Author: szpinner
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UPDATE: FORD government 2023…PATRONAGE, CORRUPTION continues
Ford government continues its corrupt ways. Taxpayers paying for it. Another $170,000 taxpayer money wasted. Way to go Doggie!! Read more at —> CORRUPTION
WRITERS & BOOKS: Cdn author Rick Pyves launches new book
Retired Canadian business exec, Rich Pyves became an author in retirement. First, a writer of history relative to his family members in the services. Then, his emphasis spotlighted notable family members in the family history. Now, his pen inks humour … Continue reading
SUNSHINE 08: Young professionals sing with justifiable pride
Thanks Reg Rea
POLITICS: Wonderful political victory…now???
1st First Nations Premier in Canada Wonderful Canadian Political news, Wab Kinew, a First Nation’s Metis, is the new Premier of Manitoba. It is wonderful to see voters electing an Indigenous person to such an esteemed office. Wonderful to acknowledge … Continue reading
SUNSHINE 06: Creativity of the past still amazing and sensational
The SZPINNER OCT 2023 NEWSLETTER
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EDITORIAL: Either officials should serve the interests of their constituents…
Elected officials should serve the interests of their constituents, instead, some are preoccupied with their own pernicious ambitions. Politics is a challenging profession and politicians must regularly take difficult stands. However, in taking their stands, they should do more serious … Continue reading
PICKERING: * * * Report of Mayor Ashe Town Hall, Sept 27 * * *
A report of the virtual Town Hall, Mayor Ashe, Sept 27 Invariably, Town Hall events invite criticisms and critiques. This may be justifiable as the events are public events and the public has the right to comment, be it a … Continue reading
PICKERING: *** TOWN HALL – WARD 1 & 2 ***
Open to all Residents: Special Town Hall Meeting “Dental Hygiene: The Gateway to Good Health” Healthy Gums Lead to a Healthy Body. Research has linked gum disease to health problems like diabetes, heart disease & low birth weight. Join us … Continue reading
PICKERING: Racism thrives in Pickering and among the Durham Police force
UPDATE: See the end of this post There’s a young man who lives in our region of Durham, Pickering to be exact and he’s now in his mid-20s. He’s challenged, autistic, high functioning. His difficulty is that he finds it … Continue reading
PICKERING: Councillor Lisa Robinson calls herself “a modern day slave;” ***ADDENDUM: Mayor Ashe responds***
Councillor Lisa Robinson called herself “a modern slave” after being suspended for 20 days without pay. Full story —> ROBINSON ADDENDUM Mayor Ashe’s Official Response to Councillor Robinson’s “Modern-Day Slave” Comments Pickering, ON, September 29, 2023 – I would like … Continue reading
PICKERING: TWO Pickering schools on hold-and-secure for police investigation
Maple Ridge Public School and Pine Ridge Secondary School were put on hold-and-secure status for police investigation. Read more details at POLICE
PICKERING: City cancels Haunting of Hexwood Event due to safety concerns
Today, the City of Pickering has directed E11venth Hour Productions, the organizers of Haunting of Hexwood, to cancel their Halloween-themed event and attraction that was being planned for the William F. White filming backlot, due to significant health and safety … Continue reading
PICKERING: Suspect arrested following stabbing at Durham College
A suspect has been arrested following a stabbing at the Durham College Whitby campus. Details at —> STABBING
PICKERING: Stabbing at Durham College
One person is suffering from non-life-threatening injuries after being stabbed at Durham College’s Whitby campus Sept 25. Details at —> COLLEGE
EDITORIAL: *** STOP DOING FREE SURVEYS *** Demand compensation
Are you tired of doing those online surveys that promise they’ll only take a couple of minutes and doing them for free? Stop doing those online surveys for free. Tell them you’ll respond if there is something in it for … Continue reading
NAVIGATE MY SITE: Easily and simply
My website consists of THREE main sections: The SIDEBAR WIDGETS (located on the right of the site front page) Click the WIDGET of choice to access a list of the relative posts. … Continue reading
PICKERING: Community neighbourhood associations vital to good communities
Kudos to Councillor Maurice Brenner Thank you Maurice for letting residents know of our existence. I was organizing some old files and came across a document that states; Fairport Beach Ratepayers Association was formed in 1927 as a cottage community. … Continue reading
POLITICS: *** STOP THE SPRAWL *** SUCCEEDS SOMEWHAT
HEALTH: *** McMaster University *** OPTIMAL AGING PORTAL
The McMaster Optimal Aging Portal is a valuable online resource that serves as a hub for evidence-based information and resources related to healthy aging. This portal is designed to empower individuals, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers with the latest research … Continue reading
HEALTH: *** Mayo Clinic *** website provides useful, reliable and accurate medical information
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions The Mayo Clinic information website is a comprehensive and trusted online resource that provides a wealth of medical information to individuals seeking reliable healthcare guidance. The website offers a diverse range of content, from articles and videos … Continue reading
HEALTH: Your X-RAYS, consider if you wish to have these records available to you.
Your X-rays are your personal information and you have a right to view them should you so decide. At this time, there is no convenient, centralized and practical process to access your X-ray results. However, the information can be accessed … Continue reading
HEALTH: MyCharts, a free health care management service that YOU SHOULD CONSIDER if it is available to you
MyChart is a web-based patient portal and electronic health record (EHR) system developed by Epic Systems Corporation. It is designed to facilitate communication and engagement between patients and their healthcare providers. Key Features: Online Access to Medical Records MyChart allows … Continue reading
PICKERING: *** Mayor Ashe message “Back to School” ***
NEWS: Rougemont Community and Recreation Association (RCRA)
Rougemount Community and Recreation Association (RCRA) Rougemount Community and Recreation Association (RCRA) is in the Precinct of the City of Pickering, Ontario, Canada. The RCRA is a group of residents of Rougemount Precinct who are dedicated to bringing improvement and … Continue reading
BITSnBYTES: AGEING…’DON’T LET THE OLD MAN IN”
You would think a recent replacement added to numerous other surgeries and medical services make one think about mortality but I am too busy to think about that. Besides I am having too much fun, enjoying what I do, the … Continue reading
POLITICS: Wine and cheese with Conservative’s past leader ANDREW SCHEER
BITSnBYTES: WE DIDN’T HAVE THE “GREEN THING” BACK THEN…
Checking out at the store, the young cashier suggested to the older woman, that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment. The woman apologized and explained, “We didn’t have this green thing … Continue reading
SUNSHINE 04: Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt !
SUNSHINE 03: Yer gonna sing too ! (Lyrics included)
HEALTH: Biggest Reasons for Poor Balance with Aging and How to Fix
7 Biggest Reasons for Poor Balance with Aging and How to Fix them __________________________ VISION Our eyesight erodes with age. Some vision problems can become serious problems. Not seeing well puts one at risk of where they step, what they … Continue reading
KITCHEN TIP: Save the environment when snipping corner of milk bag
CUT THE BAG THIS WAY, not all the way
NEWS: WD-40’s days are numbered / Soon to be banned in Canada
Either stock up or switch to an alternate product Increasingly, the Canadian government is environmently-focused. Products with toxic contents higher than regulated by the government will be banned as of January 1, 2024 Goodbye WD40 WD40 exceeds the regulated limits … Continue reading
NEWS: Your car’s spying on you (SHORT VERSION)
It is frightening how privacy and personal data are being invaded and eroded. Now your car, if it is a newer model, can spy on you: see where you have gone, record your driving habits such as speeding, use of … Continue reading
SUNSHINE 02: This choir singing their hearts out will put a little sunshine in your day
MANONE BIO
Diana MANONE Bucharest-born Diana Manole immigrated in 2000 and is now identifying herself as a proudly hyphenated Romanian-Canadian scholar, writer, and literary translator. She holds a PhD from the University of Toronto and has been teaching at Canadian universities since … Continue reading
PICKERING: *** SNOW REMOVAL ASSISTANCE for SENIORS ***
Seniors & Persons with Disabilities Snow Clearing Program The winter 2023/2024 application period is Sept 11 to Oct 13, 2023 The City of Pickering offers senior citizens and people with a permanent physical or cognitive disability a snow-clearing service in order … Continue reading
WRITERS n BOOKS: Canadian professor Diana Manole launches her latest collection of poems
The Event Praying to a Landed Immigrant God by Diana Manole Sept 8, Professor Diana Manole presented her book launching for “Praying to a Landed Immigrant God” at the Romanian Consulate in Toronto. A book launch, international in flavour Professor Manole, though … Continue reading
PICKERING: Councillor Robinson critical of mayors’ strong powers policy (METROLAND NEWS)
POLITICS: Conservative Party gags media at party convention in Quebec
Conservative Party convention report ________________ 🍁 Conservative Convention by Nora Loreto [Some modifications made relative to the website.] __________________ Something smells in the state of The Conservative Party of Canada. They denied party convention media creditation to The Maple journalist, … Continue reading
PICKERING: Conservative Party of Canada gags the media.
Conservative Party is afraid of something or it has become too big for its britches. Recently, at the Conservative Party convention in Quebec City, Conservative Party staffers not only denied media accreditation to The Maple, a Canadian news source but … Continue reading
PICKERING: Councillor Robinson saddened by Ford government’s Greenbelt policy
HEALTH: Peter Attia on cheating death…for a while
Fitness and longevity guru: exercise, exercise, exercise Source: Katie Underwood, Macleans magazine, Sept 5, 2023 _________________________________ “We have it better than the king of England did 500 years ago! I think about that when I’m distressed about the insignificance of … Continue reading
HEALTH: Heart attack symptoms that are often misdiagnosed
Source: Readers Digest Canada Too often heart attack symptoms are misdiagnosed. Proper identification of these symptoms is crucial for timely medical intervention. Chest pain Chest pain is a well-known symptom, but there are other symptoms that are often overlooked or … Continue reading
POLITICS: STOP SPRAWL DURHAM campaign
We support this campaign because: Ford reversed his promise not to touch the Greenbelt; Ford govt launched anti-Greenbelt policies based on crooked deals; Minister and assistant resignations confirm corruption; Developers prove themselves to be in Ford’s pockets; Land for home … Continue reading
POLITICS: Has ‘Stop Sprawl Durham’ softened its effort against Dog Ford government
The Stop Sprawl Durham group recently published a media release that softens their blows against the Dog Ford government. Read their full press release of Sept 5 —> SPRAWL The Stop Sprawl Durham was on the right path as confirmed … Continue reading
POLITICS: Stop Sprawl Durham press release
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SUNSHINE 01: You’ll enjoy this bit of sunshine!
Watch and listen to a few moments of fun and joy… CHER and ANDY GARCIA singing ABBA’s ‘FERNANDO’ Click the MAXIMIZE SCREEN button and Enjoy! https://videos.files.wordpress.com/ZCIz86Zy/vid-20200205-wa0002-5.mp4
EDITORIAL: An interesting take from a student in the USA
An American student wrote this. This kid is a thinker. Imagine what he’ll be like as an adult. He definitely hits the nail on its head when it comes to sensitivity, empathy and thoughts about the USA. Not to be … Continue reading
COOKING: * * * 5 Foodie websites * * *
is a food and drink website that provides recipes, cooking techniques, equipment reviews, and stories about food culture and history. The website was founded in 2006 by Ed Levine, a food writer and journalist, and has since won several awards … Continue reading
COOKING: Do you have a GOOD RECIPE for CHILI?
__________________________________________________________ Looking for a GOOD CHILI recipe… do you make a good chili? ___________________________ Many online recipes claim to make good chilis, but many of these recipes are unappealing for a number of reasons: Too many ingredients ingredients that are hard to … Continue reading
BITSnBYTES: THE WAY NEIGHBOURHOODS SHOULD BE !
Where are the old-time neighbourhoods as we remember them? Friendlier? More closely knit? Everyone knew everyone else? Every child was known by name. Everyone watched out for their neighbour, their neighbour’s property while the neighbours were vacationing. Well, those good … Continue reading
The SZPINNER SEPT 2023 Newsletter
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HEALTH: The benefits of OLIVE OIL
A summary of the benefits of olive oil: Olive oil is a versatile and healthy condiment that may have protective effects against dementia and other chronic diseases. A preliminary study from Harvard suggests that consuming about half a tablespoon of … Continue reading
PICKERING: Open letter to Mayor Ashe and Council
[The open letter displayed below is intended as an informational news article. Posting here does not indicate support for the letter.] Dear Mayor Ashe and Pickering Councillors, We need to talk about Mayor Ashe’s response to the Auditor General’s investigation into the … Continue reading
PICKERING: DURHAM REGION TRANSIT announcement regarding BUS SERVICES
BUS SERVICES ANNOUNCEMENT Durham Transit Update TTC comes to the Rescue Toronto Transit Commission will be providing support to DRT’s September service update following fire at the Oshawa bus depot. Toronto Transit Commission … Continue reading
SENIORS: Top ten ways for seniors to stay fit?
What are the top ten ways for seniors to stay fit? From Quora Digest Strengthen. You don’t need to pump iron or go to a gym. But you do need to do body weight and light weight exercises that keep … Continue reading
RECIPES-TO-TEST: Here’s an idea to try…use CORNSTARCH instead of flour
Here’s an idea for making your air-fried dishes even crispier…instead of using flour used to coat the meat of your air fryer protein…. Use constarch to make your chicken crispy while keeping the dish gluten-free. Cornstarch also thickens sauces, helping … Continue reading
BITSnBYTES: HEALTH (BRAIN): *** Internet use regularly lower their risk of dementia ***
Older adults who use the internet regularly have half the risk of dementia compared to non-regular users A longitudinal study of a large group of older adults showed that regular internet users had approximately half the risk of dementia compared … Continue reading
BITSnBYTES: HODGE PODGE: Jimmie Buffett’s passing jogs thoughts about life
Living life to the fullest! Jimmie Buffett, singer/songwriter, entrepreneur, bon vivant and more. Jimmie passed away Sept 1 but he’ll live forever in “Margaritaville,” the song that captured his philosophy of life. __________________________________ Jimmie lived life with joy and fullness. … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: Should Pickering’s Integrity Commissioner, Jeffrey A. Abrams, be investigated?
“BBB“ B**sh*t Baffles Brains or Bureaucracy Baffles Brains. Here’s a perfect example. The gift-giving rule states clearly that the limit is $500. A number of Pickering councillors exceeded the limit and Pickering resident Anthony Yacub filed a complaint, not to chastise … Continue reading
PICKERING: “Curbside Giveaway Day”
Regional Councillor Maurice Brenner wishes to announce to local residents about Curbside Giveaway Day. Curbside Giveaway Day The Curbside Giveaway Day event is an opportunity to reduce the amount of garbage going to disposal sites by giving away your unwanted … Continue reading
HEALTH: 10 tips to improve your brain and whole health wellness
Set a goal to improve your wellness by practicing any of these tips daily. Doing so will help form a habit that becomes part of your routine Eat a brain and heart-healthy diet! Incorporate more whole foods while limiting ultra-processed … Continue reading
RECIPES-TO-TEST: * * * AIR FRYER GRILLED CHEESE * * *
One of your favourite comfort foods just got easier to make…in an air fryer. We doubt there is any calorie savings but it sure is an easy way and less messy way to make this favourite dish. Click —> GRILLED CHEESE
RECIPES: *** TESTED *** BRUSCHETTA, but ya gotta love tomatoes !
Ya gotta love TOMATOES ! This BRUSCHETTA recipe is for tomato lovers! [NOTE: For those who dislike garlic, do not add any to the recipe but you’ll never know what you’re missing.] INGREDIENTS 4 large vine-ripened, diced, tomatoes (approx 2 cups) … Continue reading
POLITICS: * * * The CAR of Choice at Queen’s Park today * * *
It ain’t a Ford!
POLITICS: Doggie is starting to worry…’cept time will erase voter’s memories
This boy’s starting to worry except voters have poor memories, so Doggie should abide by Saul Alinsky’s principle, “9-day theory.” The many issues causing Dog Ford problems right now will be displaced by new issues in about a week’s time. … Continue reading
HEALTH: 6 ways to thrive in your golden years
Old age is unbeatable…meaning cannot be defeated. If you’re lucky, it’s coming for you. But it isn’t the end of the world. You can make those late years good ones too! Read how to thrive in your golden years with … Continue reading
HEALTH: Foods that help reduce joint inflammation
tomatoes olive oil green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards nuts like almonds and walnuts fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges _____________________ Read the full article at —> INFLAMMATION REDUCTION
POLITICAL NEWS: Bill C18 and the blocking of Cdn news on Facebook, Instagram, Google
META and GOOGLE are in a clash with the Canadian government in regard to their use of Canadian news articles. The Canadian government wants compensation for Canadian news media sources. To read the latest and more detail about this story, … Continue reading
POLITICS: NDP Leaders opposes Dog Ford’s Green Belt Policy
Provincial NDP leader Marit Stiles demands Dog Ford change his Green Belt policy. Read more at –> STILES
EDITORIAL: How’s living in your city…mine is terrific !
Living here is really good. Each month I post messages from City of Pickering Council members to my monthly newsletter, This month I invited them to write a message with this note in mind… People are complaining and lamenting endlessly … Continue reading
POLITICS: Auditor General Lysyk indicates countless violations made by Dog Ford Greenbelt policies
Auditor General of Ontario, Bonnie Lysyk, reported numerous rule and protocol violations made by Dog Ford government in dealing with its Green Belt plan. Below is a summary list of the many violations made by the Dog Ford government. _____________________________________________ … Continue reading
STREGA 01: The STREGA story
Many centuries ago, a witch, the STREGA DI POZALLO, practiced her black magic, spells and various curses in the southern region of the island of Sicily. Her fame and reputation expanded throughout all of Sicily and as expected, once women of … Continue reading
NEWS: STOP THE SPRAWL protests at Bethlenfalvy consitituency office
A crowd of nearly 500 protesters demonstrated their opposition and dismay with Premier Dung Ford’s Green Belt policy at his minister Peter Bethlenfalvy’s constituency office in Pickering. Protesters protested against one of many of Ford’s latest policies regarding the Green … Continue reading
STREGA 02: Maledizioni
Maledizioni are the many curses used by the women who practice the black magic of the STREGA DI POZZALLO. Only Italian women who practice the black art of the STREGA di POZZALLO know the complete list of maledizioni. No men.
ECONOMICS: Inflation is in good hands with the Bank of Canada…..don’t kid yourself
The Bank of Canada keeps touting that it is monitoring and managing the Canadian economic situation well. The interest rate was increased to 5% in July with the BC claiming to have the situation well in hand. Job losses indicate … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: The problem with politicians today, maybe always
My professional career was EDUCATION. I have but one regret about a career in academics, the questionably low respect given to educators. Certainly, as in any field, there are individuals who should be criticized for their irresponsibility in the work … Continue reading
REMINDER: “Stop the Sprawl” RALLY….my placard
There’s a protest rally at Bethelenfalvy’s Pickering office. Consider attending if you can. Here’s the placard I’ll be carrying: I have nothing against Dug Ford personally. I don’t care about him. However, I do think politicians should be held accountable, … Continue reading
RECIPES-TO-TEST: *** OUTBACK STEAK HOUSE Dry Rub ***
I have NOT TESTED this dry rub recipe yet. I am constantly looking for ways to improve BBQ grilled steak. To date, the best way is simply a bit of pepper, some garlic powder and that’s it. However, I am … Continue reading
STREGA 03: Nomenticar
Nomenticar is a curse of STREGA di POZZZALLO. The curse afflicts a man’s memory by completely erasing any woman’s name from the man’s memory. Even if he has just met the woman, minutes later, her name will be completely erased … Continue reading
STREGA 04: Sordo tutto
Sordo tutto is the curse that affects a man’s hearing. When the curse is in effect, the cursed man does not hear clearly whenever a woman talks to him. Often, the afflicted man will not hear some portion of what … Continue reading
STREGA 05: Occhio scappato
Occhio scappato is somewhat of a variation of the nomenticar curse. Rather than just forgetting a woman’s name moments after meeting her, the man afflicted with this curse will forget ever having met the woman at all. He will have … Continue reading
LETTERS n COMMENTARY: Dan Rather says it best in his blog, STEADY
Dan Rather, retired CBS news broadcaster, says it best. At 92, Rather has a few more years experience than I do. So he is more eloquent and more polished in writing his warning about the threat to American democracy that reelection … Continue reading
POLITICS: LIST OF FEDERAL CABINET MINISTERS, July 2023
Cabinet shuffle took place on July 18, 2023 Cabinet ministers 29th Canadian Ministry Ministry Date of creation Incumbent Province Minister since Precedence date[a] Prime Minister of Canada 1 July 1867 Justin Trudeau QC 4 November … Continue reading
HEALTH: Getting to the root of emotional eating
It’s 100 per cent normal to reach for food when your mood is low, but how do you make sure emotional eating doesn’t become problematic emotional overeating? If you reach for food when you’re feeling stressed, sad, lonely or angry, … Continue reading
HEALTH: MyChart – a health record service you might find practical and very useful
MyChart is a safe and secure free health record service available to persons who have been patients at these hospitals: Campbellford Memorial Hospital Haliburton Highlands Health Services Lakeridge Health Northumberland Hills Hospital Peterborough Regional Health Centre Ross Memorial Hospital Scarborough … Continue reading
STREGA 06: Bacio basico
Bacio basico is ‘curse remover light.’ When a woman kisses both cheeks of a man cursed with nomenticar, the memory erasure of the curse is lifted. The man will now remember the name of the woman who has kissed him on … Continue reading
POLITICS: T**** could win the presidency; if he does, American democracy will die.
Dan Rather, former CBS newsbroadcast fame, co-writes a daily blog that political followers will enjoy. The link to the site: –> STEADY His latest piece is about Donaly T**** , the possibility his winning the 2024 presidential election and the … Continue reading
HEALTH: Top 13 things to do NOW to reduce risk of ALZHEIMERS – Dr. Andrea Wilkinson
Get your daily fill of leafy green vegetables Practice stress management and prioritize mental health, especially depression Connect with friends or family every day Enjoy a handful of berries daily Get some fresh air Get 7-9 hours of sleep every … Continue reading
STREGA 07: Bacio morto
Bacio morte is a not-to-be-played-with action. Best translated as the “kiss of death,” any husband married to an Italian woman caught kissing a woman on the lips will be in serious trouble with his spouse. His wife may now resort to … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: How does a WARD resident get current information from their councilor?
So I ask you, how does a WARD resident get information about issues and problems in their ward? Some city councilors are responsible and committed to keeping their constituents informed about issues and problems in their wards. Others, not so … Continue reading
BOOK LAUNCH: Coming soon details Diana Manole’s “Praying to a Landed Immigrant God”
BOOK LAUNCH – POETRY LOVERS… You are invited to join me to welcome my book to the world FYI: LIMITED SEATING REGISTRATION via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-launch-diana-manole-tickets-693351491977?aff=oddtdtcreator Please share the news with poetry lovers who might be interested. I’m very grateful to … Continue reading
PICKERING: ** UPDATE ** Municipal councilors’ DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS
NOTE: 1. Information source: City of Pickering (pickering.ca) 2. “Brenner Disclosure Statement“ corrected and updated. UPDATE: Investigation started: –> DURHAM NEWS
EDITORIAL: * * * Federal govt promises * * * action on food pricing…big joke !
The Canadian government promises it will do something about high food prices. We wonder what they will do? Change the price tags? Restock the shelves? Make price posters bigger and clearer? Here’s a summary of what Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne … Continue reading →