HI Guys,
Here is my 2cents. I am from Toronto (now living in Atlanta for he last 25
years) and my family still lives in Toronto. The SARS thing has of course been
blown out of proportion by our media. Need I reference the coverage of the Iraq
war and the consequences practically promised by the media. The same media that
has done a damn good job of dampening the economic recovery. I could get on my
soap box about the damage caused by the business of the media - but alas I will
spare you.
The good news is that the Toronto area acted very quickly to deter the SARS
thing on many levels. Most of Europe has lifted its ban on Toronto visitors (my
sister is in Paris and my brother-in law in Brussels as we speak). School and
the hospitals are all back to normal, but continue their control measures. I
too will be visiting Toronto shortly, but am unable to make it to the race due
to child #2 who will be arriving at that time. Besides the GT6 is still under
the surgeons wrench.
So please enjoy what I am sure will be a fine trip to the Toronto area, and if
you are on the fence about going remember the track is a full hour east of
Toronto in an area that I am sure has few visitors from China.
Enjoy the Canadian hospitality - but do pack an umbrella
Bill B
GT6+ (in search of a good rear-end)
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-----Original Message-----
From: Brad Kahler [mailto:brad.kahler@141.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2003 7:43 AM
To: Russ Moore; fot@autox.team.net
Cc: Ron Wanless
Subject: Re: MOSPORT/Toronto-Concerns of SARS
Amici,
This may or may not be relevant but I thought I'd throw it into
the mix. (just to confuse everyone even more!)
Back in 1997 I spent 8 months in Southern China working on
a startup job. The whole time was spent in the same general
region as the original SARS outbreaks took place. One of
the the links as to how the desease is spread is unsanitary
condtions. This area of China is one of the poorest in the
Nation. I was totally appalled at how the people lived over
there. To the best of my knowledge the local people neither
showered or bathed on any consistant basis (if ever). If they
needed to use a rest room any old spot along the sidewalk or
road would suffice. NO deodorant was available in stores so
you can imagine what the locals smelled like.
Anyway, to make a long boring story shorter, I doubt very
much that the conditions in and around Toronto are anything
like those I experience in Southern China. If 99.9999% of the
locals in Canada are doing fine I see no reason to worry
about SARS.
Just my $0.02
Brad
1957 TR3 Vintage Racer
On 7 May 2003 at 22:22, Russ Moore wrote:
> Compadres:
>
> I understand the concerns a couple of folks have mentioned, however, I
> would like to make a few points.
>
> Unfortunately the Brits are not going to be there and their determination
> had nothing to do with any health concerns. In fact their decision was
> made well in advance of SARS even being heard of. Their reasons had
> entirely to do with changing rules within their sanctioning group and
> their desire to run a full season before all the rule changes hit. So
> let's not make any wrong assumptions. We held that information back hoping
> they might change their minds. Sadly it wasn't to be.
>
> In terms of Toronto, Mosport is not close to the city. The track itself is
> in a very rural area and while you may drive through the city on the QE401
> to get there, that will pose no hazard. Please also envision what a race
> weekend is, you are not packed on subways, riding congested elevators
> being sneezed and coughed on, or sitting in packed restaurants. Typically
> you spend a great deal of time in open areas with lots of ventilation. It
> is my understanding currently all travel cautions to Toronto have been
> lifted, and for good cause.
>
> In short, the decision of whether to come to Mosport should be based on
> the same parameters that influence your attendance at any other race
> venue. We hope to see you there, it's going to be phenomenal. The only
> thing contagious at Mosport will be the camaraderie and sportsmanship. And
> yes, I'll be there. You couldn't keep me away. In spite of Watkins Glen
> being in my backyard (20 miles), Mosport has been my favorite event for
> the past 5 or so years. I can't say enough about the track itself and the
> people who run the event.
>
> Best regards
>
> Russ Moore
> ITC coordinator
> Spitfire #49
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