This flu season has seen a serious outbreak of cases across the GTA. Toronto Public Health recorded more than 150 new lab instances in one week just before Christmas. Many hospitals are feeling the pressure and some have urged anyone with a manageable case of the flu to treat it at home rather than risk infecting patients at the hospital. “We are having a terrible flu season this year,” Dr. Brett Belchetz told CP24. He said part of the reason for the rise in flu cases is that the strain mutated and rendered the vaccine only about 50 per cent effective. As always, it is still a good idea to get the shot but there are also fears that the supply may not outlast the demand. The creation of the flu vaccine each year is a high-tech guessing game among scientists who do their best to calculate what the annual onslaught might look like, epidemiologically speaking. Elderly residents are most at risk for contracting the flu and the health department reports that 57 long-term care facilities have “active outbreaks.” Cummer Lodge, a facility in Willowdale, says that 17 of its residents have come down with respiratory illness and five are suffering from Gastroenteritis. Dr. Belchetz also recommends that those who have come down with the flu think twice before heading to the hospital. “You need to go to the hospital if you are having difficulty breathing, if you are having difficulty controlling your fever or if you are having difficulty staying hydrated,” he said. “Otherwise stay at home and try not to get other people sick.”
Real fear on Porter flight as cabin fills with smoke
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This CBC report deals with a Porter Airlines flight that turned back to Pearson shortly after take off from Billy Bishop Airport. There was a second incident on Porter, not as serious apparently, referenced in this report. A third diversion occurred when an Air Canada flight landed at Pearson. Previous post.
WJC2015: Canada 4, Finland 1, game over
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4-1 Canada over Finland final TSN
What might have gone wrong with Flight 8501?
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Where is Whitby’s 14-year-old Madison Taylor
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| Madison Taylor |
Madison Taylor has been missing from her Whitby home since Thursday December. 18, 2014. Many people including the Durham Regional Police are concerned about her safety. It would be enough they say just to be able to establish she is okay by making contact with the teen. Madison has been missing in the past, but not for this length of time. She’s been active on social media, but all attempts to contact her have failed. Madison is described as a white female, five-feet six-inches tall, about 100 pounds, with long blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a black jacket, blue/grey sweater and orange jogging pants. Anyone with information is asked to contact the DRPS at 1-888-579-1520. The lead investigator is Cst. Peden of Central West Division at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2872.
Scaffolding collapse in China kills ten workers
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Tons of steel scaffolding has crashed to the ground killing ten workers in Beijing. The collapse occurred at one of Beijing’s most prestigious high schools on Monday (December 29, 2014). Four others were injured. It was morning and the school day was underway at Tsinghua High School in the city’s northwest. No classrooms or other buildings used for instruction, according to a statement from the Beijing municipal propaganda bureau. It said the injured were in stable condition. A high school official with the surname Jiang said all of the victims were constructing a gymnasium at the school, which is affiliated with one of China’s top universities, also called Tsinghua. He said no teachers or students were hurt.
Electrical smell diverts Air Canada jet to Toronto
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China blocks Gmail to throttle west’s influence
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China has blocked Gmail traffic in and out of the country in an apparent attempt to stop or slow down western influence. Google reports that exchanges on the popular service almost vanished on Friday, dropping to nearly zero.
Was bus in “blind spot” as tram approached?
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The TTC bus driver who made a left-hand turn smack into the front of an oncoming street car may have had only a moment to actually see the trolley. That’s because the bus was behind a second streetcar as it travelled along Main Street towards Danforth Avenue. It is of course the bus driver’s responsibility to know that there is nothing hiding behind the vehicle in front. Three people were slightly injured in the accident and the TTC has said it will expedite a review of driver training. Excellent CBC report below tells the story.
WJH2015: Canada over Germany 4-0 final
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Karmann Ghia gets in some year-end cruising
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Ray White tweeted the rear view of this 1963 Karmann Ghia, a VW specialty car. Picture on the right sees it using the fair days of December for a little cruising around Leaside. The picture on the left is from an unknown Flickr acount accessed via Google images. Nice Car and thanks Big Ray.
Tension, tenderness in sea of blue as cop buried
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Services for Patrolman Rafael Ramos were held at Christ Tabernacle in Glendale, New York. The U.S. is as burdened now by racial hatred it seems as it has been in 40 years. Many see the issue as black crime while a substantial number claim police carelessly kill black men. CNN