Mobile phone laws and driving: my plea
I can’t help but express and comment on legislation that went into effect last summer regarding mobile phone and handheld device usage whilst driving in the province of Ontario. Needless to say its outlawed and fines are fairly lax compared to other nations.
And so I first offer my annoyance with people who break this law and endanger themselves and other innocent people due to their negligence. I for one, as a pedestrian feel that the majority of drivers already are ignorant of my presence whilst crossing roads, even when wearing bright colours.
And so I offer the Police Departments in Toronto, York Region, and Peel Region (and of course the Ontario Provincial Police) some tips as to better catch offenders. The most usage ice notices is with drivers in the vecinity of Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in a radius of 5km. This includes the office and industrial offices east of Airport Road. This is where the offenders are most; I know because I see them daily. Further to this; in the Airport Corporate Centre along Eglinton Ave between Renforth and Dixie Rd, north to the 401 is another huge offender area.
To police officers; please help to protect harmless people like me, and if any law enforcement individuals happen to stumble upon this blog, don’t hesitate to contact me for more info.
PS: Offramps of any and all highways are particularly bad as well.
Famous Faces, Unlikely Places
Who would have thought that boarding a flight from Toronto to Detroit could bring me so much amazing experienecs? I was at the airport at 07.00 and from there I went through customs and such. Coming out of the bathrooms with a huge group of bags under my eyes I saw someone who looked oddly familiar. What are the chances of me knowing someone in the US terminal of Pearson International Airport in Toronto?
I took a double take and walked a little closer; I think that she saw that I was being a bit weird, but oddly in the US terminal nobody there would have recognised her! It was Suhana Meharchand, a newscaster on CBC network. I blinked again and she smiled, and I walked towards her and the conversation goes as follows:
Me: Excuse me, I don’t mean to interrupt but I couldn’t help but notice that you’re very familiar, you aren’t by any chance Suhana Meharchand, journalist and reporter on CBC are you?
Stranger: Well what a lovely surprise, I certainly am.
Me: I’m really sorry, I won’t keep you but I just wanted to let you know that I respect your work highly and love seeing you present the news in such a creative, informative way with integrity and professionalism.
Stranger: Well that’s such a nice thing to say, thank you so much! Are you by any chane a student?
Me: Yes acutally I am, at Mt. Alison University in Sackville New Brunswick.
Stranger: That’s wonderful to hear, I know quite a few alumni from there, a great school and I’m sure you’re having a good time and coming along great.
Me: Yes I’m in my final year, and it’s all going well, before I know it I’ll be in the real world!
Stranger: That’s wonderful to hear, all the best! I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name, I have to make a mental note of the fact that you were the only one to recognise me here! *laugh*
Me: Oh my name is Osky, how rude of me to forget to introduce myself. It was a pleasure talking with you; all the best!
Stranger: The pleasure was all mine Osky, I hope you continue to enjoy my work!
It was my first encounter with someone national that was famous and I was spellstruck, but only for a few minutes. It turns out she was on the same flight as me to Detroit, and between her constant mobile conversations and quick exits of the plane she disappeared and it was all nearly a dream. All until thirty minutes later when I went to the bathroom again.
Upon walking down the terminal again in boredm I came across another familiar face sitting down on the bench. I took yet another double take and realised that it was in fact, terribly famous news anchor, Peter Mansbridge who was sitting reading a version of Harry Potter. I couldn’t believe my eyes and thought that it was a CBC field day out at the airport so I did the same thing and awkwardly approached him as follows:
Me: Excuse me sir, I don’t mean to interrupt but I can’t help but wonder if you’re Peter Mansbridge, anchor and newscaster on CBC’s The National.
Stranger: Oh wow, I wasn’t expecting this in the US terminal, yes I am! Hello how are you doing?
Me: I’m doing quite well thanks but I’m kind of shocked to see you! I’d just want to let you know that I respect your work highly and I rarely miss a version of The National, its by far my favourite CBC programme thanks to you.
Stranger: How wonderful of you to say; thank you.
Me: It’s you who I should should be thanking, bringing the issues of today to the forefront is such a professional and interesting way. Your carreer is amazing and youre integrity and honesty is staggering.
Stranger: You flatter me too much, I’m very glad that you like my work. I’m sorry, are you wanting an autograph?
Me: Oh no, that’s fine, I’m just honoured to have been so lucky as to cross your path today! I’m sorry for being impolite but my name is Osky and I’m a student at Mt. Alison University, there is a band there that’s named after you to honour your legacy!
Stranger: I know the campus and the band very well, it’s so nice to have met you as well Osky.
Me: I hope you enjoy your Harry Potter book, I’ve been a fan for ages and won’t spoil it for you; I hope your trip goes well!
Stranger: Thanks, and for you as well. It was nice to know that I have fans, even being a simple newscaster! Goodbye!
And with that I ran to my boarding call at gate 15 and got on my plane. Two famous people in the course of 2 hours and what did I forget to do? Take photos damnit. I looked like a zombie anyways, but that’s okay since the moments are forever etched in my mind.
I guess it truely is said that the most famous of faces are always found in the most unlikely of places!