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Your Ideas For Windsor
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April 2009
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Wednesday, 29 April 2009 07:30 |
Fie on't! ah fie! 'tis an unweeded garden,That grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.
Hamlet: Act 1, Scene 2, Hamlet Act 1, scene 4
Dig it? Yes we can
Council had delayed debating the city's 2009 capital budget pending word on what might be coming from the senior governments, but Francis said it can't wait any longer.
"Without a doubt, that stimulus money is a necessary catalyst for projects we'd otherwise not do," he said, adding whatever the final figure is, it will "just further enhance" what Windsor is now planning on its own.
Treasurer Colucci said Windsor has been asked to submit a detailed shortlist of infrastructure projects that can be started quickly and completed by March 31, 2011. He said the city hopes to do that by May 1 and that it has been told "Ottawa will expedite it."
There are almost too many things wrong with the above article to know where to begin.
Let's start with the delay in debating the Capital Budget. Francis claims the delay was caused by waiting to see what money was coming from senior government. Although the dollar amount hasn't been revealed, the criteria was, weeks ago. To qualify for infrastructure funding projects must be:
1. New projects, not something already planned for the next two years'
2. All major construction work must be completed by March 31, 2011; and
3. Half of the funding must be spent in this fiscal year (ending March 31, 2010).
The deadline to submit an application is 11:59 p.m. EST on May 1, 2009.
City Treasurer Colucci hopes to have the City's list submitted by May 1st. Well, I certainly hope he does as well or Windsor will be left standing on the outside.
Either the Mayor and Councillors are ignorant or are being deliberately obtuse - the deadline is firm - May 1st. The Canal plan has been in hand for weeks and other plans must have been in the works for months in order to qualify for the infrastructure funding. Why haven't these been discussed in public.
"The idea, to be discussed by council as part of next week's 2009 budget debate, will focus on quickly launching a number of major infrastructure projects listed in the city's five-year capital plan."
Why did Council not proceed with their planned Capital budget, considering that only NEW projects can be considered for stimulus funding? If the $300 million dollar figure in today's newspaper is to be believed, why have they delayed in moving forward with the City's almost $200 million dollar portion over the next two years (assuming that Federal/Provincial money will be in the $50 to $75 million range)? Does Windsor not need this injection of money to begin yesterday? It's almost May and we still don't have a budget.
Next question on the list is what are the projects that Windsor is submitting for Federal funding? Have they been presented in public and faced taxpayer scrutiny or are we going to get a patented Eddie Francis fait au complait - due to tight time constraints there was just no time to consult with those pesky citizens. Either the list has already been voted on by Council or they're going to be doing so sometime today or tomorrow. Considering the significant impact these projects will have on both the short term and long term future of Windsor, it is incumbent on our elected representatives to ensure this process is conducted in the open. Anything less is a betrayal of the job they were elected to do. If they have already been debated and voted on by Council in secret, there will most certainly be hell to pay.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 29 April 2009 09:01 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Tuesday, 28 April 2009 04:40 |
A grassroots movement of citizen activists and coalition of organizations who support this mission: To create jobs and secure the economic growth of the Windsor Essex Region by holding all levels of government to account for immediate action on infrastructure projects, corridor and border issues.
Join the group on Facebook!
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Friday, 24 April 2009 04:06 |
The Essex County Local Food Map went over so well that I've decided to start a map for Free Wi-Fi spots in Windsor.
You can find the map here. These are the locations that I have listed so far. If you want to collaborate and help add locations,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
and I'll send you an invite.
Milk Coffee Bar
The Coffee Exchange Inc
Black Kettle Bistro
Ferrari's Restaurant
Flying Monkey Cafe & Juice Bar
Brickhouse Tap & Grill Rockhead
Studio Four Tavern
Hurricanes Pub & Grill
Escape Cafe On The River
Big Dick's Tap & Eatery
Biscuits and Gravy
Windsor Public Library - Central Branch
Mila's Gelato
Phog Lounge
Bubi's Awesome Eats
DWBIA - locations/signal strength to be determined
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Last Updated on Sunday, 26 April 2009 02:51 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Thursday, 23 April 2009 05:52 |
I apologize for the cheap attention getting headline, but if you're willing to believe that, than you're certainly susceptible to believing almost anything.
$76/hour autoworker a myth, caw report says
You were warned!
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Wednesday, 22 April 2009 03:34 |
Ten Councillors divided by One Mayor = The Mayor always wins.
These people could open up their own comedy club.
Although I wasn't able to see the City Council meeting on Monday due to Cogeco not broadcasting it, I would hazard a guess that this decision was made in-camera and not in open Council. We wouldn't want those pesky voters knowing where their Councillors stand would we?
Update: I have found out that this issue was initially raised by Councillor Dilkens in open Council and then later moved in-camera.
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Last Updated on Sunday, 26 April 2009 02:57 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Wednesday, 22 April 2009 03:04 |
If you're heading out into the County to take advantage of some of those great local food sources, make sure you obey the rules.
From Welcome to Mitchieville
The Rules Of Rural Ontario Are As Follows
1. Pull your droopy pants up. You look like an idiot.
2. Turn your cap straight, your head isn’t crooked.
3. Let’s get this straight; it’s called a ‘dirt road.’ I drive a pickup truck because I want to. No matter how slow you drive, you’re going to get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way.
4. They are cattle. They’re live steaks. That’s why they smell funny to you. But they smell like money to us. Get over it. Don’t like it? Hwy 7 & 401 goes east and west, Hwy 15 & 416 goes north and south. Pick one.
5. So you have a $60,000 car. We’re impressed. We have $150,000 combines and hay balers that are driven only 3 weeks a year.
6. So every person in rural Ontario waves. It’s called ‘being friendly. Try to understand the concept.
7. If that cell phone rings while an 8-point buck and 3 does are coming in, we WILL shoot it out of your hand. You better hope you don’t have it up to your ear at the time.
8. Yeah, we eat meat and potatoes. You really want sushi & caviar? It’s available at the corner bait shop.
9. The ‘Opener’ refers to the first day of deer hunting season. It’s a religious holiday held the closest Saturday to the first of November.
There's more. Make sure you drop into Mitchieville and familiarize yourself with all of them before venturing out. Rules 7, 8 and 9 are my personal favourites!
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Tuesday, 21 April 2009 06:02 |
From Facebook: Special Olympics Ontario - Windsor Summer Games 2009
Hi everyone!
We will be at the Windsor Home Show this coming weekend - April 24, 25 & 26. Come out with your completed volunteer application, 2 pieces of i.d. and we will process it for you and take your picture! (Download the volunteer application from our website www.specialolympicswindsor2009.com)
Don't miss Mike Holmes on the Windsor Green Home on Sunday April 26 10:30 and 1:30 pm at the Home Show.
Tickets for Mike Holmes must be purchased in ADVANCE only!! You must buy tickets to see him at the Chrysler Theatre Box Office - there will be NO tickets for sale at the door of the Home Show!! Do not be disappointed and don't miss out on this event!!
Please pass this message on to everyone you know is a Mike Holmes fan!
Visit the Home Show website for more details www.windsorhomeshow.com and for ticket purchase information! See you there!
Summer Games Organizing team
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Tuesday, 21 April 2009 03:17 |
1. The Mayor and Council's contingency plan to deal with garbage is finally revealed:
Illegal Dumping To Be Enforced
Windsor Police issued approximately twenty bylaw infractions over the weekend at this location for illegal dumping. The charge falls under the City of Windsor By-Law 3-2006 section 7.1 and carries a fine of $125.00. Police are present at this location and will be actively enforcing this By-Law. Police are also reminding citizens that illegal dumping will not be tolerated in any location within the City of Windsor and charges will be laid accordingly.
2. Police scanners to fall silent. "Instead of permitting local media to monitor scanners, police have created a website listing incidents after officers have responded to them." Hmm...., I wonder what the address is? Will we need to file a Freedom of Information request to find out or do we have to wait for the new Communications department?
3. This article was recently published in the Hamilton Spectator - Lesson our politicians can learn from Buffalo: Don't do what we did Read the whole thing and replace Buffalo with Windsor wherever you see it. It sounds hauntingly familiar to what Windsor has been doing or is planning to do. H/T Scaledown Windsor
4. There certainly does seem to be an appetite out there for local food. The map received almost 800 views yesterday. The Windsor Star's Ted Whipp had a good blog on the subject yesterday.
5. Teaching Tech To the Creative Class at Phog tonight - 6:30 to 8:30. Subject: Creating and Using a blog (using Blogspot.com).
6. Tuesday's with Morrie: A Tribute to Dr. Ron Ianni
7. New Emancipation Day Celebration website launched.
8. Something to consider - How long do you think the White Elephant at Riverside and Ouellette will remain open if Chrysler is forced into bankruptcy?
9. Hey Sid - my parents taught me the foolishness of monkey see, monkey do long time ago. Council is hanging tight because they know if they don't, they'll be the ones out of a job shortly. Raises for City Workers + Enwin rate increases = electoral suicide. Here's hoping!
10. Good thing we haven't passed a City Budget, hired an Auditor-General or hired an Economic Development Commissioner yet. They might all be adversely affected by the strike.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 April 2009 06:07 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Monday, 20 April 2009 03:33 |
The map is almost completed. I'm down to three locations that I haven't been able to find correctly yet:
33. Arrow Farms Produce: 988 Lakeshore Rd. 101, Maidstone, 519-727-6418, pick-your-own or ready-picked tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, onions, roma beans, farm animals, wagon rides and pre-arranged tours available
35. Ewe Dell Family Farms: 1282 Oriole Park D., Woodslee, 519-723-4456, www.ewedell.ca, whole lambs, chops, roasts, ground, sausage or kabobs
38. Wild Acre Cattle Co.: 1947 Myer Rd. Woodslee, 519-919-4050, Angus beef, smoked and fresh sausage
If anyone can help with properly siting these locations please drop me a line by email or leave a message in the comments.
Thirteen people have accepted invitations to collaborate on the map. The next step will be to create accurate entries for each location including contact info, hours and product and/or services available. If anyone has pictures of the different sites, please email me either the url where I can find the pic(s) online or a copy of the pic itself. I will host pictures for different locations on WE Speak if necessary.
Once again, may thanks to all who have provided information and encouragement.
Update: just noticed, there have been 2,234 views of the map so far and that doesn't include all my own refreshes while I've been working on it. Looks like there certainly is an interest in this info.
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Last Updated on Monday, 20 April 2009 06:25 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Monday, 20 April 2009 03:02 |
The next Tech Tuesday is this Tuesday, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Phog, 157 University Ave W. You can also tune in via Phog's Ustream.tv channel.
This weeks topic will be starting a blog. We'll take you through everything from signing up, basic setup, customization, sidebar/gadgets examples and starting with your first post. For the session we'll be using Google's Blogger platform. If you don't already have a Google Account, it's worthwhile signing up for one before Tuesday. If you use Gmail, you can login and create a blog using your Gmail login.
Several people last week mentioned a screencast in the chat room. I searched for a couple days and tried several different systems and I think I have a solution that will work live. Details will be posted in the chat room at the start of session. It should work for all systems (Windows, Mac and Linux) as long as you have Java and a browser. The only question is how many simultaneous viewers it will be able to handle.
See you there!
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Last Updated on Monday, 20 April 2009 03:56 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Saturday, 18 April 2009 06:28 |
Vote to bring KISS to Windsor. Tell your friends, family and co-workers. Post it on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and anywhere else you can think of. You want something positive for Windsor - only you can make it happen! Vote here and grab the widget to post wherever you can. Right now Windsor isn't even in the Top 500, I gave up looking after that. Update: Windsor currently has a paltry 97 votes
Prelude to a KISS concert
Oshawa councillor wants to bring aging rockers to town by voting online
Oshawa is ready to rock and roll all night and party every day.
After months of layoffs, plant closings and weathering the global economic storm, Canada's motor city is now in the running to be our very own rock city complete with the legendary fire-breathing, face-painted rock band KISS.
In just a few frenzied days of online voting, Oshawa has climbed into the top 10 potential stops for KISS' first-ever fan-routed North American concert tour.
The 'Shwa climbed up to third just after 7 p.m. today.
Smaller cities like Oshawa aren't in danger of being outvoted by larger populations - the band has vowed to take population size into account when measuring total votes in their final site selection.
It's a dose of good news that could have a positive economic impact in a city that has been beleaguered by the economic downturn and automotive industry layoffs, city officials hope.
Councillor Robert Lutczyk first pitched the idea and was ecstatic to learn the city was about to knock out NYC in its climb to the top.
"We are right on the heels of the biggest city in North America," an excited Lutczyk told the Sun yesterday. "By noon (today) they will be history.
"We will have KISS here, no doubt ... It has got to happen."
The concert could inject more than $1 million into the economy and put the GM Centre on the map for other bands on tour.
He issued a challenge to those other bands ranging from the Scorpions to U2.
"If KISS can do it, why can't they?" he asked. "Nobody would have believed this just a week ago."
Since last week, Lutczyk and the rest of city council have been pushing for residents and fans of the city east of Toronto to log on to eventful.com/kiss to vote. |
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Last Updated on Saturday, 18 April 2009 06:57 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Friday, 17 April 2009 21:05 |
We've made good progress. Many thanks to regular Shadow visitor Vincent for coming up with the right syntax for searching for County Roads (use HWY 14 for eg. instead of County Rd 14 and use Windsor instead of Cottam, Essex etc). Using that method I was able to track down a bunch of the outstanding listings. Vicky, Adam and Sue also had some good confirmation on several locations so that I could either find or fine tune them. I think for the long term I'm going to make an effort to visit all the locations with a GPS over the course of the spring and summer to really nail everything down. You can view the updated Essex County Local Food Map here.
All the icons have been finished and uploaded. When I get time I'll create another set with the tear drop shape like Google uses as they don't take up as much space, but these will do for now.
Some of the owners/producers have begun to sign on as collaborators would should really help the process. It would be nice if we could come up with good detailed descriptions for each location along with a picture. If anyone has pictures that they would like to share, send them to me. They must be hosted somewhere online in order to be used. If you don't have someplace to put them, I'll host them on WindsorEssexSpeak.com.
Once we have the basic map done, we can begin adding more locations and features such as embeddable widgets and can begin educating people about handy features like Google Mobile Maps. Best case scenario will be an end-product of the map hosted on Google Sites with an accompanying Google Calendar that producers can use to promote special events, sales, produce in season etc. Here's a rough draft version that can serve as a start. I've used the Google Calendar for Local Food Events (which I think was created by WindsorEats.com, if not I'm sure someone will tell me who did!  ). Google Calendar can also have collaborators like Google Map. The map is displayed using a Google Widget. I have to use the widget because Google sites doesn't allow iframes, which embedded maps use.
The end result of all of this will hopefully be a community driven map for everyone's benefit. (FOR FREE!)
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Last Updated on Saturday, 18 April 2009 05:41 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Friday, 17 April 2009 06:02 |
How high does the garbage have to pile before the City decides to open drop off points? What is the definition of prolonged? What do they think is going to happen to all the garbage that's piling up now when they finally get around to opening drop-off locations?
Talks to end city strike collapse
Local residents continued to haul their own garbage and recycling waste to the gates of the city’s waste transfer station at E.C. Row Expressway and Central Avenue. If the strike is prolonged, the city plans to open several garbage drop-off locations.
P.P.P.P.P.P
While you're waiting for some action by the City, you can cheer yourself up with the Bright Side of Windsor. That should solve everything.
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Last Updated on Friday, 17 April 2009 06:09 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Friday, 17 April 2009 03:52 |
Several collaborators have joined the effort to create an online version of the Essex County Local Food map. I am beginnng to collect email addresses for everyone listed on the map and will be inviting them and the Farm Federation as collaborators. This way they will be able to edit their own entry with the information they wish. I created special entries for Galati (#54) and Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery (#1) to demonstrate the capabiliites of Google Maps. Even if a particular location doesn't have a website, this is an easy way to establish a basic web presence. Another avenue would be to utilize Google Sites to create a basic info site with a few pictures and other details which can be linked to from the Google Map entry. You can't beat the cost - FREE! (Here's a sample site created with Google Sites)
I've started creating number icons to match those on the map and will be hosting them on WindsorEssexSpeak.com
I've discovered several little glitches with Google Maps. It seems to want to locate anything on County Rd 50 or County Rd 20 in the middle of Drummond Rd. Not sure why. I tried it on two different computers with the same results. A couple of other Google Maps that I found with the same entries also had the same problem. These locations will have to be placed manually. For locations that I'm familiar with the satellite view helps track things down. I'm also searching for websites to see if they have directions posted that might help. If anyone happens to visit any of the locations and happens to have a GPS with them, you can get the lat and long for that site. This is the most accurate way to determine position with Google Maps. I would suggest standing at or near the entrance and noting those coordinates.
This is a work in progress, although I believe the end result will be a fantastic resource for everyone. Once we've complete the Essex County Local Food Map as it's published, we can begin adding other local food sources to the map, continuing to expand and improve it. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 17 April 2009 06:10 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Thursday, 16 April 2009 11:13 |
I've taken the locations from yesterday's Windsor Star article about the soon to be released Essex County Local Food map and plotted them on Google. So far I've been able to figure out about 75% of the locations. If anyone is interested in helping find the rest and get them properly plotted on the map, drop me a line and I'll send you an invite to collaborate with edit capabilities. I also need to either find or create a number icon set to match the numbers from the map.
View Essex County Local Food Map in a larger map
Here are the locations I wasn't able to determine:
17. McLeod Farms: 270 County Rd. 34, 519..., pick-your-own and ready-picked strawberries, raspberries, corn maze, autumn decorations, Found
20. Murray's Market: 137 County Rd. 34, 519-839-4188, produce and fresh-baked breads, pies and goodies - Found
24. Pretli's Green Acre Farm: 150 County Rd. 34, Cottam, 519-839,4478, fruits and vegetables, jam, jellies, preserves and baked goods - Found
25. Raymont's Berries: 445 County Rd. 14, Cottam, 519-83..., pick-your-own or ready-picked strawberries and raspberries - Found
26. Victor and Lorraine Rivest: 156 County Rd. 8, Woodslee, 519-776-6131, frozen packages of beef, all cuts - Found
28. Schoger Orchards: 432 County Rd. 34, Essex, 519-83..., pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries, sour cherries and pumpkins - Found
29. Stop 459 - Wm Neufeld and Sons: 459 County Rd. 14, Cottam, 519-839-4575, fruits and vegetables at road stand including apples, potatoes, onions, cucumbers and tomatoes - Found
33. Arrow Farms Produce: 988 Lakeshore Rd. 101, Maidstone, 519..., pick-your-own or ready-picked tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, onions, roma beans, farm animals, wagon rides and pre-arranged tours available
34. Crockers Nuts: 272 North Talbot Rd., Maidstone, 519-723-2121, heartnuts, hazelnuts, black walnuts - Found - location needs refinement
35. Ewe Dell Family Farms: 1282 Oriole Park D., Woodslee, 519..., www.ewedell.ca, whole lambs, chops, roasts, ground, sausage or kabobs
37. Wagner Orchards and Estate Winery: 1222 Lakeshore Rd. 103, Maidstone, 519-723-4807, www.wagnerorchards.com, apples, pumpkins, bakery, hay rides, meats and a winery - Found
38. Wild Acre Cattle Co.: 1947 Myer Rd. Woodslee, 519-919-4050, Angus beef, smoked and fresh sausage
40. Bradley's Potatoes: 482 County Rd. 14, Cottam, 519-32... - Found
47. Hylander Farms. Inc.: 15829 County Rd. 8, Essex, 519-259-3027, www.hylanderfarms.com, Angus beef/veal, BBQ packages and single cuts available - Found
50. Elaine's Garden Market: 4412 County Rd. 17, Maidstone, 519-735-8120, sweet corn, pumpkins, cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, squash, cauliflower, peaches, plums and melons - Found
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Last Updated on Friday, 17 April 2009 21:05 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Thursday, 16 April 2009 07:15 |
Tired of waiting for the Mayor, MPP's and MP's to do anything other than contribute to global warming with constant blasts of hot air?
Citizens for Jobs, NOW! (Windsor-Essex)
A grassroots movement of citizen activists and coalition of organizations who support this mission: To create jobs and secure the economic growth of Windsor Essex County by holding all levels of government to account for immediate action on infrastructure projects, corridor and border issues.
Contact Info
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Location: Windsor, ON
Organizational Meeting:
Thursday, April 16th at 7 p.m.
Caboto Club, Windsor
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Last Updated on Thursday, 16 April 2009 07:19 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Thursday, 16 April 2009 00:34 |
 Windsor's outside workers went on strike last night at 12:01.
This was not an unexpected event. Today the message from the Mayor was - "hold on to your garbage until further notice".
Can someone please tell me why management didn't have at least 5 collection points established beginning at 12:02 yesterday morning? The Mayor, Council and City staff have had months to prepare for this contingency. There should be no "monitoring" of the situation, there should be immediate action.
Do we really need to see festering piles of garbage throughout the city before this Council takes action? In the downtown area alone there are restaurants and businesses that generate a significant volume of garbage each day that needs to be dealt with.
The message from our Mayor and Council to these businesses? We're thinking about you, we feel your pain, we'll get back to you once we receive the consultant's report.
Fire them all!
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Last Updated on Thursday, 16 April 2009 00:51 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Wednesday, 15 April 2009 03:40 |
Fiat to Chrysler: Cut costs or we walk
CEO says auto maker prepared to scrap last-chance merger unless unions agree to match competitors' low labour costs
ERIC REGULY AND GREG KEENAN
From Wednesday's Globe and Mail
April 15, 2009 at 12:00 AM EDT
ROME and TORONTO — Fiat SpA will abandon Chrysler LLC, leaving it to fend for itself in bankruptcy court, unless Chrysler's Canadian and American unions agree to substantial labour-cost reductions by the end of the month, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne says.
For Chrysler, which is subsisting on cash borrowed from the U.S. and Canadian governments, the deal with Fiat is the last chance to avoid a bankruptcy filing and possible liquidation.
But Fiat is prepared to scrap the deal and look elsewhere for an international partner if the unions do not agree to match the lower labour costs of Japanese and German plants in the United States and Canada, Mr. Marchionne said in an exclusive interview with The Globe and Mail at the Italian auto maker's headquarters in Turin.
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Wednesday, 15 April 2009 02:51 |
Excuse me while I put on my cynics hat....
The Bright Side, the Windsor Star's latest effort to continue blowing smoke up our ass while ignoring the feckless group that masquerades as a City Council. No budget, no 400 Audit, no Auditor-General, no Development Commissioner, no border deal in sight, no capability of making a decision without three consultants, two lawyers and a session with Karnac the Magnificent...
/rant off
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Wednesday, 15 April 2009 02:16 |
One thing caught my eye in this article about Lakeshore's research towards a new recreation centre:
Fink warned against building a 50-metre competitive swimming pool unless Windsor and several county municipalities agree to share the cost.
The article leaves out one entity that should be a natural partner - the University of Windsor. A collaboration between all of Essex County's various municipal governments, School Boards and the University would have long term benefits for all. We've seen what the Track and Field facility can do, let's take the next step and work together. In a re-designed St. Denis Centre the current pool could be reconfigured to 25m or maybe a diving facility and the new 50m poll added on. A world class swimming facility would benefit all of the various communities in day to day use and open up a world of possibilities for Regional, Provincial, National and International events.
I'd much rather see Windsor working towards building long-term infrastructure like this then the big hole in the ground being contemplated for downtown. We have the Provincial and Federal representation that should be able to pull together significant funding for a truly joint County wide effort. The University of Windsor is one of our greatest assets. We should be exploring every opportunity to work together with them. Growth and expansion at the University means growth and jobs for Windsor.
Speaking of collaborative efforts, here's an idea that's long overdue. We have many organizations and charities in the City fighting over the same fundraising dollars instead of working together, sharing resources, volunteers and ideas:
Art Gallery,Windsor Symphony and Hospice Unite
by lulujane on April 13, 2009
I have been in the Sarasota (Bradenton) area about three times in the past five years. Since being introduced to the Woman’s Exchange Inc. http://www.womansexchange.com at my insistence on subsequent visits, shopping at this amazing store is a must for me. |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 15 April 2009 02:49 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Tuesday, 14 April 2009 21:40 |
Just not in Windsor.
PM pledges cash for inland port
This facility in Winnipeg is a joint Federal-Provincial effort.
At the rate Windsor's going, in ten years we'll have no new bridge, no new double-stack rail tunnel, a new regional jail in Chatham and an unemployment rate that'll make Flint Michigan seem prosperous by comparison.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 14 April 2009 21:45 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Monday, 13 April 2009 03:00 |
Good article in the Windsor Star this weekend on the Ward Boundary Review process. The 8 ward, one Councillor per ward looks option looks like an enticing choice, until you consider the pay raise the remaining Councillors will get as a result. With two Councillors gone, the pooled money from boards and committees will be divided amongst 8 instead of 10. If anyone thinks that pool of money will shrink with only 8 Councillors, you must have just moved to Windsor. Personally, I'm leaning towards either simply adjusting the current boundaries or the 10 ward, one Councillor per option. I'm leaning a little heavier towards 10 wards as it will really shake things up come election time.
We could use a whole lotta shakin' up around here.
Public meetings are being held this Wednesday and Thursday at various locations throughout the city.
Public Consultation
Public consultation is an important part of the ward boundary review process for the City of Windsor and forms one of the parameters of the review. To facilitate this part of the review, the consultant (Dr. Robert Williams) will be conducting three meetings with the public as outlined below. Public Feedback Questionnaires will be distributed at the meetings.
These meetings will give the consultant feedback from the community on the various ward boundary proposals. The consultant will then use the information gathered at these three public sessions along with information gathered from the interviews from stakeholders to assist him in formulating a final report to City Council in May.
Ward Boundary Review Public Meeting #1
Wednesday, April 15, 2009 (7:00pm to 9:00pm)
* Forest Glade Community Centre
3215 Forest Glade Drive
Windsor, Ontario
(519) 735-3536
(Meeting will take place in the Gym.)
Ward Boundary Review Public Meeting #2
Thursday, April 16, 2009 (4:00pm to 6:00pm)
* Windsor Water World
400 Wyandotte Street East
Windsor, Ontario
(519) 253-3806
(Meeting will take place in the Gym.)
Ward Boundary Review Public Meeting #3
Thursday, April 16, 2009 (7:00pm to 9:00pm)
* South Windsor Recreation Complex
2555 Pulford Avenue
Windsor, Ontario
(519) 966-9441
(Meeting will take place in the Auditorium.) |
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Last Updated on Monday, 13 April 2009 03:22 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Tuesday, 07 April 2009 05:26 |
Now that we're finally finished with the two year journey to create the new Tourism Windsor-Essex maybe we can update the website to at least 2001 standards.
Cross your fingers.
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Last Updated on Monday, 13 April 2009 03:22 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Tuesday, 07 April 2009 03:03 |
I've been remiss about posting this info since our last meeting. Teaching Tech To The Creative Class (4 CCs) is the brainchild of Tom Lucier from Phog. Two weeks ago we had our initial meeting to determine the subjects that different people might be interested in. The list, both in person and on-line, was extensive. Tonight will be our second meeting(Phog - 6:30pm). From here on in the meetings will be every second Tuesday evening from 6:30 pm till 8:30pm for the formal part, and till whenever for the informal part. The following represents some of the areas that we've identified that people are interested in:
a. Communities - portals, a way to come together on a local level. Build a network or community
b. Blogs - starting, maintaining. Wordpress, Blogger or other platforms
c. Music - uploading, sharing, downloading
d. RSS - how to setup, how to use. Merging feeds and offering to all customers, simplify the bureaucracy'
e. Photos/Videos - how to upload, share, protect
f. Resources - databases, search engines, local resources, library etc.
e. Social Media - creating, sharing, maximizing
f. Open Source - what is it, how to use
g. Wikis, Networks, etc, how to link up, network and engage with others
h. YouTube/Vimeo/Flickr - how to use
I. Netiquette - do's and don'ts
J. UStream - live streaming - how to do
K. Donations/Sales/Fundraising - how to do, cost of implemenation, reporting, planning, methods
L. Neighourhood - how to build and expand a local neighbourhood system
M. Multi-tasking - post once, publish many times. How to maximize your efforts online. Ping FM, Friendfeed etc.
For the second evening we'll focus on Communities - creating a local portal/community and for the second choice we'll go with audience choice. Please be courteous, respectful and understanding whether you're attending off line or on-line.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 07 April 2009 04:56 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Friday, 03 April 2009 05:57 |
Good thing that you receive regular reminders from your hosting company to renew your domain or:
a. WE Speak wouldn't be working this morning;
b. I would have forgot when this craziness all started.
I had been kicking around the idea of starting a local aggregator for a while and simply decided to do it one slow Sunday night three years ago. It took a lot of cursing, swearing, copious quantities of Tim's coffee and some luck, but by the end of the day a semblance of the original site was up and running. I've gone through several implementations since then, along with opening London Speak and Guelph Speak.
What I didn't anticipate when I started was how much it would change my life, on many levels. One of the greatest developments is the diverse group of people I have met both on and off line. The strong group of Windsor bloggers that continues to thrive and grow has long since surpassed my most optimistic hopes. There are many new initiatives bubbling away and this next year holds the promise of completely eclipsing the site's humble beginnings of the last three years.
Thanks to all who have joined WE Speak, stop in to check things out, offered help, criticism and encouragement. Without a healthy dose of each one of those things the site probably wouldn't have lasted past the first year.
PS. all I need to make the day complete is another attack on Windsor Bloggers by a City Councillor - it does wonders for traffic!
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Election Countdown
left until the 2010 Windsor Municipal Election
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