All about Toronto, and what's in the news here and around the world. My take on everything.
13 Jan 2012 No Comments
Posted under CANADA, dandmb50, Daniel, donate, Opinion, Toronto, Canada
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Daniel … Toronto, Canada
My take on everything
@dandmb50
25 Nov 2011 No Comments
Posted under CANADA, dandmb50, homeless, Opinion, Toronto, Canada, USA
Toronto, Canada - Occupy Toronto ends their camp-out at St. James Park in downtown Toronto. Court ruled Monday it was illegal and police moved in at 6am Wednesday and cleared the park without violence.Organizers have said the protests will continue, and some have reported they will find another camping spot, possibly Queens Park. Toronto Mayor Rob Ford announced in a statement on Wednesday that any camping on city property would not be tolerated, however marching protests will be encouraged.
The shutdown of Occupy Toronto campers went very smooth as police moved in at 6am and was very peaceful as police, fire, and EMS made the transition very well organized. Several shelters were fortified with lumber and plywood and at the Yurt library protesters had chained themselves to the building.
City workers removed most of the boards until the special police team, specialists in structural dismantling moved in and finished the project to release the protesters and arrest them.
Spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service, Wendy Drummond said, “A total of nine were arrested under the trespass to property act, fail to leave while directed. My understanding is the six I know were released and the other three that were just taken now, are in the midst of being processed.” She went on to say, “Our intention is just to stand by and allow the city to come in and do their job under the authority they had with the court order.”
Click pic for larger view
The cleanup by city workers continued until about 5pm on Wednesday, and a few more were arrested, but most were processed and released immediately.
As the police tried to dismantle the library Yurt, where protesters were padlocked to the structure, many tried to get them out without arrest. “We want to have a conversation, what if we, as an occupy community, not with the help of the police, so we can take the yurt for possible reoccupation later, what if we have that conversation with the resisters right now.”
Even though fellow occupiers suggested this, a flag waving protester, Shane, was standing on top of the makeshift structure, blocking the yurt entrance, and he replied, “Not a chance, the negotiations are over and I am not leaving.” He was later arrested and released after processing.
“The spirit and the movement will not be stopped” said one protester as he was led to the processing area. Marches are being organized on a regular basis as they hold several meeting to continue there protests in a peaceful manner.
04 Nov 2011 No Comments
Posted under CANADA, dandmb50, Opinion, police, Toronto, Canada
The campground has just over 100 campers and occasionally they march through the downtown streets of Toronto in a peaceful manner. They have a full kitchen area provided, with free meals being delivered to the campers at no charge, with the public donating food and many local restaurants bringing full meals.
Curtis from the Waterloo area about two and a half hours from Toronto spent the weekend recently and camped out with his friends at the protest, although he never took part in any of the walking protests. He’s had a difficult time after university and cannot find a job.
24 Oct 2011 No Comments
Posted under Bell Canada, Bell FibeTV/internet, CANADA, dandmb50, Opinion, Technology, Toronto, Canada
Toronto, Canada - I just found out a few things today about Bell FibeTV/internet and the practices of their sales team. They are still giving out wrong and misleading information in an attempt to get people signed up for their services.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: If you joined up within the last year, you were probably told you can record four programs at once. The only thing they leave out, is that yes, you can record four programs at once, but only two HD programs and two standard programs. But, I just found out that you can get more HD recording power if you request it. But you must be forceful because it appears there is an embargo on this feature. They won’t tell you it is available, nor do they allow it, if you call in and ask. I had to demand it, and was put through to a supervisor, before I could get the three HD ability and one standard TV recording on my system.
When I called the sales team as a new subscriber, I was told and asked how many stations can I record at once. I paused, and asked if there was any restrictions or more information on recording shows, and the representative told me “no, you can record four shows at once.” She left out the part that the default setup is only two HD and two standard. Is that misleading or deceptive?
I then asked Jennifer what happens if the internet is down, can I still watch my TV, she said “yes, and you can watch any pre-recorded shows you have on your PVR.” Another deception, you cannot watch TV, or pre-recorded shows if the internet service is down. And if you already have internet service and don’t want to switch to Bell, you are forced to buy their internet connection.
Even when I asked the pricing on the same package I currently have, she told me it would be $99.94 for the TV? I then said “is there anything else I need,” and she then said “NO.” But another deception, you need internet access to make your FibeTV work. I then asked to speak to a supervisor, Bonnie, and she would not answer my questions, gave me the same ‘stock’ answers, and referred me to another number.
Within the last month we have had no service at least three times and they blame it on many other things rather than accept any responsibility. I realize it is only a year old but most people would give up I’m sure by now, but I have stuck it out for almost a year now.
When the service is working properly, it is one of the best on the market. But just try to get someone at Bell FibeTV to give you straight answers, rather than ‘stock’ answers and it is difficult.
I finally had the pleasure of talking with Phillip a 10 year employee and he was helpful and very informative and disclosed this hidden secret that you can now acquire the three HD channels, but only if you request it. Why is that?
Check all these things out before you sign up, and it appears that Bell will not carry the new USA channel FX Network which is a highly rated channel with lots of movies. It has been advertised extensively by Rogers who will offer it starting November 1st. It’s hard to get a straight answer from Bell, why, or if, it is available on FibeTV.
Another channel I love, but FibeTV does not offer is HD-Net which is owned by Mark Cuban and is very popular in the USA, but it was offered at one time on satellite, but has been dropped, I believe by Bell. There are many good things about FibeTV like the pause live TV, which was originally only offered on the main PVR box initially, but after people complained, they upgraded the system to allow pause live TV on all boxes within your home.
Check out this LINK for ore info on FibeTV.
Daniel .. Toronto, CANADA
My take on everything – MTOE
19 Oct 2011 No Comments
Posted under CANADA, homeless, Opinion, Toronto, Canada, USA
They marched from the financial district yesterday to St. James Park which is near Church and King St. East and about 20-30 people set up tents and planned on staying, for how long no one is sure.Eric from Port Hope, Ontario plans on staying until next weekend. He had several large bottles of water and supplies and is upset with the “1%” who he assured me, he is not. “I’m here to protest the inequality and to basically tell the 1% they need to start sharing.” Eric went on to say “I’ve been looking into it and if you say you are a ‘natural person’ and if you say that’s what you are, the police can do nothing.” Only time will tell, if or when the police move in to evict the campers. But he and others said they want this to remain a peaceful occupation.
“Matilda is part of the 99% and I would like her to be part of 100% and things are just not what what they should be in Toronto and Canada.” She added “I have faith in Torontonians and people in general and now is our time, and Matilda is clearly our next generation.”
Dionne was also very impressed that everyone was peaceful and she saw very few police which made her more relaxed.
Check out all my PHOTOS HERE on Occupy Toronto
Daniel … Toronto, CANADA
My take on everything
@dandmb50
16 Aug 2011 No Comments
Posted under CANADA, dandmb50, Opinion, Toronto, Canada, USA
Anytown, Anywhere - We have all seen the ads on TV that say “As seen on TV” and now the newest twist is, they force you to buy two products, even if you only want one. How is that, and why do they force us to buy more than one item, I thought the second product was FREE?
Maybe it’s only me, but it seems like a huge ripoff, since the second product is ‘FREE’ you are required to pay EXTRA shipping and handling. The EXTRA S&H works out to almost three times the cost of one product. I hope stores don’t start this idea, can you imagine, sorry you can’t buy one bottle of milk or one loaf of bread, you must buy five. How are they getting away with this scam?
I’ve called the TV sales numbers, and it’s hard to get a final total cost. They say “it’s plus S&H and taxes,” and I ask several times, “What’s the total cost?” and we keep going in circles. They don’t want you to know, they want you to know, it’s only $9.95, but when you get the charges on your credit card after delivery, it works out to almost $40.
And most people are so embarrassed, they just eat it, and don’t complain, or ask for a refund because the refunds are usually allowed, but that’s minus the S&H so it’s more expensive to send it back, than what you originally paid in the beginning.
Sure, it’s fair for people to make money on their products, but to deceive and ripoff people, that is not fair. But what are governments doing about these new twists to TV deals? It appears nothing, since I see them more and more everyday. I’ve called a few times, and you can’t even buy just one item, you are required to receive your FREE product but must pay the additional shipping and handling charges.
Are you buying these TV products, and do you feel ripped off? Maybe we all better ask, ”What’s the final charges?” If you agree and LIKE this story, please click the LIKE button below, and tell everyone you know. If we stop buying in this way, maybe they will change it back??
Daniel … Toronto, CANADA
My take on everything
@dandmb50
26 Jul 2011 No Comments
Posted under CANADA, Crime/tragedy, dandmb50, homeless, Opinion, Toronto, Canada Tags: homeless
Toronto, Canada - There are all kinds of young people who are abusing the system for themselves, but people such as this older man (let’s call him John) need our help, and I believe he truly does. Canada is a rich nation and we must not ignore people such as John. If you look closely through the homelessness, John appears to be an interesting old man. But is he old, or just worn down from his struggle in Toronto?
I made an attempt to speak with John, but it appeared he had some mental illness concerns, and in Canada the government cannot force someone to take care, unless they agree to it. Instead of forcing people such as John to be admitted to a place where he can be cared for, he wanders the streets, looking for anything he can find.
Many years ago the Ontario Government emptied the mental institutions to save money and this sadly, has been the result. I’m no Doctor, but I can recognize that John is definitely in need of special care. We see it all over downtown, and people panhandling and if you don’t hand over any spare change they ask for a smoke.
John asked for nothing, that is the true sign of someone that is truly in NEED.
Yet everyday I see the same from young people in their 20′s asking for spare change and they look and sound perfectly, physically and mentally sound. It’s my opinion that many of these young people are smart and know exactly how to work the system. One young person told me “Toronto is the only place people on welfare are fat,” however John is not one of them.
Most regular people are concerned what cell plan they are going to switch to, or what APP they need for their cellphone, and worried about how well their air conditioner is working.
John has none of those concerns, all he is worried about is how tonight will be, can he scrounge up enough to buy a ham sandwich or a bottle of water.
Don’t get me wrong, there are many agencies that do wonderful work and go around during the night and offer sandwiches and drinks to people that need it, but John likely will not approach them, because he may have some mental problems and will stay away from anyone offering assistance, and do it on his own. Well it seems John is not making a good go of it, and he does need some special care for his own well being, even though he may not know it, but what should we all do?
We shall say a prayer for John tonight, you will always be in our thoughts ….
Daniel … Toronto, CANADA
My take on everything
@dandmb50
18 Jul 2011 No Comments
Posted under dandmb50
a - Casey Marie Anthony walked out the front door of Florida jail today at 12:11 am a free women after spending over three years awaiting trial on murdering her daughter Caylee Marie, and was acquitted of all charges except four years for lying to police.
08 Jul 2011 No Comments
Posted under Casey, crime, Crime/tragedy, dandmb50, Opinion, police, USA
Orlando, Florida - Casey Anthony charged and acquitted of murdering her child was in court this morning, to be sentenced on lying to police and received four years in jail, but because of time served, she could be out in a month.
The outpouring of emotion has been overwhelming in Orlando and all around the area as Casey was found not guilty of all the most serious charges on Tuesday. She was facing the death penalty and the jury of her peers found her not guilty of all charges except the lying to police which she had admitted from the beginning of the trial.
The jury returned a verdict within 11 hours and never asked for any re-reads of evidence, nor did they speak to any of the media after the trial. A few have come forward after the trial and it has been reported that one juror is asking for a minimum of five figures, to do an interview.
Chief Judge Belvin Perry also fined Casey $1000 for each of the four misdemeanors she was charged with for lying to police, but she is expected to get offers for books and movie rights in the future. The Orange CountyNow does this “say it all?” I rest my case
Sheriff’s Office is also considering suing Casey or the Anthony family for the resources they spent trying to find Caylee from July 2008 to December. The reason they were looking for Caylee was because Casey told them after 31 days, of not reporting her missing that she had been kidnapped by a babysitter, and yet the defense said in their opening statement, Caylee died in an accident in the backyard swimming pool.
UPDATE: Casey Anthony will be released from jail next Wednesday, July 13/17/2011, or are they just saying this so she has extra time to get out of town and away from the media?
Daniel … Toronto, CANADA
My take on everything
@dandmb50
30 Jun 2011 No Comments
Posted under crime, Crime/tragedy, dandmb50, Opinion, police, USA
ORLANDO, Florida - The defense rested it’s case today in the Casey Anthony murder trial and the lawyer Jose Baez never called Casey to the stand to give testimony. It was believed by many that she needed to give evidence because there were many unanswered questions about how her daughter Caylee died. It was the prosecution theory that she was killed by Casey and the body was thrown into the woods after she went missing in June of 2008. The defense case suggested in the opening statement that “It was an accident and Caylee drowned in the swimming pool,” but opening statements are NOT considered to be evidence and yet defense attorney Jose Baez never presented evidence that could prove such a theory.
After the defense rested a challenge was created by the prosecution to whether or not the evidence of a sealed (Can of the smell of death) in Casey’s car trunk would be allowed. During the trial many experts can to stand and gave evidence that they believed there was a heavy smell of decomposition of a dead human body in the trunk of Casey’s car and yet the defense insisted it came from garbage/trash bag in the trunk. The prosecution had a sealed can which they wanted the jury to take back during their deliberations and be allowed to do a “smell test” but Chief Judge 
Belvin Perry disallowed it, based on some rulings from the 1920′s during the prohibition period where jurors were allowed to smell and drink whiskey, to determine if it was indeed whiskey. The argument was supported by evidence, if it was allowed in the jury room, one juror could smell the sealed can and tell the others, “yes it is the smell of death” and the defense team would not be able to cross examine them, since they were deliberating.
In a very unusual move today, Judge Perry sentenced a spectator Matthew Bartlett, 28, to six days in county jail for flipping his finger to prosecutor Jeff Ashton in open court during the trial, he is also required to pay $623 to the court for his actions. 
This trial seems to have everything, and the prosecution will present it’s rebuttal case tomorrow and the Judge will make the charge to the Jury on Saturday. It is the prosecutions job to prove it’s case, the defense is not required to prove anything, but has the state proved their case, beyond reasonable doubt, only a few days, and we shall find out. Court resumes tomorrow at 9am. 
Daniel … Toronto, CANADA
My take on everything
@dandmb50
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