Toronto Traffic Light Improvement Project

1. We often see traffic lights remain RED for lengthy periods even though there are no people or vehicles crossing the road, treating the main road like a side road.  Although the minor road has no more vehicles, the lights don't change.  It seems that traffic volume sensors are not installed in these places.  Major upgrade of ancient traffic lights is required.

2. During the rush hour, major roads with more traffic should be given higher priority, reducing the chance of seeing a RED light.  EX. Lawrence Ave. East.  Vehicles are frequently stopped at every major and minor intersection.  Traffic lights on this road are too frequent and always out of sync. 

3. Traffic light synchronization is required for traffic lights in close proximity. 

4. Minor road crossing should be disabled during rush hour.  Whenever possible, maintain a RED light and create a sign for motorists to turn right during rush hour.

5. Extended GREEN light for construction affected streets.

6. Cyclic increased priority for reduced priority direction. EX.  Northbound at Keele & Rogers, Northbound at Black Creek & Lawrence.

7. Street cars and buses need crossing priority.  We already use transponders for automatic station calls.  We can also use transponders to communicate with the traffic light so public transit vehicles receive crossing priority.

8. Traffic light differential between vehicles and pedestrians.  Whenever possible, vehicles should be allowed to turn right at the start of the GREEN light.  The pedestrian GREEN light should be delayed.

9. Yonge & Bloor, Bay & Bloor universal pedestrian crossing lights should be redesigned.  Pedestrians are already given the time to cross in all directions during the "All Vehicles Stop" round.  In the next 2 rounds, all pedestrian lights should be RED, allowing vehicles to turn.

Fashion Passes, Style Remains

I just watched a french film, "Coco avant Chanel" 2 days ago.  For those who don't know this film, it's about the story of "Coco" and the birth of the extremely well-known brand "Chanel".  This is a sad love story.  In it, there is a strong theme of simplicity and the expression of true self.  Coco was an expert in hat making.  Her fashion lines revived the use of simple elements to show elegance and grace.  Styles she created 60 years ago still influences modern day fashion. 

In every era of fashion, we see elaborately decorated clothing representing the upper class.  However, none of the elaborate designs remain influential through the ages.  It's always a simple, easily recognizable design element that is passed through generations.  Most modern designers either ignore this fact or they lack the ability to effectively translate simple elements into designs. When you stroll through malls, you often find shoes that go out of fashion in a few months.  As one of my clients have said, shoes in malls only deserve to be on the shelf for 2 months.  So what happened to the timeless gems?  You can't find them anymore.  At least not in Toronto.

Talk About Brand Name Shoes

Brand name is supposed to be luxurious, both in terms of beauty and quality.  But when it comes to brand name high heels, you can rarely find a pair that is beautifully designed and also well made.  The modern shoe industry stresses its focus on aesthetic designs.  Every season, shoes in the display cases are replaced by new designs.  But very often, the new designs do not come to par with the previous season.  If the old design is phased out, it might be gone forever.

Continuous change is what drives the shoe industry forward.  Just like the clothing industry, our visual sensation needs to be stimulated and refreshed every now and then.  I agree that Brand names do come up with new and enlightening ideas.  But shoes that are purposely designed to be UGLY should not receive A++ comments because they are a particular brand name. 

Brand name high heels have A LOT of quality issues that need to be worked on.  The upper is way too thin and the bottom is unbalanced.  A pair of brand name high heels makes you feel like stepping on the ground directly.  Bumps, edges, and corners all invade the balls of your feet without any protection.  Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, brand names should make their high heels more comfortable.  Cushioning and thicker soles can be applied to alleviate the pressure on your feet.

Brand name high heels have significant heel quality issues.  Many heels are not attached straight.  Many heels are not attached properly.  It is common that the stiletto heels break after first wear.  The heels can be pencil thin, but they cannot even sustain a lady's weight. 

In recent years, we see many brand name fashion shows that incorporate the use of improperly designed high heels.  Many models trip and fall.  Why weren't these shoe designs scrapped before production?  If the model breaks her ankles or fall and injure her knees or back, her career can end.  Footwear selected for the T-stage can only be proper footwear.  Models are there to display clothing, not making a fool of themselves.



High Heel Experts
6 Inch Heels Forever
http://www.6ihf.com/