Toronto Researchers Find Some Hard Pressed To Deny Sugar
Toronto- In one of the latest revelations in the fight against all things sweet researchers in Toronto have discovered the cause for sugar related cravings may be found in a persons individual DNA.
The variation of a particular gene sequence may be the culprit for how some people are able to sense certain sugars more adeptly than other people. For these people, sugar cravings are similar to having them hard-wired in their body.
Ongoing research suggests that this gene may be as common as one in every five people, but the new research indicates it is a fairly common variant. It may also control the person’s tendency to develop or have diabetes later in life.
“The function of the gene involved acts as a type of glucose sensor for the brain, and it affects the food intake and appetite,” said Dr. Ahmed El-Sohemy, the principal researcher and study author. (more…)
Toronto - As the death toll climbs in Myanmar, Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty has vowed to help the cyclone victims.
McGuinty says his office has been in touch with the federal government, the red cross and representatives from Myanmar to get a better understanding of what’s happening and how the province can help.
There is no word yet on exactly how the province will help, it’s still trying to figure out the best way to send aid.
When the Tsunami hit south Asia in 2004 Ontario donated 5 million dollars towards the Red Cross Relief effort.
Myanmar’s state television says the death toll in last week’s cyclone has jumped to 28,458.
33,416 people are still considered missing.
Toronto - The Toronto Maple Leafs’ head coach has been handed a pink slip.
Paul Maurice has been axed with one year remaining on his three-year contract.
Maurice said that he was happy that he was fired now rather than the middle of a seaon.
The Leafs finished dead last in the Northeast Division.
Mourice is expected to have a news conference on Thursday.
Emergency Services Issue Caution About 911 Usage
Edmonton- The public emergency services department in Edmonton has issues a broad warning for the public about the use of Voice Over Internet Protocol telephones that use the Internet for connection.
The department is warning the public that it is essential that they ensure that the 911 address that is on file with their Internet Phone provider be accurate and up to date, to avoid a reoccurrence of the tragedy that occurred last week.
Little Elijah Luck of Calgary perished while ambulances were sent to the family former home, instead of their actual residence in Calgary. Elijah was just 18 months old and experiencing distress when his family, who have Comwave VoIP telephone service called 911 for help. (more…)
Leading Toronto City Program Safety Planner Offers Helpful Hints
Toronto- When you strap a child onto your bicycle there are some safety issue that you want to be sure and address, besides the obvious like everyone should wear a helmet.
When you mount a car seat on your bicycle, you have some issues that need to be examined before you and your child set off into the sunset. (more…)
How And When The Weapon Is To Be Utilized Will Be Examined
Vancouver, B.C.- The first phase of inquiry regarding the use of Tasers by the police in British Columbia is to begin today. The initial inquiry is led by British Columbia retired Justice Thomas Braidwood, who will examine the issue and make recommendations based on his findings.
The initial phase will examine the training that police officers get for using the Taser device, the rules in which it can be used, and various medical evidence about usage of the devices.
In a second round of inquiries Justice Braidwood will examine the death and circumstances which surround the events leading up to Robert Dziekanski untimely demise. This part of the inquiry may remain on hold for an indefinite time period as charges have not been decided, if any, in the case and the case is still pending.
Dziekanski was a 40-year-old polish man who was tasered at the Vancouver International Airport in October 2007, who subsequently died after being struck with the Taser device. Mr. Dziekanski did not speak English and had never been on an aircraft before.
Apparently Mr. Dziekanski was confused and wandered around the airport for nearly 10 hours before becoming angry. At the end, just before he was Tasered by police he became violent and tossed a computer off of a desk in the airport terminal.
RCMP officers tried to talk to Mr. Dziekanski but he did not understand, and after no response when Mr. Dziekanski became wild and violent they Tasered him twice.
Shortly afterward Mr. Dziekanski died at the airport, apparently from the Taser device. A subsequent autopsy showed no drugs or alcohol in Mr. Dziekanski’s system.
Oshawa - General Motors has announced it’s laying off 3500 workers across North America, including about 970 at the truck assembly plant in Oshawa this September.
C.A.W. local 222 president Chris Buckley calls it “another dark day for Oshawa.” Just 3 months ago, another shift and a thousand jobs were lost.
General Motors, which says demand for full-size pickup trucks is falling, blames a deteriorating economy and soaring gas prices for the cuts.
This news comes as major international oil companies are reporting record multi-billion dollar profits. They say it’s because oil prices are soaring and sales are up. Royal Dutch Shell, Europe’s largest oil company, made more than $9 billion in the first quarter, up close to $2 billion from a year ago. BP reported making $7.6 billion, up 63 percent in a year.
Counselors Are Considering Classifying Transit As Essential Service
Toronto-After the recent wildcat strike on the weekend by the Toronto Transit Union the Toronto City Council went into deliberations on Tuesday as to the current union classification.
The union in Toronto for transit workers are threatening various degrees of labour unrest and activity if the City Council changes their legal designation for the Transit Authority.
At stake is the right to strike, or being prohibited from striking against the city.
The Toronto City council is debating if the Transit Authority should be declared an essential service. If the Transit authority is re classified then the Transit Union would lose its right to strike and be prevented from going out on strike for labor related issues or to strike at all. (more…)
Toronto - The TTC strike is over, and all over the city buses, streetcars, and subway trains are moving again. The Ontario Legislature has ordered the striking TTC workers back to work.
Partial TTC service resumed late Sunday afternoon. Full service expected Monday morning.
During the debate at Queens Park the politicians asked TTC users to show respect and not be abusive towards bus, streetcar and subway operators and drivers. (more…)
Toronto - Five days after a tentative deal was reached between the TTC and it’s largest union, thousands of workers are voting on that deal today.
Earlier this week, a number of TTC maintenance workers suggested they would vote against accepting the new agreement because of concerns about the contracting out of some work.
Should the agreement be voted down, TTC workers could walk off the job as early as this weekend.
Vote results should be known around 10 o’clock Friday night.