The South Bayview Bulldog

The Competition Bureau is suing Canada’s big three wireless carriers and an industry association for allegedly misleading consumers about the cost of premium texting services. The allegation accuses Bell, Rogers, and Telus of allowing so-called third party operators to sell such things as trivia questions and ringtones in a way that makes it look as if they are free. The net impact on consumers is to mislead them into charges they didn’t see coming. The Competition Bureau is looking for a $10 million dollar fine from each from the wireless firms. The bureau notes that it can cost as much as $10 per transaction and up to $40 for a monthly subscription over and above standard texting plans. Bureau commissioner Melanie Aitken says the investigation showed that consumers are under a false impression with respect to the cost of texting plans. CBC.ca

A compelling video (see it here) has been posted on YouTube showing a young couple tracking a man who was riding a $1000 bicycle stolen from their garage two weeks ago. Dave Park and Vanessa Crossley were in their car in west-central Toronto when they spotted the distinctive bicycle beside them at a traffic light.  The couple began a careful pursuit of the bike and its rider. Finally they were able to pull up beside him in a laneway. All the while Ms Crossley had her phone cam video rolling. As you watch the video on our free-standing page, listen to  the couple. “My heart’s beating,” says Ms. Crossley as they close in on the bike and rider. Then follows a spirited exchange in which the young couple demand the return of their bicycle and the rider contends that he got the bike  “from my buddy.”   The debate comes to end however when the owners produce a police report on the theft of the bike from their garage. The rider quickly hands over the bicycle and goes on his way on foot.