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WEDNESDAY – SEPT 17
JUST THINKING…
CANADIAN WRITERS
TECH DEPT
COMPUTER REPAIR?
A** H*LE in the WH
ANTHONY’s Notes: Out campaigning
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PICKERING: FAIRPORT BEACH NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOC. collecting for St. Paul on the Hill FOOD BANK
The Fairport Neighbhourhood Association does more than just talk about issues, change and making life better in the community, they do something about it.
The gallery here shows the executive harvesting apples which will be donated to the St. Paul of the Hill Food Bank. Some needy folks are going to taste the delicious bounty that grows in the Fairport Beach neighbourhood of Pickering.
Bravo Mr. FBNA Prez. Paul White
Presdident Paul White supports everyone…just look!
Pres. Paul White and FBNA exec Pat Perry deliver almost 200 lbs of apples to Lindsey Morrill of St. Paul on the Hill Food Bank
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EDITORIAL: How a neighbourhood association should be
Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association is an example of a neighbourhood association that is a real benefit to the city and to its neighbourhood.
Neighbourhood associations are groups drawn together to help improve life in their community. There are numerous activities they can carry out to achieve these worthwhile goals. Here’s one example of a community association that not only works for the benefit of its own neighbourhood but also for the benefit of the larger community, the City of Pickering.
Click IMAGE for the DETAILS
The Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association has been actively working to improve liveability within its neighbourhood and with the city at large for many, many years, approaching 100 years. The association’s president, Paul White, who’s not approaching 100 years, has been dynamically and energetically involved in the community in many ways and for many years. He attends council meetings, town halls, political rallies and charity events, always with an eye on how it may be of value and benefit for his neighbourhood and for the larger community. He has even been involved in politics, campaigning municipally.
The City of Pickering would gain substantially with more associations like FBNA, an association that provides real and concrete contributions to the community.
Read more about the FBNA at —> FBNA
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EDITORIAL: Why PRICES remain high….while your govt works for you?
Canadian competition on the decline: To virtually no one’s surprise, business competitiveness has been on the decline for at least the past 20 years, a new report by the Competition Bureau finds. Consumers are paying the price across a host of industries — the report doesn’t name names, but virtually every Canadian knows it applies to telecom services, air travel, banking and groceries. The government, a few months from voluntarily approving the largest telecom merger ever between Rogers and Shaw, says it is modernizing Canada’s competition laws in response. It sure feels like they should doing far more than that, doesn’t it?
Global News Link
Competition Bureau report Link
This is classic BBB (Bulls**t baffles brains material. The government wants us to believe it is working on our behalf with claims such as that they are working on our behalf. Well, if the government controlled our mortality, we would like live forever, or die immediately.
As the Greenbelt people did in their campaign efforts against Doug Ford, successfully ousting three government executives who were guilty of irresponsible execution of their political office duties…we should be going after the minister in charge of competition and pricing, Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, but unfortunately Canada does ot have a ministerial recall process as do countries like Australia or New Zealand. We elected them, we’re stuck with them.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne constantly makes statements that his ministry is doing something about high prices or that it is about to do something. “OMG” talk about BBB
Increasingly poorer Canadians forced to bite the bullet, accept the BBB, and pay more. The government seems to be emitting a lot of smoke and fog to cloud up the message. But the outcome is very clear….”Canadians, DIG DEEPER INTO THAT WALLET and PAY.”
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HEALTH: Want to live beyond 100?
Maria Branyias is 116 years old…and that’s not a typo.
Maria Branyas is the world’s oldest woman at 116 years old, and she has no major health complications. Scientists are working to discover the secrets to Branyas’ long, healthy life. Despite being more than a century old, Branyas has no cardiovascular problems and can recall details of her youth back to when she was 4 years old. Branyas’ only ailments are hearing and mobility issues.
Her diet
Branyas has never adhered to any specific diet and has remained free from major illnesses throughout her life. She attributes her long life to daily consumption of natural yogurt and avoiding excesses. She has led an active lifestyle until her later years and has said that she never followed a specific diet regime. She has lived in various parts of the Catalunya region and mothered three children.
How she stays active
Branyas credits her longevity to “order, tranquility, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity and staying away from toxic people” 1. She also believes that “luck and good genetics” play a role in her long life.
Notice her pet?
Could her longevity have any connection to the special pet on her lap? A DOG !!!
Fermo concurrrrrrs !
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PICKERING: How a Neighbourhood Association should be
Neighbourhood associations are groups drawn together to help improve life in their community. There are numerous activities they can carry out to achieve these lofty heights. Here’s one example of a community association that not only works for the benefit of its own neighbourhood but also works for the benefit of the larger community.
The Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association has been actively working to improve liveability within its neighbourhood and with the city at large for many, many years
The Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association is more than just a local social group. It’s a group of homeowners from the Fairport Beach neighbourhood who have joined together in an association to keep the people of the neighbourhood informed and aware of issues concerning living there. The group actively lobbies the city and its councillors with neighbourhood concerns, issues and problems.
However, the association does more than just lobby the City for changes. It is also very active in supporting the needy members of the City by donations to the St. Paul on the Hill Food Bank. [Photo: Garry Winsor- Membership Chair-FBNA, Janet Herrera, Intake Coordinator, St. Paul on the Hill Food Bank, Lindsey Morrill, Director, St. Paul on the Hill Food Bank, Paul White-President-FBNA, Rose Cerullo- member-FBNA]
_______________________________________
Message to Paul White, Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Assoc.
Hi Paul,
I just wanted to reach out and personally thank you for taking the time to attend our first open house! It was a pleasure meeting you and thank you for giving us the opportunity to show you how the food bank works and why it is so important in our community. It is because of supporters like you that we are able to provide food to those who cannot afford it. As times change and things become increasingly difficult, we are facing an all-time high of food bank usage. Keeping up to the needs becomes tougher month after month and we appreciate you coming in to learn about what we do and how to help support us. We are so grateful for your contributions.
Please let me know if you have any questions that we may have missed answering on Saturday and I hope you have a wonderful evening!
Kind Regards,
Lindsey Morrill
Food Bank Director
St. Paul’s on-the-Hill Community Food Bank
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HEALTH: Healthcare consultations, whenever you need them
Still in need of a doctor?
The CAA’s Maple, is the next closest solution.
Here’s another good reason to consider a CAA (Canadian Automobile Assoc.) membership.
If you are still unable to find a family doctor (see our article at FINDING A FAMILY DOCTOR) , then consider joining the CAA which offers access to consultation with a doctor online.
To read the displayed article, click —> CAA The MAPLE
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ANTHONY Notes: * * * Another election ? * * *
Another election?
You may had unfamiliar people knocking at your front door recently. A number may have been Conservative Political Candidates. “Another election?” The Federal Conservative Party in your region is holding a nomination race to elect the Conservative Candidate in the next federal election.
Constituency change
Elections Canada has published that Pickering-Uxbridge will become Pickering-Brooklin on April 22, 2024 with accompanying boundary changes. However, the core of the constituency will remain untouched, still containing about 80% of the eligible electors in the constituency.
Nevertheless, likely in the spring, 2024, the Conservative Members will come together to choose their candidate.
Some comments and questions:
- I’m not Conservative, so my decision does not affect me.
- I’m not fond of Pierre Poillievre, so the local candidate does not make a difference.
- Why would I be a member of the Conservative Party? My vote is one of many and does not make a difference.
Why it does matter:
- The winner of the previously contested nomination in 2019 had about 650 votes cast, and the winner received just under 400 members’ votes. You have a pretty big say. One vote or one family of members makes up a more significant portion of the vote by the membership.
- Even though there is a party declaration which outlines the Party’s core policy positions (https://cpcassets.conservative.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/03092335/8c9e916528ead5a.pdf), Conservatives still advocate for Pickering with specific positions on, but not limited to:
- The Pickering Airport
- Infrastructure Spending in the Community
- Private Member Bills
- Advancing Petitions to the House of Commons
It boils down to the following: 93% of the vote is done along party lines for federal election voters (a statistical claim by some political scientists), so if a Conservative does win in our Constituency, do you not still want someone who aligns with your interests?
If the polls are correct, there is a 91% chance that Pickering would elect a Conservative Member of Parliament if an election were held today. (338Canada.com)
Become a Conservative Party member
If you want to have a say on the next Conservative Candidate in Pickering-Uxbridge (soon to be Pickering-Brooklin), buy a membership in the following ways:
- Online: https://donate.conservative.ca/en/membership/
- Mail:
- Phone: +1 866-808-8407
Becoming a Conservative Party member gives you the opportunity to have a greater say. As a Conservative Party member, your vote helps select the next Conservative representative for the party in the constituency, choosing a candidate who is more closely aligned with your concerns and goals.
Any questions
Please phone me at 647-525-1900 or email me at anthony.yacub@icloud.com
Anthony Yacub
(Past President of the Pickering-Uxbridge Conservative District Association)
Candidate, Conservative Nomination Candidate for Pickering-Uxbridge
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HEALTH: Oral Hygiene from Dentists Roshdy and Shayanfour, Wyndam Dental Care
Oral Health
Dentists Mohammed Roshdy and Leila Shayanpour, Wyndham Dental Office
Two dentists from the Wyndam Manor Dental Care presented this informative and valuable information, the dentists, Mohammed Roshdy and Leila Shayanpour at a recent City of Pickering Town Hall. The presentation was very valuable with an abundance of important advice relating to oral health care.
Dr. Shayanpour covered many aspects of Oral Health, from children to seniors. One area of emphasis was the importance of avoiding sugar-based foods and drinks as they are very damaging to teeth. Both dentists underlined that it is best to avoid consumption of these foods and drinks but occasional moderate consumption is acceptable.
Regular dental visits
The two dentists could not recommend highly enough that regular dental visits are vital for good oral hygiene. The minimum they feel should be done is an annual visit at the very least.
Toothbrushes
Though manual toothbrushes were not rejected, electric toothbrushes were highly recommended, particularly those with two features: pressure indicators and timer functions.
Toothpaste and flossing
Toothpaste with fluoride is best with their recommendation of Colgate PreviDent as the best of these.
Flossing is a too often neglected part of dental hygiene. They underlined that incorrect flossing was as bad as not flossing at all and they urged people to ask their dental hygienist to demonstrate the proper way to floss to maximize the effectiveness of this very important dental hygiene process. Even the floss used was explained. The flat floss is more beneficial and effective than the string type with their recommendation being Glide Pro Health floss.
Smoking and vaping
Again, Roshdy and Shasyanpour avoided discouragement of these practices but underlined their negative impact on oral health. Their use increases incidents of dry mouth and the risk of oral cancer.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a problem exacerbated by smoking, vaping and consumption of sugar-laden foods. Relieving the symptoms of dry mouth can be done by greater water consumption, chewing certain types of gum such as “Pur,” and using anti-dry mouth’ lozenges. The problem is that a dry mouth allows bad bacteria to damage the teeth.
The bottom line…
Roshdy and Shayanfour closed by underlining the importance of regular dental office attendance and conscientious consumption of proper foods. They advised drinking plain water as best while avoiding sugary drinks/foods of any kind.
Wyndam Manor Dental Care
81 Middlecote Dr #10
Ajax, ON L1T0K3
Ph: 905-424-7344
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EDITORIAL: The MIDDLE EAST PROBLEM, a simplified explanation
CLICK image to view the explanation
A simple explanation of the Middle East problem is very difficult. There are aspects to any explanation that should be weighed: author bias, confirmation of the facts, veracity and integrity of the statements in the explanation. [Source: Reg R.]
However, this explanation by Professor Dennis Prager has the feel of authenticity and validity. At the very least, it is worth hearing and considering to learn more about the Middle East problem, though again the information must be viewed with cautious consideration of the stated facts.
[ This editorial should not be viewed as support of either side of this Middle East struggle. It is as it implies, a simplified explanation to help readers better understand the Middle East problem.]
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PICKERING: WARD 1, 2 TOWN HALL REPORT, 10-19-23
Town Hall Report, Oct. 19/23
This Town Hall was another convivial meeting hosted by two female counsellors, Linda Cook and Mara Nagy, along with Counsellor Brenner.
___________________
Oral Health
The town hall’s opening topic was a practical presentation dealing with Oral Health.
Dentists Mohammed Roshdy and Leila Shayanpour, Wyndham Dental Office
Two dentists from Wyndam Manor Dental Care presented this informative and valuable information, the dentists, Mohammed Roshdy and Leila Shayanpour.
Shayanpour covered many aspects of Oral Health, from children to seniors.
Emphasis was given to the damage that sugar-based foods and drinks do to teeth. The dentists underlined that avoidance is best, but moderation is acceptable in the consumption of any sugar-based foods.
Regular dental visits, annually at the very least, were highly recommended.
Toothbrushes
Though manual toothbrushes were not rejected, electric toothbrushes were highly recommended, particularly those with two features: pressure indicators and timer functions.
Toothpaste and flossing
Toothpaste with fluoride is best with their recommendation of Colgate PreviDent as the best of these.
Flossing is a too often neglected part of dental hygiene. They underlined that incorrect flossing was as bad as not flossing at all and they urged people to ask their dental hygienist to demonstrate the proper way to floss to maximize the effectiveness of this very important dental hygiene process. Even the floss used was explained. The flat floss is more beneficial and effective than the string type with their recommendation being Glide Pro Health floss.
Smoking and vaping
Again, Roshdy and Shasyanpour avoided discouragement of these practices but underlined their negative impact on oral health. Their use increases incidents of dry mouth and the risk of oral cancer.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a problem exacerbated by smoking, vaping and consumption of sugar-laden foods. Relieving the symptoms of dry mouth can be done by greater water consumption, chewing certain types of gum such as “Pur,” and using anti-dry mouth’ lozenges. The problem is that a dry mouth allows bad bacteria to damage the teeth.
The bottom line…
Roshdy and Shayanfour closed by underlining the importance of regular dental office attendance and conscientious consumption of proper foods. They advised drinking plain water as best while avoiding sugary drinks/foods of any kind.
Wyndam Manor Dental Care
81 Middlecote Dr #10
Ajax, ON L1T0K3
Ph: 905-424-7344
The second part of the Town Hall was the expected open forum of citizen opinions, gripes and pleas.
The areas of anxiety and complaining were:
- Safety in the city: need for sidewalks everywhere, improved street lighting for pedestrians and more police visibility to deter crime;
- Bad Air Days: a suggestion was made that residents have city-wide caution about summer days when air pollution is a health risk; that the use of highly polluting fossil fuel tools, lawnmowers, and grass trimmers be discouraged during these bad air pollution days;
- Traffic flow: complaints were made about the growing traffic congestion in the city; a regionally controlled operation but complaints need to be forwarded by the councillors acknowledged Councillor Cook;
- Police patrol: again police visibility is requested by concerned citizens; bike patrols should be reinstituted along the waterfront and in park areas to help deter criminal incidents;
- Improved communication with the public: the usual complaints were voiced about the need for better and broader communication with the city residents; the suggestion of incorporating churches, synagogues and mosques for resident communication was highlighted.
Next Town Hall
tentatively NOV 16, 7 pm…location to be finalized
Councillor Brenner listed some topics being considered for the upcoming town halls, topics with the aim of improving the livability of Pickering: - Homelessness and its associated problems;
- Hate, Anti-blackism, racism;
- Improving community engagement
Town Halls are important opportunities for citizens to become involved in improving their municipality. The low turnout of just over a dozen attendees speaks for itself in regard to citizen interest and concern about the well-being and liveability of their city.Town Halls occur every few months, and taking an hour to attend and participate in this community endeavour might be an important priority more people might consider given the current display of interest. City councillors spend countless hours trying to make living in the city better but the work can seem futile and non-rewarding unless the citizenry takes an interest and actively participates in the endeavour themselves.
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PICKERING: Newsletter from Ward 1/Regional Councillor Maurice Brenner
Highlights of Councillor Brenner’s newsletter:
- News from and focus on DURHAM AGRICULTURE
- Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Assoc. NEWS, HISTORY & INITIATIVES
- NOTICE: TOWN HALL, EAST SHORE COMMUNITY CENTRE, Oct. 19, 7 pm
- Durham Region Film Commission
- Fall Fling EVENT, MILLENIUM SQ., SAT, OCT 21 & 28, 11:30am- 3:00pm
- TREE & SHRUB Planting, Douglas Park, Sat. Oct. 28, 10am-1pm
- TOWN TROLLEY comes to Pickering
[Free tour: Waterfront Halloween Trolley Tour] - Pickering Zoning By-law review
- Durham Region Monthly Briefing notes
- Pickering Council HIGHLIGHTS
- LOBBYIST Registry
Click –> BRENNER eNEWSLETTER
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PICKERING (AJAX): Fire safety awareness campaign and family fire safety procedures
Ajax Fire and Emergency Services is raising awareness about fire safety.
The campaign runs until Oct. 30 and focuses on educating residents about fire safety and fire-related problems in their communities.
During the campaign, selected households will receive a ‘Get Real Ajax‘ information card in the mail and a door-to-door visit from Ajax firefighters to discuss the reality of fires in the community.
“Ajax Fire and Emergency Services will visit 1,000 homes this fall,” said Shelley Langer, Ajax fire prevention inspector.
The department is reminding residents to:
- change their smoke alarms (every 10 years) with visual indicators/strobes
- review fire evacuation procedures with their families
- review fire safety precautions for the home with the family
- review locations of home alarms and fire extinguishers
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FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK: Mayor Ashe responds regarding the Middle East crisis
On behalf of all Members of Council, we express our collective sorrow for those affected by the ongoing brutality inflicted upon innocent civilians in the Middle East.
I know many of our local Jewish and Palestinian communities are struggling, and my heart truly breaks for those impacted by the merciless destruction of lives and property, and restriction of humanitarian supplies.
Prime Minister Trudeau has recently announced an initial funding commitment to humanitarian assistance in the region and vows that Canada will continue to look for ways to support civilians – both Palestinians and Israelis – and ensure that as many civilians are kept safe during this terrible conflict.
I share in our Government’s profound concern for the loss of Israeli and Palestinian civilian life, and reinforce its steadfast support for the protection of civilians, both Israeli and Palestinian.
On behalf of Council, I give our heartfelt condolences to the people and communities that have been impacted by this unimaginable trauma. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin Ashe
Mayor, City of Pickering
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GAIL & HEATHER: A compendium of good reads…
Gail’s reads
Many of us are reluctant to spend precious summer sunshine reading. But now as November’s dark days are quickly approaching, you might be inclined to pick up a good book to stimulate your mind. Here are a few suggestions:
If you are a lover of mysteries and thrillers, there are quite a few excellent offerings this Fall. Jeffrey Archer has just released his latest chronicle of the William Warwick Series. This one is entitled “Traitors Gate“ which combines the world of art and the heist of the Crown Jewels particularly the crown worn by Queen Elizabeth ll when she opens Parliament. Quite an adventure and intriguing read!
A writer you might not be familiar with is John Gilstrap. He writes a series of novels about American black-ops particularly rescuing hostages. His latest book “Harm’s Way“ has many twists and turns that grab your attention. Well worth the read.
I just finished a novel by a new author to me – William Kent Krueger. He is an American novelist and crime writer with his books set mainly in Minnesota. His latest book is “The River We Remember“. In 1958, a small Minnesota town is rocked by the murder of its most powerful citizen. He is found floating dead in the Alabaster River, which is a central part of this small town. As the mystery unfolds Krueger also describes the scars from WWll that still affect the people of this town. It is an honest look at the beauty but also the hardships of life in these small farming communities. I strongly recommend this read and I will definitely be looking for more novels written by Krueger.
If you are a fan of Historical Fiction, I recommend “The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post“ by Allison Pataki. An excellent read about the life of the heiress to the Post Cereal Company which under Marjorie’s leadership, grew into the General Food empire and reshaped the way North Americans would eat. It is definitely a trip through history starting with the 1929 stock market crash, then on to the depression years, WWll, and other significant mid-century events. Through all of it, she remained one of the richest women in the world meeting every president and many world leaders. It is based on a true story including the building of her final home – Mar a Largo (Does this prestigious home ring a bell for you?). A fascinating read!!
A Canadian Author well worth reading is our own Durham writer Ted Barris. Ted has written 20 nonfiction books mostly related to the First and Second World Wars. He has received several awards for his writings and his contribution to Canada. In 2022, Ted received the Order of Canada. His list of books is certainly impressive, and I highly recommend attending one of his book talks. He is well-informed and presents his research in a truly passionate way. I went to two of his presentations this past week. Particularly, during the month of November, picking one of his books to read would certainly be a worthwhile learning experience.
I am presently reading his latest book “Battle of the Atlantic- Gauntlet to Victory“. This story describes the battles waged by Germans against the Allied transatlantic convoys, most of which were escorted by the Royal Canadian Navy destroyers and corvettes, as well as, the Royal Canadian Air Force. It was in these convoys that most Canadian troops crossed the Atlantic to fight in WWll. My father was a Canadian soldier and he often told stories about his time in these convoys. Now I am able to further my knowledge plus appreciate the immense contribution of Canada’s armed forces and civilians to fight this war. Any of his books are fabulous choices!
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PICKERING: * * * Pickering AntiBlack Racism Taskforce Report, Oct. 12, 2023 * * *
[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.szpin.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PABRT-Report-10-13-23.pdf” title=”PABRT Report 10-13-23″]
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PICKERING: * * * Aging Well, Active Living FAIR * * *
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PICKERING: * * * Seniors GAMES DAY * * *
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BITSnBYTES: 10 “No, No’s” at COSTCO
10 No’s No’s at Costco
How guilty are you?
- Ditching Products Before Checkout
There are many shoppers who change their mind about the purchase of an item and ditch it somewhere in the store. Imagine if it is a frozen item or a perishable.
If you do this, stop doing it. You are causing the store costly problems and the extra expense Costco must spend to correct your shopping reject will affect pricing at the store eventually. - Leaving Your Cart Behind to Fetch a Product
Abandoning your cart mid-aisle just so you can go back to get an item you forgot. It’s simple bad shopping etiquette that inconveniences other shoppers. Stop doing it. - Rummaging through produce to get the best
The produce is put out on display regularly. Digging down under the produce is not going to produce anything better. Worse, think how others shoppers feel about you manhandling the merchandise they are considering for purchase. Stop doing it. - Taking things off employee stock carts
Puleeeze…the items on the stock cart are no fresher than what the employee put out a few minutes before. Often the cart simply has too much for re-stocking the shelves more. The products are no fresher than what is already out there. Stop doing it. - Thinking sample servers are pressuring you to buy the product
Sample it, even two. But be reasonable and don’t push others in the line. More samples will be forthcoming. Stop doing it. - Not being prepared at Checkout
Get prepared before the checkout. Others do not want to wait for you to find your wallet, your credit card ready when you reach the checkout. You’re slowing everybody down by causing delays for all the others behind you. Stop doing it. - Not loading items on to the belt at Checkout
OK…if the item is too large, not telling the cashier you need help loading it on the checkout belt slows things down for everybody. Putting things on the belt slowly and in an unorganized way affects everyone behind you. Stop doing that. - Multiple Transactions from one cart
OK…so you brought along a friend to shop on your membership, a family member. Fine, try to make the checkout more efficient by dividing the purchases into the purchase groups at the checkout. You slowing the check out process down if you are organizing the items for purchase at the cash. Stop doing it. - Littering
Puleeze….somebody has to clean up any litter you leave behind, in the cart, on a shelf, can you believe, on the floor. You teach your kids…follow what you preach. Littering costs money in employee extra work. Littering is a no no. Stop doing it. - Not returning your cart to the Corral
It is incredible how many people do not take the few moments it takes to return the cart to the Corral. Once again, employees are called upon to take time from their normal work to do other work, a task which inconsiderate shoppers cause. Abandoning carts just anywhere in the parking lot causes more work for the employees and affects every shopper. Stop doing that. - Trying to return products you shouldn’t
ok…we threw in an extra…add us to the inconsiderate Costco shopper list…
Would you believe customers try to return half-eaten, moldy or expired products. Costco is not trying to rip you off, why would you want to rip the company off. It is trying to offer you quality products at the best prices possible, so why are you trying to take advantage of the company by asking it to refund money on products that should not get a refund. Stop doing it.
Posted in .THOUGHTs, .WRITING OFFICE
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PICKERING: Congratulations Councillor Mara on the upcoming big event
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COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE REMEMBRANCE
A very special issue…edition of 
newsletter will be published in November.
The edition will be a special commemorative issue sent automatically to subscribers who have donated just $5 to support the newsletter.
The issue
The issue is solely dedicated to REMEMBRANCE DAY commemoration. Some things included:
- names of fallen to be remembered
- personal stories of remembrance
- photos of those who have served
- anecdotes written by contributors
- links POPPY (Veteran Canadian Legion support) campaign
Subscribers
Subscribers who have donated $5 in support of the SZPINNER newsletter, will receive the newsletter by email automatically for a full year.
Become a subscriber and support the newsletter with an eTransfer of $5 to zippyonego@gmail.com
Thank you for your support,
Posted in .NEWS - General, .PICKERING+ - bits & bites, .REMEMBRANCE DAY, .SENIORS
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SUNSHINE 09: Moments of affection to warm your heart
Source: Reg R.
Posted in SUNSHINE
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POLITICS: The race for the CONSERVATIVE PARTY nomination for PICKERING-UXBRIDGE has become a more heated one
The race to become the Conservative Party nominee to represent Pickering-Uxbridge has heated up with the recent entry of Anthony Yacub.
Prior to Yacub throwing his hat in the Conservative Party ring, the race was more moderate with the leading candidate being Nancy Van Rooy.
Nancy Van Rooy
Nancy Van Rooy, an early and very politically attractive candidate for the nomination, seemed likely to run off with the race a few months ago.
Van Rooy has been a candidate in previous election campaigns, running unsuccessfully at the municipal level in 2022.
She has lived in the Pickering area for almost 40 years, raising her family and working her career in law enforcement there.
As a police officer, Van Rooys has been a patrol officer, an investigating detective and in her closing years the Media Sergeant for the Durham Regional Police Service.
Van Rooy is a community-minded and community-driven Pickering-Durham region resident who has been actively and constructively involved in community leadership for 35 years.
Outside of her professional and community work, she spends time with her family, enjoys her passion for sailing the waterways of Ontario and cares for rescue dogs as her family pets. As well, she is dedicated and passionate about the preservation of Ontario’s water-related ecology and keeping Ontario’s environment green and strong.
_____________________________________________________________
Anthony Yacub
The entry of Anthony Yacub into the race to become the Conservative Party nominee for Pickering-Uxbridge has turned the race into a real constituency nomination dogfight.
Anthony Yacub is a culturally rich Canadian with parents from Guyana and India. He understands the challenges facing new immigrants to Canada.
Academically he holds degrees in Economics and Psychological Counselling; professionally, he is a registered Psychotherapist in Ontario. His academic and professional credentials are layers enriching him as a political candidate. He became a registered member of the Conservative Party at 14, working in the party structure for many years, ultimately becoming the President of the Pickering-Uxbridge Conservative Party District Association, a position from which he resigned to campaign for the district Conservative nomination.
He has been recognized and awarded for his dedication and hard work within the party being awarded “Outstanding EDA President of the Year.” Yacub does not seem to be one to rest on his laurels or his academic and professional credentials.
His goals are to create practical accessibility of home ownership, make the Canadian Dream a reality again, affect the reduction of inflationary deficits and high-interest rates, increase CPP funding to improve living for seniors and develop jobs by working on reduction of residential taxes. Lofty goals but needed ones for Canadians today.
As a first-time political candidate, Yacub’s aims may seem idealistic but he sincerely believes the Conservative Party can improve Canadians’ lives and he is dedicating himself to making these ideals practical and achievable reality.
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PICKERING NEWS: Community skate spot to get community mural by artist Fathima Mohiddin
The City of Pickering’s West Shore Skate Spot will have an exciting new look shortly, as artist FATSPATROL will paint a community mural on the skate surface from October 1 to 19, 2023.
The City of Pickering’s Cultural Strategic Plan (2014) outlines the City’s commitment to collaborate with the community to celebrate our cultural diversity, heritage and the arts; to sustain our natural environment; to foster a creative economy; and to strengthen our vibrant neighbourhoods.
The popular new West Shore Skate Spot first opened in Fall 2022, and soon after in 2023, Council endorsed the funding to carry out the design and installation of a new Public Art mural on the skate surface. Through the Public Art Policy process, artist FATSPATROL, in collaboration with Mural Routes, was selected to create this community-inspired public art piece. Community consultations and paint workshops were held with residents over the summer to assist with the creation and execution of the design.
“The subject matter for this artwork, (the pike, the walleye, the water, sunsets and sunrises, the heron, the swan, trail patterns, foliage, ripples on the water) all came from two community consultations where local members stressed the significance of West Shore as an area of natural abundance and diversity. I interpreted these in the style of using bold colours, patterns and black lines that have featured in my work since the start of my creative practice. The use of bold black lines comes from a study of mark-making and my early influences of comic books, tribal Indian art (e.g. Kalamkari) Middle Eastern Textiles and later graffiti. The intent was for this artwork to be bold as a graphic style favoured by some local youth, and to visually enhance the features of the Skate Spot to allow users of the park to differentiate its surfaces.”
To read the story of the artist, click –> ARTIST
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NEWS: Pickering CASINO shooting…security guard killed….casino closed temporarily.
CLICK –> SHOOTING
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NEWS: US Olympic Gold medal winner Mary Lou Retton fighting for her life with serious pneumonia illness
US Olympic Gold medal winner Mary Lou Retton fighting for her life with serious pneumonia illness.
For the full story, CLICK –> RETTON
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FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK: * * * Mayor’s response to attack on Israel * * *
Mayor Ashe’s Response to the Attack on Israel
I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the current terrorist attacks on Israel. On behalf of all Members of Council, we express our collective sorrow for the people of Israel, the Jewish community in Pickering, Durham Region, and throughout Canada.
The suffering and anguish caused by this hate and terror is incomprehensible. We strongly condemn these acts of violence and will continue to stand by the victims and keep all those affected in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin Ashe
Mayor, City of Pickering
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$ave: SAVVY SHOPPER: 10 bulk buys you should purchase when on sale
Bulk buying can be an opportunity to save money, but only if you use/consume the purchases. If the product ages or is never used, the savings are lost.
Here are 10 things you should bulk buy when they are on sale.
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Laundry detergent
- Toothpaste (toothbrushes)
- Coffee
- Rice
- Snacks
- Dish soap
- Body soap
- Storage/freezer bags
Buy these products in bulk. Store them accordingly: coffee and rice in air-tight containers, snack foods usually in their store-bought packaging.
Helping you keep more shopping money in your wallet,
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EDITORIAL: Is Community Pride being taught to our young people anywhere?
Is Community Pride being taught or promoted anywhere in our community?
Take a look at the defacing of this public sign. Have you seen more incidents like this in your neighbourhood? No matter who is guilty of this graffiti, teens, twenties, young people or others, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that the culprits have no pride in their community, no investment in it, no ownership of any sort. They likely live by the nihilistic philosophy of the Russian Revolution era: destroy anything and everything regardless of its value, purpose or use.
These vandals defaced this public sign without any constructive intent but purely for destructive reasons. They had no worthwhile goal, no practical aim, no useful intent in doing so. They simply wanted to deface the property so they could feel they had achieved or accomplished something.
This kind of ignorance leads to other destructive evils in our society, social ones such as RACISM, ANTI-BLACK and HATE incidents. Any examples of these kinds of incidents have no value, no worthwhile goal. Rather they are examples of social nihilism, destruction of society with no purpose.
Why?
Is anyone in government actually working on the reduction or elimination of this kind of social destruction? The Federal government touts that it has produced a guide to combat HATE and RACISM in Canada. Just try to find this guide.
The local community of Pickering touts that it has two committees, one city-based, the other central library-based, and what have these committees produced? Just try to find the results.
There are people and places where this negative activity in our society can be fought. In the homes, in the schools, in young people’s clubs and associations, in sports leagues. There are people who could and should be at the front lines teaching young people the error of such thinking and actions: parents, teachers, coaches, community leaders. There are places where the battle can be fought: at the kitchen table, in the classrooms, on the courts, on the ball diamonds and at the sports arenas.
Rather than paying lip service to equality, democracy, fellowship and community pride, teach it, act it, model it and live it, so that young people learn what it means. Teach them that what they build today, will be something of which they will be proud tomorrow.
Otherwise, just walk by the sign with a “Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!”
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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
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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 releasing his comedic soul. All of Pyves’ books are engaging, entertaining and enlightening. His newest breaking into the comedic world is likely a trove of delightful essays.
“Nobody’s Perfect is a well-written memoir that is hard to put down. Rick Pyves combines a self-deprecating wit with an honest appraisal of his life – complete with foibles, passions, and personal poignancy. Bravo!“
___Deb Stratas, author of The Kingston Twins saga
Rick Pyves has led a perfect life – well, almost. Imagine a sixteen-year-old comedian who took a bus to New York City to see the Johnny Carson Show. How about the time he reluctantly raced down an Olympic bobsled course? Or, he planned a two-hour tour of a Hawaiian volcano that turned into a five-hour hike from hell? Or, a solo bike ride that ended up with Rick fighting his way out of a filthy ditch looking like the monster from the black lagoon?
Nobody’s Perfect is an engaging memoir from a scientist-turned-market executive, who is now a successful historian/writer. Rick’s stories will make you laugh, smile, and want to reflect on your own life’s ups and downs. Join Rick as he survives life’s challenges with both humility and humour and lives to write about it.
For more about Rick Pyves —-> PYVES
To order his newest book —–> NOBODY’S PERFECT
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SUNSHINE 08: Young professionals sing with justifiable pride
Thanks Reg Rea
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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 Indigenous as fully equal politically. Wonderful to broaden our concept of equality, too practice what we preach. A marvellous political victory.
Now, the ball is in Kinew’s court, not to validate that Indigenous are equal, but to deliver responsible, ethical good government to the citizens of Manitoba.
Bravo Wab!
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SUNSHINE 06: Creativity of the past still amazing and sensational
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The SZPINNER OCT 2023 NEWSLETTER
[pdf-embedder url=”http://www.szpin.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/OCT-2023-NEWSLETTER-1.pdf” title=”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 reviewing of their positions. On the other, voters need to cut them some slack with the decisions they make. However, politicians need to rise to a higher level of responsibility and job fulfilment than some currently do.
Many months ago, Lisa Robinson, municipal councillor for Ward 1 in Pickering, dug herself into a controversial quagmire by declaring that flag raising in favour of any one group was biased. Rather than a single flag being raised, she stated that all groups deserved equal recognition by having all flags raised. An indisputable position without argument. However, what is definite and undebatable is that the issue was emotional and sensitive and needed closed-door discussion to refine and polish it before any public exposure. Then she stirred up the community over the public washrooms at a community recreation center. Robinson keeps diving into the deep end of the pool of controversy. Her justification for doing this is that she has the right to independent and personal views. No question but is she doing a disservice to the community in doing so?
Today, she steps into another heated quagmire: whether or not she can locate ‘constructive type’ storage on her property to the detriment of good neighbourhood appearance.
The issue here is not whether or not Robinson is detracting from the appearance of her neighbourhood with the storage bin. Nor is it a question if she has the right to do what she is doing. Rather it is one of being a good neighbour and not upsetting the neighbourhood by doing something that troubles three nearby neighbours. [ Robinson has been suspended without pay for 30 days for rebutting her neighbours’ criticisms with a “sarcastic” response. ]
No one can argue that Council Robinson has a right to view issues from a personal perspective. She has rights most certainly. However, as a politician who can affect issues in the community far more than a regular citizen, perhaps she needs to start thinking at a higher level. She may have the right the do what she does but is she right to do so? Perhaps she needs to view her decisions and declarations from the bigger picture. What is the impact on the average citizen? This is not to say she should avoid controversial decisions and issues or eschew personal stands. Rather she should give them greater consideration. She may be right in her stands but her role is not to stir up controversy and turmoil in the community. She has a right to her personal positions but she also has responsibility to the broader community.
Politicians must rise to a higher level than the average citizen. Citizens vote for a particular politician because they believe that the politician is special, is above average, and will rise to the level of responsibility incumbent with that elected office. Politicians are not elected to take personal stands that disturb the peace and regularity of life in the community. There are enough social influencers and community peace disruptors as is. The electorate is not voting to add to that number.
Politicians like Councilor Robinson need reminding that they are elected officials with responsibility to the broader community. They need to review their positions on issues and at times, it may be better to steer away from the issue totally than to take a personal stand that antagonizes and alienates voters. Otherwise, the electorate may help the politician be more mindful with a reminder vote in the next election.
See the full story at HALLOWEEN.
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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 criticism or a compliment.
The Town Hall’s theme
This Town Hall focused on the topics of the Durham Police Force and crime in the community and region, excellent topics. Guests included Chief Peter Moreira and 3 officers from the office and detachment, Staff Sargeant Jason Fisher, Acting Detective Gerry Suthers and Acting Sargeant Dave Ricard.
The town hall was an explanation of the operation of the Durham Police Department, aspects relating to crime in the Durham region and the challenges facing the community and the police department.
Crime is not only growing everywhere, including the Durham region, but it is also constantly changing, two factors that make it especially challenging for the police.
Chief Moreira spoke about the various crimes occurring in Durham with an emphasis on its constantly changing features rather than the number of incidents.
Auto theft, a serious concern of residents, is on the rise. The Durham Police are well aware of this crime’s growth and their response is great visibility and patrols in the ‘hotter spots’ in Pickering. Chief Moreira underlined that the public need to greater responsibility in deterring auto theft. The public needs to take precautions such as removing gifts and valuables from the interiors of their cars, parking their cars in very visible areas, at home, parking in the garage if possible, and using Faraday Bags.
Response and reaction to other crimes vary in relation to the crime: social worker assistance and training with mental health incidents, the same for domestic violence. These types of crimes are very challenging and officers are trained in their response but incident occurrences change constantly presenting endless challenges for the responding officers.
When queried about racism on the force, the Chief explained that receive supplemental training regularly throughout the year to update them on recognizing biased crime enforcement and dealing with it appropriately.
Acting sergeant Ricard in response to noisy cars, reinforced that police respond to such incidents as well as they can, particularly in residential neighbourhoods but due to the large number of such incidents, it is very challenging to deal with every instance.
Ricard also dealt with speeding violations throughout the city. School neighbourhoods are a particular worry for the police and they make sure they have a highly visible presence in these areas to discourage speeders. Ricard also explained about speed cameras in use around the city and region with the Mayor underlining that these are not ‘cash grab’ opportunities but rather the city and region aiming to ensure greater security and safety for everyone.
Crimes against seniors were another area of concern in the town hall discussion. Chief Moreira explained that the department has an office that deals with seniors but he emphasized that seniors still needed to educate themselves about fraud and scams to assist the force in helping seniors combat criminal incidents. Seniors should not feel embarrassed about incidents they have experienced. Rather they should report everything to the non-emergency number at the department so the police can monitor and act more effectively.
The guests also urged the public to visit and better inform themselves about the police services by visiting the police online portal. Click the image below:
A particularly informative tool regarding police work is the crime mapping tool: Click –> CRIME MAP.
The officers of the town hall emphasized that the force is very aware of the incidents of crime in the region and that it is constantly working to ensure the public is safe and secure as members of the community. They urged the public to partner with the police in this goal by reporting incidents and as not all incidents need a 911 Emergency response, non-emergency reporting can be done by
phoning 888-579-1520, Ext ‘O’.
The Town Hall was invaluable at showcasing and explaining the operation and presence of the Durham Police in Pickering. Undoubtedly, there will be criticisms of the force no matter what they do or how they operate, but the public should be assured the force is very aware of crime incidents in Durham and is working hard to assure the public of its security and safety.
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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 for an informative evening as we look towards a healthy and happy Fall.
Our guest speaker from Wyndam Manor Dental will be followed by a Question-and-Answer Session and Community Updates
Location: Eastshore CC, Lawn Bowling Room
Oct. 19, 7 PM Start time
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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 very difficult to socialize with anyone. Because of his autism, he withdraws, as if intimidated by the conversation. This means any time anyone speaks to him, he tends to shy away and back off as if the backing away is a defensive mechanism.
This lad dresses as any young man of his age would, jeans, a jean jacket, a hoodie, a T-shirt and loosely laced work boots. Oh, and he’s black with an afro and dreads.
He was always good with his hands. He could dismantle almost any broken machine and reassemble it so it operated again. When he got his driver’s license, the story got even better. He started to repair cars, not only repairing them making them operational once more, but also restoring them physically. Any car he worked on increased in value significantly once he was through with it.
But this lad was a saver too. He bought old, rusty models that needed repair, fixed them up, and resold them at a profit, each time buying himself a newer or better model car. In no time, he was driving Honda Accords, Toyota Corollas, Subarus, and even an Audi but he’s a black driver.
As his car models got better, he was stopped more and more frequently by the local police. “This your car?” “You got registration for this car?” “Who’s car is this?” “Show me your license and registration papers.” The lad never understood why he was being stopped and investigated so often. He drove carefully, always within the posted speed limit. Yet, almost daily, he was stopped in order that his driving documentation could be verified.
Eventually, the regional police must have stopped him enough times that their computer spit out his name and that his documentation was all valid in an instant upon data entry by the enforcing officer.
Now, this young man has twin sisters, just a couple of years younger than he is. They were superb students, both young women making the dean’s list at their respective universities. Each sailed through university on scholarships and honours lists. They are black. Upon graduation, one went into the field of media, being hired as an apprentice producer for a national TV network. She excelled at her job. She is black. Her twin sister went into the field of finance working in the executive offices of one of the big banks, not as a secretary, but as an accountant, a comptroller. She excelled at her job but she was black. Each day, one fellow worker seemed to take liberties with her making remarks which would normally be labeled as offensive or harassing. The remarks were not necessarily sexual in tone. However, they were demeaning remarks, always with a racist slant. Finally, her level of tolerance was reached and she reported him to HR. Ultimately, the matter was taken to court as a legal issue. It wasn’t settled at the bank or by the bank’s HR department. She’s black. She won her case. The office employee and the bank made formal apologies to the young woman, the court decided on appropriate restitution and today she carries more weight around the offices in which she works. She is diminutive physically but a giant in courage and capability. She’s black.
The story is sad enough as is based on its flagrant racism. What makes it even more shocking and upsetting is that police officers are the perpetrators of this anti-social racist behaviour. Could our police department need some in-servicing and education?
[For obvious reasons, the victims of this story cannot be identified but it is a true story and a real snapshot taken in our community.]
UPDATE
Anti-Black Racism Committee meeting:
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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 to address the recent comments by Councillor Robinson, made on her social media and during media interviews, where she referred to herself as a “modern-day slave”.
To provide context, Councillor Robinson was investigated by the City of Pickering’s Integrity Commissioner for breaching the Council Code of Conduct. Specifically, her use of cyberbullying and intimidation tactics on residents was found to violate our ethical standards. Pickering Council subsequently adopted the Integrity Commissioner’s findings and recommendations, which included suspending Councillor Robinson’s pay for 30 days.
Councillor Robinson’s recent comments are both wildly offensive and deeply harmful. Referencing the system of slavery as a point of comparison carries a violent undertone. Slavery, a dark chapter in our history, brutally denied the humanity of generations of Black communities, subjecting them to unimaginable suffering and injustice. To use such a comparison is fundamentally wrong, and also diminishes the generational trauma caused by slavery.
I have personally spoken with the longest-serving member of the Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce about the situation, and she was shocked and upset by Councillor Robinson’s statements. In addition, many members of the Black community have publicly expressed their outrage. This highlights the gravity of the situation and the damaging impact it has had.
The City of Pickering is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and compassionate community. We recognize the power of language to shape our perceptions and attitudes, and emphasize the importance of using words mindfully. It is crucial that we treat each other with respect, sensitivity, and an understanding of the historical context that informs our language choices. Clearly, Councillor Robinson has failed in this regard.
Councillor Robinson’s suspension of pay is a direct consequence of her own actions and decision-making. It reflects the necessity of upholding the integrity of our Council and maintaining our ethical standards. We strongly urge her to take responsibility for her actions, refrain from using false and harmful comparisons, and sincerely apologize to the Black community for the hurt and offence she has caused.
Kevin Ashe
Mayor, City of Pickering
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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
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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 concerns.
The City was approached with this proposed event back in August, and from the outset, we expressed our concerns to the organizers that a film set would not be a suitable venue capable of safely accommodating the influx of thousands of daily visitors over a three-week period.
Film sets, such as the one on Pickering’s backlot, leased to William F. White, are primarily designed for film and TV production, emphasizing visual aesthetics for the camera. These structures are unsuitable for real-world events, as they are artificial and have a comparatively limited life span, and should not be conflated with permanent, publicly-accessible buildings.
Namely, film sets like this do not conform to the stringent standards of the Ontario Building Code and lack the necessary infrastructure to ensure the safety of a large number of visitors. This includes the absence of appropriate facilities for crowd control, fire safety measures, and accessible exits for swift evacuation in case of emergencies.
Despite these significant concerns, we made a sincere and concerted effort to find a workable solution, committing substantial staff resources to this endeavour.
Unfortunately, while these discussions and reviews were taking place, the event organizers began marketing and selling advance tickets for this Halloween experience without securing official approvals.
Regrettably, despite our continuous engagement, the event organizers could not develop a feasible plan that would meet the exacting requirements of the Ontario Building Code, as well as our municipal health and safety standards, and fire regulations, all of which are essential to safeguarding event attendees. Consequently, we have instructed the organizers to initiate the necessary cancellation notices and provide refunds for all ticket sales.
We advise that no members of the general public will be permitted access to the filming backlot site, and all those who had purchased advance tickets to contact E11venth Hour Productions.
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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
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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
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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 you.
These companies are exploiting your energy, your time, and your input for their profit. They build up their data with your information and then develop ways to profit from your input. They earn from your work; you earn nothing. Demand a change.
Rather than letting them benefit from your work for free, demand something in return, some kind of compensation for doing their surveys: free use of their app, an extension of your subscription, a reduction to the cost of their subscription, a reduction in the price of their product. Demand something. Why should they benefit from your work without giving you anything in return?
The next time a company sends you an invitation to complete a survey for them, ask them “What’s in it for me? What are you giving me for my time and effort?”
If you don’t demand something for your work, you are no better than a free labourer. That kind of exploitation was eradicated when slavery was abolished. You have something to gain, nothing to lose by asking for compensation for your work.
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NAVIGATE MY SITE, “The Szpinner,” MORE EASILY
My website consists of sections that need your input: CLICK, SELECT or TYPE.
[Sometimes you may have to refresh your browser (in Google) by clicking on the symbol found at the top left of your browser: 
__________________________________________________________
The MENU 
This is the primary way to navigate my site. The MENU BAR has lists of categories with flyouts to subcategories.
- Hover over a title to view the categories listed;
Pausing over a category will flyout any subcategories. - To select a category, Slide down the list and CLICK on your choice.
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The SEARCH tools
TYPE your topic in the search box.
CLICK small down arrow for CATEGORY; click your choice.
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The WIDGETS
Widgets are small sections dedicated to what is displayed. They are found on the right side of every page. CLICK on the Widget to access.
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The POSTS
A short list of our most recently published posts is listed below the banner shown above. CLICK on the post you wish to access. __________________________________________________________
Those are the main ways to navigate my website.
Sometimes if the website seems wrong, try reloading, refreshing the website.
I hope you enjoy exploring my site and please remember your donated support via eTransfer would be greatly appreciated.
If you need help, please contact me at zippyonego@gmail.com
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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.
- In 1932 a wealthy banker deeded the waterfront acreage to the Association. It ran from Petticoat Creek on the east side to West Shore Blvd. on the west side, and from the lake to Park Cres.
- In 1949 it was Incorporated as a non-profit Association with a written constitution and duly elected executive with its own clubhouse located on the beach.
- In the 1960’s it was moved up the hill to sit at Park/Cliffview and was used for meetings and the Scouts.
- In the 1970’s street parties were held at the end of Park Cres. The clubhouse burned down when someone tried to light a lantern inside and fuel was ignited. The hall was partially rebuilt but ran out of money to finish it.
- In 1989 I was elected President after serving as V.P.
- In 1991 the membership decided to sell the property to the Metropolitan Toronto Regional Conservation Authority for $100,000; this allowed the bridge to be built across Petticoat Creek in 2002, and the waterfront trail to be extended eastward.
- In 1993, we amended the Constitution to change our name from Ratepayers to Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association to better reflect our mandate, and entrench a clause that requires the Association to always maintain a balance to preserve the $ 100,000.
An addendum to the above:
- In 1932, a wealthy banker deeded all the waterfront property from Petticoat Creek to West Shore Blvd. to the Association. This led to the Incorporation of Fairport Beach Ratepayers Association in 1949. The cottages were defined by the boundaries from the Lake to just south of Vicki Dr., and from the backyard lot line on Hillcrest Rd. to the west side of West Shore Blvd. Within our community was the Newman homestead, circa 1840 which has been designated as a historic property by the City of Pickering. The family sold the remaining 11 acres in 2012 and 51 new homes have been added to our community.
- The Association had a clubhouse at the foot of Cliffview/Park Cres. that was used by the members for meetings and social events and used by the Scouts and other organizations. Street parties would be held at the foot of Park Cres. in the summer, and in the early 1970’s someone tried to light a lantern inside, and spilled fuel that caught fire and burned the building down. Insurance only paid out enough to build a concrete block basement with a flat roof. That’s how it stayed for many years, but the Association kept holding meetings and elections throughout. I served as Vice-President in the 1980s and was elected President in 1989.
- With guidance from the executive and members, a motion was passed to sell the property to the Metropolitan Toronto Regional Conservation Authority. Cec Turner and I were appointed to negotiate a price with Don Prince and Larry Field (MTRCA) management for land acquisition. An engineering firm was hired to do soil erosion tests and it was reported that all along the embankment is unstable soil, so nothing could be built there. Murry Stroud represented our Association, and in 1991 the land was sold for $100,000. The block basement was bulldozed. With the newfound wealth as the richest ratepayers group, we were being told by some on Pickering Council how we could spend it. This caused in-fighting on how we should invest the money and some members wanted to put it into the stock market. So, in 1993 at a quorum meeting, we passed two motions to amend our Constitution. The first was to maintain a balance of $100,000 in CDIC-protected investment instruments as long as the Association is in existence, and we have always been fortunate to have on our executive a chartered accountant or knowledgeable book-keeper to keep records, and Directors to review and examine the financial records once a year, and report back to the membership at the annual general meeting.
- The MTRCA changed its name to the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (TRCA), and in 2002 a bridge was built across Petticoat Creek, and the waterfront trail was extended in subsequent stages over to Marksbury Rd. It couldn’t be extended the last block between Marksbury and West Shore Blvd. until the last two cottages were purchased by the TRCA. One cottage was demolished in 2022 and the other one will be taken down next year and the trail completed to the Rotary Frenchman’s Bay West Park.
- In the intervening years we have made many contributions to worthwhile causes and accomplished numerous community improvements always working closely with our Ward 1 Councillor, Maurice Brenner. We have created “welcome packages” for all the new families moving into Fairport Beach, and during Covid 19, we have supported the food banks in Pickering and Ajax with cash donations and food supplies, and our hospital with cash donations for PPE supplies. Our Association has made the Ajax-Pickering donors wall for donations of $1000 over the past 20 years. Our Association was recognized by the City as the ” International Year of the Volunteer” in 2001, and Mayor Ryan, Councillor Brenner, and Regional Councillor Ashe dedicated an inscribed rock to our Association on the waterfront trail, to recognize our contribution to extending the trail across the Fairport Beach waterfront.
Some of the milestones and achievements of the Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association:
- Throughout the years we have donated $1000/year to the Ajax-Pickering Hospital;
- donations to our food banks in Pickering and Ajax;
- donations of $500 are offered to our 3 public schools every year;
- and many initiatives in our community such as a first initiative arranged by Maurice to pay half the cost of the speed board on Oklahoma Dr. through the City;
- A police bike for patrolling the waterfront trail;
- a bursary program to recognize students for community involvement;
- sponsorships for exchange students and athletics;
- financial grants to residents to help out in crisis situations;
- assistance in helping the Pickering Rotary Club with the start-up of the Rotary Frenchman’s Bay West Park;
- our Fairport Beach parkette where the clubhouse was situated;
- many other worthy causes come to mind, like the Indonesian Tsunami, where we donated $10,000 to the Red Cross Relief Fund chaired by Maurice and Bill McLean
- another $1000 to Herizon House Women’s Shelter;
- close to $20,000 put into our parkette with tree planting along Park Cres. and our beautiful butterfly garden.
None of the many things above would have been made possible without a dedicated executive and members from our community. It has been a pleasure to be part of such a vibrant group of citizens, and at the end of my term as President for 36 years I will look back with pride in all that we accomplished as volunteers together.
Paul White
President
Fairport Beach Ratepayers Association
A response from Brenner, Maurice, Councillor:
Now more than ever there is a need for Neighbourhoods/Communities to build /Ratepayer/Community groups.
While there are no defined parameters by the City, however, when an Association is formed it can be recognized by the City for the purpose of Communications of Planning matters and other outreach through a designated person. The defined community also has access to have flyers printed from the City for their own distribution.
To be considered an Association the group needs to have some form of constitution that confirms their goals and purpose along with their geographic area. There should also be an annual meeting from which an executive is elected.
Currently, there are 3 actual Associations in Ward 1: Fairport Beach, Pickering Westshore and RougeValley Community and Recreation.
If you are interested in forming an Association in South Rosebank you should connect with Paul White from Fairport whose Association is one of the oldest. Peggy Bowie recently organized the Rouge Valley group.
Maurice Brenner
Deputy Mayor, Regional Councillor
Ward 1
Web: mauricebrenner.ca
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POLITICS: *** STOP THE SPRAWL *** SUCCEEDS SOMEWHAT
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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 findings and practical guidance on aging well.
The portal offers a user-friendly interface that allows easy access to a wide range of content, including articles, videos, and tools that cover various aspects of aging, such as physical health, mental well-being, nutrition, and social engagement. One of its unique features is its commitment to providing reliable information sourced from rigorous scientific studies and expert-reviewed materials.
The McMaster Optimal Aging Portal strives to promote informed decision-making and improve the quality of life for older adults. It offers insights on topics like chronic disease management, exercise routines, dementia care, and much more, making it an invaluable resource for those looking to navigate the complexities of aging with confidence and knowledge.
In summary
The McMaster Optimal Aging Portal is a trusted source of evidence-based information that empowers individuals and professionals alike to make informed choices that support optimal aging and well-being. Its commitment to scientific integrity and accessibility makes it an essential tool for anyone interested in the field of aging.
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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 to interactive tools and resources, all designed to empower users with the knowledge they need to make informed health decisions.
One of the standout features of the Mayo Clinic website is its dedication to accuracy and credibility. The information provided is thoroughly researched and reviewed by a team of medical experts, ensuring up-to-date and evidence-based guidance on a wide array of health topics, conditions, and treatments.
Navigation on the Mayo Clinic website is user-friendly, with a well-organized layout that allows visitors to easily find the information they need. Topics span various medical specialties, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and more, catering to a broad audience with diverse healthcare interests.
In summary, the Mayo Clinic information website is a valuable online resource that delivers trustworthy healthcare information. With its commitment to accuracy, user-friendly interface, and comprehensive coverage of medical topics, it serves as a go-to destination for those seeking reliable health guidance and education.
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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 via the Internet provided you have the proper accessing credentials which are availabe through your X-ray service office. Remember because these results are your personal information you have a right to it.
Your X-ray service can provide you with Internet access to your X-ray results. Request that they give you “Patient Portal Access Details” whereby you can access and view your x-ray information conveniently, privately and when you want. This is a useful service if you want to examine, review and study your xray information yourself.
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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 patients to access their electronic health records securely over the internet, such information as lab results, medications, allergies, and past medical history. - Appointment Scheduling
Patients can use MyChart to request and schedule appointments with their healthcare providers. - Secure Messaging
The platform enables secure communication between patients and their healthcare teams allowing patients to ask questions, request prescription refills, or seek advice from their healthcare providers. - Prescription Management
MyChart offers prescription refill requests and the ability to view current medication lists, dosages, and instructions. It helps patients stay informed about their medications, simplifies the refill process and makes explaining or describing your current medications to a healthcare person easy, practical and efficient. - Test Results
Patients can access their test results through MyChart as soon as they are available, allowing for quicker feedback and reducing the anxiety associated with waiting for results. - Health Reminders
The platform provides automated reminders for upcoming appointments, recommended screenings, and immunizations, helping patients stay on top of their healthcare needs. - Billing and Payment
Patients can view and pay their medical bills online through MyChart, making it convenient to manage healthcare expenses. - Health Education
MyChart often includes educational resources and information tailored to a patient’s specific medical conditions, promoting health literacy and self-care. - Proxy Access
Parents or legal guardians can use MyChart to manage the healthcare of their children or dependents, ensuring they stay up-to-date on appointments and medical information. - Mobile Access
MyChart is typically available as a mobile app, making it even more convenient for patients to access their health information and communicate with their healthcare providers from anywhere.
In summary
MyChart by Epic is a patient-centred digital platform that empowers individuals to take an active role in their healthcare management. It enhances communication between patients and healthcare providers, provides convenient access to medical records, and offers a range of features that improve the overall healthcare experience for patients.
Partner Hospitals
Campbellford Memorial Hospital
Haliburton Highlands Health Services
Lakeridge Health
Northumberland Hills Hospital
Peterborough Regional Health Centre
Ross Memorial Hospital
Scarborough Health Network
Signing up to MyCharts
You can sign up for MyChart by:
- Asking a member of your healthcare team to send you an email or text with the link to complete sign up, or
- Using the activation code included on the After Visit Summary provided by a member of your healthcare team. or
- Signing up on the log in page found at https://mychart.ourepic.ca.
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PICKERING: *** Mayor Ashe message “Back to School” ***
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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 preservation, of culture, and activities for all ages and abilities to the residents of Rougemount, staffed by a volunteer group of neighbours helping to bring everyone together. The association is in the early stages of development and establishment, so more information will be forthcoming soon, along with an announcement regarding the formal launching of the RCRA.
___________________________________Peggy Bowie
__________________________________pegbowie@rogers.com
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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 friends with whom I associate and all the action that percolates around me. Life is a joy even when it has its trials and tribulations. [I say thanks to so and so, and another one, and another….I don’t name the names as I am too afraid to miss someone…and there are so many to thank…so thank you all…you make life worth living.]
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POLITICS: Wine and cheese with Conservative’s past leader ANDREW SCHEER
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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 back in my earlier days.” The young clerk responded, “That’s our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment for future generations.”
She was right — our generation didn’t have the green thing in its day.
Back then…
We returned milk bottles, soda bottles, and beer bottles to the store which sent them back to the plant to be washed sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were truly recycled. But we didn’t have the green thing back in our day.
Grocery stores bagged our groceries in brown paper bags which we reused for numerous things, The most memorable besides household garbage bags was the use of brown paper bags as book covers for our schoolbooks. This was to ensure that public property, (the books provided for our use by the school) was not defaced by our scribbling. Then we were able to personalize our books on the brown paper bags. But too bad we didn’t do the green thing back then.
We walked upstairs because we didn’t have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks. But she was right. We didn’t have the green thing in our day.
Back then, we washed the baby’s diapers because we didn’t have the throwaway kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy-gobbling machine burning up 220 volts — wind and solar power really did dry our clothes back in our early days. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that young lady is right; we didn’t have the green thing back in our day.
Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house — not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us.
When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded-up old newspapers to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.
Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. But she’s right; we didn’t have the green thing back then.
We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades with a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. But we didn’t have the green thing back then.
Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 23,000 miles out in space to find the nearest burger joint.
But isn’t it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn’t have the green thing back then?
Please forward this to another selfish old person who needs a lesson in conservation from a smart-ass young person.
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SUNSHINE 04: Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt !
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SUNSHINE 03: Yer gonna sing too ! (Lyrics included)
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SZPIN: SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER, “The SZPINNER”
newsletter is a community service project aiming to help people and keep them informed.
I research information, news, and helpful advice and publish this material for the benefit of site visitors and newsletter readers.
I invite you to subscribe to the newsletter for a small donation of just $5.
Send an $5 by Interac to zippyonego@gmail.com
Donors will receive the monthly issues of the newsletter automatically for a full year. I thank every donor most sincerely.
If you already are a donor subscriber, thank you very much for your support.
Thank you.
Richard
Posted in .COOKz, .PICKERING, .POLITICS, .SAVVY SHOPPER, .SENIORS, .THOUGHTs, .WRITING OFFICE, CATEGORY BOARD
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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 are stepping on and overlooking obstacles that can lead to a fall. Find an optometrist and consult with the professional who will monitor your vision as you age. - HEARING
The ears play a very important role in maintaining balance. There are features in the ear canal that help one maintain balance. Hence it is important to have hearing checked by your doctor on a recommended regular basis. Some people are prone to was buildup in their ears, a problem that a doctor can easily rectify in minutes. Ear drums lose their elasticity with age leading to deafness. Again, consulting with a professional is vital hear as hearing problems can cause balance issues. - POSTURE
As we age, we tend to slouch more and more to detrimentally affecting the spine. Make an effort to stand tall, stand straight as if a string is pulling you up by the head. Slouching will weaken back muscles, cause increased stress on joints and generate more pain in one’s back, hips and knees. An exercise for checking your posture is to stand backwards against a wall, hips touching the wall, feet a little away from it. Now, lean backward so the shoulder blades touch the wall. Can you make your head touch the wall too? - NUMBNESS (NEUROPATHY) IN THE FEET
People with numbness in the feet need to be especially careful with balance issues. Proper shoes may help. Consulting with a professional physiotherapist is something to consider to deal with neuropathy and proprioception (awareness and movement of the body.) An exercise to help with balance is to stand backwards in a corner with a chair in front of you as a safeguard. Add to the exercise by lifting each leg for a count of 3 or more, lifting as high as you easily can. Do this 3-4 times a week. Do this exercise on a cushion to develop ankle strength. - STRENGTHEN YOU LEGS
See the video - CHALLENGE YOUR BALANCE
Walk on uneven grassy terrain or trails, with a walking stick for added safety. Walking on trails is demanding of your ankles and balance. - SIDESTEPPIING EXERCISE
a) With a can or walking stick, do sidesteps for about 5-6 feet.
b) March forward and backward with exaggerate lifting of the knees
c) grapevine karaoke criss cross sidesteps: front step sideways in front of the base foot, alter feet, repeat but step behind….so it is a cross sidestop front, then back for about 6 feet.
d) heel-toe walk a tightrope, step forward about 10 steps, then go backwards. Be sure you heel touches your toes as you step.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ooiy5DxAPfg
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KITCHEN TIP: Save the environment when snipping corner of milk bag
CUT THE BAG THIS WAY, not all the way
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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 and will be banned from sale in Canada. So either stock up now or learn about the alternative product.
Click –> BABY OIL
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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 brakes, use of seat belts. It is much more invasive than you think when it can determine things like your gender, and your weight. The car manufacturers can sell ff this information or just use it to their advantage or the benefit of a third party like an insurance company. Drive your car with this in mind, it hears you and may even see you if you have a vehicular camera installed.
- Car data privacy issues
Mozilla’s “Privacy Not Included” project found that every major car brand fails to adhere to the most basic privacy and security standards in new internet-connected models. All 25 of the brands Mozilla examined flunked the organization’s test. - Types of data collected
Mozilla found that car brands collect data about drivers including race, facial expressions, weight, health information, and where you drive. Some of the cars tested collected data you wouldn’t expect your car to know about, such as details about sexual activity, race, and immigration status. - Data sharing and selling practices
Mozilla said that many car brands share and sell data to data brokers, law enforcement, and other third parties. Nissan, for example, reserves the right to share and sell “preferences, characteristics, psychological trends, predispositions, behavior, attitudes, intelligence, abilities, and aptitudes” to third parties. - Privacy washing and consent problems
Mozilla also found that many car brands engage in “privacy washing,” or presenting consumers with information that suggests they don’t have to worry about privacy issues when the exact opposite is true. Many car brands also say it’s the driver’s responsibility to let passengers know about their car’s privacy policies.
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SUNSHINE 02: This choir singing their hearts out will put a little sunshine in your day
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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 2006. In her home country, Diana has published nine creative writing books and earned 14 literary awards. The winner of the 2020 Very Small Verse Contest of the League of Canadian Poets and a Pushcart Prize-nominee, her recent poetry was published in English and/or in translation in twelve countries, including the UK, the US, South Africa, China, France, Spain, and Canada.
Diana has also translated or co-translated seven poetry collections into/from English and with Adam J. Sorkin co-won 2nd prize in the 2018 John Dryden Translation Competition. She has as well independently translated from/into English numerous poems and three docudramas about the rights of Roma women in Romania for the Independent Theater Hungary and Women for the Future Association in Budapest, Hungary, for the anthologies Roma Heroes (2019 and 2021). Praying to a Landed-Immigrant God / Rugându-mă la un Dumnezeu emigrant is her seventh collection of poems and her first book published in Canada.
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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 to assist them with their sidewalk snow-clearing responsibilities, and access to their homes.
New this year: We have introduced program changes to allow for increased participation for those in need.
Please visit pickering.ca/SnowProgram to view our updated program or contact our Customer Care Centre for details.
Program Highlights:
- The program fee is based on your taxable income and fee schedule is available online.
- Program accommodates 750 households; including the hamlets of Brougham, Claremont, Greenwood & Whitevale.
- Applicants with proof of permanent physical or cognitive disability will be given priority.
- Completed applications can be provided in person or by mail, with all supporting documentation, including a cheque, post-dated to October 13, 2023, and made payable to the City of Pickering, in time to meet the registration deadline of October 13, 2023.
Contact Customer Care: 905.683.7575 customercare@pickering.ca
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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 the guest of honour, shared her stage limelight with a number of fellow authors who read poetry in a numerous languages besides English. Romanian, of course, but also in French, German, Persian, Russian, and Spanish.
Manone Bio –> BIO
The Event
Authors and artists read poetry at the Manole’s book launch:
Anabelle Aguilar Brealey read the Spanish version. [Seated: Madame Consul Oana Raluca Gherghe]
Tania Samsonova translated my poem into Russian.
Sheida Shahramian, Iranian theatre artist, read the Persian version of the poem.
The French version was read by Dr. Crina Bud, York University.
Milena Munteanu, writer and journalist of Romanian origin, shared her impressions about the book.
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PICKERING: Councillor Robinson critical of mayors’ strong powers policy (METROLAND NEWS)
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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, Nora Loreto, who is covering the party convention for The Maple. Worse than being denied media accreditation, she was threatened with “jail” by a Conservative Party staffer if she tried to interview Conservative delegates.
That didn’t stop her, her first story Pierre Poilievre’s first Conservative Party convention as leader is below.
_______________________
Thousands of Conservative delegates are meeting in Quebec City for the first time in person since 2018.
The convention kicked off on Thursday evening with a speech from leader Pierre Poilievre and rumours that a gymnast would repel from the rafters of Quebec City’s convention centre.
The Conservative Party’s director of communications, Sarah Fischer, denied media accreditation to The Maple and refused to provide a reason for that decision, despite multiple requests for an explanation. Others not denied.
However, Loreto spoke with Conservative Party delegates as they entered the convention, despite being threatened with jail by a security staffer for doing so.
Eric Wen
president of the Conservative Mississauga East-Cooksville
Eric Wen, president of the Conservative Mississauga East-Cooksville riding association, told The Maple that he hoped Poilievre would energize the crowd. Wen, flanked by other delegates, emphasized that he felt this was important. Fellow delegates Grace Adamu and Adeyemi Adesina agreed.
“We need to prepare for the next election,” said Adesina, who added that setting the agenda and preparations for the next election were his top priorities.
Edward Helder, a longtime Conservative Party member, told The Maple that he hoped the party would remain a big tent, committed to bringing together all conservatives with a clear and focused message.
“[Poilievre] has to learn to ignore the mainstream press and not pretend to be something that he isn’t,” said Helder.
Strange info: media bias
The Maple found that between 1980 and 2021, 56% of mainstream newspaper election endorsements were made in favour of conservative parties.
A younger delegate from southwestern Ontario, who asked that his name be withheld, said he was most excited to see the convention build momentum for the Conservatives. This energy, he said, is attracting young people to the party. That trend was reflected in an Abacus poll, 40% of millennials would vote for Poilievre’s Conservatives. The NDP was in second place, 24% per cent of millennials.
Quebec City resident and delegate for the riding of Beauport-Limoilou, Marc-Antoine Dumas, said he thinks the key to victory is for the party and Poilievre to “stay true” to themselves. “People will respond to a true message that is consistent. Mr. Poilievre is not one to switch opinions; if he stays true to himself, he will connect with voters,” said Dumas.
O’Toole A Point Of Contrast
Former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole loomed large over the leadership question, as all but one person The Maple interviewed mentioned how different they thought Poilievre was to O’Toole, especially in terms of what they regarded as authenticity.
The last convention was held online in 2021, months after the party had elected O’Toole as leader. Dumas thought that O’Toole’s position on gun control specifically was a problem, as he changed his position during the snap federal election campaign, making it harder for voters to trust what he was saying.
For the delegate from southwestern Ontario, O’Toole backtracked too often as leader. The delegate, aged 22, said that ever since he could vote, he has cast a ballot for all three major parties.
The delegate explained that his priorities were “affordability, housing and the ability to secure financial independence from government corporations,” but didn’t point specifically to a party policy that he believed would help fix the affordability crisis.
The delegate was impressed that Poilievre has sidestepped what he called “culture war” questions. “I don’t think that’s productive,” he said, explaining that when politics descend into what is typical on an online message board, nothing good comes of it.
A Language Barrier?
When asked how he thinks Poilievre can grow the party’s support in Quebec, Dumas lamented the language barrier that he believes creates a gap between how the Conservatives are covered in English and French media.
After “years of constant bashing the party in mainstream [French] media,” Dumas thought that Quebecers were at a disadvantage in hearing the Conservative message when compared with the way it is reported in English. “I talk to people about economic and social issues [expressed by the Conservatives] and they say, ‘yeah, I like that.’ But they vote Bloc even if the Bloc is against these same issues.”
Both the delegate from southwestern Ontario and Dumas claimed that abortion is a topic that’s used as a distraction, as they believe the issue is settled. Even though there are people in the Conservative Party who oppose abortion, Dumas said, “no one is going back on that.”
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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 they also threatened the reporting team with jail if it interviewed Conservative delegates to the convention.
An invitation to the Conservative Party
We invite the Conservative Party to explain this story more fully because what The Maple has published online sure smells of a denial of Canadian rights and a violation of free press freedoms.
Read the full story at CONSERVATIVE GAGGING PRESS
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PICKERING: Councillor Robinson saddened by Ford government’s Greenbelt policy
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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 my life, and that, in 30 or 40 years, I’ll be dead.”
When Toronto native Peter Attia was working as a surgical resident at Johns Hopkins, he was haunted by a very specific stress dream: he’d see himself frantically running around a city sidewalk, trying to catch eggs that were falling from the sky. Many times, they’d splatter on the pavement—and all over his scrubs. Attia, who was training to be a cancer surgeon, later realized the eggs symbolized patients, people whose disease had advanced too far to treat.
That helplessness caused Attia to quit medicine for a time, eventually returning to practice armed with a fresh idea he called “Medicine 3.0”—a visionary approach to health care that manages disease before it starts, using a combo of exercise, nutrition, sleep, the occasional supplement and emotional wellness. It’s also the thesis of Outlive, his new, wildly popular, death-defying book.
Between Early Medical, his Austin-based clinic (where he’s treated several members of the Marvel Cinematic Universe) and The Peter Attia Drive (his podcast, downloaded 75 million times), Attia is widely regarded as a rare credible voice in an easy fix–filled health climate, one packed with rapidly aging boomers way more likely to see Dr. Google before their own GP. But Attia’s biggest selling point is, perhaps, his vulnerability. As a physician, he can prevent the worst. As a man, he knows all too well that he’s fallible.
Outlive is about prolonging life and, by extension, delaying death. How much of your work is rooted in a fear of your own mortality? Let’s start off with something light and fun.
Today, I don’t think about that nearly as much as I do about maximizing quality of life, but when I started working on the longevity problem a decade ago, not dying was my only motivation.
Relatable, but what were/ you outrunning?
Subconsciously, at least, I knew I wasn’t living a great life and that I needed more runway to make things right. I was in a chronic state of anger and detachment and not being a great dad or husband. Most of my energy was focused on achievement, rather than who I was. People like that are difficult to be around.
I’m sure many people look at you like, “Here’s an ex-surgeon who wears tight tees and eats his perfectly portioned steamed chicken and greens every day. Peter Attia has it all together!” It would be quite easy to be annoyed by your seeming infallibility if you weren’t so candid about your struggles, like work obsession, self-loathing and a stint in outpatient rehab initiated by a serious ultimatum from your wife. Is it hard to talk about these less-than-optimal moments when your job is optimization?
They’re not easy to talk about in general, but you can discuss your issues without just saying, “These are my immutable characteristics, so deal with it”—which, by the way, is all I did for many years. One of the big drawbacks of being a perfectionist is that you’re less likely to try to do something hard, like change.
So you’re a self-diagnosed perfectionist?
Oh, absolutely.
That’s an advantage, in a way, because some of your patients are literal superheroes. Hugh Jackman has said he trusts you with his life, and you ran the genetic test that revealed Chris Hemsworth’s predisposition for Alzheimer’s, which prompted him to go on hiatus. How are you processing the transition from regular doctor to celebrity-doctor-guru?
Sometimes people say “celebrity doctor” as a compliment and other times, it’s disparaging, though I’m not taking what you said that way. The fame part just doesn’t register. Chris and Hugh are patients like everyone else. Everybody bleeds the same way and everybody’s gonna die. Heart disease doesn’t care how famous you are.
You’ve spoken about the fact that you descend from a line of men who dropped dead in their 40s and 50s—mostly from heart disease. At 50, you’re almost out of the danger zone. Do you feel like you can relax a bit?
I had the advantage of knowing what drives the pathology of the disease that wreaked havoc on our family. Those other men didn’t. Plus, I figured it out at 35, so I took the necessary steps to reduce my risk. It might sound ridiculous, but cardiovascular disease isn’t even on my radar anymore. I’m far more worried about cancer or dying in a car accident.
Outlive’s success is a testament to the universality of those worries—the book has hovered atop the bestseller lists for months. I told five people I was interviewing you, and all of them used words like “love” or “obsessed.”
No one said they hated me! That’s awesome.
It seems like anybody can get famous via a podcast these days, but not all podcasters have an MD from Stanford. Your shows are heavily fact-based and granular—one episode is just a deep dive on olive oil. Are you ever frustrated with how casually your podcasting peers seem to push unregulated health products, like supplements?
The signal-to-noise ratio in the wellness industry is quite low. The supplement industry, in particular, is very predatory. And in the podcasting space, conflicts of interest are almost never disclosed, and content producers create their own ads. When it came time to monetize The Drive, we decided to sell access using a subscription model. I also have a page on my website that lists any companies I invest in. I’d like it if no podcaster ever spoke about anything without saying, “I’m getting paid to talk about this.”
You’ve experimented with health trends yourself. Have you ever been taken in by a fad that you later found out was bunk?
About 10 years ago, I became very interested in synthetic ketones, which are fat-burning dietary supplements. At the time, they weren’t commercially available. I had to get them made in a lab. They were incredibly expensive and bad-tasting—like drinking jet fuel. They’re not bunk, but they don’t appeal to me. I’ve also tested apple cider vinegar while hooked up to a continuous glucose monitor. It’s not worth the hassle.
If you’re someone who wants to stave off death, you’ve never had more options with which to biohack yourself: step trackers; bespoke, mail-order probiotics; spitting into a tube and sending it off to 23andMe. What’s worth the hassle, and what’s just…capitalism?
The question is: do people really think that, by spitting in that tube or taking a probiotic, they’re buying immortality? A lot of the time, it’s just, “I don’t have control over the big thing—which is how my life is going—so I’ll fixate on this thing I can control.” What we’re witnessing is a culture of distractibility—or taking supplements—instead of doing what is, hands down, the most potent behavioural modification that impacts the length and quality of your life: exercise.
I was worried you’d say that. What do you do for exercise?
I’m happy to tell you, but I don’t want someone who’s reading this to think, If I’m not doing what Peter’s doing, there’s no point. I also don’t want people to say, “Well, Peter does this. He’s a bit of a psycho.”
…what is “this”?
I probably spend 14 hours a week riding my bike, doing strength training, stability training and rucking—that’s walking while carrying heavy weights on my back.
Do you at least bring your phone?
No. I also go out at the hottest time of day, which, in Austin, is around 4:30 p.m. The backpack weighs anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds. I’m not out there having a field day.
Do you derive a perverse joy from the difficulty of it?
The enjoyable part is the silence. I’m also getting the psychological benefit of doing something challenging. When I’m done, I jump into a tub of freezing cold water for six or seven minutes.
Sounds delightful.
I always want a reminder of how good I have it; being really uncomfortable every day is a great way to get that. Living in Canada or the U.S.? Being affluent? Educated? Always having food? Nobody’s trying to kill us? 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 my life, and that, in 30 or 40 years, I’ll be dead.
Okay, but recently, on the American Optimist podcast, you said you “wouldn’t want to live in Canada if your life depended on it,” because you can’t get anything done in our health-care system. I might have reacted more defensively to that comment a few years ago, but less so now. Are you ever tempted to move back and try to fix things?
No. I’ve been in the U.S. for more than half my life now. The U.S. and Canada each do something exceptionally well that the other does horribly. The U.S. is optimized for quality. There’s a reason that every single person with means comes to the States when they want the best care. But it’s an unforgivable sin that some American citizens will go bankrupt to afford treatment. (That’s the Canadian in me.) In Canada, we optimized access: nobody gets health care all that fast, but when we do, we keep costs low. And the care is really good.
So what’s the fix?
It’s frustrating that we can’t come up with a hybrid system. When I see my brother, who lives in Toronto, having to fly outside of Canada to get a procedure done—one that I could get done here within a day—there’s a problem.
After your parents emigrated from Egypt to Toronto, your dad worked as a stockbroker by day and ran a Middle Eastern restaurant in the city’s suburbs by night. I know you don’t believe genes seal our fate, but you’ve clearly got his work ethic. Do you see your dad’s ambition as a cautionary tale or in a gentler light?
I feel an amazing amount of empathy for him. After my dad got here, there was a whole side of his life that he never got to develop. He didn’t have hobbies—or friends, really. Think about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: he was in work mode. I have the privilege of climbing higher on that pyramid than he did. I could say, “Boy, I wish he spent more time with us,” but without him, I wouldn’t be where I am.
The time you weren’t spending with your dad, you spent boxing. You were actually training to go pro as a teen. How much energy were you spending in the gym?
A comical amount. From Grade 8 on, I’d wake up every morning at 4:30, run up to 13 miles, then skip and lift weights at the gym near my high school. I’d eat breakfast during class. At night: sparring and suitcase jumps. I only ever missed a day.
But, Peter: Why?
Working hard was the first thing I identified that I could do better than anyone else. I had to be first in my class, then the best surgeon. That said, I’d be very concerned if I saw my kids behaving like I did.
Did they inherit your affinity for exercise, or are they just into Roblox and those pre-wrapped PB&J sandwiches I see on TikTok?
My daughter is 15 and loves volleyball, but she probably loves Taylor Swift more. My boys, though, are obsessed with trying to show me how strong they are. I want exercise to be fun for them, not an obligation.
On fun: do you have a favourite vice?
I love junk food. I wish I could say I was discerning, like, “There’s this one brand of carrot cake,” but I love all carrot cakes! But what do I need to be careful of? Online shopping. When the packages start showing up, my wife is like, “Okay, what are you numbing?” I’m out of control with Lego.
You also have a vegetable garden, which is more work than leisure, I guess. Any big produce success stories?
Truthfully, most of my effort is spent on figuring out ways to keep a certain squirrel from eating all my tomatoes. I hope I can do it without shooting him. My kids won’t let me, but believe me, I’m tempted.
…which brings us back to death. You talk quite often about the “marginal decade,” or the last decade of life, and work with your patients to create a health plan to make sure they can perform specific tasks in their twilight years. What’s on your bucket list? Seeing a mountain? Another Chris Hemsworth movie?
I always want to be able to put on my underwear, shorts and pants while standing. I want to be able to pick up a child—say, a 30-pound grandchild—off the floor. I recently worked out with Arnold Schwarzenegger at Gold’s Gym. He’s 76 years old and he’s going to pump iron for the rest of his life. That’s important to me, too.
And travel?
I’m making sure I don’t leave things till the end. I also want to be able to carry my own luggage. Even if there’s an escalator, I’d rather take the stairs.
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 mistaken for less serious conditions. - Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the commonly misdiagnosed symptoms of a heart attack. - Shortness
Shortness of breath is another symptom that can be mistaken for other respiratory issues. - Nausea
Nausea is a symptom that is often attributed to digestive problems rather than a heart attack. - Pain in the jaw, neck, or back
Pain in the jaw, neck, or back can also be a sign of a heart attack but is frequently misdiagnosed.
- Increased awareness and education about these lesser-known symptoms are essential to prevent misdiagnosis.
- Women may experience different heart attack symptoms compared to men, leading to potential misdiagnosis.
- Misdiagnosis of heart attack symptoms can lead to delayed treatment and worse outcomes for patients.
- Healthcare professionals should be trained to recognize and differentiate between various heart attack symptoms.
- Patients should be proactive in communicating their symptoms and advocating for proper evaluation.
Early intervention and treatment for heart attacks can significantly improve patient outcomes.
For the the full article, click heart attack
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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 construction exists in abundance outside the Greenbelt;
- Ford is lying constantly in communications with the public
- Ford government should be investigated by the RCMP for criminal activities
- STOP SPRAWL DURHAM: media release, 9-5-23
- STOP SPRAWL DURHAM: LINK
- STOP SPRAWL DURHAM: email
Some success: Victory
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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 by a number of successful swings at the bat:
- RUN #1
When Amato resigned, SSD should have seen they were more than just succeeding. Though Ontario has no political venue for ousting an incompetent or irresponsible politician, SSD slammed one deep into center-field with this swing. - RUN #2
Then SSD hit a blast, a TRIPLE, Steve Clark resigned. Voters see Ford is on the ropes to mix metaphors. They’ve got Doggie Ford goin’ down baby! He’s hit the canvas and they should recognize it. SSD keeps scoring and it remains at bat with none out.Bowwow Ford is taking the full count with his ‘acknowledging the possibility‘ his government made mistakes which he will now rectify by reversing or resetting policies. Bravo, another run.
- SSD is up at bat, again
Strike one: read the press release. The first run but the press release is no power swing. It’s a skittered foul shot that does nothing.
Strke two: whoosh…the SSD blinked, swish air when it makes it sound like this is the end of the inning, their happy, they’ll accept his offer and settle for less with the promised policy change by Bowwow. The guy is the personification of that southern liar supremo, T**** and SSD whooshes in its demand for ‘return and restoration.’Here comes the pitch….
SSD has the opportunity of blasting one out of the park with the bases loaded but it means donning the Babe’s mantle and aiming for the stands. Don the political cape of working for the people rather than just the GreenBelt people. Swing for the fences and get this liar out of office. The Sprawl campaign seemed mountainous and unattainable and here you are hitting runs like there’s no tomorrow. Now blast one right out of the park, Queen’s Park. Go after the bully, go after bowwow…cock that bat, ready it for the smash home run…Bowwow calls an election even though he has the majority….oh…ye of little hope…go after him….big time, big way, BIG HIT !
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POLITICS: Stop Sprawl Durham press release
[pdf-embedder url=”http://www.szpin.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Sept-5-Greenbelt-Media-Release-.pdf” title=”Sept 5 Greenbelt Media 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!
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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 smug, Canadians have a lot to think about too. But read his prayer and consider the many aspects to which he draws attention. Quite the kid !
The Lord’s Prayer is not allowed in most U.S. Public schools any more. A kid in Minnesota wrote the following NEW School Prayer:
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd
If scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That’s no offense; it’s a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God’s name is prohibited by the State.
We’re allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They’ve outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the ‘unwed daddy,’ our Senior King
It’s ‘inappropriate’ to teach right from wrong.
We’re taught that such ‘judgments’ do not belong.
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.
It’s scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns, the school’s a mess
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen
If you aren’t ashamed to do this, Please pass this on. Jesus said, ‘If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father
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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 and recognition for its culinary content2. The website has a team of editors, writers, recipe developers, photographers, and contributors who are passionate and knowledgeable about food. They test and taste every recipe, review kitchen equipment and food products, and explore various topics related to food science, personal essays, and food histories. The website also seeks to create a welcoming and inclusive community of readers and foster lively conversations about food. The website is part of Dotdash Meredith, the largest digital and print publisher in America.
is a site by and for kitchen enthusiasts: cooks who will dedicate the weekend to a perfect beef bourguignon but love the simplicity of a slow-cooker rendition, too; bakers who labour over a showstopping 9-layer cake but will just as happily doctor boxed brownies for a decadent weeknight dessert; and entertainers who just want a solid snack spread without tons of dirty dishes at the end of the night. My go-to recipe site as it is one of the best on the Internet.
is a standard website for recipes, no extraordinary or unconventional recipes. Just simple, straightforward ones presented with text and videos by regular home cooks. The recipes are easy to duplicate and result in very good dishes your family and friends will enjoy. I have FOODTALK emails sent to my email inbox regularly for consideration and testing.
maybe the best recipe website: has won many awards for its ease-of- use, cooking guides to recipes and photography. I like it for many reasons: ease-of-recipes, setup configuration to your skill level and interests, automatic email connectivity, recipes that work well, excellent search tool, and convenient sidebar.
is another standard and conventional site for recipes. That’s not being critical of it. It is merely underlining that the site does what it should without a lot of fuss and sensationalism. What attracted me to this site was the author’s sincerity and honesty about cooking. Becky Hardin seems like a down-to-earth author and cook who presents a site whose recipes emphasize easy.
Of all the celebrity food sites, I like Ina Garten most. The barefoot contessa started her career as White House nuclear energy policy advisor. The leap to the kitchen was huge but very successful. She claims she was a nervous wreck every show she televised but it never showed. Her recipes are superb. One of my favourites is her lemon chicken, a recipe that makes chicken a delicious star.
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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 find in Canada
- cooking instructions are too difficult or too much work
- some skip beans (chili without beans is like a day without sunshine…just not right)
- I prefer chicken broth to beef broth
- must use hot peppers and Jalapenoes too
_____________________________________
I’m looking a chili recipe with simple ingredients that are easy too find, a recipe that is easy to prepare, tested, tasted and which your family really likes because it packs a wallop in flavour and taste. Spicey would be a bonus.
______________________________________
If you think you make a great chili, send me the recipe and I will publish it on my site giving you full credit. Please contact me if you are interested in submitting a recipe:
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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 neighbourhoods haven’t all disappeared. Some are still around…
Fiddlers Court – an old-time neighbourhood
On a recent Saturday, the weather gods blessed us with a beautiful day, the neighbourhood held a block party. Close to a hundred people attended. Relatives and friends of neighbourhood residents came from as far away as Columbia, South America. Now that’s what you call a far-reaching response to a party invitation when guests from thousands of miles away attend.
The grassy court at the foot of the street was turned into party central: mini-basketball hoops for the kids, a badminton net for the active adults, propane barbecues, benches and chairs, and tables laden with homemade potluck foods. Two neighbourhood guys, Steve and Darryl manned the bbq’s smokin’ up hot dogs, hamburgers and brats. Table foods went beyond just the basics with Robert’s homebaked pizza, Nadia’s 5-bean medley salad, Kathy’s Macedonian cookies converted to Canadian deliciousness and many other eatables satisfied the hunger pangs of neighbourhood attendees.
Music, played at a neighbourhood-acceptable reasonable volume, added to the atmosphere of fun and celebration. Name tags ensured that finally, ‘that unknown neighbour’ now had a name.
Everyone mingled and mixed to assure themselves that now they would know the name of that previously known-by-face-only neighbour.
A big thanks is due to the two neighbours who spearheaded the whole endeavour: Elisabeth Hazelton and Peggy Leung. A “neighbourhood thank you” is due to George also. He’s our resident one-man cleanup crew: every garbage day he walks through the entire neighbourhood and relocates the green bins and blue boxes from the curb to the homeowner’s garage door. George, thanks for doing that for us all.
Thank you neighbours, you make our neighbourhood one of the city’s THE BEST!
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The SZPINNER SEPT 2023 Newsletter
[pdf-embedder url=”http://www.szpin.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SEPT-Newsletter-2023.pdf” title=”SEPT Newsletter 2023″]
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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 olive oil daily can reduce the risk of dementia-related death by 28%.
- The study also suggests that replacing processed fats like margarine and mayonnaise with olive oil can further lower the risk of dementia mortality by 8% to 14%.
- The possible mechanisms behind olive oil’s benefits for brain health include its antioxidant properties and its positive impact on cardiovascular health.
- The article also mentions other health benefits of olive oil, such as reducing inflammation and inhibiting cancer cell growth, and recommends choosing extra virgin olive oil for the best quality.
If You Haven’t Switched to Olive Oil Yet, This Might Convince You
By Dr. Patricia Varacallo, thehealthy.com
A new Harvard study reinforces past data suggesting this Mediterranean mainstay is brilliant for your body—and now, your mind.
It’s one of the most versatile condiments: A base for sautées, a dip for bread, a salad dressing, even a popcorn oil. It’s also one of the healthiest: The utility and rich flavour of olive oil have graced dishes for centuries, heralded in recent decades for the oil’s heart-healthy advantages.
A preliminary study from the Harvard School of Public Health hints at the potential prowess of olive oil as a protective barrier against dementia. With global dementia rates rising as a large segment of the population ages, the role of olive oil in preserving cognitive health deserves a drop of inquiry.
The science behind olive oil and cognitive health
Dementia encompasses many conditions marked by severe impairments in thinking or memory. It’s estimated that nearly 750,000 Canadians suffer from some form of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, a relentless, progressive disease.
“With advances in modern medicine, many people are now outliving their brains,” remarks Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD, of the Cleveland Clinic, emphasizing the importance of brain health.
In summer 2023, Anne-Julie Tessier, PhD, RD, a nutrition postdoctoral fellow at Harvard, presented a preliminary study at the American Society of Nutrition’s annual conference in Boston that offers promising new insights in the fight against Alzheimer’s. The research suggests that consuming just over half a tablespoon of olive oil daily can reduce the risk of dementia-related death by an impressive 28%. “Our study reinforces dietary guidelines recommending vegetable oils such as olive oil,” Dr. Tessier stated in a press release. “These recommendations not only support heart health but potentially brain health, as well.”
Even more compelling is the evidence that replacing mere teaspoons of processed fats like margarine and commercial mayonnaise with olive oil cuts down the risk of dementia mortality by eight percent to 14%. Dr. Tessier added: “Opting for olive oil, a natural product, over these fats is a safe choice that may reduce the risk of fatal dementia.”
The science behind this powerful gift from nature
“Some antioxidant compounds in olive oil can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially having a direct effect on the brain,” Dr. Tessier explains. “It’s also possible that olive oil benefits brain health indirectly by benefiting cardiovascular health.”
Dr. Tessier noted that while the research suggests a link between olive oil and a reduced risk of dementia, it doesn’t conclusively prove this. Further in-depth studies, like randomized controlled trials, are required to verify these effects and to determine the best amount of olive oil to consume for maximum benefits.
That said, the connection appears promising. Another pivotal study from Harvard, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2022, spotlights olive oil’s protective nature. It not only aligns with Dr. Tessier’s deductions about dementia but also points to a broader range of benefits. This study illustrates how olive oil can mitigate the risks of premature death, especially from conditions like cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Echoing this sentiment, Marta Guasch-Ferré, PhD, an author of the study and Associate Professor of Nutrition at Harvard, stated: “Swapping animal fats with plant-based oils can be a key to preventing chronic ailments and extending lifespan.”
Embracing olive oil beyond cognitive benefits
The health benefits of olive oil spread far beyond brain health—it is credited with reducing chronic inflammation and might even inhibit cancer cell growth. Kirkpatrick compared olive oil with antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries and broccoli: “Olive oil tends to have a very high capacity of antioxidants,” she emphasized, highlighting its potential in cancer prevention.
If you’re eager to incorporate more of this liquid gold into your diet, Kirkpatrick suggests a daily intake of one to three tablespoons, highlighting its versatility: Spritz olive oil on toast or drizzle it over a salad—but note that olive oils are not created equally. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best health benefits. Stored in a dark bottle, it should be tightly sealed after opening. Light and air can compromise the taste and quality of extra-virgin olive oil.
[The introduction of this article was created by AI.]
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 Greenbelt removals. Your December 5 resolution last year gave the impression that the Pickering Council unanimously opposed the urbanization of the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve. Mayor Ashe’s recent statement indicates that the Council would support development if certain conditions are met. Which is it?
In support of building on the Greenbelt
On November 16, 2022, without consultation with you, Mayor-elect Kevin Ashe sent a letter to Minister Steve Clark stating that the City is in favour of building on the Greenbelt/DRAP lands and reaffirming previous letters from former Mayor Ryan to Minister Clark on November 14, 2022, and February 7, 2019.
Opposed to building on the Greenbelt
However, on December 5, 2022, your first meeting as a new council, you unanimously opposed development in DRAP and the Greenbelt removals by stripping out supportive language from a staff report destined for Minister Clark’s desk. How can it be that Premier Ford and Minister Clark are relying on Mayor Ashe’s letter, and Mayor Ryan’s letters from November, when the last word on this was the unanimous position of Council on December 5?
Continued opposition to building on the Greenbelt
Community members have repeatedly asked for Ashe to retract the Mayors’ previous letters because it is the position of this new council (and this new Durham Regional Council) that development should not happen in the Greenbelt carveouts and DRAP area, and the lands must be returned to the Greenbelt.
Clear up the confusion
In light of the Auditor General‘s report that reveals unscrupulous influence over this whole process, the Ontario Integrity Commissioner’s ongoing inquiry, a potential RCMP investigation, and the resignation of Minister Clark’s Chief of Staff, it is long overdue for you to clear up the confusion about Pickering’s position on DRAP.
Confused action needs clarification
On the official record, this Council is opposed to the urbanization of DRAP, yet still continues to participate in activities and negotiations that appear to further incursions into the area. Consider whether you want to be seen as giving the Ford government political cover for this egregious plan that your residents are adamantly opposed to.
Fear Ashe will invoke “Strong Mayor” power to negate Council
This community is also deeply concerned about the likelihood of seeing Mayor Ashe use “Strong Mayor” powers to overrule the will of this Council on DRAP. It would need the collaboration of at least two councillors. Will those two councillors be prepared to bear the political fallout stemming from propping up a “strong mayor”?
Hamilton opposes Greenbelt building
Pickering Council may be interested to know that Hamilton City Council unanimously passed a motion on Friday, August 18, asking for the Province of Ontario to abandon its plan to develop the Greenbelt.
Pickering residents have been asking for, and are now expecting, a similar motion from the Council. Your September 5th Executive Committee meeting is ideal timing to bring this new motion forward.
Greenbelt development is NOT needed
We know you understand that the DRAP lands are the most significant Greenbelt carveouts in the province. You can also see that Pickering is already well ahead in achieving provincial housing targets, and these lands are not needed to advance supply and improve affordability. We also expect you’ve noticed that this chaotic affair is diverting scarce city resources from essential projects. What is the toll of this uproar on you and your ability to plan and deliver much-needed community benefits to those who have been patiently waiting? When will the full potential of Seaton be realized if the tight timelines of DRAP development sabotage the City’s (and Region’s) plans for a complete and sustainable community as promised?
The situation is confusing and chaotic
The Auditor General’s report was damning, Pickering voters are outraged, and this debacle will not be forgotten during the next municipal election. Who among you will take a clear stand against provincial decisions and demonstrate leadership on this local threat? Who will defend DRAP and initiate the new Greenbelt motion on September 5th before it’s too late?
Thank you,
Stop Sprawl Durham
Rouge Duffins Greenspace Coalition
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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 (TTC) buses are temporarily joining the Durham Region Transit (DRT) fleet.
The TTC has generously supported the DRT’s efforts to implement its September service updates following the fire at the Oshawa bus depot by loaning DRT 10 buses. The buses remain branded as TTC buses, but may include decals or other temporary markings to identify them as DRT buses.
All route numbers remain unchanged and will be displayed on bus destination signs.
The TTC buses will only be used on routes that operate within the Region of Durham, ensuring DRT can deliver their commitment to customers to implement much anticipated service enhancements starting September 5, 2023 as demand will increase with return to school and work for many.
When
DRT customers will see TTC buses on some DRT routes operating within the Region of Durham beginning September 5, 2023, as DRT remains committed to its September service updates.
Where
The TTC buses will be located at the Westney bus depot in Ajax and will service Durham Region routes only.
Why
DRT lost 19 buses due to a fire on August 16, 2023, at the 710 Raleigh bus garage in Oshawa.
The 10 TTC buses are a key component to implementing the scheduled September service updates. These service updates include schedule changes and service enhancements to reflect the return to school and work following summer vacation, changes to some bus stops, and new service.
Transit agencies across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) reached out to DRT immediately after the fire to offer their assistance. The TTC’s support during this challenging time is a testament to the strong partnership among transit agencies in supporting public transit travel across the GTHA.
__________________________________________
Source: Regional Councillor Maurice Brenner
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$AVE: SAVE $$$$ on your hotels and restaurant travel expenses
Money saving travel advice travel
Szpinner Hotel Reservation system
Hotels and restaurants take the biggest bite out of your travel bucks but savings can be had with your accommodation expenses.
Do not use Third Party Booking networks
Using third-party booking networks such as Expedia, TripAdvisor, Hotels.com may be convenient and easy but it is going to cost you. Each of these booking systems adds a bit to your hotel expense by adding a surcharge to the hotel price. Each system increases the hotel price a little by adding their commission to the hotel rate.
Avoid use of Expedia, TripAdvisor, Hotels.com, etc
Instead of using one of these kinds of networks, do an Internet search for “Hotels in a selected city.” The results will display a search listing of the hotels by name meeting your search criteria.
Choose a hotel in which you are interested and type its name and city in your search box to get its website. Find the website access and click it to get the phone number of the hotel.
Phone the hotel directly
Phone the hotel directly and negotiate with a live person. This is your opportunity of getting the accommodation you want at the best possible price. Take advantage of it. [ Our phone service provides free long-distance phone calling anywhere in North America making hotel long-distance phoning very cost-effective: free ]
The Szpinner system
With the biggest possible smile on your face, ask these questions:
- Best price for the accommodation you need?
- Availability of discounts: Seniors, CAA?
- Availability of breakfast…saves you spending extra money and inconvenience?
- Confirm your credit card information with the hotel
- Confirm the necessary person information: Name, address, phone, email
- Ask for an email confirmation of the transaction. Keep hotel on the phone till you receive the email confirmation
- Upon receipt of the email confirmation, save the email in whatever process you use to save emails.
- Print a hard copy of the hotel invoice/reservation to take with you on your trip.
The Szpinner system may not be as convenient as other booking systems but here are its benefits:
Dealing with live person
Error correction/elimination on the spot
No need to seek a refund
Best price
Best suitable accommodation
By using the above process, you can rest assured you will be getting the accommodation you want at the best possible price.
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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 your muscles toned. - Stretch.
As you grow older you grow stiffer. So, learn how to stretch. Every day I stretch every major area from my neck to my toes. And I stay flexible. - Stamina.
Get outside and walk, bike, swim, garden, play sports. Just get up and get moving. Rev up your heart a little so it will keep revving. - Sleep.
As in enough but not too much. Figure out how much that is for you and plan it in each night. For me 8 hours is perfect. Too much and I’m groggy. To little and I’m sleep walking. - Eat.
As in whole foods. Nutritious meals. Cut out the junk. Cut out the snacks because you’re bored. Seriously, learn about proper nutrition. Then follow it. Your body will thank you. - Read.
As in food labels. My rule is if I don’t know what an ingredient is or I can’t pronounce it I don’t put it in my body. And for the most part I only eat foods that don’t need ingredient labels. - Moderation.
Moderation in alcohol. Moderation in coffee and tea. Moderation in meals. Moderation in sweets. Moderation in everything is critical. A little might be ok. A lot isn’t. - Quit.
As in drugs. Ok, some of you might need a prescription drug. But the majority of seniors take way more than they really need. And they have side effects that make you feel crappy. - Consistency.
It’s easy to get motivated about getting fit and healthy. But then think, “It won’t hurt to skip today.” “That extra piece of cake will be ok.” And soon the exceptions are the rule. - Commitment.
Frankly, when you’re young you can not do all of the above and fake good health for a while. When you get older there is no faking it any longer. So, choose fitness every day.
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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 them cling to every bite.
You may want to try half and half first, half flour and half cornstarch. And then next time, just cornstarch alone.
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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 to their same-age peers who did not use the internet regularly even when considering differences for education, ethnicity, sex, generation, and signs of cognitive decline at the start of the study. Participants using the internet 6 minutes to 2 hours per day had the lowest risk of dementia. The study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Internet not problematic
Public discussions about internet use often revolve around problematic internet use, particularly among children and adolescents. Studies often link large amounts of time spent on the internet with various adverse conditions. However, the internet also forms the backbone of modern economy and entertainment. It provides lots of cognitively engaging content that is relatively easy to access.
Studies have shown that online engagement can make individuals more resilient against physiological damage to the brain that develops as people age. This can help older adults compensate for brain aging and reduce the risk of dementia.
Study details
Previous studies have shown that internet users tend to have better overall cognitive performance, verbal reasoning, and memory than non-users. However, most of these studies did not track changes over time or tracked them for very short periods. Thus, it could not be determined whether internet use helps maintain cognitive functioning or whether individuals with better cognitive functioning were more likely to use the internet.
Study author Gawon Cho and his colleagues wanted to examine:
- how the risk of developing dementia is associated with whether adults regularly use the internet;
- how this association changes over time and
- how the total period of internet use in late adulthood is associated with the risk of dementia;
- if there might be an adverse effect of excessive internet use (examining the risk of dementia and the daily number of hours spent on the internet).
They analyzed data from the Health and Retirement study, an ongoing survey of a nationally representative sample of U.S. older-age adults.
The study authors analyzed data of 18,154 participants, all born before 1966, aged 50 – 65 years. The follow period was 8 years but it went up to 17 years with some. Data were mostly collected between 2002 and 2018.
The study interviewed participants every second year about their internet usage:
- “Do you regularly use the World Wide Web or the Internet for e-mailing or for any other purposes such as purchases, searching for information, or travel arrangements?”).
- Additionally, participants were asked about their daily hours of internet usage.
Testing results
Results showed:
- 65% approx. of participants were regular Internet users
- 35% were non-regular users
- 21% changed their internet use habits during the study period
- 53% did not change them
- 26% remaining either dropped out, died during the follow-up period or developed dementia.
- 5% of participants developed dementia during the study period
- 8% died or experienced another event due to which they were excluded from further analysis.
Internet users vs. non-users
- Regular internet users at the start of the study had a 1.54% risk of developing dementia
- non-regular users of internet had 10.45% risk of developing dementia;
- Regular internet users had 57% risk compared to non-users
[adults who regularly used the internet experienced approximately half the risk of dementia than adults who did not]
The study, “Internet usage and the prospective risk of dementia: A population-based cohort study”, was authored by Gawon Cho, Rebecca A. Betensky, and Virginia W. Chang.
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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. It is a reminder that each of us take to heart. Every morning when you wake, appreciate you are living another day. Be grateful for the opportunity of enjoying another day, doing what you enjoy for another day.
Many people do not have that opportunity. Find whatever joy the day brings and enjoy it fully. It is the purpose of my website: helping people to smile each day, enjoy the sunshine of another day and appreciate that they have another day of living as happily as they can.
Fight the negatives, battle the pains and ignore the passing of time. Just live the fullest life you can.
Click the IMAGE and feel the music… and enjoy your day!
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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 the councillors, but asking them to pay back the monetary equivalent and remove the conflict of interest criticism.
Instead of ruling accordingly, the Integrity Commissioner adhered to the BBB rule indicating that there is not enough evidence to warrant an investigation. Hmm…rule: $500 limit, gifts received in 2023, ranged from $3,800 to $2,750. These gifts seem to exceed the rule limit.
But the Integrity Commissioner using the BBB rule, explains there is no evidence that warrants deeper investigation into this matter.
The question is “Is there a limit of $500?” If this commissioner cannot enforce this regulation, should this commissioner consider doing an ‘AMATO’ and resign?
“Tomahto, tomato” … anything here to look at? Can Pickering residents rest assured that they are being safeguarded and responsible government is insured with an Integrity Commissioner like Jeffrey Abrams?
This is a summary of the Integrity Commissioner’s report…
- Code of Conduct breach: Four Pickering Councillors accepted gifts from lobbyists that exceeded the $500 limit set by the City’s Code of Conduct, gifts were mainly Toronto Maple Leafs, and Toronto Raptors tickets and gala passes.
- Complaint by Anthony Yacub and response: Pickering resident Yacub filed a complaint against the councillors, asking them to pay back what they owe and remove the conflict of interest. The Integrity Commissioner said the breach was not egregious enough to warrant a full investigation, but suggested training and education to improve compliance and transparency.
- Lobbying practices and regulations: The document cites several reports and inquiries that highlight the dangers of influence peddling and the need for ethical standards and a lobbyist registry. It also spells out the responsibilities of both the lobbyists and the government officials to avoid using favours or benefits to acquire influence.
To read the full story by Glenn Hendry, CLICK —> 
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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 items or by going on a treasure hunt in participating communities to find some new-to-you items. It’s a fun way to help the environment while connecting with your community.
Reduce your household clutter
As we head into fall, Durham Region has come up with a way that will help to reduce our household clutter by helping others through a Regional-wide Curbside Giveaway.
Curbside Giveaway Day is a pilot project event organized in cooperation with the local area municipalities, where residents can place unwanted items in good condition—clearly marked as free—on their curb for anyone to pick up. At the end of the Giveaway Day, residents return unclaimed items to their homes.
When
Saturday, Sep 16, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. [Rain date: Sep 23]
Where
Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge and Whitby residents are encouraged to take part by placing their unwanted items, that may still be useful for others at the curb on Curbside Giveaway Day.
How to participate
Consider the full list of acceptable and unacceptable items.
- Mark all items “free” for giveaway and place them at the curb on Giveaway Day.
- Return unclaimed items to your home by 7 p.m. or donate to a charity, or a local thrift shop or post them on a free classifieds website such as Kijiji, Varage or Facebook Marketplace.
- Material left at the curb after the Curbside Giveaway Day will be subject to by-law enforcement.
Reminders
- Baby items such as car seats and cribs should not be placed at the curb for safety reasons.
- Remember to obey all traffic laws and to watch for children.
- Do not block traffic, sidewalks, or place items on the road.
- Do not trespass on other people’s property, block other people’s driveway or park illegally.
- Follow safe and sanitary practices when participating in a giveaway:
- Clean and disinfect items prior to the giveaway.
- Clothing or other fabric items should be laundered prior to the giveaway. We also recommend laundering any clothing you have acquired.
- For additional guidance: Facts for Garage Sale Vendors – Canada.ca.
For more details, visit durham.ca/CurbsideGiveaway.
For up-to-date information about Pickering: visit mauricebrenner.ca
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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 foods and alcohol in your diet. - Exercise regularly!
Any exercise is better than no exercise at all. Research shows that even walking can have beneficial impacts on cognitive function. Start with 5 min of daily brisk walking and work your way up to 30 min daily. - Get proper sleep!
Studies show that too little (<4 hours of sleep) or too much( >10 hours of sleep) can be linked with cognitive decline. Practice good sleep hygiene (e.g., limit screen time and large meals/alcohol before bed, following a regular bedtime routine, etc) to improve the quality of sleep. - Be social!
Look for opportunities to connect with friends, family and others particularly if living alone. Social isolation and loneliness have been associated with a negative impact on cognition. It’s important to stay socially connected. - Protect your heart!
What’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Monitor cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes. - Check your hearing!
Hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline and dementia. Have your hearing tested. There are free hearing tests available in many places. - Brush your teeth and floss!
Incredible as it may seem, poor oral health and tooth loss increase one’s risk of developing cognitive decline and dementia. - Live a life of purpose and meaning!
Research shows a life with purpose helps reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Find things that are meaningful to you and think of things that bring you joy. Examples include volunteering, trying new hobbies, and learning new skills. - Practice meditation and stress-reducing techniques!
Prior findings show a positive relationship with mindfulness interventions like meditation and cognitive health. If you’ve never meditated before, find apps on the Internet and start with 5 minutes of daily practice to get into the routine of quieting the mind to promote wellness in your life. - Quit smoking entirely!
Does anyone still smoke? More evidence shows that quitting smoking is beneficial for respiratory and cardiovascular reasons and also for preserving brain health.
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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
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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)
2 tbls extra virgin olive oil
2 medium sized garlic cloves, finely minced
10 fresh basil leaves, finely sliced
1 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
1 pinch of salt and pepper
1 baguette or Italian loaf for crostini slices
INSTRUCTIONS
- Slice the tomates in half, remove some of the seeds; dice the tomatoes;
- Add tomatoes, minced garlic, and olive oil to large bowl and stir well;
- Stack the basil leaves, roll them tightly, and finely slice. (you may have to do this in two batches). Add to the tomatoes in the bowl;
- Add the pinches of salt and pepper, allow to stand for hour or so; best served at room temperature
Crostini preparation
- Slice baguette or Italian bread into roughly 3 inch rounds;
- Toast in toaster oven until golden colour is as you like it;
- Place into a bread basket and allow to cool before serving.
To serve:
Spoon a generous amount on a crostini slice for serving
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POLITICS: * * * The CAR of Choice at Queen’s Park today * * *
It ain’t a Ford!
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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.
Right now Doggie’s plate is swamped:
- Green Belt controversy;
- Teachers’ bargaining talks broken down;
- Ministers and their ministries underfire for corrupt practices…Ryan Amato;
- Auditor General finds majors with government practices;
The boy should just go on holiday.
Read TorStar reporter Robert Benzie’s ongoing criticisms of Ford —> INSIDERS
Your message has been sent
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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 a click —> THRIVE
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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
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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, click –> BILL C-18
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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
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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 but what is the general average of most constituents when asked, “What is your opinion of living in Pickering?”
Ask your constituents. Here’s the bottom line, the majority would rate life in Pickering as 8/10. Darn good. The 2/10 represents areas that could use attention but let’s take a closer look at that 2/10 number.
That number represents issues, problems, areas of dissatisfaction. But is the City working on any of those difficulties? You bet it is. Crime? The Durham Police are on it always working at crime reduction, not ignoring any crime in any part of the city. Hate? The City has committees working on Black issues, racism problems, sexism, ageism, hate incidents hoping to reduce incidents of these negative incidents in the city.
OK, let’s consider some more mundane things: potholes on the city roads. The city has repair crews working regularly to fix and maintain proper roads in the city. What about trees and greenery in the city? Again, the city has a department responsible for the maintenance of city parks and city green growth. Phone the city about a tree problem. A response will come within days.
OK, OK, well here’s one that is not being dealt with: high property taxes. Closer examination will show Pickering is pretty well at middle of the pack in property tax levels compared to other cities. Don’t go comparing our tax level to Toronto. People know the real explanation as to how that city maintains low property taxes. Their day of reckoning is coming. Pickering is always working on applying whatever solutions it can find to keep property taxes at acceptable levels.
Pick an issue and a little digging will reveal the city is working to minimize the problems therein.
So what kind of message am I inviting you to write?
Talk to your constituents. Ask them how they feel about living in Pickering? Councilor Nagy was out feeling the pulse of the city at a demonstration recently. Councilor Brenner connected with a neighbourhood association last month co-hosting a Town Hall with them. Mayor Ashe held a Town Hall a few weeks ago that was a “Christmas list” of corporations coming to Pickering creating many jobs. Our councilors are doing the best job they can at making life in Pickering more than just livable but ‘damn good,’ and it is.
We need to hear more messages in the above tone. It isn’t political self-praise. It’s being tuned into the community. It’s showing the citizens that the city is doing the best it can to make life here more than just satisfactory and it is succeeding.
People need to hear that message. They need to be reminded that our political leaders are constantly working at improving life in the city and living here is more than just good.
I remind you the next edition of will be published on Sept. 1, just two weeks away. It’s time to toot the horn of the good life in Pickering. Talk to your constituents, take the pulse of the residents, and let’s publish that good news story.
Living in Pickering is great! No fires, no floods, no horrendous disasters. Instead, safe streets, clean neighbourhoods, quiet parks, a scenic waterfront. We’ve got it all. Let’s remind city residents.
As always, grateful thanks for your input and contribution to 
newsletter.
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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.
_____________________________________________
- Government-Imposed Greenbelt Removals Proceeded Without Evidence They Were Needed to Meet Housing Goals
- The Selection of Land Sites for Removal from the Greenbelt was Biased and Lacked Transparency
- The 2022 Greenbelt Boundary Changes Were Inconsistent with the Greenbelt Plan’s Vision and Goals, and Deviated from Previous Processes
- The Proposal to Cabinet Did Not Clearly Explain How Land Sites Were Identified, Assessed and Selected for Removal from the Greenbelt
- Most of the Land Removed from the Greenbelt May Not Be Ready for Housing Development in Time to Meet Government Goals
- Government’s Exercise to Alter the Greenbelt Did Not Factor in Financial Impacts or Costs, or Clarify Fiscal Responsibilities
- Government Did Not Factor Environmental and Agricultural Implications into Greenbelt Boundary Changes, Which Are Expected to Result in Adverse Impacts
- The Public and Municipalities Were Not Effectively Consulted on the Greenbelt Boundary Changes
- Indigenous Communities and Leaders Say the Province Failed to Properly Consult Them on Greenbelt Changes
- No Formal Framework Established to Monitor Whether Developers Are Fulfilling Government Conditions on Greenbelt Land Removals
- Developers and Their Representatives Lobbied for Removal of 12 of 15 Greenbelt Sites in the Few Months Leading up to Site Removals
- Potential Contravention of the Public Service of Ontario Act 2006 by the Housing Minister’s Chief of Staff
- Risk of Additional Non-Compliance by Political Public Service Staff with Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006
- Use of Personal Email Accounts Contrary to Public Service Cybersecurity Guidelines
- Record-Retention Policies for Political Staff Communications Needs Reinforcing
Read the full report at —> SPECIAL REPORT
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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 mainland Italy learned of these magical powers, they flocked to POZZALLO to get the magic gift from the STREGA.
Today, many Italian women call on the magical powers of the STREGA DI POZZALLO to manage and control their men. Many husbands know about the practice of this black art and are powerless over it. In light of it, they live their marital lives with caution and wariness.
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Malocchio is a very well-known example of the STREGA’s many curses. Persons given the malocchio are cursed to having bad luck everywhere until the curse is lightened or lifted totally. Other well-known curses are: nomenticar, sordo tutto, occhio scappato, bacio basico and bacio morto.
Learn more about these curses at MALEDIZIONI. 
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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 Belt:
- giving developer friends advance notice of the policy change;
- removing developer restrictions to prime agricultural land in southern Ontario;
- allowing developers access to land reserved for wetland preservation;
- giving cronies advance warning about best lands to buy from which to profit;
Protesters may have made a noticeable impression on the Ford government with this protest but likely no change in policy will result. They clearly demonstrated their oppositon to the government and its policy regarding these protected lands, but this protetst is likely to no avail. Ford and his political supporters know full well that no politician will be ousted because of the controversial Green Belt policy.
A successful protest rally! Like with no impact on government policy.
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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.
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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 situation not well in hand
Telus laying off 6,000 workers. BCE announced 1,300 job cuts. These are signs “the economic situation is well in hand?”
Just wondering…
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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 they do in their field of endeavor. There are bad teachers, no doubt. But for the most part, the majority of teachers are sincere, responsible, and dedicated professionals who are teaching your children the best way they can.
I wish I could say the same about POLITICIANS. Finding a politician of integrity and responsibility is a real challenge today. Maybe it has always been so and perhaps using a broad brush this way is wrong. I am no expert in the field of POLITICS but I watch and assess politicians now, much more than in my younger days.
I feel politicians have been given a position by the electorate that calls for responsibility, integrity, and accountability. There are so many areas of their work that require careful and ethical functioning. But I see too many politicians whose work is questionable in this regard.
I seem to be overly focused on Dog Ford. We should be. He is the leader of the most populated province in Canada. His constituents should be given honest and responsible work all the time. But let’s examine a recent issue with his work to see if this politician is as ethical as one might hope.
Ford promised the Green Belt would be untouched. However, the pressure for more home building has forced him to modify his promise. Situations change for every politician, no doubt. Years ago, the most illustrious, Pierre Trudeau, promised no wage and price controls if he were elected. Poof ! Out the window with the campaign victory but the economic situation may have warranted such drastic government policy. That kind of policy change is understandable and not what can be labelled as corruption.
However, consider this. Ford makes no announcement about Green Belt policy change to allow developers access to the Green Belt. Certain developers buy large parcels of land in the Green Belt area prior to the Ford announcement. Ford announces. The developers profit tremendously. Is there something questionable in this line of action? Why did developers buy up so much land in the Green Belt region now? They had little interest before, but suddenly they had interest. Could that interest have been sparked by a change in government policy?
There are so many facets to look at in this issue but each leads to the same likely conclusion, the developers were tipped off and bought land where they could profit tremendously.
It may be interesting to hear from Ontario constituents about this issue. In our books, this politician is working along a path of corruption and cronyism.
What do you think?
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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, particularly politicians ones who are questionably corrupt. I feel Dog Ford is working in corruption territory. Developers with whom he has a relationship have profited incredibly with knowledge about what was coming in regard to green areas of Ontario.
Urbanization and housing need the right to development, but not the way DOG Ford is doing it where cronies, his in-pocket developers, profit.
This is wrong !
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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 curious about this dry rub. I’ll give it a try.
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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 from his memory as if he never met her. He will not recognize her when he sees her again and he will not remember her at all when she is not present.
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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 a woman says to him. Sometimes he hears nothing at all that she says.
Women who practice this STREGA craft, afflict a man so that he hears garbled speech from a woman if he hears anything at all. The curse is especially useful when an Italian wife does not want her husband to hear a woman telling him her name, her phone number, or her address.
The danger of activating this curse is that the man may not hear any female voice. If a wife is talking to an afflicted man, he may not hear any of what she says, possibly none of it.
There is no regulatory control mechanism for this curse. Therefore, it cannot be regulated so that some female conversation is heard. It is a nothing-at-all or else-everything control. Most Italian women choose the ‘nothing-at-all’ which explains why husbands sometimes do not hear anything an Italian wife says.
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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 absolutely no recall of her, either visually or verbally. She will be totally erased from his memory.
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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 of Donald T**** would mean.
I wrote that this malevolent man is a milestone in the history of the USA. I could not have expressed it as well as Dan Rather does.
Read his latest comments about T**** —> DEMOCRACY’S DEMISE
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POLITICS: LIST OF FEDERAL CABINET MINISTERS, July 2023
Cabinet shuffle took place on July 18, 2023
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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, you’re not alone. Soothing uncomfortable emotions by eating is not only common, but it’s also part of a very normal, natural and intuitive relationship with food. We have been taught by diet culture that the only acceptable reason to eat is to fuel our body in response to physical hunger. But human beings have always used food to celebrate, to comfort, soothe, nurture and provide pleasure, so why now has emotional eating become pathologized and deemed somehow “wrong”? Sometimes at the end of a long, stressful week, pizza and ice cream do make you feel better. So what? Relax, enjoy them and don’t feel guilty.
Emotional overeating may be problematic
If you use food to escape or numb your emotions on a regular basis, if you eat to the point of uncomfortable fullness, if you don’t have coping methods other than eating, or if you eat “emotionally” as a result of deprivation (not actually eating enough throughout the day) then these are red flags suggesting you may want to examine your relationship with food.
SOME KEYS TO GETTING TO THE ROOT OF PROBLEMATIC EMOTIONAL OVEREATING ARE TO:
- nourish your body adequately with consistent, balanced meals and snacks
- focus on self-care to address any other unmet needs
- learn to feel, and sit with your feelings add other coping skills in addition to eating
First and foremost, take care of any physical or mental deprivation of food you might have. Dieting (any kind of restrictive eating) can actually cause emotional eating. When we’re chronically hungry and underfed, that makes us irritable, anxious and sad. For anyone who is on a diet or restricting what they eat, what is labelled as “emotional eating” is often just a response to deprivation. So start by making sure you’re eating balanced meals and snacks that include the nutrients your body needs—carbohydrates, protein and fat—at regular intervals throughout the day, about every 3 to 4 hours. This provides your body with steady energy, keeps blood sugars stable and means you’re less likely to experience mood swings that lead to “emotional” eating.
Equally as important is letting go of food rules, labelling foods as “good” vs “bad” and avoiding “bad” foods, as these can lead to mental deprivation. Restricting any food can set us up to have obsessive thoughts and cravings for that food, and inevitably “fall off track” during a so-called “emotional eating” episode.
Again, this is in fact a normal, understandable reaction to food restriction. So include all foods in a balanced meal plan, giving yourself unconditional permission to eat, and ensure you’re eating enough. If you are hungry, the answer is to eat. Once someone truly heals their relationship with food, we generally see the desire to eat for emotional reasons declines on its own. Working with a registered dietitian can be really helpful in learning how to adequately nourish your body and make peace with food.
Once your body has the nourishment it needs, then look at other unmet needs. When we aren’t taking care of ourselves, it can be harder to be attuned to our hunger and fullness cues, and to respond to what our body really needs. Are you getting adequate sleep? Sleep is fundamental to overall well-being and the ability to self-regulate in healthy ways. Have the stressors in your life become unmanageable? Are you drinking enough water? Do you move your body in ways you enjoy on a regular basis? Do you have outlets for play or creativity? What about spirituality? Do you set healthy boundaries in relationships and at work? Do you feel your life is in balance?
How else can you show love and nurturance for yourself? Make a list of five to 10 activities you could do that fill your cup. For example: take a nap, write in a journal, listen to music, call a friend, spend time in nature, be intimate with yourself or your partner, watch your favourite comedian, take a hot shower, colour, play with your pet, etc. Self-care is not (just) about bubble baths and 27-step skin-care routines. It’s about meeting our own needs and caring for ourselves. Often we mistakenly turn to food to fill these other needs.
Sitting with and actually feeling painful emotions is, well, painful. So it’s understandable that we’d turn to food to numb and suppress these emotions. And in the short term, food is very effective at making us feel better. But typically, after an episode of emotional overeating, we’re left with the physical discomfort in our body, plus the unresolved root cause of the emotion.
By numbing with food, we’re just avoiding the true problem, and over time this can erode our confidence in our own ability to cope. Instead of turning to food on autopilot, what if you could create a bit of distance between the trigger (the emotion) and the response (the urge to eat)?
The first step is to become aware of the emotion you’re experiencing. When you next feel that urge to eat, close your eyes, put your hand on your heart and take a deep breath. What do you feel? Give the emotion a name— is it powerlessness? Being overwhelmed? loneliness? letdown? betrayal? frustration? Don’t judge yourself for having this feeling. just observe and accept it.
Resist the urge to push the feeling away. Set a timer for five to 10 minutes, if that makes it more manageable to tolerate. Emotions come in waves, they rise and they fall. It can be hard to sit with the feelings that come up, but over time you’ll discover that you can handle them. When the timer goes off, you’ll still have the option to eat if you choose to, but there is value nonetheless in creating that small amount of space to determine your true feelings.
Finding ways to process and cope with difficult emotions, in addition to eating, is also really important. Journaling, talking to a friend, punching a pillow or having a good cry can all be helpful. Is there a way to resolve the underlying problem? Sometimes it becomes obvious that we need to set a boundary, have a difficult conversation, ask for help, communicate our needs or make a big change in our life. Working with a trained therapist is one of the best ways to learn strategies to process emotions and get to the root of what’s going on. When we become more aware of our emotions and our true needs, we often recognize the bigger changes we need to make in our lives.
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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 Health Network
MyChart allows you to:
- View and print a list of your future and past appointments from ‘visits’.
- View and print your bloodwork results from ‘test results’.
- View and print your diagnostic imaging results (examples: x-rays, CT scans, MRIs) from ‘test results’.
- View and print notes written by your healthcare team from ‘past visits’.
- Update, view and print a list of your medications.
Signing up:
One of your healthcare team members, a nurse, a health care receptionist, can email you a link for signing up to the service with the necessary activation code.
Information that is displayed:
Once your tests results have been finalized, they will be posted to MyChart. The information displayed includes:
- Pathology/cytology results (examples: tissue and urine samples)
- Diagnostic imaging written reports
- Bloodwork results
- Genetics results are released after 4 weeks.
The MyChart menu
A sample of the main MyChart menu is displayed below:
A personal note
I discovered this health record service when I was a patient at Lakeridge Hospital in Oshawa. It has proven to be very informative and useful giving me access to many recorded aspect of my health records. In short, it seems to be a full health record and a communication link to my doctors and their messages and appointments with me.
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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 announced. We are sure your Thanksgiving dinner food costs will notice his actions when you shop for your Thanksgiving food.
Summary:
Details:
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne has announced that Canadian grocers will take steps to stabilize grocery prices, including offering discounts, price freezes, and price matching. However, he did not provide specific details about which products will be included in these promotions. Champagne stated that Canadians will soon witness these actions across a range of food products but did not disclose individual grocers’ plans, as he wants the market to compete, allowing Canadians to judge for themselves.
The Canadian government had previously called on major grocers to present a plan to stabilize prices by Thanksgiving, warning of potential tax measures if they failed to do so. Rising grocery prices have been a concern for Canadians, particularly for lower-income families who spend a significant portion of their income on food. Grocery price inflation had slowed to 6.9 percent in August, but food prices continued to rise faster than overall inflation, which was at four percent.
Champagne also mentioned that the government is establishing a “grocery task force” within the Office of Consumer Affairs to monitor the implementation of the grocers’ plans. He emphasized that the long-term solution to high grocery prices is to promote competition in the sector and potentially attract international companies to the Canadian market.
The Liberal government has introduced legislation to make changes to competition law to combat anti-competitive behavior and prevent harmful mergers. However, critics, including former Competition Bureau commissioner Melanie Aitken, argue that the government is overlooking other significant factors affecting grocery prices, such as the supply management system, which controls the supply of dairy, poultry, and eggs in Canada through price and import controls.
In addition to the grocery price-related updates, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced public consultations on lowering the criminal rate of interest, aiming to combat predatory lending. Treasury Board President Anita Anand unveiled a new guide for public servants on when to contract professional services and when to use internal resources.
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Summary done with assistance of Artificial Intelligence.