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PICKERING: WEST SHORE SKATE SPOT COMMUNITY MURAL

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GET PREPARED SENIORS: What about DIGITAL ASSETS in your ESTATE PLANNING

information you might need to leave in your estate. Create a legacy contact or plan You can designate a “legacy contact” in Apple and Google accounts or create a legacy plan therein. These accounts have ‘legacy contact’ settings where you … Continue reading

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BITSnBYTES: GRANNY’S 10 FRUGALITY TIPS

Granny’s 10 top tips for saving $$$: Buy only what you need and stick to your grocery list Switch to cheaper food options and generic brands Meal plan and cook from scratch Avoid wasting food and use leftovers creatively Grow … Continue reading

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BITSnBYTES: A very useful tool displaying ‘crime hotspots’ in the Durham Region

Durham Police Services has an interesting and informative service, ‘Interactive Crime Map,’ that displays crime hotspots based on your selection of type of crime. The criteria for the map below was “AUTO THEFT.“ Users can choose various aspects to show … Continue reading

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HEALTH: Should You Take Ozempic or Other GLP-1 Drugs If You’re Over 65?

Many people are frustrated with their weight reduction efforts. A new set of drugs available by injection are available. They are classified as GLP-1 drugs and Ozempic is one example of them. GLP-1 drugs: A class of medications that lower … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Kudos to Mayor Ashe and the City of Pickering in the fight against HATE

Kudos to Mayor Ashe on his denunciation of the HATE crimes vandalization of the LGBT+ crosswalks in Pickering. It is sad and also a cause of anger that such despicable vandalism happens in our community. The City is working hard … Continue reading

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SIMPLE GMAIL NOTES extension to manage gmails like a PRO

Your gmail records can be really improved with this great extension… Simple Gmail Notes by BART Solutions. __________________________________ The extension tool allows you to write notes about any gmail you have inside the gmail itself. This means you can write … Continue reading

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PICKERING: I keep telling them….”SIMPLIFY, SIMPLIFY, SIMPLIFY”

I keep telling the City of Pickering, “Keep it simple” but they still don’t get it. Am beginning to wonder about where the “simple” lies with the City. My research, my work, my experience with teaching adults reinforces one thing … Continue reading

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POLITICS: About INFLATION from ‘The Szinner’ newsetter

Recently, we published a primer about INFLATION.  The Fraser Institute, a Canadian think tank, writes in depth analysis about Canada’s economy. It has stated that the growth of government debt in Canada since the 2008/09 recession and the fiscal challenges … Continue reading

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The SZPINNER AUG 2023 Newsletter

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PICKERING: Is our municipal council failing us with PROPERTY TAXES?

We’re too high on the list Mr. Mayor!

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PICKERING: PROPERTY TAXES? Quit complaining!

RECORD CITY ’22 TAX RATE AVG HOME TAX TAX 500K Home TAX 1m Home TAX 1.5m Home 1 Toronto 0.63% $6,908 $3,160 $6,319 $9,479 2 Markham 0.65% $8,273 $3,225 $6,450 $9,675 3 Richmond Hill 0.67% $8,834 $3,353 $6,707 $10,060 4 … Continue reading

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NUTRITION: What is the most nutritious food for seniors

Because older people have special nutritional requirements, it is essential to emphasize nutrient-dense foods in such their diets. Some examples of healthy foods that are good for seniors: Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, … Continue reading

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POLITICS FEDERAL: Ottawa “BELLY Company” does the “CABINET SHUFFLE”

The Prime Minister, like many politicians, blows a lot of hot air while Canadians suffer economically. OTTAWA CABINET MINISTERS, JULY 2023 MINISTRY Name MINISTER AGRICULTURE LAWRENCE  MacAULAY CITIZENS’ SERVICES TERRY BEECH CROWN-INDIGENOUS RELATIONS GARY  ANANDASANGAREE DEFENCE BILL BLAIR DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, … Continue reading

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NUTRITION: The healthiest types of CHEESE

Mozzarella: Mozzarella is a soft white cheese with high moisture content. It originated in Italy and is usually made from Italian buffalo or cow’s milk. Mozzarella is lower in sodium and calories than most other cheeses. Mozzarella is a soft … Continue reading

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NEWS: Doggie FORD – CRONIES AND CORRUPTION

This leader sees that he can do anything he wants without being accountable. He cannot be voted out of office until the next election which may be in 2024. Read his next example of CRONISM and CORRUPTION —>  Dog FORD  

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NEWS: BELL applies for copyright ownership of the colour BLUE

This is either insanity to the extreme or absolute nonsense by a corporation. BELL is looking to trademark the ‘Bell Blue.” Corporations are either insane in their corporate policies or they are recognizing that the Canadian federal government is a … Continue reading

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WRITING SERVICES

Ever feel there just aren’t enough hours in the day? Writing is a full-time job. However, every writer has many ancillary tasks to do: editing, reviewing, promoting, publishing, and researching. These tasks take time and energy and deflect you from … Continue reading

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WRITERS n BOOKS: A blog writer worth reading

John Weiss is a writer, artist, and former police chief with twenty-six years of law enforcement experience. He holds a master’s degree in criminal justice administration and his work appears in The Guardian, NBC News, Simplify Magazine, Becoming Minimalist, Mr. Feelgood, Good Men Project, and elsewhere … Continue reading

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HEALTH: Why I eat an APPLE every day

I eat an apple every day. Too bad I eat much more as I continually whine about weight gain. But an apple as my late afternoon supper seems to help me manage the weight gain. It’s a struggle, particularly as … Continue reading

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Doggie BITS: So you think Ford is being mistreated or misunderstood

Site visitors may think we have something personal against Doggie Ford. Not true. Our gut feeling just makes us feel this politician is our own version of an American ex-president. Both men are bullies, corporate bureaucratic bulldozers, political ruffians and … Continue reading

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Doggie BITS: Ode to Dougie the Man of La Pancha

              The Geste of Lord Dougie and vassals John and Peter        

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Doggies BITS: He’s conning us again

The CON: Empty titles as political rewards. Doggie never stops his cons.

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Doggie BITS: Con artists supreme !

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RECIPES TO TEST: Air fryer CARMELIZED BANANAS

Ingredients 2 large bananas, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch slices 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Directions Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees F (195 degrees C) Spread … Continue reading

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HEALTH: double dose vaccine defends against shingles

Shingles is a viral infection wished on no one. In Ontario, the double dose vaccine is available is free for certain ages. ____________________________ Shingles: A painful skin rash with blisters caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox1. It … Continue reading

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PICKERING: WONDERBRAND breaks ground on giant operation in Pickering

Wonderbrands groundbreaks giant operation in Pickering: Wonderbrands Innovation Park: A 151-acre food manufacturing campus in Pickering, Ontario, developed by FGF Brands, a leading bakery company in North America. FGF Brands’ acquisition of George Weston Bakeries: FGF Brands bought the fresh … Continue reading

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NEWS: On the verge of phenomenal medical innovation

New York Times journalist, David Wallace-Wells, writes a very enlightening and exciting piece regarding our being on the edge of phenomenal breakthroughs in medical innovation. The summary of the article: The Golden Age of Medicine: A perspective on the recent … Continue reading

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RECIPES: * * * TESTED * * * Homemade mayonnaise 9/10

Ingredients 1 large egg 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice (from 1/2 a lemon) 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 medium clove garlic, minced 1 cup (240ml) vegetable or canola oil Kosher salt Directions Place egg, lemon juice, and mustard in the bottom of cup or jar that just fits the head of your immersion … Continue reading

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HODGE PODGE: “1%ers” – are you one of the lucky 1%?

1% ers – Hard to believe but this includes many of us. 99% of those born between 1930 and 1946 (worldwide) are now dead. If you were born in this time span, you are one of the rare surviving one … Continue reading

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BITSnBYTES: Bill Haley and the Comets UPDATED

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EDITORIAL: Local pols deserve some praise some time

Criticizing and condemning seem easier than complimenting and congratulating. However, our local pols deserve some patting on the back, some praise and some lauding. Why you ask? Walk in their shoes awhile. Endless meetings, infinite numbers of events to attend, … Continue reading

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RECIPES-TO-TEST: FRESH SALMON BURGERS

Fresh Salmon Burgers A great alternative to those old-fashioned and less-healthy beef burgers. INGREDIENTS 1  medium lemon 1  small bunch fresh dill, divided 1  medium shallot 1 (1 1/2-pound)  side of salmon or 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets, skin removed 1/4 cup  … Continue reading

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RECIPES-TO-TEST: Easy Carrot Cake with icing

Who doesn’t enjoy carrot cake! This recipe takes about 20 mins of work. The long time is waiting for it to cool before icing it.   Ingredients   Cake: 2¾ cups self-raising flour sieved 1½ cups dark soft brown sugar sieved … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Town Hall REPORT (July 12th)

Town Hall (Ward 1) REPORT Ward 1 Councilor Maurice Brenner cohosted a Town Hall meeting with Paul White, President of the Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association at Frenchman’s Bay West Park on July 12. Perfect weather, an ideal summer evening, an … Continue reading

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TRAVEL: Planning a ROAD TRIP Holiday this year?

Planning a ROAD TRIP holiday this year? Given the cost of a vacation by air, by ship, or even by bus if it is available, may be very expensive given these inflationary times. A ROAD TRIP may be an alternative … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: Ask not what your government can do for you……why not? 7-13-23

Loblaw’s makes $1,000,000 profit every day. Loblaws, Metro and Sobeys all posted above-average profits for 2022 compared to the last five years. Loblaw’s revenues were $52.7 billion in 2020. Metro earned profits of $823 million in 2020. Nearly 2 of every 10 … Continue reading

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RECIPES: ***TESTED*** Lemon Pudding Cake 9.5/10…a “keeper” recipe!

Ingredients 4 eggs, separated ⅓ cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 ½ cups white sugar ½ cup sifted all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt 1 ½ cups milk Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish. Beat egg yolks, lemon juice, … Continue reading

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NEWS: 5% interest rate increase by the Bank of Canada killing us

The 5% interest rate increase by the Bank of Canada will impact the average Canadian who are in debt by about $500 per year. This will likely discourage Canadians from borrowing or purchasing on credit. This will seriously cool the … Continue reading

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NEWS: “STEADY,” a blog written by DAN RATHER, American news journalist

“Steady” is Dan Rather’s steady take on the state of chaotic and complex world. Rather is 91 going strong with the energy and vigour that belies his real age, 91. He writes a daily blog that comments and critiques the … Continue reading

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TIPS: The BEST and EASIEST method to SEAR meat

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EDITORIAL: Try paying your taxes late? Try paying less than invoiced? 7-9-23

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TIPS: Using parchment paper in an Air Fryer

What Is Parchment Paper – and Is It Safe for the Air Fryer? Parchment paper might sound more like a tool for drawing than for the kitchen, but it is paper safe for the oven. Its most common use is … Continue reading

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TIPS: AIR FRYERS fried food cooked with very little oil, nearly none

Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular because they produce fried foods very much like the old-fashioned deep-fried foods we all love. Benefits: cook food with less oil and fewer calories; cook food with fewer calories; more energy-efficient than traditional ovens … Continue reading

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RECIPES TO TEST: Buffalo Wings – AIR FRYER

Buffalo Wings YOU NEED 1 pound chicken wings, mix of drumettes and flats Avocado oil For the dry rub: 2 teaspoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons Korean chili powder 1 teaspoon ground coriander ½ teaspoon ground fennel seeds ¼ teaspoon ground … Continue reading

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RECIPES: *** TESTED*** Fluffy lime pie 9/10

REVIEW: 8/10 Very good recipe: easy to make, very light if dinner was filling; buy proper ingredients rather than frozen (fresh whipping cream not frozen) or prepackaged where you are able; light, tasty and low in calories, 100 cal/serving Modifications … Continue reading

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POLITICAL: * * * REPORT CARDS * * * Elected reps

Knowing what is happening in the community is important to every resident. However, most residents lack enough time or the capacity to keep up with current information. The Representative Report card is an effort to keep residents up-to-date about their … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Response to comment by former mayor of Ajax, Steve Parish

[The views here are the personal opinion of the undersigned and not necessarily those of the website management.] Former Ajax mayor Steve Parish has made a number of worthwhile and valid cautions about the “Strong Mayors” policy in Ontario. Agreed, … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Comments and opinion of “Strong Mayors” by Steve Parish, former mayor of Ajax

These comments were copied from material submitted to “The Editor” of Durham News (Media) and are presented here for the benefit of residents interested in the topic. The comments were written by Steve Parish, former mayor of Ajax). We invited interested residents … Continue reading

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NEWS: Conservative ‘shadow’ cabinet minister for seniors, Anna Roberts

The PICKERING-UXBRIDGE Conservative Electoral Association hosted a TOWN HALL recently, July 5, in Pickering. ANNA ROBERTS, MP, King-Vaughan, and Shadow Cabinet Minister for Seniors was guest speaker. The approximately one hundred attendees had the opportunity of putting questions, criticisms and issues to Roberts. … Continue reading

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NEWS: Flying cars to hit retail market in 2025

Zounds! Zowie! Flying cars? Eeyikes! They’re about to hit the retail market. 2025 is the launch date. Jettisons here we come. See full story:  FLYING CARS

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EDITORIAL: MEDIA staff cuts begin ( Updated 7-5-23 )

It has started, the destruction of journalism as we know it.  Artificial Intelligence tolled the first peals. As more and more writers explore and experiment with AI, its viability becomes a real concern. AI can produce near-professional and acceptable-quality articles … Continue reading

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PICKERING: An explanation of “STRONG MAYORS” powers

Powers and Duties The Mayor has special powers and duties under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001 S.O. 2001, c. 25 and in accordance with O. Reg. 530/22 and O. Reg. 580/22. These powers include the ability to: Appoint/dismiss the Chief Administrative Officer;* Hire/dismiss … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Councilor Brenner clarifies the ‘Strong Mayor’ powers

An interpretation of the meaning of Mayor Ashe’s statement regarding ‘Strong mayors:”   Step 1 is to accept the Power through a communication to the Clerk which he did.   Step 2 is refers to the legislation he will assume … Continue reading

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UKRAINIAN SCORPIONS: A Tale of Larceny and Greed, Ronald M. Derrickson

UKRAINIAN SCORPIONS: A Tale of Larceny and Greed, Ronald M. Derrickson If you are like me, you have been watching the current war in Ukraine with interest and fear. Having lived in a Canadian area populated with many Ukrainians, I … Continue reading

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CANADA DAY: After travelling the world….

I too am an immigrant as is my husband and my entire family for that matter. I love and appreciate this country, especially after having spent my career travelling all over the world. Janice F Airline staff person

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CANADA DAY: ‘Change the world’

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world. Happy Canada Day! In memory of Jack Layton  

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PICKERING: Mayor Ashe on ‘STRONG POWERS’ regulation

Mayor Ashe has made a public statement explaining his “Use of Strong Mayor” powers. Budget The mayor will: prepare a budget prior to the February 1st timeline. provide the budget to the Council for consideration. The Strong Mayor Powers give … Continue reading

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CANADA DAY: Wonders with burdens

My Canada… As an immigrant, I’ve never taken for granted the many benefits and freedoms of living in Canada, and the miraculous chance to evolve into an internationally published English-language writer, scholar, and translator. Transitioning from postcommunism to postcolonialism has … Continue reading

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CANADA DAY: Canada – strength of community

Dear Fellow Residents of Pickering and subscribers to The Szpinner,   Happy Canada Day!    Living in Canada has been such a blessing and I thank my parents who immigrated to this country which has afforded me immense opportunity to … Continue reading

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The SZPINNER JULY 2023 Newsletter

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CANADA DAY: Living in the best country in the world!

I’m celebrating CANADA DAY, full out, with the same passion and pride as I always. I fly the Canadian flag at the front of my home to show I am a proud Canadian. For nearly eighty years, I have been … Continue reading

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NEWS: Canadians blocked from access to Canadian news by digital giants

Google has announced that it will block Canadian news content from its search engine in Canada after days of negotiations with the Liberal government hit an impasse over its recently passed online news bill. The Online News Act passed last … Continue reading

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NEWS: “PRIDE it should be” …Dan Rathers says it much better

Dan Rather, retired CBS NEWS broadcaster, writes a regular blog called, STEADY and as June was PRIDE month, he writes an excellent commentary relating to inclusivity. Though it is aimed at Americans, the message it conveys should be heeded in Canada … Continue reading

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PICKERING: One councilor out, another in on Advisory Committee for Safety and Well-being

The tempest surrounding the LGBTQ+ community continues to percolate in Pickering. Councilor Robinson’s opposition to raising unique group representative flags, namely the PRIDE flag, at the Durham Board of Education and public places continues to percolate throughout the political council. In … Continue reading

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HEALTH: Importance of Vitamin D for Seniors

Importance of Vitamin D for Seniors Our bodies undergo numerous changes as we age, and maintaining good health becomes increasingly important. One crucial element in this pursuit is ensuring an adequate intake of essential nutrients, and vitamin D is a … Continue reading

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PICKERING: City receives 2 prov. grants for Seniors Living Activity centres

City of Pickering Receives Seniors Active Living Centres Grants The City of Pickering is celebrating seniors throughout the month of June. What better way to do that than to accept not one, but two Seniors Active Living Centres’ (SALC) Grants … Continue reading

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RECIPES: Buffalo Sauce for Homemade Buffalo wings

Homemade Buffalo Sauce – for Homemade Buffalo Wings

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RECIPES: BUFFALO WINGS -Homemade

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CANADA DAY: Two outstanding Canadians !

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PICKERING: CANADA DAY, July 1

Happy Canada Day! Celebrate safely! There will be a Canada Day celebration at Pickering’s Kinsmen Park. Fireworks will conclude the celebration there. 7:00 -10:00 pm  

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PICKERING: Council Meeting Report, 6-26-23

The Pickering City Council Meeting, June 26, seemed to be a “town hall,” in that, its atmosphere was a constant near boiling over the edge. The atmosphere was kept from becoming more volatile and vitriolic because of the strict maintenance … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: Police bigotry, racism, a systemic problem

Are the homeless justified in their fear and anxiety over local police forces in Toronto and Durham? Recently, an accounting about an incident involving the homeless described the police officers as arrogant, aggressive, and antagonistic when interacting with the homeless in … Continue reading

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POLITICS: Fed Conservatives TOWN HALL, 7-5-23

DATE: JULY 5 TIME:  7pm LOCATION: Chestnut Hill Recreation Centre (O’Brien ROOM) _________1867 Valley Farm Rd, PICKERING, ON    

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LETTERS: Comment from Mayor Dave Ryan, 1-13-21

I know there have been some questions and concerns in the broader community with respect to Members of Council travelling out of the country during the holidays. I want to assure residents that I was at home in Pickering, and … Continue reading

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LETTERS: Comment re self publishing, 1-21-22

Good day, everyone! Both Traditional and Self Publishing services look different for different Authors. Self Publishing has seen dozens, if not hundreds of technology companies join in to the industry, with no regulations on quality of services offered. Traditional Publishing … Continue reading

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LETTERS: Comment from MML, 3-1-22

Hello Richard, In response to your March topic–“women”–let me tell you about a recent lecture series we heard. BALL–Bluewater Association for Lifelong Learning recently sponsored a series of six lectures. The general topic was “Women in Academics” & each lecture … Continue reading

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LETTERS: Comment from Courtney Park Writers group, 7-1-22

Hi Richard: I always truly enjoy your newsletters. They are chock full of such interesting tid-bits. And I love the fun graphics they always make me smile. And you are so supportive of authors. Your Book Shoppe is a neat … Continue reading

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PICKERING: The city’s REFLECTIONS GARDEN, a ‘must visit’ place

The Reflections Garden is a public space for visitors to enjoy quiet moments of peaceful reflection. Located in the northeast corner of Esplanade Park, the garden is a city landmark that includes sensory plantings, accessible seating, a shaded structure, and … Continue reading

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DARK HARBOR, David Hosp

DARK HARBOR, David Hosp… Too soon to proclaim David Hosp as the successor to “Stuart Woods” as the king of mystery murder thriller writers. However, Hosp most definitely is a strong contender for such a proclamation based on his debut … Continue reading

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AGEING: How to age gracefully

How to age gracefully. Here are some tips from Dian Griesel, PhD: healthline: WellnessWire Be kind to your skin. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and stick to gentle skin care products. (Check out this list of beauty tips from older women … Continue reading

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NEWS: Good old Ma BELL cuts off seniors without notice

Way to go Ma BELL! Bell cuts off seniors: Lastly on the Bell front, Global News has a story on a 95-year-old Toronto senior who had his landline phone service cut off by the company for several days. With no cellphones, … Continue reading

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HEALTH: Walking After Eating can benefit your health

Walking After Eating: Benefits and Downsides www.healthline.comhealthline.com The positive effects of exercise on health have been proven time and time again. In recent years, a growing trend in the health and fitness community has been to take a short walk … Continue reading

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COOKz: Diet dessert that’s worth it, in every way

Here’s a diet recipe that is worth it in every sense, easy-to-make, low in cost, low in calories and tasty too. BLUEBERRY DESSERT  Ingredients  blueberries 2 cups fresh blueberries 2.00 cups whole milk ricotta 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: Meta decides to try bullying tactics against Canada

  “We’re not paying for news we steal, so there!” Meta and Google corporations have been using news from Canadian media without compensation for years. The Canadian government has finally drawn the line in the sand passing a law making … Continue reading

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PICKERING: HIGHLIGHTS of Councillor Brenner eNEWSLETTER

The June 23rd Brenner newsletter is presented in two forms: a link to the full version and a highlights only form displayed below. Original newsletter, click —> FULL NEWSLETTER below, the highlights version of Brenner’s eNEWSLETTER [This is a summary … Continue reading

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POLITICS: The Big Top of Queen’s Park has a clown duo now

Well, here goes…another class act. Dogg Ford first gives Mark Saunders a $200,000 a year job as Ont Science Centre advisor to Queen’s Park. Nice job if you can get….but first ya gotta buy a ticket to Ford’s special garden … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Councillor Robinson’s message to Pickering residents

Councillor Lisa Robinson, Ward 1, has been the center of some controversy in regard to a number of issues. She has received support from some on these issues and also faced some heated opposition to her views regarding them. (sz104) … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Councilor Brenner TOWN HALL, JULY 12, 7PM

sz103   On July 12/23 at 7pm Maurice Brenner will co-host the first of its kind Town Hall meeting outside. The co-host partner will be Paul White, President, Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association   The event will be held in the … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Mayor Ashe responds about “Strong Mayor Powers”

Mayor Ashe’s Official Statement on Strong Mayor Powers sz102 Pickering, June 16, 2023 – “Today, the Government of Ontario expanded strong mayor powers to 26 of the province’s large and fast-growing municipalities, including the City of Pickering and all of … Continue reading

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The Geste of Lord Dougie and vassals John & Pete

THE GESTE OF EMPEROR DOUG FORD; or, DOUGIE’S GRAND ADVENTURES Fytte the First: Of Dougie in the Greenwood Attend and listen to my tale of a most crafty lord and the bold, heroic deeds he plans: his name is Dougie … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Mayor Ashe, SUPERMAN!

Legislated bullying, thanks to Doggie Ford. Doggie Ford has done it again…extended the power of bullying. Now more mayors  in the province have the power to increase the number of Ford supporters. Machiavelli could take lessons from the master of … Continue reading

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MONEY: Finance information by the Ontario Ministry of Finance

Learn more about information sessions that can help you understand provincial taxes, tax credits and benefits. Click –>  Min of Fin

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PICKERING: Farmers’ Market opens

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POLITICS: The next time you hear a politician use the word ‘BILLION’

[The source for this information was the USA.] YOUR tax money The next time you hear a politician use the word ‘billion‘ in a casual manner, think about whether you want the ‘politicians’ spending YOUR tax money. A billion is … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: Disclosure rules need more clarity and more transparency

Politicians deserve holidays and getaway time from the pressure cooker of municipal politics. We wonder how they should get these breaks. As gifts from developers? As perks from lobbyists? As small tokens of a job well done? These are trying … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: PICKERING population put at risk

We’ve complained before, at town halls, Ward meetings, to councilors. All to no avail, shut down and shot down even by councilors themselves, our political representatives. This won’t help you sleep better Pickering’s Nuclear Emergency Evacuation plan, last updated, 2015. … Continue reading

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Can the “Dog” on Queen’s Park be slain?

An attack on the ‘king’ must be a mortal wound! It is questionable that the provincial NDP can unseat the Conservatives. Horwath inflicted a serious blow, but not the mortal one. The jury’s verdict of Marit Stiles remains to be … Continue reading

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PICKERING: COUNCILLORS- nice perks if you can get ’em

Holding public office seems like a thankless job…and any perks attached to the position are questioned and scrutinized by the public like sharks swimming in blood-tainted waters. Municipal councillors are offered ‘gifts,’ freebies by various sources, often with the claim … Continue reading

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The LARROGER Road Story

This is a story for those who are dedicated to their cottages, their second homes that vy for home supremacy with their home back in the city.  Gail Aziz is a retired educational administrator with phenomenal recall, a photographic memory … Continue reading

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