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North York’s Man of La Mancha
North York Councillor David Shiner (Ward 24, Willowdale) should drop the Don Quixote act and stop tilting at windmills. A condo developer in his ward wants to top his towers with energy-generating windmills that will power the hallway and emergency lighting and exit signs, and Shiner is squawking about it. He goes on to attack the Exhibition Place ‘mill for producing inadequate energy. But any attempt to promote non-polluting power, especially in green-nightmare high-rise condos and apartments, is progress. Time for the councillor who serves a high-rise haven to get inventive and “dream the impossible dream.”
Islanders scorn Wakestock nation
We’re sympathetic to Islands residents’ noise fight with the Docks, but knee-jerk opposition to Wakestock makes them look like whiners. The Island community exists in part because of the support of other downtown residents who also share their neighbourhoods for events that enliven the city and generate tourist cash. Time to remember they live in a park. Will Caribana, live concerts and noisy picnickers be their next target? The recent addition of “Quiet Zone” signs on Ward’s Island just seems silly and obscures the area’s lovely views. Visual noise also pollutes.
Veterans deserve better
Shameful to see top federal politicians politicize one of the last significant celebrations marking the immeasurable contributions of WW II veterans. PM Paul Martin keeps earning his Mr. Dithers moniker, bungling attempts to do the right thing and getting to Europe a day late. Shameless Stephen Harper soap-boxing the proceedings was disgraceful. This cynical pol can’t even serve his natural constituencies. Lest We Forget? Lest We Fuck Up.
Don’t trash Nash
Playing the race card over the first white NBAer to get the MVP Award since 1986 just seems nuts. Likeable Steve Nash has led the unlikely Phoenix Suns to their best year ever. Can’t help thinking that the murmur of a backlash against his deserved selection has more to do with his being a Canadian and, even more dramatically, an anti-war activist in America. The shy hoopster shook things up at the NBA all-star game by wearing an anti-war T-shirt during meet-the-press activities. Here’s an athlete who actually is a role model.
