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The Subway That Took a Generation: Why the Eglinton Crosstown’s Delays Were Even Worse Than You Think

  Toronto has a long history of transit projects that drag on, but the Eglinton Crosstown LRT has become the city’s defining example of how complicated, political, and painfully slow building transit can be. Most people think of the project as something that started in the early 2010s and simply ran over schedule. The truth is far messier—and stretches back decades. A Project With Roots in the 1990s Long before shovels hit the ground in 2011, the idea of rapid transit along Eglinton was already alive. In the mid‑1990s, the TTC began digging tunnels for what was then called the Eglinton West Subway . Construction actually started—tunnels were being carved out under the street—until the project was abruptly cancelled in 1995. The partially built tunnels were filled in, and the corridor sat untouched for years. That early false start meant that by the time the Crosstown was revived as part of the Transit City plan in 2007, planners weren’t starting fresh. They were restarting a dr...

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How to Choose High-Quality Olive Oil: A Guide for Health-Conscious Shoppers

 

Olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, offers numerous health benefits. From reducing the risk of dementia and poor heart health to promoting cognitive well-being, this golden elixir has much to offer. However, not all olive oils are created equal. To ensure you’re getting the best quality, consider the following factors when selecting your olive oil:

1. Harvest and Processing

  • Opt for brands that prioritize quality from the moment of harvest. Look for oil made from gently harvested, very green olives that haven’t fully ripened. These olives contain a higher concentration of healthful components.
  • Speed matters! Choose oils that go from harvest to processing within a short timeframe. Some companies process olives within two hours, minimizing the risk of oxidation or fermentation.
  • Extra virgin olive oil is the healthiest choice. It’s cold-pressed without high heat or chemical solvents, preserving its nutrients.

2. Freshness and Storage

  • Check product labels for harvest, processing, and bottling dates. Some brands provide this information directly on the label or via QR codes.
  • Aim for bottles that take no more than three months to reach the shelf from harvest. The fresher, the better!
  • Avoid olive oil stored under bright lights or in warm conditions at the grocery store. Heat and light can degrade its quality.

3. Taste and Smell

  • High-quality olive oil should smell fruity, fresh, and slightly grassy. It should have medium to low fluidity.
  • When tasting, look for an intense, slightly bitter flavor with cough-inducing qualities. A clean, fruity taste indicates quality.
  • Ideal containers are dark glass, inox, or ceramic bottles, avoiding PVC containers.

Remember, the health benefits of olive oil come from its components, including oleic acid and polyphenols. So, choose wisely, and elevate your culinary experience with the finest olive oil! 

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