From My Bottom Step

Should London be Laying Eggs?

Local eating would be easier if local government would allow it.

Form

Another XKCD comic.

Proposed Handgun Ban

Toronto Mayor David Miller has asked the province’s municipalities to support a handgun ban following passage of this recommendation by the executive committee of the City of Toronto:
That City Council request the Parliament of Canada to prohibit all handguns in Canada, including the sale or purchase and/or possession of any handgun by any Canadian citizen or any person within Canada (excluding police officers and military personnel).

Board of Control was subsequently lobbied by several groups and asked the City Solicitor to draft motions for the following two options:
(a) a motion which would support a total ban on handguns: and
(b) a motion which would support a ban on handguns with exceptions for registered gun
clubs, for sporting events and for training purposes. Continue Reading

The Cap on Bottled Water

Putting water into a plastic bottled is not itself a maniacally evil act. However, when mass culture is duped by the imagery of picturesque, high mountain springs and healthy, slim models sporting H2O name brands, the whole thing gets a little out of control.

Is ACE Feeling Unappreciated?

As I pointed out in my previous post , it can be a struggle for even the best-intentioned citizen to stay current about what’s up at City Hall. It’s like the ‘ol shell game… which one to choose?
Which is why I only had a moment to pop in on today’s ETC meeting and hear a snippet of what was going on there.
Continue Reading

McParking Fines

Happy enough to lure children into a fast-food lifestyle, but not so pleased with it’s older drive-thru customers, or so it seems.
A McDonald’s spokesperson explained that they have imposed parking restrictions in England. Drivers who are still on it’s lots 45 minutes after receiving their order are hit with a £125 ticket (approx. $225) because “people were abusing…privileges” (’McParking row as slow eaters are fined’; The Guardian; 2007/12/11).
Continue Reading

Open-Air Clothes Drying

On this week’s Planning Committee meeting agenda, a written submission … Continue Reading

Saying ‘No’ to Montreal Parking Spots

Private automobile use is said to be outpacing Montreal’s population … Continue Reading

Hamilton’s New Garbage Limits

It’s more confusing than it has to be. It will take a lot longer to put in place than is necessary. But despite all that, Hamilton’s new policy on garbage pickup is going in the right direction, and puts London’s 4-bag system to shame.
2008/03/31-2009/03/283 x 23 kg. containers (MAX). Extra containers get an “oops” tag and are left at the curb…. Continue Reading

Enforcement, not Posturing

The Speedwatch radar trailer is deployed by officers from the Auxiliary Police Section in various areas of the City where chronic speeding violations have been reported. By informing the motoring public of both their current speed and the posted speed limit, the Speedwatch sign is both a public education program and a deterrent.

Despite all of the concerns that I have … Continue Reading