Update: Google Transit

You may recall my post regarding Google Transit and the TTC. I wrote to TTC Chair, Adam Giambrone to ask if they had any plans to become part of the Google Transit site and this is Mr. Giambrones reply:

"The TTC is aware of this Google site and have been in touch with
representatives from Google to discuss options related to it. At this time
however, there are no concrete plans for the TTC to be added to this
site."

Thanks to Adam for getting back to us so promptly. We think he's doing a great job as TTC Chair (and is one of the cutest politicians ever) and the TTC seems to be getting better these days because of his hard work!

Winter Chair In Red And Yellow

Winter Chair In Yellow

Winter Chair In Yellow

Fridge Art

Google Transit Search

Here is something new and cool from Google. This site alllows you to enter an address where you are and a destination address and the search engine will give you detailed public transit directions.

It comes as no surprise to me at all that our wonderful Toronto Transit Commision is NOT included as part of this search, although there are some Canadian cities involved including; Vancouver, BC, Fredericton, NB, and Montreal, QC.

I've written to TTC Chair Adam Giambrone to ask if the TTC will be taking part in this in the future. I think it is a good way to make public transit much more user friendly. I'll let you know what he has to say.

Coming in 2008 from BBC: Oceans

EarthEcho International president Philippe Cousteau is proud to be a host for Oceans, a BBC/Discovery co-production.
We know more about the surface of Mars than we do about the depths of Earth's oceans. Hidden there are amazing stories that will reveal new truths about our past, our planet, and the life within it. These incredible unseen stories will be told in the eight episodes comprising the Oceans series.
Each hour-long program, filmed in a different sea or ocean, will feature explorer Paul Rose, environmentalist Philippe Cousteau, maritime archaeologist Dr. Lucy Blue, and marine biologist Tooni Mahto as they brave the dangers of the deep, engage with the local people whose lives and livelihood depend on the sea, reflect on humankind's impact on the oceans, and attempt to inspire people to consider their changing relationship with the oceans.

Visit Cousteau's site here.

Saudi King pardons vicitm

A few weeks ago I posted a story about a woman who had been gang raped and then was sentenced to 90 lashes for the rape. Today I read this story from CTV news about the Saudi King pardoning the victim.

Snowy Lantern

 

Winter Scene

 

Todays Snowstorm

 

Green Party congratulates Australia on Kyoto ratification

03.12.2007

OTTAWA – Green Party leader Elizabeth May extended congratulations to Australia for ratifying the Kyoto protocol and urged Prime Minister Stephen Harper to rethink his strategy to block international action on climate change.

“Newly-elected Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd ratified the Kyoto protocol in his first act after being sworn in,” said Ms. May. “Mr. Rudd has pledged to do everything in his power to ensure Australia is a leader on taking action against climate change. Unfortunately for Canadians, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has taken the opposite approach. He has damaged Canada’s reputation since the day he took office by obstructing action to arrest the climate crisis.”

Ms. May added that there is every indication the Conservative government will continue to act as global saboteur as negotiations on the second phase of Kyoto begin at the United Nations climate change conference Bali. She noted that today, on the opening day of the conference, Canada has the shame of being awarded the third-place Fossil of the Day award from Climate Action Network International, behind only the United States and Saudi Arabia.

“Mr. Harper must drop his disgraceful stance on Kyoto and climate change and follow Australia’s lead by honouring Kyoto and playing a constructive – not obstructive – role in the second phase negotiations.”

UPDATE: Abducted Child

I have just received new information from the Melanie Persaud, Manager, Communications Children's Aid Society of Toronto:

"The child was not abducted during a supervised visitation. She was
abducted in the parking lot before the visit was to begin."

It will be interesting to see if CTV follows up on this. I have written to CTV news, and also replied to Melanie, suggesting that she may want to have them clarify.

Parents abduct daughter during 'supervised' visitation

This story began a couple of weeks ago when the parents of a five year old sick child abducted her during a routine 'supervised' visitation. Click the title link for the details and the full story from CTV.

I'd like to know, how it is that a child is abducted, from a child protection agency, during a supervied visit? I have written to them and will let you know what they have to say, should I hear back from them.

I'd also like to know why the CTV story doesn't even address this very obvious question?

Unrepentant theif Black gets 6 1/2 years.

To quote an animated cartoon character, "Ha ha" ~Nelson from The Simpsons.

Conrad Black sentenced to 6 1/2 years for fraud and obstruction of justice

Keg Mansion Holiday Dinner

Here are the pics from last nights dinner at the Keg Mansion. Everyone (except me) was on such good behaviour, dressed so nicely and respectable, that I thought I should not delay in getting these pics out to the masses.

If you click on the title or the slideshow you will go to ...theDaye... Picassa web album where you will be able to download all the pics and read all of my witty and entertaining comments.

Since you're already here please vote in my weekly poll (its on the top right). Also read/comment on my blog if you wish and gain insight on the inner workings of the mind of the man who is me!

Happy Holiday's to all, and may (insert favorite deity here) bless you all and two hall will soothe a sore throat, or blah, blah, blah....

Please send the link to other friends who may be interested as I don't have email addresses for everyone in the whole entire world who might (probably will) want to see them.

TTFN

2007 Keg Mansion Friends Dinner

Human Rights Day

URGENT: Click here for Amnesty Internationals

10 things you can do to support Human Rights Day!

Have your say!

Have your say!
Vote in this weeks ...the Daye...Poll.

Share your thoughts by posting a comment on the death penalty story.

World leader in child executions: Iran

I read today, a story at gay.com/news about a 21-year-old man who was convicted, in what I would suspect was a very unfair trial of 'raping' three boys when the man was age 13.

According to Human Rights Watch Makwan Moloudzadeh was hung late Tuesday of this week.
His family was notified on Wednesday to come and retreive the mans body. "We were expecting an order for retrial by the Supreme Court,'' Saeed Eqbali, the lawyer of the sentenced man said.

What came to my mind was a statement my Mother once made about the Pride parade. "I don't see why they need to have a parade" she said. Quite obviously not yet at a point where I was part of her condescending they. I was offended and don't remember what I said, but I know I wasn't happy with my answer and it has always bothered me.

When I read this story it reminded me of a sign that someone was carrying during the 2006 Pride Toronto parade which read: "We march for those who can't". I don't recall what group this person was with, but the marchers following him were carrying signs each with the name of a country and below it some statistic or fact about it like how many gays they had murdered. You can see Dave Raetsens 2006 Pride Toronto video of this here.

My point is this. We have a parade and celebrate who we are and our lives for many reasons. As many people often do, without having to give or have a specific reason, other than to celebrate. Just because it is fun. Some do have very specific reasons, for others they need no reason.

I feel that our parade has now evolved to a more developed state where it is not all protest and rights motivated, and we must not take that lightly. The fact that we are fortunate enough to be able to relax and party instead of having to fight for our lives is not enough. Now we must show the world that it is unacceptable to treat any minority in any unfair or unjust way. Especially when governments are murdering people for so called crimes, which are really just normal human behaviour.

I have never supported the death penalty and this is just one more case of why I made that choice.

What gives any state the authority to say who gets to live and who gets to die?

A criminal, any criminal is still human and is a product of the world that we all create, and for creating that world we all must accept our part, whether that part be big or small, one of passivity and blandness or a part that involves action and using your life to make a difference.

Davids 42 Birthday