World Cup 2018 Quarterfinals

Posted on July 4, 2018 by
athletes audience ball bleachers

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

We are now down to eight teams in the 2018 World Cup after a very interesting Round of 16 action at the 2018 World Cup.

As we start the Quarterfinals, let’s look at the match-ups: Continue reading →

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Maintenance Fees Paid by Cheque

Posted on July 1, 2018 by

Gerry Hyman has another article for the Toronto Star.  I want to discuss two of the questions raised:

QUESTION:  I pay my common-expense contributions monthly by cheque. Management has advised that we’ll be required to pay a $10 fee for cheque payments rather than automatic account debit. Can the board do this?

ANSWER:  The condominium corporation’s documentation would have to be amended to require the bank account debit or, alternatively, the additional $10 payment. This could be done by the passage of a bylaw, or an amendment to an existing bylaw, as the Condominium Act permits bylaws to “govern the assessment and collection of contributions to the common expenses.”

Continue reading →

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Happy Dominion Day

Posted on July 1, 2018 by

The Maple Leaf

Happy Dominion Day to everyone in Canada!  July 1st, 2018 marks the 151st birthday for the Dominion of Canada since Confederation on July 1st, 1867.

Confederation was created thanks to the hard work of many people, and helped to create the Canada we know today.

On July 1st, 1867, three British colonies: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada (the combined colonies of Upper and Lower Canada, now Ontario and Quebec.)

Other provinces and territories were added over the years: Manitoba (1870), Northwest Territories (1870), British Columbia (1871), Prince Edward Island (1873), Yukon Territory (1898), Alberta (1905), Saskatchewan (1905), Newfoundland and Labrador (1949), and Nunavut (1999.)

So, Happy 151st Birthday, Canada!

English: International Convention at Quebec of...

English: International Convention at Quebec of Delegates of the Legislatures of Canada: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, October 27, 1864, Quebec City, Canada East (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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2018 World Cup: Round of 16

Posted on June 29, 2018 by

The Group Stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup has concluded and we are ready to start the knockout phase with the Group of 16.

A couple shocks did take place with the Group Stage.  Firstly, two top teams:  The Netherlands (17th) and Italy (19th) did not qualify for the World Cup.  Secondly, Germany – the defending Champions and the top seeded team in FIFA – failed to make it out of the Group Stage.

The Round of 16 breaks down as follows (numbers indicate FIFA ranking as of May 17th 2018): Continue reading →

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Streetcar Service Returns west of Humber Loop

Posted on June 24, 2018 by

On June 24th, 2018 the communities along Lake Ontario is southern Etobicoke finally got their streetcar service back after waiting almost a year and a half.

Starting January 7th, 2017 the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) shutdown streetcar service west of Roncesvalles Ave. in order to perform work on the tracks and wires along the Queensway Right-of-Way (ROW), at Humber and Long Branch Loops, and along Lake Shore Blvd. W.

After a long wait, service finally resumed, and I took a return trip between Long Branch and Humber Loops.  For most of the day, the 501 Queen line is split at Humber Loop with streetcars either operating between Humber Loop and Neville Park, or between Humber Loop and Long Branch.  The latter is effectively a reinstatement of the 507 Long Branch car that operated from 1935 to 1995 in all but name.  Some trips overnight will operate over the entire 501 line, while some streetcars during the rush hour will operate between Long Branch Loop and downtown to provide a one seat ride. Continue reading →

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Red Winged Blackbirds

Posted on June 19, 2018 by

Red winged blackbirds have taken over the Toronto area this year.

Here are some pictures of the birds:

Continue reading →

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Only ‘Routine Issues’ may be discussed at Annual General Meetings

Posted on June 17, 2018 by

Gerry Hyman has another article for the Toronto Star.  I want to discuss three of the questions that were raised:

First, this question: Continue reading →

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Sondra Radvanovsky owns Anna Bolena at the COC

Posted on May 27, 2018 by
Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848), composer -

Gaetano Donizetti, composer – (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I attended the last performance of Donizetti’s Anna Bolena at the Canadian Opera Company on May 26th, 2018.  The opera stars Sondra Radvanovsky, who owns the title role of Anna Bolena.

The performance stars Ms. Radvanovsky, and also features Christian Van Horn as Enrico (King Henry VIII), Allyson McHardy as Smeton, Keri Alkema as Giovanna Seymour (Jane Seymour), and Bruce Sledge as Richard Percy.  The performance was directed by Stephen Lawless, and was conducted by Corrado Rovaris. Continue reading →

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Happy Victoria Day

Posted on May 21, 2018 by
Queen Victoria (State portrait) by Sir George ...

Queen Victoria (State portrait) by Sir George Hayter (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today, May 21st 2018, is Victoria Day in Canada.  I want to wish every Canadian a very happy and safe Victoria Day.

Today marks the celebration of the birthday of Canada’s first monarch, Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901 and was Monarch when four British colonies – Canada West (Ontario), Canada East (Quebec), New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia – were combined together to create the Dominion of Canada.

Today, May 21st 2018, is Victoria Day in Canada. I want to wish every Canadian a very happy and safe Victoria Day. Continue reading →

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Spring 2018

Posted on May 14, 2018 by

Spring is now in full bloom.

Here are some pictures I have taken recently:

Continue reading →

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