Election - what's going on

The Canadian General Election, scheduled for May 2, 2011, is fast approaching so let's see what's going on, shall we? The current poll results show the Conservatives still leading with about a 10% lead over the Liberals (Angus Reid Poll 38% Conservative, 27% Liberal, 21% NDP). The trend over the past couple of weeks has been a softening of the Conservatives support while the Liberals are gaining ground.

Why, you ask? Well I don't know, I am not that political. However I don't mind throwing out opinions, it's so easy to do, so here are my thoughts on this pre and ongoing election stuff. My ratings are in negatives because unless you are a true, no questions asked follower of a particular party, it's often not that you find many reasons to vote for someone, instead you really find reasons not to vote for someone. You know many politicians stretch the truth, say things that will not happen and you know they are going to whack you with tax increases (remember the HST?) so the question is Who is going to screw you the least?

Here are the top five reasons to vote Conservative (at this point) and put them into a shiny, new minority government and then hope for Trudeaumania to return in the near future.

1) I didn't mind the Conservative minority government and was disappointed that the opposition forced an election. Negative marks to the Liberals -10% (the other guys don't really count in this election and will have to gain more support to be a true factor, otherwise in most cases you throw away your vote on the NDP and Green Party. PS I have voted for the Green Party candidate several times because of my kids political indoctrination in high school, they liked the NDP as well but I still have nightmares about Bob Rae).
2) I didn't like Harper's secretive ways before the election. I think he believes that if he doesn't say anything, no one will get mad, which is pretty realistic, until you get mad at him for not saying anything. Harper's continued attempt to limit discussions and access is really annoying. And to have the RCMP enforce his restriction of people of the non conservative variety into his events is way off base. Negative points to the Conservatives (and RCMP) -25%. (Although I do like that the RCMP came out publicly and said to their people to protect the PM, not the party, but note that this started years ago).
3) Once a party has been in for a number of terms it is always good on general principal to turf them and put someone else in charge for awhile. Shake things up a bit. Negative for the Conservatives -10 points.
4) The real alternative to the Conservatives is the Liberals and I don't really want to vote for Ignatieff (It is interesting to note that around the time that the election was being called an Ipsos poll showed that most people felt the best Prime Minister would have Harper first at 49%, followed by Layton at 34% and finally Ignatieff at 17%). Harper has to get me mad before I start leaning towards the Liberal leader from Harvard University. Negative for the Liberals -50%.
5) When will the leaders be in Toronto? Heck if I can find out when Harper is in town, unless it is after the fact. The Liberals publish an event guide on their website. Negative for Conservatives -5%.

By this reckoning, with Liberals at a negative overall score of -20%, I would not vote for the Liberals and would instead vote for the Conservatives to return to power. If the Liberals had a dynamic leader I am sure that they would have won the vote this year. I would have voted for the young Justin Trudeau if he were in charge and maybe he will be for the next election.

Both Harper and Igantieff will have a six minute face to face during April 12th's televised debate. Let's see a little action on platforms and finally some communication.

Jungle at the bus stop

I knew spring was here but I was not prepared for the urban jungle that had grown around the TTC bus stop at the Dundas and Yonge intersection at the Eaton Centre. There must be a little more radiation in the air lately or maybe they were magical seeds.

Someone must have thought that this was the real deal because he was walking around in shorts - he looked to pasty white to have been a zombie so I am not really sure what the heck was going on with the show off - now that's a Canadian.

Across the street in the Yonge-Dundas Square there was the finals of the Great Canadian Appathon 2011. The goal was to develop a great mobile game in a limited amount of time and the winners took home a share of $45,000 in winnings.  Here is Super Punch team holding an oversize $25,000 prize cheque.

I saw a couple of free range Red Bull vehicles in the square, they are like CityTV, they are everywhere. Red Bull, still not as good as Dr Pepper Cherry!

Die Zombie Die

A big shout out to my photography fans from Portland, Maine at Portland Magazine Monthly. The award winning magazine is in the heart of America's 41st populated state and they have asked me to submit some pictures of the Toronto Zombie March. We shall see if my photos appear in this fine printed magazine.

They have Zombie Kickball in Portland. Darn Zombies have no brains playing kickball - they could get a concussion and die.

Toronto Zombies Rock!

Keeping watch at Union Station

The GO Transit security team keeps a sharp eye on passengers, including me, on an open section of rail line at Toronto's Union Station.

Cranes at the Sony Centre's L Tower

Cranes are necessary for building high rise towers and there are plenty of them in Toronto. At the Sony Centre there is a set of the large cranes; one is the traditional horizontal type called a tower crane and one with an inclined arm called a luffing crane for use in tighter spots.

Daniel Libeskind is building the new condo called the L Tower right beside the Sony Centre building. The tower will be shaped like an L, or for Canadians it is a hockey stick and for Americans it is a cowboy boot.

Canadian IndyCar News

Paul Tracy pictured above finds a ride with Jay Penske's Dragon Racing Team. His contract allows for five races including the Edmonton and Toronto Indy runs. On April 2nd Paul tweets "All the hard word has paid off , I have a 5 race deal with jay penske dragon racing" Paul joins Montreal driver Alex Tagliani at the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto Street Party, below. Alex will be in the 2011 race.

Alex Tagliani and Paul Tracy.

Firestone Indy Lights Winners at 2009 Toronto's Honda Indy (James at right)

And Indy Lights Championship Runner-up and Canadian driver James Hinchcliffe will drive with the IRL, racing in North America which includes our own Honda Indy Toronto race.

In the pits during practice.

And remember it's not all open wheel cars and bud girls.

Patterns in Toronto

Recurring patterns are found all around Toronto, from the layout of our streets to the rows of windows and frames in office towers. Shade and light, colours and black and white, form and function. The Queen Street West and University Avenue intersection, above - this is one you almost have to run to cross the long roadway on time.

Another pattern of life for many is working hard during the week and enjoying fun activities on the weekend. This coming April 9th and 10th, 2011 you can have fun at the Hobbystar Comic CON (FREE) Fan Appreciation event, the Supershow Spring Motorcycle Show and on Saturday watch the ladies of the Toronto Roller Derby have a bout between the Gore-Gore Rollergirls and Chicks Ahoy.

Stairs leading up to the landing of Rogers Centre.

Ashbridges Bay snow fence - hopefully it will come down soon.

The East York Civic Centre walkway.

Buildings along University Avenue.

Sirius Stage metal Seats at Harbourfront Centre in the Queens Quay area.

Hockey Hall of Fame

I haven't actually gone into the Hockey Hall of Fame, I think it is because that if it has stuff from when the Leafs were any good I wouldn't want to be around all those dusty antiques! They do have a beautiful building with a great location at Yonge and Front Streets and they also have a 17 foot bronze statue titled 'Our Game' by Edie Parker in front of the building.

'Our Game' bronze sculpture.

April is STD Awareness Month

Keep your eyes open people - you don't want to step on an STD, be aware people, always aware. Please folks, there is a serious problem with STDs - Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and April is STD Awareness Month and you should GYT (Get Yourself Tested).

The numbers and statistics blur and, like many bad things, you feel that it won't happen to you, BUT, if you have unprotected sex you are rolling the dice. Losing means a sexually transmitted disease that may possibly kill you and that you could pass on to others.

Glow in the dark necklace at mini golf - to illustrate the glow in the dark thing, you know.

Like Barney from 'How I met your mother' says "suit up" and keep it safe out there. It looks like the graffiti on the Guvernment night club needs a condom (picture at top of post). You can even go to the Condom Shack on Queen Street West for a great selection of rubbers including the glow in the dark and flavored models (and maybe a few other toys while you are there - remember, the Panda doesn't judge).

Thunder Over Michigan July 2011

"With sunshine and summer right around the corner, you might be starting to plan enjoyable trips, events , and vacations that either you or your family and you will be participating in.  If you’re looking for a fun filled event, that promises to be an great time for people of all ages, why not check out the 2011 Thunder over Michigan Air Show on July 23^rd and 24th at the Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan.  This year’s show has a star studded line up consisting of The Blue Angels, The Viper East F-16, The European Theatre WWII Battle Reenactment and much, much more. The 2011 air show will no doubt be an unforgettable experience for all who attend with many opportunities to see some of the best aviation acts in the nation.  For more information on event attractions and featured performers, ticket prices, directions, or any other questions you may have, please go to http://www.yankeeairmuseum.org/airshow/ and check it out for yourself!"

For plane lovers the season of the air show is fast approaching. Some people keep close - like staying in town for  Toronto's Canadian International Air show in September, or taking the time to travel to the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show. The planes will take to the skies above the Willow Run Airport on July 23rd & 24th, 2011.

The Ypsilanti, Michigan show is exciting because of the mix of aircraft that fly during the weekend and that are parked and available for up close review, in some cases you can even get into the planes for a tour. 

You can watch the planes taxi down the runway, put the petal to the metal and soar into the sky and watch the planes do a high speed bank down on the deck to provide some great photo opportunities. 

In 2010 they had a tremendous amount of B17 bombers and shiny Mustangs fighter planes (you can see more of last years event on my earlier post here).

See more of the planes after the jump (click on the Read More >>, below).

Because we've had enough - Slutwalk Toronto

The 'because we've had enough' Slutwalk Toronto 2011 begins with 1:30pm speeches and the 2:00pm march from Queens Park South on Sunday, April 3rd and finishing at Toronto Police Headquarters (40 College Street). All these photos are from talented photographer and blogger Joe Hamilton of 'Your Average Joe' blog - you can see more of his photos on his post here.

The Toronto Police representative's suggestion that how women dress contributes to their victimization has galvanized many women to correctly point out that the perpetrator is at fault, not the victim. The well attended Slutwalk was a chance for people to publicly show their support for women and their right to dress as they please.

Heather Jarvis, co-founder of the walk.

The Slutwalk in front of Police Headquarters.

Jane Doe addresses the large group of marchers.

See more photos of the protest march after the jump (click on Read More >>, below).

Toronto Pillow Fight 2011

The annual Toronto Pillow Fight has moved from the Yonge and Eglinton to Yonge-Dundas Square. It also started later in the day from the previous rounds - now the pillows started flying at 8:00pm in the evening. Luckily the nearby advertising billboards provided some extra light on the fun. The pillow fighters wore less costumes due to the cold (even though some brave souls fought without shirts) than last year (see my pictures of the 2010 fight here).

I met Lori Kufner (above), one of the organizers of the Toronto event from www.NewMindSpace.com hugging a large stuffed bunny rabbit (I asked her if it pooped jelly beans and she said yes!), who was enjoying the amount of people who turned out to participate and also the people who were on hand to watch the excitement. The date change was made to coincide with International Pillow Fight Day held around the world on April 2nd. Check out the 2012 Bunny Edition Pillow Fight on my post here.

There was also a band called Samba Elegua that had a groovin' beat pumping the crowd up in a fury of pillow flinging state and a small group friendly people giving out Free Hugs.

See more of my pictures after the jump (click on Read more >>,  below).

Sidewalk seats & patios, watching the world go by

It starts when the robins come back to town, when the sun shines through the clouds and where the wind doesn't blow a cool blast of winter on your neck. You look to the skies, take off a layer of clothes and think to yourself - it's time to sit on the patio nestled into the edge of the sidewalk and enjoy a tasty beverage and watch the world go by. Jack Ass, or Jack Astor's, has a nice place on John Street (pictured above) and they have a nice set of murals on the garage doors that cover up their outdoor bar.

If you are not near a patio you can just look out of your window, wistfully, and cheer on the happy people having fun in the sun.

Harlem Globetrotters in Toronto

The world famous basketball team known as the Harlem Globetrotters are coming into Toronto next week (April 8 & 9, 2011) at the Rogers Centre. The team which started in 1926 is on the '4 times the fun' North American Tour and you can buy tickets online at ticketmaster here.

I would like to see them and listen to their famous theme song 'Sweet Georgia Brown' but I will have to miss them and have only '1/4 the fun'.

Blue Jays Home Opener 2011

Baseball comes back to town as the Blue Jays take on the Minnesota Twins tonite at the Rogers Centre. Apparently no one told them to take it easy so they ended up kicking the Twins' ass 13 to 3. The large crowd of almost 48,000 was a nice change from the usual attendance of 20,000 to 30,000 with a peak game average set long ago in 1993 at 50,000.

From Toronto's website "The Toronto Blue Jays will open the 2011 Championship Season at home in Toronto on Friday, April 1 at 7:07 p.m. against the Minnesota Twins. The 2011 season, Toronto's 35th season in the American League, will mark a new beginning as we host, Opening Weekend. Major League Baseball adopted the recommendation of The Commissioner's Special Committee for On-Field Matters to begin the regular season earlier and mid-week to avoid playing World Series games in November.

I think I saw an alien ship hovering over the Blue Jays venue, shooting laser beams out of it's blue glowing skin on home opener night. Run people run.

The Blue Jays will open the season with a six-game, seven-day homestand against the Minnesota Twins (April 1-3) and the Oakland Athletics (April 5-7) before heading out on the road."