading
TOOLS4WRITERS*: poetry writers especially*
I found a writing app, described as useful for poetry writers, but I think prose writers might find it useful too. Poke!Book is very interesting and useful: it’s free, and it stores everything locally in your browser. Having two notepads … Continue reading
Pickering’s on a ‘wild ride,’ says Mayor Kevin Ashe
Residents of Pickering, put on your seat belts. The City is going to hit the big time like it has never seen before, a ‘wild ride’ according to the mayor. Read the full story at –> WILD RIDE
CREATIVE WRITING SERIES (simple schedule)
WRITING PROJECT SERIES (simple schedule)
POLITICS: Reasons to oppose Ford’s Highway 413
Ford is bashing his way into construction of Highway 413. There many reasons why this should be opposed: Highway 413 would cause over 17 million tonnesof additional CO2 emissions by 2050 – the same date by which Canada is committed to … Continue reading
TOILETS: Ever thought about how useful, yet simple, the toilet is
Ever think how useful, yet simple, the flush toilet is? ____________________ Fortunately, the flush toilet enables us to dispose of human waste extremely easily. Using water to dispose of waste dates back as far as the Indus Valley Civilization, but … Continue reading
WRITERS PROJECT SERIES: Dates, Times, Agendas
CREATIVE WRITING GROUP: Meeting Dates Times
WRITERS PROJECT SERIES: Flyer and Agendas
[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.szpin.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/WPS-FlyerAndAgenda-Digital-2024-1.pdf” title=”WPS-FlyerAndAgenda-Digital-2024 (1)”]
WRITERS PROJECT SERIES: Drafting pdf
[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.szpin.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/WPS-Drafting-1.pdf” title=”WPS-Drafting (1)”]
CIRCLE OF DAYS, Ken Follett
Synopsis A FLINT MINER WITH A GIFT Seft, a talented flint miner, walks the Great Plain in the high summer heat, to witness the rituals that signal the start of a new year. He is there to trade his stone … Continue reading
FOOD: Global chocolate crisis
Chocolate production globally is being outstripped by demand. Therefore, the price of chocolate is skyrocketing. Your Easter bunny just got smaller, a lot smaller. Shrinkflation, folks. Shrinkflation. Global chocolate crisis The global chocolate industry is facing its worst crisis ever. … Continue reading
SUNSHINE 11: Baby swans
This Baby Swans performance goes beyond ‘cute’…the synchronization, the coordination, the physical demands, the rehearsals needed…..just amazing….just imagine the self-discipline that is required to complete this wonderful performance….this is more than just enjoyable….it is amazingly “AHHHsome”. Click –> BABY … Continue reading
HOUSING: How well ONT Cities are meeting home building goals
[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.szpin.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/HOUSING.pdf”] NOTE: Chair Henry has stated that the region will be out 900 million dollars because of the Actions taken by the Ford government to remove the monies from developers that normally would pay for infrastructure. Sounds like … Continue reading
HEALTH: Ya just gotta drink more water !
MENTAL CONFUSION by Arnaldo Liechtenstein, physician Particularly aimed at those 60 years of age, though it applies to anyone. Whenever I teach clinical medicine to students in the fourth year of medicine, I ask the following question: “What are the … Continue reading
ELEANOR COURTOWN, Lucy E. M. Black
ELEANOR COURTOWN By Lucy E. M. Black Review by Heather Stuart Lucy E.M. Black is a local author from Port Perry in the Durham Region, Ontario. After reading her first book of short stories, “The Marzipan Fruit Basket” published in … Continue reading
HEALTH: Falls are not inevitable if you take precautions
However, falls aren’t inevitable for your aging body. Whether you’re alone or with a partner. But there are common sense measures and changes you can implement around the house to stay healthy and prevent falls. Click –> FALLS [Source: PensionerFitness ]
NEWS: Ottawa aims to fight online HATE
The Canadian government is making an effort to control online HATE. Read the excellent report by OPEN MEDIA, Matt Hadfield. It is an well-done presentation allowing you to navigate to questions you may have with answers given succinctly and simply. … Continue reading
PICKERING: Is our URBAN SPRAWL uncontrolled, poorly planned?
Urbanization is a necessary response to growing population. However, it must be well-planned, clearly thought out and thoroughly considered as to its costs. Is Durham’s Future Urban Expansion too costly? Your taxes are going UP, possibly due to Durham Regional … Continue reading
Who paid for this trip?
Not to say Councillors can’t vacation but in light of transparency, when they do, it shouldn’t be on the taxpayers dime. Was this Councillors’ trip at public expense. We should know. Mayor Ashe and Councillor Dave Pickles travelled to Europe … Continue reading
CLASS ACT, Stuart Woods
CLASS ACT Stuart Woods Synopsis Stone Barrington takes down old and new enemies in the latest thriller from perennial fan favourite Stuart Woods. After a rocky jaunt in Maine, Stone Barrington is settling back in New York City when an … Continue reading
PICKERING “Iron Lady” Perry endorses Anthony Yacub for PUCDA nomination
PICKERING “Fighting Irish” finally cash in financially with Ont government
Pickering finally cashes in to tune of $5+ million from Queen’s Park for exceeding housing target. The City may be a tad slow but like the tortoise it get to the finish line eventually. Pickering Receives $5.2M for Exceeding Housing … Continue reading
OASIS: Seniors living as it can be
Independent senior living has risks from emotional to physical. OASIS living for seniors may be a practical and viable seniors’ living consideration. These Seniors Are Forming Their Own Retirement Communities—Without Leaving Home Source: Reader’s Digest, Vanessa Milne Oasis, a program … Continue reading
SCAMS: Boost Your Fraud-IQ – Defensive tips
Boost Your Fraud-IQ Source: Tandia Financial Credit Union You’re probably hearing a lot about fraud these days. Why all the buzz? Unfortunately, fraud attacks (especially ones that take place online) are more common than ever before and are happening every … Continue reading
PICKERING: Pickering-Uxbridge Conservative Association hold nomination meeting
[ EDITOR: The PICKERING-UXBRIDGE District Conservative Association held its AGM (Annual General Meeting) Mar 10. The meeting was stormy as there was some confusion in its intent: populating its Board of Directors vs open meeting for nomination of the constituency … Continue reading
PICKERING: BUDGET EXPLANATION of “Digitization of City Services and Information”…BBB
Digitization of City Services and Information: Lots of information seems available but only Stan Karwowski, Deputy Director of Finance-Treasurer can understand it. Below are pages from the City Budget 2024 relating to Information Technology. Some where $900,000/2 yrs was published … Continue reading
PICKERING: Digital Readiness, right idea, wrongful expenditure
Most certainly, the City of Pickering is correct in betting on Digitization of City services. This is the wave of the future, today! However, the City’s explanation and its accounting/budget are very questionable. Explanation: the City has never heard of … Continue reading
Honoring the “Unsung Nightingales” of rural Atlantic Canada
Unsung Nightingales Source: SALTSCAPES magazine, Gail MacMillan Plucky rural nurses in Atlantic Canada had their own rhythm, wisdom and stamina. Elizabeth Innes In the early years of the 19th century, decades before England’s Florence Nightingale brought recognition to the … Continue reading
Ten Commandments of Safe Computing
Ten Commandments of Safe Computing Source: Cloudeight Info Ave. Ten Commandments of Safe Computing Fortify Your Defenses Install strong antivirus/anti-malware software and keep it updated. Guard Your Gateway Secure your home router with a unique password. Routers come with default … Continue reading
POSITIVITY: Think differently, change the world
PICKERING: Updates City website and looking for feedback
SCAMS: AI can be used to scam you
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a dangerous monster! What is AI? AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines and computer systems. It is a computer system which learns and uses that learning to create new ideas, new strategies, … Continue reading
Are frustrated by sloppy work done by some online sites?
We increasingly urge people to use computers, the Internet and website accessibility. However, the people at the other end have to do better work. Many Internet users are frustrated in trying to get information from a website only to find … Continue reading
COLD TUSCAN STONE, David P. Wagner
Cold Tuscan Stone, David P. Wagner SynopsisRick Montoya has moved from New Mexico to Rome, embracing the life of a translator. He’s settling into la dolce vita when a school friend who is now a senior in the Italian Art … Continue reading
Dan Rather, retired CBS news broadcaster, on NEWS today.
Enough with Both-sides-ism We are now living in an altered political universe. Some of the old rules no longer apply or at least need adjusting. Civil discourse is a thing of the past, as is allowing both sides their say, … Continue reading
NEWS: Integrity Commissioner recommends Oshawa trustee be barred from meetings
Durham School Board’s Integrity Commissioner recommends trustee be barred from future school board meetings for six months. An Editorial comment This call to action is becoming a problematic issue in politics in the Durham Region. First, the issue seemed about … Continue reading
HUH? I can’t keep up with it. What’s 2SLGBTQIA+ ?
Either I am getting too old too fast or this world is spinning around faster than I can handle. What is the world do all these letter/numbers now mean and they keep getting additions to them… “2SLGBTQIA+” One time is … Continue reading
SCAM: Canada Revenue is central to a new scam relating to TAX RETURNS
The latest scam is a request for money relating to your taxes and seemingly authored by the Canada Revenue Agency. Don’t believe it. If you don’t initiate the issue, it’s a scam. Phone Canada Revenue if you have doubts. Ph: … Continue reading
Nuclear BS…oops, I mean OPG
For a number of years, I have been complaining about the nuclear evacuation plan the City has in case of a nuclear emergency. The plan we have in place is nearly 15 years old. The City has changed significantly in … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: I am becoming more afraid every day with growing incivility
I am becoming more afraid every day…the scary world we live in is becoming scarier each day. As George Orwell foretells, “The people will not revolt. They will not look up from their screens long enough to notice what’s happening.” … Continue reading
FINALLY…some good news: There are sane people in the USA
Finally, some semblance of sanity shows signs of returning to the United States. Nikki Haley has won a primary. Whoa…wouldn’t this make the race for Republican Presidential candidate much more interesting than seeing wacko T**** run away with it? But … Continue reading
FOOD DRIVE: Consider donating to the Food Bank
THOUGHTS: We’re screwin’ up somewhere!
Recent news stories from Durham Region: 12 and 13 year olds stab victim in Oshawa; 3 teens arrest in Oshawa jewellery store heist Uh, like where are we screwin’ up here. Kids are now doing crimes far above their weight … Continue reading
WTF? – Whitby Recreation Centre receives $100K from ON Govt….. huh?
What’s the story here? Kind of boggles the mind and begs the question, “What’re Pickering Council and Mayor Ashe doing?” [Populations: Whitby, 149,ooo; Pickering, 105,000] Click these stories: Money $100K for Whitby Rec Centre Whitby gets $2.4 mill for EV chrgers Ottawa $25 mill to Whitby sports … Continue reading
MAR. 21 – WARD 1 TOWN HALL
George Orwell on why people will not revolt
WEBSITE of the City of Pickering
MAR. 24 – Sunday Afternoon BIG BAND
APR. 4 – Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Assoc. AGM
Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association will be holding their AGM at the Chestnut Hill Recreational Centre, 1867 Valley Farm Rd., Room 2-3, April 4, 2024, at 7:00 pm. Guest speakers will be Maurice Brenner – Regional Councillor and Richard Szpin – local blogger. Regular business of the … Continue reading
MAYOR ASHE on TECHNOLOGY
Recently, we spoke with Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe about the use of digital devices. __________________________ Q. What are your views about digital devices? A. Digital devices are tremendously useful devices for productivity. I use them all the time relying mostly … Continue reading
RESPONSE TO: Mayor Ashe interview on technology and Internet use
Mr. Mayor, You present a valid case for use of technology and the Internet. I agree with you completely. The Internet and computer access to it with digital devices is an absolute necessity in today’s world. I saw a 91 … Continue reading
PICKERING: Council Meeting (2-26-2024) Highlights
(To access the detailed Council Highlights, CLICK –> FEB Mins) Council receives and endorses Whitby’s request for Province to remove tolls on Highway 407 in Durham Region Whitby has asked Ontario to temporarily remove tolls on Highway 407 (in Durham … Continue reading
Trips to Europe taken by Ashe and Pickles
Did you hear that Mayor Ashe and Councillor Pickles travelled to Europe (Germany, Belgium and more) a month or so ago? On whose dime? Who paid for the trip? If the trip was reported anywhere, the information was not easily found. … Continue reading
PICKERING: Toronto HOT LINE reveals city employee waste, fraud and corruption
Some employees in the City of Toronto have been reported as being guilty of fraud, corruption, conflict of interest and waste according to the City’s auditor general. Read the full story -> FRAUD & WASTE The take away City of … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: Governments pay lip service to growing problem of Food Bank use
Lip service, no more, is what governments seem to be doing about the growth in the number of Food Bank users. TorStar contributor writes about the problem: Food bank demand won’t fall with inflation Source: Jonah Prousky, Toronto Star contributor, … Continue reading
* * * PICKERING WEBSITE: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly * * *
This review of the City of Pickering website at www.pickering.ca is in development Residents of Pickering looking for information about the City of Pickering will find an abundance that at the City’s website. However, the design, presentation of the material, … Continue reading
CRIME: Car theft and how to reduce your risk
Car theft in Canada is growing at an alarming rate. There are numerous things you can do to reduce the risk of your auto being stolen…the responsibility of doing any of these things rests with you. Faraday bags/boxes The are … Continue reading
NEWS: Trusted news sites
BBC (Monthly Visitors: 518 Million) www.bbc.com/news NPR (Monthly Visitors: 82 Million) www.npr.org/sections/news/ Reuters (Monthly Visitors: 68 Million) www.reuters.com/ Associated Press (Monthly Visitors: 41 Million) apnews.com/ PBS NewsHour www.pbs.org/newshour/ CBS News www.cbsnews.com/ The Guardian … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: City council needs to be more transparent
The City of Pickering council carries out its responsibilities with diligence and dedication but it may be remiss in keeping its residents well informed. When the Councillor Robinson kerfuffle erupted months ago, residents heard very little if anything from other … Continue reading
POLICE REPORT: An interactive map showing locations of crime, theft, and much more
The Durham Regional Police Service provides a lot of valuable information about criminal activity, violence, driving incidents, and much, much more. The service is an interactive MAP that navigates to various displays of information showing numbers of incidents, locations of … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: Consider joining the Age of Technology
Telephones were strange devices at one time. Look at them now! Computers Computers are like telephones were, strange devices that are challenging to use. Telephones were too. Often, computers can be frustrating to use. Remember waiting for your telephone party … Continue reading
PICKERING: Koffee with Kevin
Koffee with Kevin: Mayor’s Town Hall Mayor Kevin Ashe, City of Pickering mayor, held another Town Hall at Heaffles recently. Given it was held on a business day afternoon, the turnout was a very respectable close to a hundred people. … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: Pickering must be more transparent about city matters
Here’s an interesting tidbit about City of Pickering Council meetings…. The Integrity Commissioner submits reports to the City of Pickering Council… Last report was July, 2022 ___________________ Given that there have been kerfuffles and upheavals in City of Pickering Council … Continue reading
COLLATERAL DAMAGE, Stuart Woods
COLLATERAL DAMAGE Stuart Woods Stuart Woods at his usual, thrilling scenarios written in polished prose. An adult’s comic book in words. Woods never fails to deliver an enjoyable quick read. Synopsis Stone Barrington is back in Manhattan and pleased to … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: Book bannings threaten intellectual growth in our children
Book Banning Dan Rather, retired CBS News broadcaster, is a 92 year old blogger. His blog, STEADY, is a timely commentary on current issues facing Americans but often what he writes applies to the rest of the world, such as … Continue reading
RESPONSE: Idea may have merit but much to be wary of (Feb 21 24)
Related to information about City Government activities; a weekly/monthly flyer, created by the city; could be produced and sent to the community. To include activities and announcements outside of the city government that will mean its an outside entity … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: Responses regarding the idea of a COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
This is an ongoing list of comments and opinions received in response to the “PICKERING NEWSPAPER” idea: From BRS: $$$ I hear what you are saying but like it or not newspapers started a slow death years ago. Even … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: “Ontario Government Delivering on Commitments to Get it Done”
Ontario Government Delivering on Commitments to Get it Done Read the proposed legislation at –> GET IT DONE On the face of it, this new proposed legislation made by the Ford government of Ontario seems to be worth merit, after … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: ‘Transparency’ a real problem in City affairs?
City of Pickering; Trip to London, Zurich, Amsterdam and Germany – Update. Councilor Pickles’ expense report for November shows he travelled to London, Zurich, Amsterdam and Germany. We also know Ashe went to some of these locations as well. … Continue reading
PICKERING: An example of mayor using the STRONG-MAYOR powers act
“TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION”! Kevin Ashe use of the Ford government granted “Strong Mayors Powers”, even when he said during his election campaign that he would not use, is looking more and more like a burgeoning dictator. The remaining Councillors, … Continue reading
HEALTH: Myths surrounding HOSPICE CARE
Death is a part of life, but decisions surrounding death often can be difficult. Hospice, which is for patients who are in the last phases of their incurable disease, is one option. Every year, about 1.7 million Medicare recipients receive this type … Continue reading
Oshawa school board trustee ban has relative connection with Pickering representatives
Oshawa trustee banned for 6 months for “hate speech” Source: Glen Hendry, inDurham news Oshawa school board trustee Linda Stone finds herself on the carpet once again, with the Durham School Board’s Integrity Commissioner recommending she be barred from three … Continue reading →