TTC subway closed – Way too many buses replacing subway, wasting our money

TTC University subway line was closed Sunday for upgrades, buses replaced subway, but was it over staffed when TTC say they have no money?

The closure of the University line was widely announced through the media for weeks but the management at TTC felt it was necessary to have way too many buses and staff to handle the few passengers on the route. Several of the drivers and staff associated with the closure were on overtime, and there were many workers all along the shuttle bus line, directing the few passengers.

At a time when the TTC maintain they are constantly needing money to run the system.

Are they managing the system correctly and efficiently, and using our money the right way? I don’t think so. From what I saw Sunday, there were an awful lot of empty buses running up/down University Avenue and they had paid duty cops along the route, giving buses the right of way, which is an additional cost to the TTC.

It was announced by the TTC they are upgrading the signals along the University line since the signalling system is over 50 years old. They say the upgrade will allow trains to run closer together and thus improve service.

To get a look at the TTC track cleaning train, check it out HERE.

The TTC is an efficient service and one we can be proud of, but when they mismanage the system as they have done on the University line shuttle buses is that making it efficient and worthy?

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Daniel … Toronto, Canada,     丹尼尔     دانيال … تورنتو، كندا،
My take on everything
@dandmb50

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Por favor comente lo que usted piensa acerca de la función de traducción de blog completo. He estado tratando de agregar desde hace años y me thi8nk que es muy potente, gracias a Google. Cuéntanos lo que piensas, deja un comentario.

请评论你认为翻译博客功能。我一直在试图，添加多年来，我thi8nk它非常强大，感谢谷歌。告诉我们你的想法，发表评论。

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CN Tower (not CNN) in Toronto launches new ‘EdgeWalk’ 356 metres above the ground, at $175 a pop, very popular, waiting list growing

UPDATE: CN Tower Edge walk officially opens Monday

Toronto, CANADA - The new “EDGE WALK” 356 metres (116 stories) above the ground, where you can walk around the CN Tower above the restaurant and get your thrills, or frights, for this hands-free walk for a measly $175. Demand is brisk and there is a waiting list for this harnessed walk around the top of the restaurant, with nothing holding you back, but the cabled harnesses.

Another attraction to bring in the customers, was a clear glass floor on the observation gallery which allows you to look right through to the ground, which sees schoolkids jumping on the glass to try and break it, but it’s about a foot thick.
The CN Tower   is a must see while in Toronto, and on a clear day you can see Niagara Falls and New York State, USA.
Without the “Edge Walk” you only pay for the elevator ride, $34.99 to the observation gallery which gives a panoramic view of downtown Toronto, and you can see  Niagara Falls  and New York State on a clear day.

It is one of tallest and most identifiable free standing structures in the western world, and most photographed, when visitors come to Toronto. It boasts a full service revolving restaurant on the pod level, (elevator included in reservations) or just pay the fee of $34.99 or check out the other full packages RATES HERE.The CN Tower was originally built in 1974 for communications, but now with the advent of satellite communications it’s used mainly for bouncing signals to the heavens.

A must see, if you are visiting this great city, and you never get lost walking around downtown Toronto, just look up, and get your bearings from the CN Tower.  “It’s not CNN”   is a takeoff on visitors asking me many years ago,  “Where’s the CNN Tower?”    They must be from the USA.

For more info go to CNTOWER.

Daniel … Toronto, CANADA
My Take on everything
@dandmb50

To go to my FULL WordPress BLOG CLICK HERE or click the Header .. Daniel .. Toronto, CANADA  at the top of each page.

UPDATE: Casey Anthony murder trial – Cindy Anthony (Grandmother) of Caylee, takes stand for most of today, jury sympathizes?

Orlando, Florida – I’m no lawyer, but sympathy, emotions, and non-facts, should not be part of any murder trial. Today’s evidence in the murder case of Casey Anthony was not evidence, but pure emotion, speculation and sympathy for the grandmother. It has been reported that the whole family is dysfunctional and it was very clear today this may be true, and although it is only the seventh  day of trial this is a very dysfunctional family in my view. In previous testimony by George, Casey’s Father, he would never answer the defense attorney’s questions, and today it was the same approach from the mother, Cindy.Let’s face it, Casey Anthony is not the poster child for Mother of the Year, but this is just so, so slanted, since everyone has been coached to hate her and that is not right. How she acts in the courtroom to her mother, how she dresses, how she looks at anyone, these are not reasons for convicting someone of the worst crime ever. Innuendo, speculation, looks, clothing they are not evidence.I agree, I suspected she was guilty from three years ago, and she may well be, but we must let the trial play out. From what I understand as a layman, people get convicted on evidence and we have seen very little so far. Yes, computer checks for chloroform, checks for neck breaking, hair in the trunk, these are all circumstantial evidence and no one has placed Casey at the desk of the computer, or putting her daughters hair in the trunk.
Tonight on Nancy Grace show on HLN, where she is in true form, where she has said such things as “Casey placed her daughters dead body in a pet cemetery with duct tape over her mouth”   is just all conjecture and not based on any real facts. She even had a veteran New York City lawyer Paul Batista as a guest on her show tonight and he spouted the same as me, and she said, “cut his microphone, he’s not answering my questions”  which means he is not in lock step loop with Nancy Grace’s view, and can’t be heard, doubt if he will be asked back on. I have read that the duct tape over the mouth of young Caylee was probably done by the person who killed/or covered up the death, to make it appear that it was a kidnapping.
It appears that everyone from CNN shows, appears to have a closed mind, and think/demand that Casey is guilty. Thank goodness we even have trials, with people thinking like this, and spewing their biased opinions. I have not decided yet, if I think Casey is guilty, it looks very bad for her if I just listen to the main stream media, but I have my doubts, but they may be addressed later in the trial. But I have not decided to take her out and finish her off before she gets a fair and unbiased trial, what is happening people, there must be evidence, proving these things especially in a murder trial, it must be beyond reasonable doubt. Are people saying, they have no doubt   in their minds after the revealing opening statement at the beginning of the trial by Casey’s defense attorney Jose Baez? Maybe not, but I sure do, have all kinds of doubt in my mind and I’m just a regular guy.
Casey is the one everyone loves to hate, and “string her up”  mentality, but that went out, back when cattle rustlers were hung, not today.It shall be very interesting in the next few days, when George and Cindy’s son Lee takes the stand and maybe then, we will see that we have a package deal of a full dysfunctional family, and it also appears that they may all be liars, just as they programmed their daughter Casey.

TRIAL CHATTER: I thought it was just me mixing up Casey, Caylee, Cindy, all such similar names but I heard Cindy today on the stand make the mistake herself, at least twice?

Daniel … Toronto, CANADA
My take on everything
@dandmb50

Driving in Toronto, can it be dangerous, costly, frustrating and just plain madness. Do we have enough enforcement?

Toronto, CANADA - An excellent article in the Toronto Star  today prompted this blog, and writer Ian Law  was concentrating on the four driving offences that “drive him crazy” and he could issue tickets (if they game him a title and a car) to drivers, under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA.) He covers his worst, distracted drivers, running red lights,aggressive driving, and illegal turns.These are all good points and although many residents would say “We have enough enforcement, too much,in fact” that is not the case. Recently the Province of Ontario added a new traffic law which makes using any hand held electronic devices illegal and subject to over $100 fine and points. This is mainly targeted at people texting and driving, or stopped at a traffic light, and are not using a hands free device. And since the start of this new law, about a year ago, has this eliminated the safety hazard? Not a chance, it’s a wee bit smaller than in years past, but it still continues to this day, and I see people texting in backed up traffic all the time. If caught, I think a more realistic fine should be imposed since they are only catching about five percent, so let’s make the fine $500 and see how the public reacts to that.
This texting and driving has been responsible for so many accidents since texting started, and now with everyone having a smart phone, and traffic snarls all over the city, people think they can do both. Studies have shown that someone texting and driving is very similar to the conditions of an impaired driver and in Ontario that is a criminal offence.I just don’t get it, people can’t wait to answer their phones and for some reason are aware of the dangers, but continue to use their hand held devices while they try to manoeuvre through the heavy traffic of downtown Toronto, and I suspect other major cities across North America. It’s getting so bad, it’s not even safe in a wheelchair. (picture below)

So what do you think? Are there other things that DRIVE YOU CRAZY about Toronto Drivers? Let’s hear what you have to say.

If you need a good safe driving school, check this place out, it’s Ian Law’s school just north of Toronto.  (Car Control School)

Daniel … Toronto, CANADA
My take on everything

@dandmb50

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Be sure to copy the NUMBERS on the key to get the $25 credit. …

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Charlie Sheen in Toronto – mixed reviews, winning?

Toronto - Charlie Sheen performed his first of two concerts Thursday at Massey Hall in Toronto (My Violent Torpedo of Truth Tour) and although Thursday was sold out, tickets are still available for Friday.

Thursday featured very mixed reactions, from terrible to terrific and although the show ended abruptly at about 9:35 many were disappointed. Russell Peters, local Canadian comedian from Toronto was on stage with Sheen and many thought Peters carried the show as he interviewed him throughout.

Prior to the opening, Sheen bypassed the large crowd that had camped out at the stage door on Victoria Street and entered by another door, but still a large crowd found out just how personable he can be.

Winning!

He even came out on the fire exit for a smoke break several times and had exchanges with his adoring fans before the show started. There were no shortage of tickets as the scalpers were asking $200 and up per seat, and someone even handed out “Tiger Blood” hot sauce after the show.

Many felt Sheen’s performance was better than in Detroit, but much of the credit had to go to Russell Peters and without him the “Warlock” may not have done as well. “Russell Peters is taking a different approach, in a way he was interviewing him which is kind of good because he’s tackled all the interviews he’s done State side. The crowd is reacting very well, their yelling good things out about his old past movies which we all remember. We’re in Toronto, where else are you able to see Charlie Sheen, we were able to get floor seats at a great price and we are very happy and it was worth the money to us.” said Rob from Toronto. But unfortunately after he finished his cigarette he realized it wasn’t a break, but the show was over.

Sheen was told not to smoke in the venue because of Ontario’s smoking laws, so he did comply and smoked on the fire exit. There was an intermission break just after 9 pm and when they started up again many people were still outside before they knew it, the show was over.

Winning!

Russell Oliver, the “Cash Man”, stopped to say hello as he entered the Shuter Street doors. The crowd seemed to be on the younger side and everyone was in agreement, they wanted to see what it was all about, and possibly hear some of his drug crazed stories. Laila and Michelle were able to get tickets at the last minute as they visited Toronto for the first time from Melbourne, Australia and enjoyed themselves immensely. “Charlie won’t be coming down under, so this was our only chance to see him”

“Mad Dog of Virgin Radio stepped out for a smoke and said, “They stumbled onto a great thing having Russell Peters here tonight, I think he’s really saving the show he’s keeping it move along, he’s giving it some rhythm.” “He’s in Canada and we’re a more receptive audience we’re a lot more polite, we’re not going to walk out, we’re not going to heckle, we’re not here to be rude, we want to have a good time.”

Next stop on the tour, Rogers Centre in Vancouver B.C. on Monday, May 2.2011.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/305582#ixzz1JcqErGKU

Charlie Sheen led a march from his hotel at the Ritz-Carlton in Toronto of just over a 100 dedicated fans to his second concert at Massey Hall on Friday night. They marched through the streets of Toronto to the concert hall where 3500 patrons were waiting for his arrival while he wore his “I’m Not Bipolar” tougue and cheered on the adoring fans as they walked arm and arm up University Avenue to Shuter Street. He immediately went onto the fire scape of the Massey Hall and addressed his faithful followers before he entered his final concert in Toronto before he heads to Vancouver for the final leg of his Canadian tour. There were tons of media and news helicopters following the whole march route, without incident, and it’s still unknown what the fascination of Charlie Sheen is to his fans in Toronto, but he certainly has that touch to draw the crowds in.

Daniel … Toronto, CANADA

My take on everything

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Women’s Roller Derby hosting International Tournament Dec/2011

Photos courtesy of Sean Murphy

Toronto – Toronto Women’s Roller Derby League (TORD) will be hosting an International tournament in December 2011, venue location is still to be announced. There are over 100 leagues in North America with about 13 in Canada.

“We just won the bid to host the first ever World Cup of Roller Derby in Toronto, December 1-4, 2011 with 13 International teams from all over the world” said Krizsanta Muerte (Santa) a member of the Gore-Gore Roller Girls and defending champs of last years fifth season. Santa is also on the organizing committee for locations and on the Board of Directors for the league.

On Saturday night match at The Hanger at Downsiew Park, Santa’s Gore-Gore Roller Girls defeated Chicks Ahoy 132-83 and said “The Chicks are always super hard to play against but we did it Saturday night.”

The crowd base of just under 1000 were not disappointed by all the action and it cuts across all demographics, because in the beginning “Back when the league started five years ago, the fan base was mostly women 18-45 but now it has mushroomed into an all different crowd, since people are realizing there is a lot of strategy involved in the game, and Roller Derby is the only game in the world where both teams can score simultaneously,” said Santa.

The scoring is a little complicated and here is a summary of how the teams score points. There are five players on the track at any one time and the “Jammer” is the only one who can score points. “The Jammer gets points every time she laps an opposing blocker. A blockers job is to stop the other Jammer of the opposing team from getting her points and at the same time your Jammer is trying to get points” said Santa.

The rules are 44 pages long but there are really only about 10 major rules. Players violating the rules can accumulate minors, and four minors will get the skater one minute in the penalty box.

Photos courtesy of Sean Murphy

The draw for a lot of fans is that it is so hard to get tickets for major sports like hockey that they like to find something completely different and possibly win some championships.

The rules of Roller Derby are evolving all the time and they test the new rules in one game and then introduce them into the league rules if they are working. “Points can only be scored 20 feet in front of the pack.” commented Santa.

The league has an “All Star” team (CN Power) that travels all over North America and may be planning a trip to the Minnesota area in the near future.

Action get’s underway again this Saturday, April 16 at The Hangar at Downsview Park doors open 6:30pm and more info can be found at the Toronto Roller Derby website.

Daniel … Toronto, CANADA

My take on everything

To go to my FULL WordPress BLOG CLICK HERE or click the Header .. Daniel .. Toronto, CANADA  at the top of each page.

New TTC subway train ‘will not work on curves in tunnels’ has been delayed.

March 18/2011 – TORONTO – It has been rumored (by an anonymous) Toronto Transit Commission (TTC Inspector) that the new sleek TTC subway cars will not “work on the curves in the tunnels” and there will be a further delay in them coming into service. The turn at Union Station is one of the tightest turns in the whole system and that is where they would start and end, in the beginning.

UPDATE – July 20/2011 - The NEW subway cars finally start running on the University/Yonge line starting tomorrow at 10AM at Downsview station, where you can walk the whole length of the train. Can’t wait. Do they have a GONG?

A source at the TTC Media Relations said “The rumor is not true, the trains are fine, they fit, but of course we test them, until the day we put them into service and beyond, which I believe is going to be this June.”

The new trains were to come into service in late 2010 but have been delayed and now they will be in service in June.

They are very cool, as you can walk the full length of the train without opening any doors.

When they eventually come into service (in late June) they will only be available on the Yonge Street line but will be expanded system wide, after further testing.

To read more about the TTC click HERE        ….  Photo courtesy of  The Toronto Star

Daniel … Toronto, CANADA
My take on everything

To go to my FULL WordPress BLOG CLICK HERE or click the Header .. Daniel .. Toronto, CANADA  at the top of each page.