blogTO | Posts by Jerrold

blogTO | Posts by Jerrold http://www.blogto.com/ Toronto blog Copyright 2009 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:13:03 PST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss TTC Suspends Token Sales, Introduces Temporary Tickets in Advance of Fare Hike The TTC has come up with a way to stop token hoarding in its tracks - by suspending token sales outright, immediately, and replacing them in the short-term with temporary adult tickets.

In a rare Sunday press release, the TTC made the announcement, quoting TTC Chair Adam Giambrone:

"TTC riders have been understandably frustrated by the current token restriction. By issuing temporary tickets, the TTC has found a way to allow customers to buy bulk fares in the short term. This announcement today alleviates customer frustrations, and also allows the TTC to ensure it doesn't lose, potentially, millions of dollars in much-needed revenue."

]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/ttc_suspends_token_sales_introduces_temporary_tickets_in_advance_of_fare_hike http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/ttc_suspends_token_sales_introduces_temporary_tickets_in_advance_of_fare_hike City Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:31:13 PST City Jerrold 2009-11-22T12:31:13 TTC Fare Hike Approved The TTC fare hike was debated this afternoon at the much anticipated Toronto Transit Commission meeting, and a conclusion has been reached and voted on. We will indeed be seeing increases implemented on January 3rd, 2010.

Adult cash fare will rise to $3 (from $2.75), but the adult Metropass will not jump to $126 as previously recommended, instead settling at $121 (up from $109). Tokens will rise to $2.50 (up from $2.25), and weekly passes will rise to $36 (up from $32.25).

What's not entirely clear is how much loyal rider rage will increase (up from already too high). Or how much harder it will get to buy tokens before the hike (it's become a real pain).

More...

]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/ttc_fare_hike_approved http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/ttc_fare_hike_approved City Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:47:37 PST City Jerrold 2009-11-17T17:47:37 OCAD Whodunit? Mystery Art Sale Contest The annual Whodunit? Mystery Art Sale at the Ontario College of Art & Design always represents a great opportunity to buy art incredibly low prices. When you throw in an element of mystery, by learning the identity of the artist only after purchasing the art, it can be pretty fun as well.

The 2009 Whodunit? Sale is just around the corner. From November 18th to 20th, prospective buyers will be able to preview this year's vast collection of lovely, donated 5.5x7.5 works, each created by a mystery artist (some famous and others aiming to be) and available for purchase for just $75 on a first-come-first-served basis on November 21st. Only after the works are sold will the artists be revealed.

blogTO has prize vouchers to give away to three lucky readers.

More...

]]> http://www.blogto.com/arts/2009/11/ocad_whodunit_mystery_art_sale_contest http://www.blogto.com/arts/2009/11/ocad_whodunit_mystery_art_sale_contest Arts Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:10:53 PST Arts Jerrold 2009-11-15T20:10:53 Morning Brew: The Annex getting Sketchier, Detroit Cop's Gun Found in East York, Province Powerless on 407 Billing, H1N1 Vaccination Waste Photo: "dancing at sunrise" by louise@toronto, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

Just how sketchy has the Annex become? It's certainly seen a shift toward being a destination for cheap eats and booze, and along with that has come dirtiness, drunkenness, and violence. In an interesting roundup of opinions, Adam Vaughan takes a jab at the 905 mentality, local shop owners talk about the rapid fall, and chicken wings take some of the blame.

Police in East York responding to an armed mugging of a fast food chicken delivery guy discovered a loaded gun that is believed to have been stolen from the Detroit Police some time ago.

Toronto-area drivers that suddenly get questionable 407 ETR bills (in the tune of hundreds or even thousands of dollars, mostly accrued interest) shouldn't rely on the provincial government to do much about it. According to Transportation Minister Jim Bradley, the 407 "is responsible for establishing its own business practices," and he's "not aware of anything" Queen's Park can do to change it. So what's to stop them from simply holding onto unpaid invoices, sending out notification after waiting for heaps interest to accrue, and then seeking payment?

]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_the_annex_getting_sketchier_detroit_cops_gun_found_in_east_york_province_powerless_on_407_billing_h1n1_vaccination_waste http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_the_annex_getting_sketchier_detroit_cops_gun_found_in_east_york_province_powerless_on_407_billing_h1n1_vaccination_waste City Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:25:13 PST City Jerrold 2009-11-15T11:25:13 Want to Report Graffiti? Potholes? Illegal Dumping? There's an App for That With the rapidly growing adoption of GPS- and email-enabled, camera-equipped smartphones like the iPhone and Blackberry, interaction between everyday citizens and local government is trending toward mobile and real-time.

The City of Toronto recent launched the 311 Toronto service, an online and phone-in call center that aims to allow for more efficient and trackable question-answer interactions related to city services. And they accept email submissions and queries, including (but not limited to) reporting of potholes, vandalism, and health and safety concerns.

Now, thanks to a Seattle-based company called Urban Anomaly, there's a way to very quickly and easily submit these types reports to 311 Toronto, from the iPhone.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/tech/2009/11/want_to_report_graffiti_potholes_illegal_dumping_theres_an_app_for_that http://www.blogto.com/tech/2009/11/want_to_report_graffiti_potholes_illegal_dumping_theres_an_app_for_that Tech Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:31:42 PST Tech Jerrold 2009-11-13T07:31:42 Morning Brew: HST Exemptions, Pedestrians Killed, Poppy Donation Robbery Thwarted, Sexsomniac Jan Luedecke Discharged, Toronto Sun Apology to Toronto Port Authority Photo: "Underneath" by M_Ruth, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

A brave 84-year-old WWII Navy veteran and a 64-year-old volunteer foiled an armed robbery attempt at a Toronto-area Royal Canadian Legion. A man was looking to steal donations collected from Remembrance Day poppy sales, but the two got all Chuck Norris and lunged at him, scuffled with him, and saw him run off empty-handed. It's a great hero story, but I'm not convinced that it was the best way to deal with the problem - it could have easily gone the other way and the news headlines would have read quite different.

Back in 2003, Toronto's Jan Luedecke had non-consensual sex using a condom with a woman who woke up to him on top of her, in the act. After six years in the courts, he's finally been found to be not criminally responsible for sexual assault, deemed no threat to the public, and been granted an absolute discharge. He suffers from a rare condition called sexsomnia, over which he has no conscious control.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_hst_exemptions_pedestrians_killed_poppy_donation_robbery_thwarted_sexsomniac_jan_luedecke_discharged_toronto_sun_apology_to_toronto_port_authority http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_hst_exemptions_pedestrians_killed_poppy_donation_robbery_thwarted_sexsomniac_jan_luedecke_discharged_toronto_sun_apology_to_toronto_port_authority City Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:39:57 PST City Jerrold 2009-11-12T20:39:57 Morning Brew: Ice Time for Girls, Kensington BIA Considered, Brawling Teens in Don Mills, One-Man Crime Spree, Apology Over Blackface Sought, TTC vs. Dundas West Photo: "5753 KENSINGTON SKY" by Xander N'Dante, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

Gender equality should apply across the board - and on the ice. Girls hockey teams have been experiencing difficulties getting reasonable ice time, and all it took was a threat to launch a human-rights complaint and a flurry of media attention before the mayor stepped in and vowed to ensure that its existing equity policy is enforced.

Does Kensington Market need a BIA? City council will debate the merits of the creation of a Business Improvement Area for the old neighbourhood at the end of November, but store owners are already divided on the issue, some fearing that too much politicking will result in the lovable, chaotic nature of the area being lost.

Somewhere between 30 and 100 teens (possibly with ties to gangs) got into a brawl in the Don Mills & 401 area last night, and two people ended up in stable condition in hospital. One was shot in the back, and the other was stabbed in the back. Man-to-man, face-to-face fistfights are a thing of the past, apparently.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_ice_time_for_girls_kensington_bia_considered_brawling_teens_in_don_mills_one-man_crime_spree_apology_over_blackface_sought_ttc_vs_dundas_west http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_ice_time_for_girls_kensington_bia_considered_brawling_teens_in_don_mills_one-man_crime_spree_apology_over_blackface_sought_ttc_vs_dundas_west City Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:47:09 PST City Jerrold 2009-11-12T06:47:09 What's Recyclable and What's Not in Toronto? Recycling, composting, and landfilling is a complicated process in Toronto. Some egg cartons are recyclable and go in the blue bin, but others are not. Batteries shouldn't go in the grey bin garbage. But human hair should.

Between blue bins, green bins, grey bins, and special pickups and drop-off depots, there have been many times when I've been less than completely certain about how to dispose of something. Until now.

More...

]]> http://www.blogto.com/environment/2009/11/whats_recyclable_and_whats_not_in_toronto http://www.blogto.com/environment/2009/11/whats_recyclable_and_whats_not_in_toronto Environment Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:23:05 PST Environment Jerrold 2009-11-10T12:23:05 TTC Token Hoarding Prompts Strict Anti-Hoarding Measures TTC token hoarding is already becoming a problem and the transit commission has sprung into action with a serious effort to thwart it.

Effective immediately, TTC staffers have been instructed to sell no more than 5 tokens at fare collection booths. Automatic token dispensers in unattended subway entrances will be programmed to deliver just one token. And the worst part of this all? If a fare collector booth run out of tokens, staff have been instructed to charge riders the full fare of $2.75. Is this fare fair?

]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/ttc_token_hoarding_prompts_strict_anti-hoarding_measures http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/ttc_token_hoarding_prompts_strict_anti-hoarding_measures City Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:41:48 PST City Jerrold 2009-11-09T16:41:48 Morning Brew: Remembrance Day Ceremonies in Toronto, Hand Sanitizer Snafu, Billy Bishop Airport, Raptors Prefer Winning to Spirit, Giller Goes to Linden MacIntyre Photo: "Img2009-11-01-009" by picturenarrative, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

Remembrance Day in Toronto is being marked by ceremonies honouring those who have fallen in military battles. Some offices are closed for the day, some open late, and most of us will work through the day and take a moment of silence at 11am.

When you buy lots of anything, you generally get great pricing. But not always. The City of Toronto, for example, appears to have gotten shafted when it rush purchased over 200,000 bottles of hard sanitizer for health professionals at $2.59 per bottle. I bought one mini bottle of Purell at Shoppers this weekend - for about the same price.

The Toronto Port Authority has gone ahead and made the decision to rename the City Center Airport "The Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport," despite there already being an airport in Owen Sound, Ontario. The TPA generally does whatever it wants, doesn't it?

]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_remembrance_day_ceremonies_in_toronto_hand_sanitizer_snafu_billy_bishop_airport_raptors_prefer_winning_to_spirit_giller_goes_to_linden_macintyre http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_remembrance_day_ceremonies_in_toronto_hand_sanitizer_snafu_billy_bishop_airport_raptors_prefer_winning_to_spirit_giller_goes_to_linden_macintyre City Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:08:43 PST City Jerrold 2009-11-08T20:08:43 Morning Brew: TTC Riders' Strike, Smitherman and Tory Square Off, Road Tolls Suggested, Bed Bug Infestations Photo: "Fly a kite" by Lizzie's Libation, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

2010 mayoral hopefuls George Smitherman and John Tory squared off face-to-face on ~~CFRB~~ Newstalk 1010 last night, in what was being touted as the first opportunity for battle lines to be drawn. Smitherman wasn't impressed that Tory allowed the media into the studio, and declined a follow-up interview, but they did manage to chat briefly about healthy eating habits.

Toronto is losing its economic edge, and road tolls may be a way to help reverse the trend. A study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development says billion of dollars are being lost in the GTA because 71% of us rely on cars and are tied up in traffic rather than being productive. In-car offices could probably also help solve the problem but would surely introduce new ones.

Bed bugs are back, and a big problem in the city. Infestation by these little critters can be a real pain, especially on the psyche. It's best to get a pro to come in to solve the problem, but not everyone can afford the service or to replace pricey household items.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_ttc_riders_strike_smitherman_and_tory_square_off_road_tolls_suggested_bed_bug_infestations http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_ttc_riders_strike_smitherman_and_tory_square_off_road_tolls_suggested_bed_bug_infestations City Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:59:40 PST City Jerrold 2009-11-08T19:59:40 Morning Brew: George Smitherman to Run for Mayor, New Generation Sushi Kitchen Murder, 407 ETR Billing Problems, King & Spadina LCBO too Short and Stout Photo: "Mural - DSC 0926 ep" by ericparker, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

George Smitherman has declared that he will be resigning from his post as minister of energy and infrastructure in the provincial cabinet to prepare for his bid to be Toronto's next mayor in 2010. He's either banking on memories being short, forgiveness being widespread, or his own ability to convince the public that his performance through the eHealth spending scandal was acceptable.

Murder in a sushi restaurant kitchen has a particular B-movie-esque plot ring to it, but this weekend it actually happened at one of the most popular sushi joints in Toronto - New Generation in the Annex. A minor dispute turned violent, one chef is dead, and I'm sure some people will have a hard time shaking the visual and eating raw fish any time soon.

Does the 407 Express Toll Route have a billing problem? Is the problem worthy of official investigation? Hundreds of people have come forward to tell their stories to the Toronto Star, many involving massive, interest-accrued bills from disputable road use dating back several years. In some cases, the 407 has issued invoices to the deceased even though the license plate in question hasn't been on the road for some time.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_george_smitherman_to_run_for_mayor_new_generation_sushi_kitchen_murder_407_etr_billing_problems_king_spadina_lcbo_too_short_and_stout http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_george_smitherman_to_run_for_mayor_new_generation_sushi_kitchen_murder_407_etr_billing_problems_king_spadina_lcbo_too_short_and_stout City Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:35:56 PST City Jerrold 2009-11-08T19:35:56 Sorauren Park Pumpkin Parade the Biggest Yet The Sorauren Park Pumpkin Parade was the biggest ever this year, with organizers counting an amazing 1,620 Jack-O-Lanterns.

Every year (see last year's photos) on November 1st, nearby residents come together in the park to get one last glimpse of their carved pumpkins, ahead of their imminent post-Halloween (to the compost!) demise.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/sorauren_park_pumpkin_parade_the_biggest_yet http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/sorauren_park_pumpkin_parade_the_biggest_yet City Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:33:09 PST City Jerrold 2009-11-01T22:33:09 Morning Brew: Giambrone Doesn't Like $126 Metropasses, Hospital Execs Get H1N1 Vaccination Early, Toronto Bid for 2015 Pan Am Games, Rogers Family Butler Wanted, 450kg of Weed Photo: "Graffiti Artists At Work" by marty_pinker, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

In addition to pro athletes getting vaccinated ahead of high risk groups, we're now learning that members of the board of directors at Mount Sinai Hospital also got the H1N1 shot in advance. While they claim that they made the decision before they knew that there would be a shortage of vaccine, it doesn't look good that hospital executives have little regard for what are supposed to be strict deployment guidelines. Is it fair to call this vaccination process a fiasco yet?

TTC Chair Adam Giambrone appeared on CP24's new "On the Rocket" show last night, and was interviewed by the Star before taking to the air. He hinted that the insane $126 price tag for the Metropass (proposed for January 2010 implementation) may not have his endorsement (and hopefully won't get approval!) - probably because it makes no sense and they can't spin it to make any sense. Rob Ford would rather see the 22,000 free passes for TTC employee and retiree revoked.

Will Toronto score the 2015 Pan Am Games? We'll learn later today. In the final push to convince the deciding committee members that Toronto is their best choice, we waxed them with showers of Toronto's finest poutine, smoked salmon, and chardonnay.

]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_giambrone_doesnt_like_126_metropasses_hospital_execs_get_h1n1_vaccination_early_toronto_bid_for_2015_pan_am_games_rogers_family_butler_wanted_450kg_of_weed http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_giambrone_doesnt_like_126_metropasses_hospital_execs_get_h1n1_vaccination_early_toronto_bid_for_2015_pan_am_games_rogers_family_butler_wanted_450kg_of_weed City Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:28:46 PST City Jerrold 2009-11-01T21:28:46 Morning Brew: Toronto Sales Tax, TTC Fare Hike, Pro Athlete H1N1 Vaccinations, Gun Registry on Thin Ice, Housing Market Spike Photo: "Carpet of Fallen Leaves" by Bobcatnorth, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

Given our dire financial state, should Toronto introduce a municipal sales tax? Other large cities in North America do it, so perhaps we should consider it. The idea of paying more taxes for goods and services when we're already taxed to the extent we are really hurts, but it could be a solution to some of our biggest problems (like our grossly underfunded transit system).

We expected a TTC fare hike to be proposed, but I don't think anyone thought that the monthly Metropass would go from $109 to $126 (an almost 16% hike). Doing the math reveals that Metropass holders would have to ride the rocket a minimum of twice daily on 6 days of the week, in order to make the per ride fare less than the cost of tokens. Where's the savings for the most frequent transit users?

Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors players got H1N! flu vaccinations from their team doctors. But are they in high risk groups? (I know they're high risk for not making the playoffs again, but that doesn't count.) Should they have had to wait like the rest of us, especially given the inevitable shortage of vaccine supply?

]]> http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_toronto_sales_tax_ttc_fare_hike_pro_athlete_h1n1_vaccinations_gun_registry_on_thin_ice_housing_market_spike http://www.blogto.com/city/2009/11/morning_brew_toronto_sales_tax_ttc_fare_hike_pro_athlete_h1n1_vaccinations_gun_registry_on_thin_ice_housing_market_spike City Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:22:03 PST City Jerrold 2009-11-01T21:22:03