Student protest - Fees - clog streets

[neomatrix]

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/721647--student-protest-jams-downtown-streets

"About a thousand students gathered in the downtown core Thursday afternoon to protest tuition fees and student debt as the Canadian Federation of Students marks the nationwide "Day of Action."

Traffic is clear now as the demonstrators have reached their destination, Queen's Park, after they marched from Convocation Hall on King's College Circle near College St. earlier Thursday afternoon.

Rallies are being held across Ontario to call on Premier Dalton McGuinty to drop tuition fees and to reform employment insurance and social assistance among other demands, a statement for the student group said.

"Ontario's students are struggling to pay the highest fees in Canada while facing the worst youth unemployment on record," Shelley Melanson, Chairperson of the Ontario chapter of the student federation, said in the statement.

"With over 70 per cent of new jobs requiring a diploma or a degree, for many people higher education is a necessary path out of poverty and unemployment" "

[Squiggles]

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - An Idaho woman accused of ramming her pickup into another car, then hurling ranch salad dressing at the vehicle, has pleaded guilty to aggravated battery. Tiffany M. Wallace, 18, entered the plea in 4th District Court Monday in a deal with prosecutors. The Idaho Statesman reported Wallace was scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 11.

Wallace was arrested June 1 after police said she used her truck to ram a sedan several times over a road rage episode. The driver of the other car told police the encounter began after he was cut off by Wallace. He said she later cut him off again, yelled at him and threw coins and plastic containers of ranch dressing at his car.

The victim said the woman later rammed his car at least three times in a parking lot.

[CCCC3333]

"A woman in Houston, Texas won’t be facing charges after angrily killing the goldfish she shared with her boyfriend.

Police say the act is civil, not criminal, but it’s certainly effed right up. According to police spokesman Vance Mitchell, the woman became angry with her former common-law husband after her took back jewelry he’d given her. When he wouldn’t return the jewelry to her, police say he came home to find his goldfish missing.

When police visited the woman’s home in an attempt to retrieve the goldfish, they say she directed them to the kitchen, saying, “they’re in there.” Police found four of the seven goldfish, fried on a plate. When they inquired after the missing three, the woman stated, “I already ate those.”

As the goldfish were purchased when the couple was together, they are considered community property and police are unable to prosecute the woman for her actions. Authorities indicated that if the man wishes, he can pursue the matter in civil court."

[45ED]

A newly-wed couple cut into their wedding cake - to find it was made of polystyrene.

Tony and Aimee West had paid £270 for a three tier sponge decorated with white and dark chocolate icing and flowers.

Aimee, 27, said: "It was a terrible shock - I felt so embarrassed in front of all our family and friends.

"It was a lovely occasion and the ceremony was going to be the icing on the cake - only there was no cake."

Bank worker Aimee and Tony, 26, had tied the knot in Cyprus then flew home for their reception at a hotel in Pembrey, Carmarthenshire.

They had pre-ordered the cake from confectioners Creative Cakes in their hometown of Llanelli.

But just four hours before the evening reception was due to start Aimee discovered the cake company had forgotten to bake the cake.

Aimee said: "They admitted their mistake and said: 'Don't worry, we'll get you a cake'. They turned up that evening and the cake was put on a table for all to see."

The pair took Creative Cakes to the small claims court and were awarded £310 compensation.

Karen Williams, who runs Creative Cakes from her home in Llanelli, said: "I explained I would be delivering an artificial cake - they are quite common at weddings these days."

[Evil Baby]

What am I missing here? What is the point of these posts? Is this a re-post or something?

[MrDisco]

What am I missing here? What is the point of these posts? Is this a re-post or something?

I take it as just a reaction to people spamming RFD with news stories without even bothering to form their own commentary.

[45ED]

i take it as just a reaction to people spamming rfd with news stories without even bothering to form their own commentary.

+1

[KorruptioN]

i take it as just a reaction to people spamming rfd with news stories without even bothering to form their own commentary.

+1

[Squiggles]

I just wanted people to beware of drive by ranchings.

[Squiggles]

I take it as just a reaction to people spamming RFD with news stories without even bothering to form their own commentary.

Actually, +1.

[Octavius]

actually, +1.

+1

[Evil Baby]

ahhh I see. I guess I'm little behind on Internet reactions.

Guess I'll form my own opinion then.

I sort of feel for these people but they are doing it at the wrong time. Currently I've been out of school for 2 years and paying back my student debt most of that time and I would certainly love an extra $425 a month to spend on things.

However the Government is what , 25 Billion in debt. Where are they supposed to come up with more money? Perhaps if this protest had happened when the money was first being spent they had a chance, but now, it's a rather useless protest.

I just have to keep hoping Dalton doesn't let the Dalton days happen or I will be even more F'd.


The one that really cheeses me off is 2nd career. These people have had their entire life to save up money, to buy a house or a car. Now their out of a job, so instead of going with OSAP which they'd have to pay back they get free money? Why not just re-mortgage your house? That's an option you should have, an option I don't have. Instead I was barely approved to buy a $125000 house and I have no intention of buying a new car for at least 10 years.

[flexwong]

ahhh I see. I guess I'm little behind on Internet reactions.

Guess I'll form my own opinion then.

I sort of feel for these people but they are doing it at the wrong time. Currently I've been out of school for 2 years and paying back my student debt most of that time and I would certainly love an extra $425 a month to spend on things.

However the Government is what , 25 Billion in debt. Where are they supposed to come up with more money? Perhaps if this protest had happened when the money was first being spent they had a chance, but now, it's a rather useless protest.

I just have to keep hoping Dalton doesn't let the Dalton days happen or I will be even more F'd.


The one that really cheeses me off is 2nd career. These people have had their entire life to save up money, to buy a house or a car. Now their out of a job, so instead of going with OSAP which they'd have to pay back they get free money? Why not just re-mortgage your house? That's an option you should have, an option I don't have. Instead I was barely approved to buy a $125000 house and I have no intention of buying a new car for at least 10 years.

the protest happens every year.

[CSR]

Just bend over.

[corrupt123]

http://robdamanii.com/macros/love-this-thread.jpg

Props to the first few replies. That was gold.

[BananaHunter]

I feel terrible for students who are going to post secondary now. I paid about 8k per year for my tuition (graduated 2008) 2nd through 4th year. I heard my program now costs 10k a year. It's ridiculous.

I blame it on how inefficiently run most universities are. I can't speak for others but UofT is a gigantic decentralized bureaucracy. Everything has to go through a billion layers to get done. I also think UofT staff are very inept and overpaid. UofT admin staff are people who would see a huge line up of students and then go take lunch and make everyone wait because it's their right to take lunch at that time. The people working at UofT are so consumed with "rights" and "fairness" that they completely don't know how to get things done effectively. Very poor work ethics.

Why do university services cost so damn much? Photocopying costs an arm. Getting them to print a transcript somehow costs $10 and a couple days. Everything at the university bookstore can be bought for 50% cheaper at other retail stores. This is what happens when you pay staff above market wage. Remember that nearly all retail jobs pay minimum wage and most admin jobs pay close to minimum wage.

It's stupid how some universities try to cope with every little demand students make. Universities will friggin build an elevator or ramp just for 1 or 2 unfortunate souls when enough students whine about "rights". I shudder to think how much money was spent just to make sure there's a security guard to offer campus "walk safe" service, which to my knowledge rarely ever gets used.

While the government should put a freeze on tuition hike, students should also do their part and stop being so needy. Students also need to learn to get smarter with money. A lot of students blow their money eating out and drinking.

[fakishan]

I think students should protest until education and child care is completely free from the daycare to a bachelors.

A better educated populace is the single most desirable wish of mine, above all personal comfort and achievements. It would solve a lot of problems, notably crime and government inefficiency which give us higher taxes.

I detest the "got mine, screw you" folks.

[TheDarkRage]

I think students should protest until education and child care is completely free from the daycare to a bachelors.

A better educated populace is the single most desirable wish of mine, above all personal comfort and achievements. It would solve a lot of problems, notably crime and government inefficiency which give us higher taxes.

I detest the "got mine, screw you" folks.

I honestly can't imagine a society where everybody is a post-secondary graduate, nobody will want the ****** jobs since they may think they're "above" it/snooty (unless it pays really well, such as garbage man). Although a better educated populace is ideal, you do need people to do the crappy/low paying jobs.

[Sazafraz]

These protests are so useful and effective. In first year my tuition was $9,787.50 and because of the protests my tuition this year is a whopping 10,188.34. Thanks!!

[corrupt123]

I honestly can't imagine a society where everybody is a post-secondary graduate, nobody will want the ****** jobs since they may think they're "above" it/snooty (unless it pays really well, such as garbage man). Although a better educated populace is ideal, you do need people to do the crappy/low paying jobs.

Yep. Not to mention most of these kids will probably graduate and have trouble finding a job related to their degree (unless they go into teaching? :confused:)

People need to get over the EDUCATION = SUCCESS brainwashing they've been given and go out there and make money. IF YOU WANT TO MAKE MONEY, YOU WILL MAKE MONEY... and that's all there is to it.

[Fluid]

do any actual students go to these protests, i mean many of them are probably failing classes, hence why they want tuition to go down, and they are probably in stupid programs...

I would really like to know, because most of the students I know in my school never go to these protests, not a single one of them...

[flexwong]

It's stupid how some universities try to cope with every little demand students make. Universities will friggin build an elevator or ramp just for 1 or 2 unfortunate souls when enough students whine about "rights".



that is a horrible attitude. so i guess in your little world, disabled people shouldn't go to universities.

[calcuu]

I think students should protest until education and child care is completely free from the daycare to a bachelors.

A better educated populace is the single most desirable wish of mine, above all personal comfort and achievements. It would solve a lot of problems, notably crime and government inefficiency which give us higher taxes.

I detest the "got mine, screw you" folks.
That's terrible. Imagine the classroom sizes. Who would take the less desirable jobs? If a lot more people can easily get a degree, how would competition be like for jobs? If it was free, it would be like high school where a lot of people would drop courses until they get an easier course they like and could change programs easily.

[Evil Baby]

That's terrible. Imagine the classroom sizes. Who would take the less desirable jobs? If a lot more people can easily get a degree, how would competition be like for jobs? If it was free, it would be like high school where a lot of people would drop courses until they get an easier course they like and could change programs easily.


Sweden seems to manage it. People would still need proper grades to get into certain courses.

I'd much rather see a reward system. If a student can graduate and hold a job in the field they went to school for for x number of years, in the province they got their loan from then reward them with a discount in out much they have to pay, or a discount in income tax for x number of years, that way students who were able to pay for their own tuition would also be rewarded.

[fakishan]

I detest the "got mine, screw you" folks.

[Nettles]

the Government is what , 25 Billion in debt. Where are they supposed to come up with more money? Perhaps if this protest had happened when the money was first being spent they had a chance, but now, it's a rather useless protest.

They have had this protest in the past and I think there were more people in the past than present. Maybe it was the weather today or the fact that past protests were not effective enough.

I personally don't think that the cost will go down at all...THEY want you in debt. After all, isn't debt the best form of control? If an adult is in debt before their first house then that's an effective system for the elitists in the world and those who control employment. But post-secondary education should be cheaper, especially considering how bad it can be here at times.

[IceBlueShoes12]

Yep. Not to mention most of these kids will probably graduate and have trouble finding a job related to their degree (unless they go into teaching? :confused:)

People need to get over the EDUCATION = SUCCESS brainwashing they've been given and go out there and make money. IF YOU WANT TO MAKE MONEY, YOU WILL MAKE MONEY... and that's all there is to it.
Stats show having post-secondary education results in a higher salary on average. It's not exactly brainwashing.

I do agree though that if someone is smart enough and has enough ambition they'll find a way to learn. Could be as simple as reading books from the local library.

That's terrible. Imagine the classroom sizes. Who would take the less desirable jobs? If a lot more people can easily get a degree, how would competition be like for jobs? If it was free, it would be like high school where a lot of people would drop courses until they get an easier course they like and could change programs easily.
They have controls set in place so this doesn't happen. If someone drops out theirs a penalty. At least that's how it was explained to be about Germany.

Sweden seems to manage it. People would still need proper grades to get into certain courses.

I'd much rather see a reward system. If a student can graduate and hold a job in the field they went to school for for x number of years, in the province they got their loan from then reward them with a discount in out much they have to pay, or a discount in income tax for x number of years, that way students who were able to pay for their own tuition would also be rewarded.

But Sweden and most countries in Europe have higher taxes.
While I don't think post-secondary should be free, the price of tuition is getting out of hand.
I worked my @$$ off working PT during university in order to pay for it. Not being eligible for OSAP made me have to work a lot more then I would've liked to, but I find it hard to sympathize when a LOT of students (in my experience at least) don't even work 10-15hrs/week. OSAP should allow for students to work a bit though.
I don't buy the excuse that theirs no time. Work 3 times/week for 4-5hrs. Hell 2 of those shifts are on weekends. Hardly anyone studies every minute they're not in class!

[Evil Baby]

They have had this protest in the past and I think there were more people in the past than present. Maybe it was the weather today or the fact that past protests were not effective enough.

I personally don't think that the cost will go down at all...THEY want you in debt. After all, isn't debt the best form of control? If an adult is in debt before their first house then that's an effective system for the elitists in the world and those who control employment. But post-secondary education should be cheaper, especially considering how bad it can be here at times.


Beyond control, I'm sure the economy and all those people who got laid off this year would love a few more thousand people buying vehicles and upgrading their homes no? I know if I had an extra $425 a month to spend I'd be spending it in the economy instead of paying back my tuition.



But Sweden and most countries in Europe have higher taxes.
While I don't think post-secondary should be free, the price of tuition is getting out of hand.
I worked my @$$ off working PT during university in order to pay for it. Not being eligible for OSAP made me have to work a lot more then I would've liked to, but I find it hard to sympathize when a LOT of students (in my experience at least) don't even work 10-15hrs/week. OSAP should allow for students to work a bit though.
I don't buy the excuse that theirs no time. Work 3 times/week for 4-5hrs. Hell 2 of those shifts are on weekends. Hardly anyone studies every minute they're not in class!

I wasn't claiming their tax system is better suited for free eduction. I was merely pointing out that free eduction wont destroy the fabric of our society like the previous poster had indicated.

[renoldman]

Hmmmmm ......

Peter Schiff recommends cutting government subsidies.

I have no problem with OSAP, just the free money they give away.

If they give you X, you need to repay X.

Too many people want a free ride.

The schools have no incentive to be efficient. So, tuition goes up all the time.

Anyways, talking about removing OSAP will cause me to be castrated or something.

+1 to IceBlueShoes, everyone has time to work. Unfortunately, the system is made in such a way that you are penalized for working. The Hell with that. So I take out 24-36 hours per week to work and I should be given less money? What's the incentive to work? Eliminate the free money BS, and I think people would be willing to work.

As an aside, I heard some other students complain about working, cause they will only make $10 per hour .... are you kidding me? You have no unique skills, anyone can do the job that you will be doing, what should they do? Pay 50K a year to everyone?

This entitlement BS needs to stop. Unfortunately, that comment probably requires me to be castrated again.

You want students to work? That's crazy! You want them to be paid based upon their skills? That's crazy! You want people to pay all of the money given to them by the government? That's crazy!

Damn, why can't we just talk about our Korean Girlfriends?

[Kenny Blankenship]

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - An Idaho woman accused of ramming her pickup into another car, then hurling ranch salad dressing at the vehicle, has pleaded guilty to aggravated battery. Tiffany M. Wallace, 18, entered the plea in 4th District Court Monday in a deal with prosecutors. The Idaho Statesman reported Wallace was scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 11.

Wallace was arrested June 1 after police said she used her truck to ram a sedan several times over a road rage episode. The driver of the other car told police the encounter began after he was cut off by Wallace. He said she later cut him off again, yelled at him and threw coins and plastic containers of ranch dressing at his car.

The victim said the woman later rammed his car at least three times in a parking lot.

Amateur. Vinegar based dressings sting more.

[Shimso]

As of last year the typical emergency room patient in Ontario spent 13.5 hours in hospital; the government was aiming at reducing that to 8 hours.

I would much rather see more money poured into the healthcare system than to pay for degrees when there is already a surplus of students with bachelors who can't find jobs and larger classrooms. Based on what I've seen, I also don't think a university education is as important as its made out to be.

And OSAP needs a bit of a revamp. I'm not having anyone help with my tuition costs so I'm paying for it myself, so I have to work quite a bit, and that's the reason why my OSAP was rescinded this year. On top of that, they sent my a letter saying to pay back my loans or prove that I was still in school because of that, and so I had to waste an hour in line at the FinAid office just to sign a stupid form saying I'm still in school...all the while I know families who pull in a quite sizeable income, are paying for their kids tuitions, and the kids just take the OSAP money they were awarded and spend it or invest it.