It seems to be the game of the day. If you were from outer space and landed in Toronto, you would think it was falling apart and about to join the ranks of countries like Greece and Iceland for debt default and recklass spending. You would thin that if you were listening to George Smitherman, Rocco Rossi or George Ford. They are all running for Mayor in our city.
Yet they are misleading us. You see, it is easier to run an election on fear than on ideas. Its easier to tear something down than build something. This has been ticking me off for some time, all this trash talk.
Finally I found a very good rebuttal to this trash talk. Look at this video. It says it all. Toronto taxes the lowest in GTA. Tax rates lower today than 2005. Toronto measures up among top cities in the world. Just watch it...
Showing posts with label Toronto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toronto. Show all posts
10.12.2010
Second Toronto Twitter disabled idiot button
I saw this tweet tonight on the voteto twitter page.
That follows this one i posted about last week.
Let me, a gay man, hold the purse strings to the City
10.07.2010
Let me, a gay man, hold the purse strings to the City
Do you need another reason not to vote for Rob Ford?
2.04.2010
Glen Murray takes shot at Rae
"I’m not like Bob Rae," Murray said. "I cut taxes every year I was mayor." Liberal candidate in Toronto Centre. - Winnipeg Free Press
Yikes, not sure I would want to share an office with Murray if I were Bob Rae. But then Glen may not have to worry about that...
Yikes, not sure I would want to share an office with Murray if I were Bob Rae. But then Glen may not have to worry about that...
2.02.2010
Voting discrimination in Toronto Centre
Access to voting....
Today most of us take it for granted. Check out this stat...
That shocked the heck out of me and reminded me of Ohio in the 2004 presidential election campaign and my work in BC years ago.
In the Ohio campaign large black and poor neighbourhoods had fewer voting locations and fewer voting machines than nearby predominantly white middle and upper class neighbourhoods. This meant that the poorer black people had to wait in line to vote four or five times longer than people in the wealthier white area.
In BC many years ago, voting in the remote Chilcotin country was at the house of a white person. This place was located in a white settlement of about 300 people. Also expected to vote at this place was the population 1100 at a Indian reserve 8 kilometers away.
The effect of this shoddy system is that those living in St. Jamestown are being faced with wait times to vote 4 or 5 times longer. Its likely these people have much less "disposable" time to wait. Its likely they will see a line and say "why bother". It is true that the people on Bay Street could say why bother too if they saw a line up, but they don't have to contemplate that as they won't have to line up to vote.
This is another example of systemic discrimination of the poor in Our Ontario. Or should I say "Your Ontario".
Today most of us take it for granted. Check out this stat...
St. Jamestown has 8,866 voters and 3 polling stations. Three buildings on Bay Street have 910 voters, and 3 polling stations.
That shocked the heck out of me and reminded me of Ohio in the 2004 presidential election campaign and my work in BC years ago.
In the Ohio campaign large black and poor neighbourhoods had fewer voting locations and fewer voting machines than nearby predominantly white middle and upper class neighbourhoods. This meant that the poorer black people had to wait in line to vote four or five times longer than people in the wealthier white area.
In BC many years ago, voting in the remote Chilcotin country was at the house of a white person. This place was located in a white settlement of about 300 people. Also expected to vote at this place was the population 1100 at a Indian reserve 8 kilometers away.
The effect of this shoddy system is that those living in St. Jamestown are being faced with wait times to vote 4 or 5 times longer. Its likely these people have much less "disposable" time to wait. Its likely they will see a line and say "why bother". It is true that the people on Bay Street could say why bother too if they saw a line up, but they don't have to contemplate that as they won't have to line up to vote.
This is another example of systemic discrimination of the poor in Our Ontario. Or should I say "Your Ontario".
2.01.2010
Rotary Pres says Cathy Crowe in Toronto Centre
I know those reading will say, of course this blog is supporting Cathy Crowe for MPP in Toronto Centre. Yes that is the bent here, yet I have to say, if ever Ontario needed someone specific at Queen's Park, it's Cathy. For that matter, why the heck didn't the Liberals try to recruit her? Surely she carries more cred than the local Liberal Candidate, Glen Murray, who is promising a key in the pocket of every resident to safe affordable housing.
I like Glen's promise, he needs to make it facing off against the one person in Toronto who has been doing that for years. And John Andras thinks so too!
I like Glen's promise, he needs to make it facing off against the one person in Toronto who has been doing that for years. And John Andras thinks so too!
"I have worked with Cathy for over 15 years. She is one of the most tireless workers, most clear-headed thinkers and most effective advocates. Equally at home speaking at a drop-in or at the Rotary Club, Cathy can bridge diverse interests and find common ground on seemingly intractable problems. I can think of no-one better to represent Toronto Centre at Queens' Park."- John Andras, Past President, Rotary Club Toronto
1.28.2010
Liberal Glen Murray runs from the Camera
Sometimes you just have to watch to understand what is going on. TVO thought it would be good for people to have the candidates in the Toronto Centre provincial by-election debate the issues.
Unfortunately they had to pull the plug when Glen Murray, the Liberal candidate refused to participate. This was puzzling to TVO Journalist Steve Paikin who had this to say about the curiously now quiet Murray...
Murray was expected to win Toronto Centre in a cake walk over the NDP.
What was unexpected w
as the NDP nominating its own star candidate, Cathy Crowe. Crowe must have Murray on the run if he can't take a telvised debate.
The Liberal's biggest advantage at the moment is the lack of media coverage for the race. Too much light might lead to a closer race than they thought possible. Even at that. it may be too late for the Liberals in Toronto Centre.
Unfortunately they had to pull the plug when Glen Murray, the Liberal candidate refused to participate. This was puzzling to TVO Journalist Steve Paikin who had this to say about the curiously now quiet Murray...
"We found this particularly ironic since Murray, in his previous life as head of the Canadian Urban Institute, loved appearing on our program, and frequently pitched our producers on coming on to the program to discuss his interests. And when he did come on, (let me say this diplomatically) he almost never stopped talking."
Murray was expected to win Toronto Centre in a cake walk over the NDP.
What was unexpected w
as the NDP nominating its own star candidate, Cathy Crowe. Crowe must have Murray on the run if he can't take a telvised debate. The Liberal's biggest advantage at the moment is the lack of media coverage for the race. Too much light might lead to a closer race than they thought possible. Even at that. it may be too late for the Liberals in Toronto Centre.
Adam Giambrone says, "I'm Ready!"
Well it looks like I can get excited about the race for mayor of Toronto.
No not George or Rossi. For me I am hoping Adam Giambrone is announcing his run on Monday!
No not George or Rossi. For me I am hoping Adam Giambrone is announcing his run on Monday!
8.10.2009
Gay Day - Let the kid out
Gay Day - Let the kid out!
Canada's Wonderland is hosting Gay Day, August 29, 2009. PFLAG Canada presents Gay Day at Canada’s Wonderland.
Don't miss out on live entertainment, all-you-can-eat buffet and
regular Park admission savings.$5 from each ticket purchased supports PFLAG Canada. Discounted tickets available on-line at Canada's Wonderland, PFLAG or at Priape (501 Church Street).
PFLAG Canada is the only national organization that provides individual, family and community-based support to anyone with questions or concerns about sexual orientation and gender identity issues. PFLAG supports, educates and provides resources to anyone with questions or concerns. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
PFLAG Canada is there when it seems no-one else is.
Queerthoughts will be there, hopefully you can make it as well!
10.25.2008
Toronto Jamestown
Jamestown is a little place not far from downtown. Thousands live here, Immigrants retirees, gays, trans, families, young and old, poor and those hanging onto middle class under the shadow 
of Toronto's pride...
It is mostly a friendly place, several playgrounds, a couple of schools, and tons of strollers making their way through dudes on cell phon
es making another sale.
Everyone seems to get along mostly. Then there was the shooting not 2 weeks ago...
of Toronto's pride...
It is mostly a friendly place, several playgrounds, a couple of schools, and tons of strollers making their way through dudes on cell phon
es making another sale.Everyone seems to get along mostly. Then there was the shooting not 2 weeks ago...
9.26.2008
No man's Land - Gun shots shatter the peace
I recently moved to the Centre of The Universe, for those of you in Toronto, that's where you live, people else where in the country know I'm talking about Toronto. I live on the edge of a community called Jamestown. Its a poor neighbourhood, one that is a couple of blocks from fashionable Bloor Street. I'm in no man's land. Living west of Jamestown, east of The Village, south of Rosedale and north of Cabbagetown, its in the middle.
Our friends here in the Centre of Everything, told us not to move any further east. We took them at their word and live on the precipice of the dark dark hole. During the day this is usually a calm, cool fun neighbourhood. The streets lend credence to Toronto's claim as the world's most diverse and multi-cultural city.
We have two schools, two little parkettes, two small playgrounds, a basketball court and one 24 hour variety store. We have a No Frills grocery store, what other store would b
e here except one that reflects the amenities for those livin
g in the area.
Few people have a car, your likely to encounter in a block's walk three or four strollers laden with toddlers and or those no frill groceries, bicycle riding youth and older guys too. Older folks pushing those shopping carts, people in suits, jeans, shorts, skirts and hajabs.
You can smell the drug deals, you see the users on early morning walks, you learn where not to sit and read your paper, thus minimizing your exposure to requests for cigarettes, even though I'm not smoking any these days. Taxi's line the street outside our building, a steady stream coming through as people return from late nights, usually a little boisterous but not too bad.
What's really interesting is that this area is a neighbourhood of immigrants, even me allbeit I am from the same country, you still get a little eastern way of it that seems to say 'we know better' attitude, kinda like that west coast arrogance we have in BC.
I'm telling you this because of recent events here in the Centre of All, guns, shootings. It seems there are more all the time in this big place. Did you know more people live within 60 kilometres of me here than in live in all of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba combined? Its big.
The use of guns to settle drug scores is becoming increasingly more common. We have all heard of the wayward bullets, missing their targets, striking innocent bystanders. I fear we will see more of this. Just yesterday I heard what sounded like gun shots. Three fast rounds. It echoed off the towers here. It sounded like a big piece of machinery falling from the 30th floor, it was so loud.
I quickly looked out the window, there are three cranes operating on a condo building blitz within 50 metres of me. It wasn't them. I scanned the area from the balcony, nothing. I ran to the bedroom window, just in time to see a commotion underway. It was gun shots I thought. Next I heard the tell tale sirens, first an ambulance, a fire truck, then the police. They swarmed the place.
I watched for awhile, no one was taken away in a body bag. I went back to other things, thinking some kid could have been hit with a stray bullet. Or maybe their parents, or someone's partner.
I went down later, about 7pm to see again what it was like down there. The street was still blocked. Bright yellow police tape, warned of a crime scene. The Calgary, the name of the building in which the shooting took place in front of stood more bleak than usual. 15 to 20 police were in cars writing reports, several were walking around, they were talking to people and blocking the street. Two ambulances stood by, for what reason I don't know. The fire truck was gone.
People with toddlers in strollers were going about, gaggles of men and women were meeting, more drug deals went on, oblivious to the police, others watched, a Jamaican woman told me they got the guy. Another chimed in saying no one was actually shot. Drug dealers she added, with a too little emotion. I took a few pictures being the ever thinking kinda guy I am and returned to the building.
In the elevator I told one of the riders what had happened. He had a better story, he was on a higher floor, on his friends balcony, and saw the whole thing. It turns out he saw two guys running, as the crossed the street he saw another running toward them. This last man reached into his pants, pulled out a pistol, then three shots rang out. He called 911 then went back to watch, the street was filling up, soon the police were there. Crazy he said to me, its just unreal.
I'm experienced now, in another day we would say I have been baptised to the ways of the big city.
Maybe, just maybe, some of those running for our parliament will do something about handguns. In a way I don't care too much what these folks in this other world operating in my world do to themselves. Its what happens when their disputes threaten those who expect to be reasonably safe when they go out and about here in No Man's Land.
You can expect a few posts on guns, the gun registry, the illegal trafficking of guns, and some of the causes of such violence and I may even have a few ideas as to how to make it better.
Toronto mayor tells NOW why there should be a Canada-wide ban on handguns. After the video, sign the petition. If video link not working, try this...
Amazing as it may seem, only one federal party would support a complete ban on handguns. Read about it here at Now Magazine.
Our friends here in the Centre of Everything, told us not to move any further east. We took them at their word and live on the precipice of the dark dark hole. During the day this is usually a calm, cool fun neighbourhood. The streets lend credence to Toronto's claim as the world's most diverse and multi-cultural city.We have two schools, two little parkettes, two small playgrounds, a basketball court and one 24 hour variety store. We have a No Frills grocery store, what other store would b
e here except one that reflects the amenities for those livin
g in the area.Few people have a car, your likely to encounter in a block's walk three or four strollers laden with toddlers and or those no frill groceries, bicycle riding youth and older guys too. Older folks pushing those shopping carts, people in suits, jeans, shorts, skirts and hajabs.
You can smell the drug deals, you see the users on early morning walks, you learn where not to sit and read your paper, thus minimizing your exposure to requests for cigarettes, even though I'm not smoking any these days. Taxi's line the street outside our building, a steady stream coming through as people return from late nights, usually a little boisterous but not too bad.
What's really interesting is that this area is a neighbourhood of immigrants, even me allbeit I am from the same country, you still get a little eastern way of it that seems to say 'we know better' attitude, kinda like that west coast arrogance we have in BC.
I'm telling you this because of recent events here in the Centre of All, guns, shootings. It seems there are more all the time in this big place. Did you know more people live within 60 kilometres of me here than in live in all of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba combined? Its big.
The use of guns to settle drug scores is becoming increasingly more common. We have all heard of the wayward bullets, missing their targets, striking innocent bystanders. I fear we will see more of this. Just yesterday I heard what sounded like gun shots. Three fast rounds. It echoed off the towers here. It sounded like a big piece of machinery falling from the 30th floor, it was so loud.
I quickly looked out the window, there are three cranes operating on a condo building blitz within 50 metres of me. It wasn't them. I scanned the area from the balcony, nothing. I ran to the bedroom window, just in time to see a commotion underway. It was gun shots I thought. Next I heard the tell tale sirens, first an ambulance, a fire truck, then the police. They swarmed the place.
I watched for awhile, no one was taken away in a body bag. I went back to other things, thinking some kid could have been hit with a stray bullet. Or maybe their parents, or someone's partner.
I went down later, about 7pm to see again what it was like down there. The street was still blocked. Bright yellow police tape, warned of a crime scene. The Calgary, the name of the building in which the shooting took place in front of stood more bleak than usual. 15 to 20 police were in cars writing reports, several were walking around, they were talking to people and blocking the street. Two ambulances stood by, for what reason I don't know. The fire truck was gone.
People with toddlers in strollers were going about, gaggles of men and women were meeting, more drug deals went on, oblivious to the police, others watched, a Jamaican woman told me they got the guy. Another chimed in saying no one was actually shot. Drug dealers she added, with a too little emotion. I took a few pictures being the ever thinking kinda guy I am and returned to the building.
In the elevator I told one of the riders what had happened. He had a better story, he was on a higher floor, on his friends balcony, and saw the whole thing. It turns out he saw two guys running, as the crossed the street he saw another running toward them. This last man reached into his pants, pulled out a pistol, then three shots rang out. He called 911 then went back to watch, the street was filling up, soon the police were there. Crazy he said to me, its just unreal.I'm experienced now, in another day we would say I have been baptised to the ways of the big city.
Maybe, just maybe, some of those running for our parliament will do something about handguns. In a way I don't care too much what these folks in this other world operating in my world do to themselves. Its what happens when their disputes threaten those who expect to be reasonably safe when they go out and about here in No Man's Land.
You can expect a few posts on guns, the gun registry, the illegal trafficking of guns, and some of the causes of such violence and I may even have a few ideas as to how to make it better.
Toronto mayor tells NOW why there should be a Canada-wide ban on handguns. After the video, sign the petition. If video link not working, try this...
Amazing as it may seem, only one federal party would support a complete ban on handguns. Read about it here at Now Magazine.
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