There are suggestions that Turkish president is out to imprison and possibly execute thousands of political enemies in the wake of the failed coup attempt over the weekend. As many as 6,000 members of the army and judiciary are under arrest. President Tayyip Erdogan and the government accused the U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, a former ally whom Erdogan accuses of trying to create a “parallel structure” within the courts, police, armed forces and media, of orchestrating the coup. Erdogan said he could ignore demands for a return to the death penalty in Turkey coming from crowds of his supporters.

 

It has begun on Parkhurst Blvd. it seems where Kathy Oriotis has posted a couple of descriptions of cars with plate numbers where available on the Facebook group Leaside Community. Saturday she noticed a burgundy Honda Civic which she said rolled through the stop sign at Hanna Rd. and Parkhurst. As she says, thankfully no kids on bikes were around.

Three people were hurt prior to a landing at Billy Bishop Airport Friday morning, CP24 is reporting. Porter Airlines has said that two flight attendants were treated and a passenger required medical attention. The occurrence was described as severe turbulence. There were 61 people aboard. A spokesperson for the Transportation Safety Board told CP24 that it is waiting for more information before deciding whether or not they will investigate.

The great irony in the coup attempt that failed in Turkey was evident. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has tried for years to stifle the operating freedom of social networks and has accused them of being dark forces attempting to undermine his rule. It was these same social media networks which helped him to put down the coup. Erdogan broadcast from his smart phone a statement to the people, tweeted to his supporters and relied on the media, even those whom he deathly hates, to spread his message in the critical first hours of the coup attempt when uncertainty gripped the country. It seems that those involved — apparently relatively low-ranked officers — would not have succeeded in their operation even if Erdogan had not been able to deliver his broadcast. Jerusalem Post edited 

The Blue Jays young wonder of a reliever will hold his second annual pitching clinic Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Talbot Park. See poster for details.

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Live updates courtesy of the BBC.

Toronto already has the authority to legislate against texting while walking on the sidewalk and other walkways, the Ontario Transportation Minister says. Stephen Del Duca told reporters that it is up to the City if it wishes to do this. His remarks came after Council voted 19 to 10 to ask the government to examine such a ban. Global News noted that Josh Matlow (Ward 22) voted against the motion and said he was surprised that it had passed in council. He is quoted as saying: “I honestly I think the motion itself is a distraction, never mind preventing distracted walking,” he told Global News. “The police don’t enforce distracted driving and speeding well enough, never mind have the resources to go after everyone walking looking at their cellphones”

JAYWALKING IS SAFER

All of which is true but may not be the most compelling reason not to examine the matter. Police don’t enforce (or enforce very well) jaywalking and phone-distracted driving. It is easily argued that an alert jaywalker is many times safer than a texter wandering out into traffic at an intersection. It’s complex. Our 21st Century technology is the devil’s work, except when it’s a pleasant convenience. The South Bayview Bulldog is the heart and soul of personal freedom from government bureaucracy but as long as we profess to care about each other, there is cause for concern when it comes to distracted walking. .

DEL DUCA SAYS NO

But Ontario quickly made up its mind that everything is fine. It will not legislate a ban on walking and texting. Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca says pedestrians should keep their heads up while on the road and always be aware of their surroundings. So helpful. That should get through to practically no one.

Result: Carried Majority Required – PW14.1 – Nunziata – motion 7 revised Yes: 26 Ana Bailão, Jon Burnside, Christin Carmichael Greb, Shelley Carroll, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Sarah Doucette, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Mary Fragedakis, Michelle Holland, Stephen Holyday, Jim Karygiannis, Norman Kelly, Chin Lee, Giorgio Mammoliti, Pam McConnell, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, James Pasternak, Jaye Robinson, David Shiner, Michael Thompson, John Tory  No: 15 Paul Ainslie, Maria Augimeri, John Campbell, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Joe Cressy, Janet Davis, Frank Di Giorgio, Mark Grimes, Mike Layton, Josh Matlow, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Kristyn Wong-Tam  Absent: 3 Justin J. Di Ciano, Joe Mihevc, Ron Moeser

It has been two years since Georgia Walsh was killed at the corner of Millwood Rd. and McRae Drive in an accident which even now seems beyond belief. Ranko Stupar said he did not see the little girl. Jillian and John Walsh responded to this explanation with remarkable generosity. They forgave Mr. Stupar. Now Georgia’s mom has spoken again about that terrible day to Ashley Molnar of Global News. Here is an excerpt of her report with the full video seen here.

France 24 English is live and is reporting on the horrifying incident in which 84 people are now reported dead. A truck rammed into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in the French Riviera city of Nice in a premeditated attack. The truck struck the crowd on the Promenade des Anglais, a seaside walk in the centre of the city in southern France, authorities said. More than 50 people were reported injured. The driver fired on the crowd before being shot to death by police, officials said. Prime Minister Trudeau tweeted the thoughts and condolences of Canadians. Federal Opposition leader Rona Ambrose also expressed her shock as did former prime minister Stephen Harper. Many other leaders also responded.