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stephybara.bsky.social
stephybara
@stephybara.bsky.social
210 followers 540 following 280 posts
Reader, sportsball enthusiast, library supporter. Baking, going for walks, carrying on. You might know me as starfishchick. she/her
🇨🇦
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stephybara.bsky.social
Walked past this signage on King Street East today. Consultation deadlines for these new parks was in 2022. And the URL is dead: toronto.ca/NorthStLawre... #Toronto
A poster about consultations on new parks in Toronto … deadline of 2022. It’s 2025 and they’re still there. Link http://toronto.ca/NorthStLawrenceParks leads to a “we can find that page” message.
September 29, 2025 at 12:32 AM
stephybara.bsky.social
Thank you for that info! A multi-year project according to this IG post. (And it’s already been not working for over a decade. Embarrassing.)
An Instagram post from account “culture_to” with a picture of panels with fish and words surround a sad non-working fountain. The caption says: The City of Toronto is pleased to present "Links to a Keystone Species," a new installation by Karen Roberts. Karen's custom-designed aluminum panels will disguise the Salmon Run fountain while it undergoes remediation as part of a multi-year conservation project. Taking inspiration from the Salmon Run fountain, Karen investigates the broader environment and ecosystem of the Salmon population. Screenshot of a Toronto Star article from June 23, 2015. The is a photo of an empty fountain and the headline is “Fake salmon in decorative fountain are fish out of water: The Fixer” and the sub-headline is “The fountain has seldom worked since it began leaking water into an underground garage in 2010.”
June 10, 2025 at 12:30 AM
stephybara.bsky.social
Where are the mid-block changes? They’re all at corners, no? www.toronto.ca/community-pe...
-The Esplanade converted to one-way westbound from Church Street to Scott Street, from Jarvis Street to Market Street, and from Princess Street to Berkeley Street -The Esplanade converted to one-way eastbound from George Street South to Frederick Street -Through traffic prohibited in both directions between Sherbourne Street and Princess Street -George Street South between The Esplanade and Wilton Street converted one-way southbound to prevent Wilton Street from becoming a bypass and to reduce traffic near St. Michael School
May 29, 2025 at 10:45 PM
stephybara.bsky.social
I find this a helpful how-to reminder.
An infographic titled “How To Write Alt Text” featuring a photo of a capybara. Parts of alt text are divided by color, including identify who, expression, description, colour, and interesting features. The finished description reads “A capybara looking relaxed in a hot spa. Yellow yuzu fruits are floating in the water, and one is balanced on the top of the capybara’s head.”
May 27, 2025 at 5:33 PM
stephybara.bsky.social
When you typed that intro a search engine instead of BlueSky, what did you learn?
Screen grab of an internet search for chirp wheel and the first few (sponsored) results.
May 27, 2025 at 10:37 AM
stephybara.bsky.social
Please consider using alt-text for images (and images of text) so people with vision challenges can follow. www.zdnet.com/article/how-...
Poster featuring a picture of a coyote and the following text: “Greensboro Police Department OFFICE OF THE CHIEF During the spring and early summer months, coyote sightings can increase due to "pup-rearing". This season is common when newborn pups come out to play for the first time. Typically, coyotes are nocturnal but it is not uncommon to see them during the day. Just seeing one is NOT a reason to call 911. Below are reasons you should call 911: -Coyotes in hot air balloons dropping anvils -Coyotes with giant magnets -Coyote pulling a giant catapult -Coyote with rocket shoes -Coyote with anything marked "TNT" -Coyote setting out bags that say "free bird seed!" Please call 911 immediately if you see any of the above behavior.
May 26, 2025 at 1:34 PM
stephybara.bsky.social
top answer best answer.
Image of Tina Fay as Liz Lemon in 30 Rock this is a white woman with wavy brown hair wearing glasses. She’s wearing a checkered flannel shirt with a dark T-shirt over top.
May 18, 2025 at 4:52 PM
stephybara.bsky.social
Click ALT on the image and add a description or the text from the image. Click the little gear⚙️ at bottom of lefthand menu to see in your Accessibility settings the way to get reminded to add ALT text - just check both boxes and voilà.
WRITING ALT TEXT IDENTIFY WHO EXPRESSION DESCRIPTION COLOUR INTERESTING FEATURES A capybara in a hot spa. looking relaxed Yellow yuzu fruits are floating in the water, and one is balanced on the top of the capybara's head.
May 18, 2025 at 1:34 PM
stephybara.bsky.social
Please consider using alt-text for images (and images of text) so people with vision challenges can follow.
"I think the single most shattering story I heard about him was the fact that a friend put a white ceramic model of the White House into this fish tank that he had in his office. And he took it home in his fist," adds Morris. "And when Nancy pried his fingers open and said, 'What's that, Ronnie?' And there's this little, wet White House in his hand. He said, 'I don't know, but I think it's something to do with me.'"
May 18, 2025 at 1:50 AM
stephybara.bsky.social
Love it!! To include people with vision issues in the fun you can add an ALT description to images. Click the little gear⚙️ at bottom of lefthand menu to see in your Accessibility settings the way to get reminded to add ALT text - just check both boxes and voilà. Example:
A white mug with black text: “They (librarians) are subversive. You think they're just sitting there at their desk, all quiet and everything. They're like plotting the revolution, man. I wouldn't mess with them. - Michael Moore”
May 13, 2025 at 12:21 PM
stephybara.bsky.social
Saw a good tree today in Rosedale.
A tall beautiful green-leafed backlit by the sun on a spring afternoon. The sky is blue.
May 12, 2025 at 1:55 AM
stephybara.bsky.social
We must have missed you by mere minutes!! (We saw the leftovers. Then they went to sit by the fence.)
Two adorable capybaras sit in their enclosure alongside a chain link fence. Both are facing away from the camera.
May 4, 2025 at 11:32 PM
stephybara.bsky.social
Got this yesterday, from (647) 957-7180.
An unsolicited text: This is Nora with Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party. Can we count on your support in the upcoming Federal election? STOP to Stop
April 5, 2025 at 7:01 PM
stephybara.bsky.social
Hmmm. “Retired Toronto college president’s $1 million compensation under fire as post-secondary sector in financial turmoil” #GeorgeBrownCollege this is NOT a good look.
Toronto Star headline: Retired Toronto college president’s $1 million compensation under fire as post-secondary sector in financial turmoil
March 20, 2025 at 1:36 AM
stephybara.bsky.social
And apparently saying “anyone mentioned in the article” isn’t a client of hers is supposed to be reassuring? It is five sentences long and it mentions ONE PERSON by name.
Screenshot of an opinion piece in the Toronto Star: By Anne Marie Aikins, Contributor Anne Marie Aikins spent two decades in public service as a chief spokesperson supporting agencies through many challenging crises. She is now a media and crisis communications executive and a consultant with the PR firm Curious Public. As we watch our political leaders grapple with the chaos of a head-spinning trade war, I can't help but reflect on another crisis - and the remarkable leadership of British Columbia's Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry. During the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, Henry emerged as a national symbol of calm, compassionate, and effective leadership. Her clear communication not only reassured the public but also maintained trust in health directives. In a time of chaos, she made us feel less powerless. Her empathetic approach, encapsulated in messages like "be kind, be calm, be safe," resonated deeply with Canadians - though, of course, not with the conspiracy theorists who believed the vaccines were implanting government listening devices. Opinion articles are based on the author's interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events.
March 14, 2025 at 2:27 PM
stephybara.bsky.social
People can still vote ahead of election day but now it’s only at your local election office. You have to fill in a form. You do not need a voter card to vote - just ID that shows your name and address. www.elections.on.ca/en/voting-in...
instructions on how to vote at your local election office https://www.elections.on.ca/en/voting-in-ontario/voting-in-provincial-elections.html#accordionlocalelectionoffice
February 23, 2025 at 4:13 PM
stephybara.bsky.social
Maybe try a different browser? merl.reading.ac.uk/blog/2025/02...
screengrab of the MERL website and the article title “THOMAS AND AUSTEN: A GAY RELATIONSHIP IN THE MERL ARCHIVES?”
February 6, 2025 at 12:32 PM
stephybara.bsky.social
If spouse and I see unattended dogs (for example outside of a store) we text each other about the “free dog” we’ve just seen.
A small adorable corgi stands alone outside of a Bulk Barn store in Toronto, Canada. They are clearly waiting for their owner who is inside the store.
December 9, 2024 at 5:47 PM
stephybara.bsky.social
What’s the posted speed limit there? On the west side (west of Old Mill) it is 40km/h. So if the street redesign means people drive only ~10 over and not ~20 over that’s a good thing, even if they’re mad about it.
A paved road with lines showing lanes and crossings. On the right hand side, there is a speed limit sign indicating 40km/h.
November 24, 2024 at 2:54 AM
stephybara.bsky.social
You’re talking about this? And the “nothing” is the painted lines that separate the bike lanes from the cars and the cars from each other?
A screenshot of Google Streetview of a street (Bloor Street in western Toronto) showing sidewalks, bike lanes (with no protective infrastructure), and car lanes, all delineated with paint.
November 23, 2024 at 6:52 PM
stephybara.bsky.social
No, it was a different one, but I’ll be going to this one too! I went to Maud's World: Celebrating 150 Years of Lucy Maud Montgomery.
A sepia-toned photo of a white woman in glasses holding a pen - it is Lucy Maud Montgomery. It is an advertisement for an exhibit called “Maud's World: Celebrating 150 Years of Lucy Maud Montgomery” at the Toronto Public Library.
November 22, 2024 at 4:27 AM
stephybara.bsky.social
I found Gretchen Rubin’s “Better Than Before” helpful with many suggested strategies for habit change. NOT one size fits all. (I also like her “Happiness Project” and “Happier At Home” but the most practical for me was about habits.)
Cover of “Better Than Before” by Gretchen Rubin. There are big red and yellow arrows on a turquoise background.
January 2, 2024 at 5:09 PM
stephybara.bsky.social
I got one for our household and it rules, thanks for mentioning it!
Purple-y pink nebulae form an undefined wavy circular/ovoid shape on a ceiling. It is dotted with small green “star” shapes.
December 31, 2023 at 5:39 PM
stephybara.bsky.social
The first two books of Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson were incredible.
Cover of Juno Dawson’s “Her Majesty’s Royal Coven” - turquoise title text, red author name text. There is a large eye, with the silhouette of a person standing in the centre of a flame. Two small red snakes slither between the letters. The cover of Juno Dawson’s The Shaddow Cabinet. The main image is a large yellow moth between two quarter moons and silhouettes of two figures looking off the cover to the left and right.
December 5, 2023 at 11:59 PM
stephybara.bsky.social
Spotted in a Little Free Library in Toronto. (cc: @ifbookspod.bsky.social)
A photo through the window of a little free library - the book “The SubtleArt of Not Giving a F*ck” is at the front of the row of books.
November 26, 2023 at 2:42 AM