Sheppard LRT

I am still not a fan of the Sheppard LRT. Not because I don’t like trams (a.k.a. Streetcars). To the contrary, I think they add a level of character to a city. No, my main reason is the Sheppard Subway. If anyone has seen the design, when you exit the subway you will move to the end of the platform to catch the LRT. While it is novel, it looks really odd; almost like a stunted Sheppard line and then a short hop to another form of transit. In some ways it’s similar to Kennedy station. I always hated the long trip upstairs to the Scarborough RT. I think in this case it just seems to be dumb. I remember years ago, Howard Moscoe tried to get Mel Lastman to change the Sheppard Subway to an LRT. Looking back at it now, I think he was right. Its too late now and I think we should just finish the Sheppard line.  Just go a few KM at a time, and let’s get to Victoria Park with a subway. We can do the rest later!

By: Chadich Thomas

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/741721--construction-begins-on-sheppard-lrt

The Toronto 18 – Why do they hate Canada?

I have tried many times to understand this level of hatred. To live in a free and wonderful country, like Canada, where there is so much opportunity. Why do they hate us? Well, let’s not underestimate the power of conditioning and brainwashing.  It happens in all facets of life and we should do our best to eliminate this from happening. However, it was not too long ago when African-Americans, were treated poorly and Women were not even allowed to vote. What am I getting at? If we value Canada, we must continue to push our Canadian values and morals. We cannot allow individuals to come to Canada, bring their own hatreds and evil tendencies. If they do, let’s indentify it and educate, or fix it. Brushing these groups under the rug only helps to allow them to indoctrinate the minds of our precious children. We must continue to show the world that we are a better county. Terrorists will always exist, however if we continue to show what freedom is, in the end we will win. I grew up in a diverse school, where I got used to everyone. Maybe our politicians need to sit down and rediscover what it means to be Canadian and ensure that those who come to Canada understand why we are “Strong, Proud and Free”.

By: Chadich Thomas

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/680508

Fake Metropasses?

Will someone please explain to me why we don’t have smart cards? We have GPS and all types of fancy technology. If banks can do it, along with others, why is it so difficult to get a better system? Anyone can travel to places like Hong Kong and get an idea on how it works. Just pay as you go! There is obviously too much bureaucracy to see the practicality and long-term savings. I’m just saying!

By: Chadich Thomas

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2009/05/21/ttc-counterfeit.html

Pacific Pirate Knock-off Mall?

I am fascinated on how open some of the retailers, in the popular Pacific Mall, in Markham; in terms of pushing pirated copyrighted DVD’s to the public. It’s almost as if they do not care. I am sure it’s because the benefits of pirating materials versus the fines just make it a worthy venture.  Maybe stronger laws will put a bit more teeth into stopping the practice. It happens all over the city, but I am amazed when speaking to individuals how open they are by saying “Oh, I get all of my DVD’s from Pacific Mall”. Maybe it is a sign to Hollywood that the material is too expensive? If people are willing to watch a crappy movie, then maybe we need to look into this issue. Are DVD’s just too expensive? Are there not enough options for consumers, or do we just like to have a reason to go to Pacific Mall? I don’t know, you tell me.

By: Chadich Thomas

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Crime/2009/05/06/9373311-sun.html