City
Morning Brew: Canine Augmentation Technology, Pepsi for the Children, Parole for Sale
Photo: "Money Trees" by sniderscion, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.
What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):
Alex Ferworn of Ryerson University here in Toronto has won a national technology award for an invention that could be used to help rescue victims of earthquakes. His Canine Augmentation Technology puts cameras that record video and sound on nimble rescue dogs, that crawl through rubble and locate trapped survivors. Now if only we develop Contract Arbitrator Augmentation Technology to help them seek out fair union contracts within the rubble that is today's economic state, it'd be smooth sailing. Someone get on that, stat.
Metrolinx president Robert Prichard is saying that road tolls on Toronto's highways and congestion taxes are still worth discussing and that unpopular public-private partnerships may play a role in the future of our city's transit growth plans. Speaking of...
Even though obesity and diabetes is surging amongst our population, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has decided to re-sign their $0.5million contract with Pepsi-Cola and keep sugary sodas in vending machines in schools. The reason cited? The long-term effects of the artificial sweetener aspartame are unknown. Here's a wacky idea: replace the vending machines with a tap water drinking fountain.
Apparently we should be bracing for a long city union strike. The City is assuring residents that if we take our garbage to one of the specially set up garbage transfer stations, we need not be concerned about hygiene and health issues. They'll take good care of maintaining those heaps, but if you keep your own heap or dump illegally, the tune changes. Vermin and maggots will crawl into your ears while you sleep and chew away on your brain, if you have one.
Does our court system allow wealthy criminals to buy their way to early parole? Something isn't right about this arrangement. But I'd like to keep both of my kneecaps and all of my fingers, so that's all I'm sayin'.
And the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly talking to the Atlanta Thrashers about the coveted fourth overall, 1st round draft pick they hold. Will the Leafs manage to get a young, top prospect like John Tavares in this year's draft, or will they do what's more likely and trade away what depth they do have to bring back Doug Gilmour for one more season, and hire Dan Maloney or Pat Quinn as coach again.
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I've never wanted to touch drinking fountains at any school I've been too because of those people who like to wrap their entire mouths around the bit that dispenses the water. I don't blame them really, those fountains very rarely had enough water pressure to send the water more than an inch. And even then, metallic tasting lukewarm water was never my idea of thirst quenching.
Here's an idea: Water fountain/water cooler combo.
Take one of those water coolers that hook to the water line (also one that has a filter) and add a water fountain to the top. Nearly everyone has one of those reusable water bottles. Why not give them the opportunity to fill them up with clean, cold water instead of dirty, warm water thats been tainting with other people's spit? With the added water fountain, those without bottles can still have cold water (albeit likely still spit tainted)
I think the purpose of putting vending machines into schools is to generate revenue for the institutions. A water station/fountain isn't going to pay for music programs.
Ok, so what if you don't have a car and no other person in your house has one and your landlord is lazy with taking care of the garbage on a good day?
I guess maggots and vermin here I come.
It's so commonplace it's appalling. If you have a charge pending, prosecutors will ask you if you want to pay a fine in the form of a donation to an approved charity. this will either reduce or dismiss your charges.
I don't know why it isn't considered bribery.
Ooh I clicked the 'Add Praise' button, BAHAHA THAT'S SOO FUNNY -__- It's relevant to the story and everything. I can't wait for the day all the unions are gone and we finally live in our utopia where we all get paid the same as once-a-day bloggers!
$500,000 per year divided by 275,000 students = $1.80 per student, or $5.70 if you want to exclude elementary students (But their HFCS-laced fruit drinks are just as bad).
Since the school board gets its money from the province, who also pays for healthcare, it really just is a difference of where the money goes and judging by the extremely rough numbers above, I imagine we're taking the more expensive route by keeping those machines in schools.
It's so commonplace it's appalling. If you have a charge pending, prosecutors will ask you if you want to pay a fine in the form of a donation to an approved charity. this will either reduce or dismiss your charges.
I don't know why it isn't considered bribery.
Jerrold, I think Andrew has a crush on you. He certainly seems desperate for you to notice him lately.
THIS is how the TDSB justifies keeping its contract with Pepsi!?!? Retards. I'll accept the Future Shop branding on school computers whole-heartedly in light of this. Money has officially replaced common sense.
Canada’s Wonderland: July 1 at 10 p.m. Price: General Admission ($57.30)
Centennial Park: July 1 at 10 p.m. Price: Free
Festival of Fire at Ontario Place: 10:30 p.m. Price: General Admission ($11.75-$17.75)
The Beaches: Cancelled
Stan Wadlow Park: Cancelled
Downsview Park: Cancelled
Mel Lastman Square: Cancelled
Hope the general public realizes this before they snarl traffic, park several blocks away, then make themselves comfy waiting for them.