Taxi protests affecting public safety

           

            Mayor John Tory is reinforcing that there is no excuse for the taxi drivers of Toronto to be protesting in the manner that they are, reiterating that he understand how they feel but what they are doing is endangering the people of the city.

            Early Wednesday morning, thousands of taxi drivers from Toronto gathered at Nathan Phillips Square to protest against UberX and the lack of progress the municipal government is making. Taxi drivers feel cheated by UberX, who allegedly offer taxi service without paying the required fees and fulfilling regulation requirements . Mayor John Tory addressed this issue in a news conference on Wednesday afternoon, stressing the importance of keeping the city safe.

            "They are putting the safety of the public at risk, they are blocking ambulances and first responders, and police officers are being knocked to the ground," Tory said. "The dangerous and dismissive tactics do nothing to address this issue. It does not offer any excuse for activity that puts public safety at risk, that disrupts the city safety."

            Throughout the downtown Toronto, taxi cabs can be seen lined up on the streets, occupying the lanes to impede other drivers. Not only is it dangerous for drivers, but also for people like Anatoliy Novitsky, whose main type of transportation is by bike.

            "Normally, they are the ones who give the most danger (sic) to ride on the road in the first place," Novitsky stated. "Whatever is happening right now - it's dangerous, it creates not just more unnecessary obstacles, but makes today's commute much more stressful."

            Protesting that they are being treated unfairly by the Toronto government, taxi drivers have occupied major Toronto streets as early as 7am Wednesday morning. When asked about why the taxi drivers chose to protest today, Waheed Ahmad, a Toronto taxi driver,  said that they have been treated unfairly, having been promised by Mayor Tory that there would be a legalized plan for UberX. A plan has still not been presented, and UberX is allowed to continue operating without proper registration.

            "We are suffering, our family is suffering, our income is going more than fifty per cent down and it's because of UberX," Ahmad said. "They are illegally driving on the road. Some of the drivers don't even have their G license, no commercial insurance. We have to pay the fees, we have the special courses, and we pay $11,000 to cover commercial insurance."

             Mayor Tory expressed that he understands what the drivers are saying, and hopes that they will return to their work, as the municipal government continues to work on the plan for Uber. 

            "To those who are protesting today, we hear you. We are doing our work, we are doing it as quickly as possible to create regulations that will balance the playing field. But blocking roads and endangering the public, this is not an acceptable way to go about raising concerns."

Toronto's Biggest Banger; Big Bang takes centre stage at the Air Canada Centre

            One of South Korea's most successful K-pop group, Big Bang, touched down in Toronto, Canada, and they did not disappoint their fans.

            On October 13, 2015, Big Bang hit the stage at the Air Canada Centre (ACC) in Toronto, bringing their highly anticipated MADE TOUR to Canada. After touring through Los Angeles, Mexico, and New Jersey, they wrapped up their World North American Tour in Toronto for a final show.

            Thousands of fans gathered around the ACC hours before the show, either hoping to see their idols or be the first to get their hands on the concert merchandise. By the time the doors had opened, there were only a few signature light sticks left for purchase.

            Blasting fireworks, the group kicked off the party in Toronto by performing their upbeat, summer banger, 'Bang Bang Bang' which immediately got the crowd on their feet. From that point on, no one sat back down. 

            Having debuted in 2006, Big Bang, which consist of GDragon, Taeyang, T.O.P, Daesung, and Seungri, began their summer by releasing 2 tracks of their MADE album at the beginning of each month, a promotional tactic that for sure left fans wanting more. Not only did it build anticipation, the tracks also ranked near the top of Billboard's Top World Digital Songs list.

            This is also the first time an artist or group from YG Entertainment, one of South Korea's biggest entertainment companies, has performed in Canada. And many believe this may be a once in a lifetime concert.

"I honestly don't think they'll be coming back to Toronto," one fan said after the concert. "Maybe they'll come back for their farewell concert," another one answered.

            When a group like Big Bang comes to Toronto, especially when fans think it's a once in a lifetime experience, crowds don't let them end the concert when they want to. Coming out to perform Bang Bang Bang and Loser for the encore, Big Bang bowed to the crowd one last time as the stage closed and the credits the show rolled to mark the end of their MADE World North American tour.    

Toronto Braces for Big Bang

            South Korea's KPop group, Big Bang, is expected to arrive in Toronto for their show at the Air Canada Centre a little more than 24 hours from now.

            Flying in from New Jersey, they will be concluding their MADE World Tour on October 13, 2015 in Toronto, and the gentlemen of Big Bang will hope to end with the biggest bang yet. Their first time in Canada, South Korea's hottest group hopes to leave an impression in Toronto.

            The show begins at 8pm on tomorrow, October 13, 2015, at the Air Canada Centre. Fans are expected to gather early at the doors, with the Big Bang hype in Toronto. This could be a once in a lifetime event for Canadians. Let the Big Bang hype begin!

I'll have full story after the show tomorrow!

 

CIS Athletes Presence Felt in Pan Am Track and Field

       Halfway through Day 2 of Pan Am Athletics, CIS athletes are making their presence felt to the home crowd. Current and former CIS athletes, Gregory MacNeill (Toronto, 400mH), Caroline Ehrhardt (Western, TJ), Alicia Smith (Western, TJ), Aaron Hendrikx (Guelph, 10000m), Khamica Bingham (York, 100m), Elizabeth Gleadle (UBC, Javelin), Melissa Bishop (Windsor, 800m), and Sarah Wells (Toronto, 400mH) are introducing themselves to Canada and the rest of the world.
       Gleadle earned Canada's first Gold at the track, winning the Women's Javelin. Sarah Wells qualified easily for the 400mH, cruising into the final with a time of 56.77. Ehrhardt and Smith were up next in the Women's Triple jump. finishing 14th and 15th respectively. Aaron Hendrikx wrapped up the night for CIS athletes in the 10000m, coming in 10th.
       Day 2 started off with Gregory MacNeill finishing 5th in his 400mH heat, running a strong 52.31 from the outside lane. Later tonight MacNeill's teammate in Toronto, Sarah Wells, will be running in the 400mH finals, where she hopes to reach the podium, while Lancer alumni Melissa Bishop runs the 800m. Khamica Bingham will be right at home when she competes in the Women's 100m final tonight.
       More to come as the days go by. Should be some good events.

UPDATE
       Sarah Wells claims the Silver medal in the 400mH, in a time of 56.17 to cap off a great a great comeback story after recovering from a fractured femur.
       Bishop made also made it to the top of the podium, with a great kick on the final straight away to capture the Gold in the 800m, finishing with a time of 1:59:62.
       Bingham finished 6th in the Women's 100m passing the finish line with a new PB of 11.13.

Big summer ahead for Leafs: McDavid, Reimer, and Young D

       As the NHL regular

season winds down, the Toronto Maple Leafs have a big summer ahead. After a season that began with the expected hype and playoff expectations, it soon came crashing down, solidified by a horrendous January. But there are bright spots, and this summer is where Leafs management can turn the tables.

       Since the trade deadline, where the Leafs sent the likes of Cody Franson, Mike Santorelli, David Clarkson and Daniel Winnik away for prospects, draft picks, and cap space, it was a good start. Most significant of returns was the 2015 1st round pick from Nashville for Franson. The 2015 is going to be a deep one, with many cornerstone players up for grabs. Headlining them is of course Connor McDavid. With the new arrangements in the lottery draft, though slim, the Leafs have a chance of winning the McDavid sweepstakes.

       On to the present players on the Leafs roster/organization. Character has been seen as an issue with the Leafs sudden descent, but the core players can be built around. Though hard to see as the season winds down, there are many bright spots in the locker room. Prior to the trade deadline, Joffrey Lupul told reporters, "I want to stay here." Even Phil Kessel, who has struggled down the stretch stated, "we're giving full effort." Players still want to win in Toronto.

       James Reimer, is the longest serving Leaf being drafted back in 2006, has been a bright spot in the Leafs roster. It's not his season numbers that have highlight his season, but the character he showed in the dressing room. Being the "backup" to Jonathan Bernier, he showed real leadership when he called out his team's lack of effort in front of him. He's battled day in and day out, and Leafs management has wanted that change in locker room culture. Reimer is a character player that the Leafs can build around.

       Contrary to popular beliefs, I don't think the Leafs need to bring back Jonathan Bernier. He has had two season to prove that he is an elite #1 goalie with the Leafs, but hasn't shown the numbers. It isn't entirely his fault playing behind the Leafs defensive system. But the Leafs can afford to let Bernier go, after getting Matt Frattin back last summer, and the 2nd round pick going to LA being used in this year's draft. The Leafs also have either Antoine Bibeau or Christopher Gibson to possibly backup Reimer. If the Leafs can sign Bernier to a affordable contract, by all means, do it. But with the expectation that Bernier is expecting a raise this summer, it seems unlikely.

       On defence, speculations seem to lead to Phaneuf heading out of Toronto this summer. Yes, it will be a loss, but under his captaincy, it doesn't seem like he's the right guy now.  Jake Gardiner and Morgan Reilly are locked on defence for sure. I also like the addition of Eric Brewer. Though he's at the end of his career and has only had a small amount of games with the Leafs, he's been decent, offensively and defensively. Yes, people will look for the bad play here or there, but he's been good more than bad since his arrival.

       This summer is big for the Leafs if they hope to turn things around. With the additional cap space freed up from the Clarkson deal, the possibility of Phaneuf being traded, and Bernier as a RFA, big signings are possible. Nazem Kadri leads the priority list, also being a RFA, and if its anything like last time, it might be drawn out for a while. Richard Panik, Trevor Smith, and Brandon Kozun are also set to become RFAs. Young defensemen set to become UFA/RFA are Petter Granberg, T.J Brennan, Tim Erixon, and Andrew MacWilliams. Young players need to be signed, and possible free agents to add to the team will be key to the Leafs success down the road. 

It's Time to Speak Out, Let's Talk

"The only thing we can do, is share. If you don't share with one person, then there is no help." - Michael Landsberg

       Mental illness. It can't be seen, it can't be heard, can't be scanned for in an X-ray, yet it affects Canadians and people all over the world. Just because it can't be proven does not mean it doesn't exist. Depression exists, and exists in a large number of people. 2 in 3 people suffer in silence, fearing that they will be judged on the mental illness.
       There has become a stigma surrounding mental illnesses, and it has caused those affected to keep it to themselves. But that is the last thing people with mental illnesses should do. Because we can't physically prove someone has a mental illness, people on the outside may believe that the person is weak, not able to support themselves. But that is not the case.
       At a conference at the University of Toronto back in October, I had a chance to sit in, listen and meet TSN Off the Record host and mental health awareness advocate, Michael Landsberg as he spoke about the importance of speaking out about mental illnesses, "Keeping it inside will destroy you."  Having struggled from mental illnesses throughout his life, his experience with the battle against mental health has helped others stand up and find help.
       Mental health is the same as cancer, and the people affected needs the support from the people around. "The illness isn't in us because we are weak, it hasn't crept into us because we are weak, but because we are sick, sick like cancer is a sickness" explains Michael Landsberg, "We don't need pity, but need understanding.
       The Bell Let's Talk campaign raises the awareness of mental health issues, encouraging those who are affected to speak up, and those who aren't affected to reach out to those who are. On January 28th, not only will people be able to raise awareness, but they will also donate to the cause.
        This isn't just about famous people coming together to and sharing their experiences and showing support for the mental health cause, but something that can change lives. For someone who is affected in anyway by mental health, speaking and reaching out to others is the first step.
        Mental illness is not caused because they are "weak." Look around you today, and try to see who has mental illness. You won't be able to see it. Talk to people and then maybe, just maybe, they will tell you their story. Give a helping hand to those who you think need company and share your own stories with others.
       The first step for everyone, is to talk. So, let's talk.                      #BellLetsTalk